Building Together: City of Memphis Weekly Newsletter

Memphis sent this bulletin at 10/09/2026 04:15 PM CDT

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One of the most important ways we can shape the future of Memphis is by making our voices heard at the ballot box.

In May, only about 16% of registered Shelby County voters participated in the county primary. In August, turnout climbed to about 26%.

That is movement in the right direction, but we have to keep moving that number up.

Memphis has a powerful voice. But if we don’t show up at the ballot box, we give others the power to speak for us.

The next election is November 3. And before you vote, there is something important you should know: Tennessee's congressional districts have been redrawn. Depending on where you live, the congressional district you vote in may have changed.

Check the new district map and confirm which district you live in before you vote.

(Your district may have changed. Check the new map Shelby County district maps or Enter your address to find your district )

Take a few minutes now to get ready. Find your district. Look at your sample ballot. Know which candidates will be on it. Learn about the issues. Know where you vote and when you plan to go.

Review the candidates and issues before you vote.

Vote your heart and your convictions. I am not here to tell you who to vote for. I am asking you to participate.

Because building a better Memphis is not just about what happens at City Hall. Decisions made at every level of government shape our neighborhoods, our schools, our economy, our infrastructure, our public safety, and the opportunities available to our families.

And when decisions are being made that affect Memphis, I want Memphis at the table.

(Know what’s on your ballot - before you vote. Shelby County Election Commission: November 3 election, sample ballots, candidates, etc. )

The future of Memphis should be shaped by the people who call Memphis home. Early voting begins October 14 and continues through October 29. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

We went from 16% turnout in May to about 26% in August. Now let's keep going.

Know your district. Know your ballot. Make your choice. Make your voice heard.

Let's show up, Memphis.

Good News!

Memphis Leaders Recognized at EDGE Annual Awards Ceremony

EDGE hosted its 4th Annual Economic Development and Community Recognition Awards on October 1, celebrating the organizations and individuals driving growth across Memphis and Shelby County. Northside Development was named Economic Impact Project of the Year for transforming a closed high school into an $82 million mixed-use campus. Cxffeeblack was recognized as Small Business Loan Impact Business of the Year, and Code Crew earned Regional Economic Development Agency of the Year for preparing Memphians for careers in technology.

Click here to learn more.

EDGE Represents the City at Tennessee’s Premier Economic Development Conference

EDGE attended and sponsored the 2026 Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Economic and Community Development, joining state officials, regional agencies, chambers, and workforce partners from across the state. Sessions focused on housing and infrastructure capacity, building workforce pipelines through K-12 partnerships, and emerging sectors including advanced energy and quantum technology.

Click here to learn more.

Memphis Jazz Festival Kicks Off Today in Downtown Memphis

The inaugural Memphis Jazz Festival begins tonight and runs through Sunday, October 11, bringing three days of free live jazz to the heart of Downtown Memphis. Tonight’s festivities kick off at the Westin Hotel Lobby from 6PM to 9PM, followed by a full day of performances at the New Daisy Theater on Saturday and an outdoor celebration on the Main Street Mall and Court Square Park on Sunday from 1PM to 7PM. Admission is free, parking discounts are available with code JAZZ, and downtown restaurants will be offering special jazz-inspired menus throughout the weekend.

Click here to learn more.

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, 28122, 38106, 38127, and 38111

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

City of Memphis Meetings & Notices

Follow us on social media @citymemphis!

Public Works is putting in the work across Memphis! From filling potholes and paving streets to completing sewer infrastructure improvements, our crews are working every week to keep the city moving.

Here’s a look at last week’s numbers:

51 service requests closed
185 potholes filled
3.63 lane miles paved
504 feet of new sewer pipe installed

That’s street work and infrastructure improvements happening across Memphis, every week. We’re committed to keeping our neighborhoods safer, our streets smoother and our city moving forward.

Click here to see the full post.

In partnership and progress,

Paul A. Young