Building Together: City of Memphis Weekly Newsletter

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A safer, stronger, more connected Memphis requires a City government that is easy to reach and responsive when you need it. That’s why improving 311 has been a priority for my administration.

This week’s storm showed us how important it is to hear from you when something needs our attention. When trees are blocking streets, traffic signals are out, or debris needs to be cleared, we need to know. Those reports help us see where the challenges are, understand which ones are affecting the most people, and get our crews where they are needed.

For most City service issues, 311 is where you start. You can call 311, submit a request online, or use the 311 mobile app. In 2025 alone, our team handled 172,815 calls from Memphians.

Here are the Top 10 reasons Memphians contact 311:

1. Missed bulk trash pickup
2. Missed garbage collection
3. Missing garbage cart
4. Garbage cart repair
5. Potholes
6. Missed recycling collection
7. New garbage service start
8. Dead animal collection
9. Vehicle violations
10. Weeds and vacant lots

And that’s only part of what 311 handles. You can also report traffic signal problems, stray dogs, cave-ins and sinkholes, damaged park equipment, litter and other City service issues.

Power outages are different. MLGW power outages do not go through 311. Report an electric outage directly to MLGW at 901-544-6500, or check the MLGW Outage Map⁠. The outage hotline is available 24 hours a day.

We’re improving 311 so reporting a problem leads to a better response. My Special Assistant Karen Gause is leading that work, looking at where requests get stuck, how they are routed and what we can change to get better results.

Our 311 call center used to close for an hour every day at lunch. The team implemented staggered lunches so someone is now available throughout the business day. That gives Memphians 260 additional hours each year to reach a live person, a 14% increase in live-call availability.

And in January, a much bigger change is coming.

We’re replacing the technology behind 311 with a new system from Catalis that integrates the call center, online portal, and mobile app into one single platform. Residents will get better information about their requests, and our teams will be able to identify requests that have been sitting too long and escalate them.

Not every road in Memphis is maintained by the City. For potholes on state routes, call 833-TDOTFIX or report them to TDOT. For City-maintained streets, call 311.

We’re also going to make it clearer what 311 does not handle. Some roads in Memphis are maintained by the state or federal government, so those roadway issues have to be reported to the appropriate agency.

If you have a City service issue, report it. Call 311, go online or use the app. Let us know so we can get to work.

Don't forget - we are celebrating 901 Day ; see more information below. Friday, August 28 | Trolley Night Kickoff Concert @ the National Civil Rights Museum, 7–10 p.m. And Sunday, August 30 | 901 Day Celebration on Beale Street! 

Good News!

Memphis Named No. 1 Road Trip Destination in America

Memphis just earned one of the most exciting national recognitions yet. Travel + Leisure named Memphis the best road trip destination in the United States. The ranking was based on a data analysis by luxury vacation rental company Wander, which found that Memphis drivers lose just 19.4% of their travel time to traffic compared to 59.8% in Los Angeles, meaning visitors spend less time in gridlock and more time enjoying everything the city has to offer. Travel + Leisure highlighted Beale Street, Memphis barbecue, Graceland, and the National Civil Rights Museum as standout draws.

Click here to apply: Memphis Named No. 1 Road Trip Destination in America

St. Mary's Episcopal School Earns Statewide Volunteerism Honor

St. Mary's Episcopal School was honored with the 2024-2025 Award of Excellence at the Tennessee Conference for Volunteerism and Service Learning, a statewide recognition for schools that demonstrate outstanding, sustained commitment to community service and civic engagement. During the 2024-2025 school year, students across the St. Mary's campus gave more than 10,000 service hours, supporting organizations serving children, families, and vulnerable populations across Memphis through tutoring, meal delivery, donation drives, and mentoring.

Click here to learn more: St. Mary's Episcopal School Earns Statewide Volunteerism Honor

Memphis Ranks Top 5 in the Nation for Violence Prevention Programs

Memphis has earned national recognition for its commitment to keeping communities safe. A newly released report from the Community Justice Action Fund ranked Memphis fifth in the country for violence prevention readiness, the first time the city has landed in the top 10 of the annual Violence Prevention Index. Memphis was one of only seven cities nationwide to fulfill all five foundational violence prevention functions evaluated by the report, including funding community-based intervention organizations and monitoring citywide strategies.

Click here to learn more: Memphis Ranks Top 5 in the Nation for Violence Prevention Programs

Do you have good news to share? We would love to share it! Send us a note at goodnews@memphistn.gov

Track Our Progress

The linked reports below provide evidence to support our public safety strategy and our work to ensure municipal fiscal responsibility. These dashboards provide a quick overview, with the ability to dive in deeper to neighborhoods and divisions. Both dashboards update daily. 

SAFER COMMUNITIES: View the dashboard here.

FINANCE TRACKER: View the tracker here. 

Our Blight Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38109, 38114, 38106, 38111, and 38128

To report concerns related to property violations, potholes, and trash, click the link here or call 311 to speak to a live agent.

Want to know what's happening in Memphis? Explore these event calendars to stay in the loop on all the city has to offer!

Memphis Public Libraries

Memphis Parks

Memphis Travel

Arts Memphis

Choose901

I love Memphis

City of Memphis Meetings & Notices

Follow us on social media @citymemphis!

Memphis, here is your 901 Day lineup! 🔥

We’re celebrating the city that gave the world its sound with two days of live music, local talent and Memphis energy throughout Downtown.

🎶 Friday, August 28 | Trolley Night Kickoff Concert
📍 National Civil Rights Museum

⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Featuring Kirby, PreauXX, Lana J, DJ Brilli, Jad Tariq, Iris Collective and more. Hosted by Kia Shine and Zaire Love.

🎤 Sunday, August 30 | 901 Day Celebration
📍 Beale St.

Ida B. Wells Main Stage

⏰11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Featuring EJ Jones, Kirby, Black Cream, Doll McCoy, Marcella Simien, John Williams & the A440 Band and more.

The Spark @ Handy Park

⏰11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Featuring 901 Lit, Da Mtown Band, DJ AD & The Vibe Tribe, Tangela, @uknowfro , Ricky Davaine and more.

Click here to learn more.

In partnership and progress,

Paul A. Young