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Last week, I sat down for a conversation that aired Monday on Newsweek’s The 1600 podcast to talk about the work we’ve been doing here in Memphis. In that conversation, Carlo Versano described what we’ve done as “a model for how cooperation between Democrats and Republicans can work for the people of this country.”
What I shared is simple. If there are decisions being made about Memphis, I am staying at the table to ensure the progress we’ve made continues.
Over the past two years, serious crime in Memphis has dropped significantly. In my time in office, our focused strategy on violent crime has produced results: homicides dropped 44%, and overall serious crime is down more than 40% since 2023. Those numbers represent families and neighbors. That progress is personal, and it is continuing into this year.
If there are decisions being made about Memphis, I am staying at the table to ensure the progress we’ve made continues.
That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because we stayed intentionally focused on solving the issues that lead to violent crime. We used data to identify the small number of individuals driving most of the crime, and we built a strategy around that. We paired strong enforcement with prevention and intervention. We targeted gang violence, domestic violence, and repeat offenders. We added cameras to support police work. We stayed focused. We stayed consistent. And the results speak for themselves.
We are a blue city in a Republican-led state. We work with state and federal partners whose views may not always align with ours. But I stay focused on what delivers results for Memphis. My job is to be the Mayor of every resident. And I am accountable to all of us.
So when the federal task force came into our city last fall, I stayed at the table and worked to make sure those efforts aligned with our strategy and focused on violent crime.
Because leadership is about showing up and doing the work, even when it’s complicated.
That same approach will continue next week.
The President of the United States will be in Memphis on Monday, and I will make sure his administration understands the resources Memphis needs to thrive long term. I will continue to advocate for Memphis and for every member of our community.
I’ve been clear that there are parts of the federal approach that I don’t agree with. But I also know that progress requires staying engaged, asking hard questions, and ensuring Memphis is represented in rooms where decisions are made.
That’s how we get results.
Memphis is a great American city, and we are proving what is possible when you stay focused on people and results.
Memphis is the mission. And I am mission-focused.
 Read or watch the entire Newsweek 1600 Podcast by clicking this link, or by viewing on YouTube here. Read more of my weekly newsletters in our archives, at memphistn.gov/weekly-updates.
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