MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Friday, leadership for the City of Memphis held their Executive Legislative Retreat at the Museum of Science and History.
Mayor Paul Young characterized it as an opportunity for a fresh start, where the new mayor and Memphis City Council could come together and deliberate on key priorities for the upcoming budget.
“We have a lot of need, and so we’re going to determine what makes sense for us,” Mayor Young said.
Their goal is to showcase Memphis as an appealing location for families, businesses and education.
“We have less funding; I just think the council understands the issues better, and I think this mayor is very well equipped to execute on his vision,” said Memphis City Council Chairman J.B. Smiley.
Mayor Young and City Council members said public safety remains their top priority and they are confident they can meet their goals with C.J. Davis remaining the interim police chief.
“Certainly, there’s an interim on the title, and we’re going to work hard to execute on behalf of what our citizens need,” Mayor Young said.
Initiatives high on the mayor’s list include investing in youth intervention and Memphis 3.0, which will upgrade and clean up visible parts of communities across the city, including Orange Mound and Hickory Hill.
“We want to start with those anchor points because we believe the community can see and feel it,” the mayor said.
Among the biggest budget challenges is the future loss of more than $160 million in federal funding. Money that will have to be found elsewhere.
“My question for the people of Memphis is simple: 'If you want to continue to see service at this level, are you willing to pay for it?'” said Councilman Smiley.
Mayor Young was questioned about potentially increasing revenue as well as the proposed bill to raise Shelby County sales tax for a new jail. He said these topics are part of their ongoing discussions.
“We’ve always had more need than we’ve had resources, and so it won’t be abnormal for us to make tough decisions,” the mayor said. “So, we’re going to work together to figure out a path to get it done.”