Memphis Mayor Paul Young delivered his first State of the City Address, emphasizing a new era of progress and unity under the theme of “The Era of Yes.” His address highlighted key achievements in crime reduction, economic growth, blight removal, and infrastructure improvements.
Under Mayor Young’s leadership, crime in Memphis decreased in 2024, surpassing the city’s goal with a 13% reduction. Overall, violent crime dropped by 19%, murders decreased by 29%, and motor vehicle thefts were down 39%. In collaboration with Shelby County, the city launched the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, which distributed over $1 million in grants to 44 nonprofits focused on addressing the root causes of violence. The Memphis Police Department also introduced a pilot program to address fugitives, leading to the arrest of 838 fugitives and the clearing of over 1,000 warrants.
Addressing neighborhood revitalization, the Mayor shared that in 2024, the city repaired 82,000 potholes—up from 54,000 in the previous year—while collecting 205,000 tons of trash and recycling. The city also established a $1 million grant fund for small businesses to support blight removal efforts. The newly created Strike Team and Blight Zero initiatives directly impacted 25 ZIP codes, working to eliminate neglected properties and improve Memphis neighborhoods.
In 2024, Memphis welcomed 116 new small businesses and continues to support business growth by implementing a fast-track permitting process designed to approve major development projects within 30 days. The city launched the Office of Creative and Cultural Economy to support creative industries, ensuring Memphis capitalizes on its rich creative efforts in the community. Additionally, Memphis is undergoing a wave of investment with significant projects, including revitalizing historic properties such as the Sterick Building and the 100 North Main redevelopment.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
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