Paul Young for Memphis Mayor

Paul Young is a lifelong Memphian who is deeply committed to improving the lives of others.

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<img src="https://run.imgix.net/06fefee4-ff98-42bd-943e-a6daacbdca48/b0d68820-7502-4709-8685-ba60618188f9/b0d68820-7502-4709-8685-ba60618188f9.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=610%2C169%2C1714%2C1605&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="27" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>Paul Young spent the last decade improving the quality of life in Memphis by advancing housing security and fostering healthy neighborhoods where families can thrive.</h3>Paul currently leads major economic and community development efforts as President and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission. Memphis has grown under Paul’s leadership and our economy is stronger, but moving the city forward requires strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure, and the potential of our greatest asset – our people.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/06fefee4-ff98-42bd-943e-a6daacbdca48/2c9405ef-e6a2-4e66-9f64-6d94145cfa17/2c9405ef-e6a2-4e66-9f64-6d94145cfa17.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C720%2C960&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed"><h3>A Memphis that works for everyone</h3><h4>Growing up in the Oakhaven neighborhood, Paul learned at an early age that there were two Memphises – one ripe with opportunity and prosperity, and another lacking resources and safe neighborhoods.</h4>Determined to bridge this divide, Paul pursued a career focused on building a Memphis that works for every resident. Leading the Downtown Memphis Commission and the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development, Paul applied a holistic approach to unifying the city through public and private partnerships and targeted investments in our future.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/06fefee4-ff98-42bd-943e-a6daacbdca48/d99b02c0-8ac7-4cfc-98c7-38d32eae4b2f/d2dfde4a-0131-4982-8619-f12e6db620e2.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=13&amp;con=34&amp;sat=-16&amp;high=-13&amp;shad=40&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=543%2C158%2C2301%2C2981&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>A legacy of servant leadership</h3><h4>Paul developed a passion for service through the selfless example of his parents Bishop William and Pastor Dianne Young.</h4>They witnessed firsthand the challenges facing our city through their ministry at Memphis Healing Center. Their courage and willingness to stand in the trenches and confront those challenges shaped Paul’s approach toward servant leadership. Building a better Memphis requires a mayor who is accessible and responsive to your needs, and Paul is committed to standing in the gap and shouldering the burdens of others.<h3>A vision for Memphis</h3><h4>Paul and his wife Dr. Jamila Smith-Young were born and raised in Memphis, and today they are proud to raise their two kids here.</h4>Paul is a Democrat running for mayor to build a Memphis that every child can one day be proud of and feel welcomed. By investing in the potential of our residents and embracing the city’s rich culture, Memphis can be a top destination for tourists, growing families, creatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs. We have what it takes to elevate Memphis to the next level, and with your support we will.

Learn where Paul stands on the issues that matter to Memphians

Our Campaign’s Top Issues

<h3>Public safety is the top issue on the minds of Memphians and the next Mayor must take thoughtful, swift, and decisive action to restore safety in our communities.</h3>Too many families have been impacted by senseless gun violence. Others are in constant fear in the wake of unfathomable criminal acts and reckless driving. There is a sense of constant unease and a deteriorating perception of safety. Memphis is experiencing a spike in violent crime since COVID. Crime in Memphis has always been a major issue. I firmly believe that the solution requires a balanced, dual pronged approach. We must&nbsp;suppress&nbsp;violent crime (robbery, carjacking, murder) by quickly apprehending those responsible and prevent them from reoffending. We must&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;crime through a data driven approach. By tracking trends in petty crime, truancy and suspensions for example, we can identify those likely to be future perpetrators and proactively implement intervention programs.<h4>Here is a partial list of immediate actions.</h4><ul><li>Work with the MPD to find common sense efficiencies so officers spend more time patrolling and less time with booking and reporting procedures.&nbsp;</li><li>Provide the&nbsp;MPD the resources necessary to reduce chaotic driving through increased enforcement. Expanding the use of camera technology with artificial intelligence are examples of the use of technology in this effort.</li><li>Formalize a data sharing partnership with the Truancy Court, Memphis Police Department (MPD), Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center and Shelby County Schools. By doing so, at-risk can be referred to nonprofit intervention programs.&nbsp;</li><li>Supplement the recent reinstatement of benefits and bonuses for our officers by further motivating, recruiting and retaining MPD officers through additional salary increases, bonuses and positive affirmation.</li></ul>

Public safety is the top issue on the minds of Memphians and the next Mayor must take thoughtful, swift, and decisive action to restore safety in our communities.

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Public Safety

<h4>Memphians deserve access to high quality jobs that can lift families into the middle class and beyond. </h4>By building intergenerational wealth, we enable economic stability. While continuing our efforts to recruit large companies to the City, we need to double down on efforts to grow entrepreneurs and small businesses in our neighborhoods.&nbsp; Job creation through local small business growth results in increased opportunities for residents in neighborhoods throughout the community.&nbsp;<ul><li>Assist workforce organizations and community colleges in their missions of aligning training programs to support high demand industries with opportunities for upward mobility.</li><li>Create a local entity that can support back-office functions (Human Resources, Accounting, Point Of Sale Equipment, etc) as small businesses are scaling up.</li><li>Provide financial support to nonprofit partner programs that support entrepreneurship, workforce development, and small business training.</li><li>Understand and address the challenges that face many potential employees such as access to transportation and background checks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>

Memphians deserve access to high quality jobs that can lift families into the middle class and beyond. By building intergenerational wealth, we enable economic stability. While continuing our efforts to recruit large companies to the City, we need to double down on efforts to grow entrepreneurs and small businesses in our neighborhoods.

Jobs + A Strong Economy

<h3>Memphis youth are the future of our City. </h3>We must invest in programs, initiatives, and places that nurture their minds and direct them towards positive activities. The City will collaborate with the Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) and the community to invest in proven programs supporting our youth. While MSCS educates our youth from 7 AM – 3 PM, the City will focus on engaging youth from 3 PM – 7 PM. These programs can be operated by nonprofits with demonstrated track records of success in the areas of arts, sports, education, and skill development. Expansion of these programs will provide positive alternatives to potentially harmful activities during these hours. The City should also seek out partners that add recreational opportunities for families, children, and teenagers in the pursuit of simply having fun.<ul><li>Fund nonprofit programs directly serving students in the schools and community centers during the summer and after school hours.&nbsp;</li><li>Partner with MSCS and existing workforce development initiatives to provide our youth the skills necessary for the jobs of the future.</li></ul>

Memphis youth are the future of our City. We must invest in programs, initiatives, and places that nurture their minds and direct them towards positive activities. The City will collaborate with the Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) and the community to invest in proven programs supporting our youth.

Youth Development

<h4>From 1940 to 1951, Memphis was repeatedly named as the cleanest city in Tennessee and the United States. </h4>Now, far too many of our communities are suffering from property blight, litter, and disinvestment. Communities with aging housing stock are neglected while sparsely populated commercial districts around them with struggling businesses don’t properly serve the community. Memphis must continue to invest in neighborhood anchors and change the trajectory of those communities. In addition to the investments in physical&nbsp; structures, we must concurrently invest in code enforcement and litter prevention to encourage private investment in these communities and provide a clean and safe environment for current residents.<ul><li>Invest in public infrastructure and the physical structures in Memphis 3.0 Neighborhood Anchors through grants and loans to neighborhood businesses and homeowners.</li><li>Develop and implement a long-term investment plan to replace aging sewer, water and power infrastructure in Memphis neighborhoods.&nbsp;</li><li>Utilize camera technology in frequent illegal dumping locations and strategically enforce penalties to consistent violators.</li><li>Increase the size of the staff for Code Enforcement and Memphis City Beautiful to move towards proactive enforcement regarding abandoned properties and facilitate community clean ups.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Increase annual investment in the Housing Trust Fund to increase the supply of affordable rental housing units and home ownership in neighborhoods.</li></ul>

From 1940 to 1951, Memphis was repeatedly named as the cleanest city in Tennessee and the United States. Now, far too many of our communities are suffering from property blight, litter, and disinvestment. Communities with aging housing stock are neglected while sparsely populated commercial districts around them with struggling businesses don’t properly serve the community.

Clean + Attractive Neighborhoods

<h4>The culture and the vibe of Memphis is authentic and unlike any other city in America. </h4>Memphis has soul. You can’t bottle it. You can’t pick it up and take it somewhere else. This is not Anywhere, USA. One can feel the difference here and we should promote that. We should brand ourselves as one of the most diverse cities in America, and the arts and culture that we embody should lead the way. This is an economic development strategy and I believe the City should champion this message.<ul><li>Establish new signature events that highlight Memphis’ talent and bring in tourism.&nbsp;Ensure the events appeal to both Memphians AND visitors.&nbsp;</li><li>Identify successful cultural programs in Memphis and expand available grant funds to allow them to grow.</li><li>Create a position in the Mayor’s Office to serve as a liaison for arts and culture programming in the City.</li><li>Listen and engage with the artistic community (Memphians and Memphians abroad) to identify additional strategies aimed at leveraging Memphis’ greatest cultural assets.&nbsp;</li></ul>

The culture and the vibe of Memphis is authentic and unlike any other city in America. Memphis has soul. You can’t bottle it. You can’t pick it up and take it somewhere else. This is not Anywhere, USA. One can feel the difference here and we should promote that.

Thriving Arts + Culture

Join us as we celebrate our new mayor on Inauguration Weekend

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Move Memphis forward!

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<h2>Mayor-Elect Paul Young Announces First Round of Administration Appointments and Opens Opportunity Portal</h2>November 3, 2023. The Young transition team announces the first members of Mayor-elect Young’s Administration, naming Tannera Gibson as City Attorney and Chief Legal Officer and Penelope Huston as Chief Communications Officer.&nbsp;Tannera Gibson is a native Memphian and a Member of Burch, Porter &amp; Johnson, PLLC, practicing in Government Relations &amp; Municipal Law, Commercial &amp; Business Litigation, Labor &amp; Employment Law, and Personal Injury Litigation. Gibson was named one of the Best Lawyers in America (2019-2024), was the first African-American female President of the Memphis Bar Association, and was the first African-American female partner of Burch, Porter &amp; Johnson.&nbsp;Penelope Huston, also a Memphis native, previously worked for multiple Memphis brand-defining organizations, including Contemporary Media, ALSAC, and Memphis in May, before serving as Vice President of Communications and Marketing for the Downtown Memphis Commission for the past seven years.&nbsp;“I am excited to get to work,” said Mayor-Elect Paul Young. “These first two early appointments show our commitment to excellence and my commitment to creating an administration staffed with problem-solvers who are ready to work on day one.”Also launching today is the Opportunity Portal for the Young administration, which will allow anyone interested in working for the new mayor to upload a letter of interest and resume.&nbsp;“The level of interest has already been high,” said Emily Greer, CEO of Greer Leadership Solutions and Co-Chair of the People/Appointments committee for the Young Transition Team. “Memphis is a talent-rich environment, and we look forward to kicking off the selection process.”Access to the Opportunities Portal can be found <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youngformemphis.com/opportunity">here</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youngformemphis.com/opportunities">.</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6539da4a41a448b29e7789547313542d">Access the Applications Portal Here</a>.

<h2>How To Vote For Paul Young</h2><h3>Who is Eligible to Vote for Paul Young</h3>To be eligible, you must reside within the Memphis city limits and have valid voter registration.<h3>How To Vote On Election Day</h3>Election Day is October 5th. Polling places are open from 7AM - 7PM.<h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.electionsshelbytn.gov/polling-location-and-complete-district-information">CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE</a></h2>

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GET OUT THE VOTE FOR PAUL!

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and his vision for One Memphis!

Mayor Paul Young

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Inauguration Parade + Block Party

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/epfxjRcjXVRVmavx5">Tiger Lane</a>

901 Unity Choir Concert

Greater Community Temple COGIC<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/QkEn57zvEea6h7iz6">5151 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38118</a>

Swearing-In Ceremony

Cannon Center for the Performing Arts<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/UTrgJvJhnjQhigCE6">255 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103</a>

Mayor Young's Inauguration Gala

*** Ticket Purchase Required ***Renasant Convention Center<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/UTrgJvJhnjQhigCE6">255 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103</a>

<h2>Positions in the Young Administration</h2>The Young Transition Team is currently accepting applications. If you are interested in applying for positions in any of the following departments, please use the application portal to submit your cover letter and resume.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6539da4a41a448b29e7789547313542d">Access the Applications Portal by clicking here</a>. Full department list:<ul><li>Animal Shelter</li><li>Arts &amp; Culture</li><li>COO Office</li><li>Citizen's Service Center</li><li>Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board</li><li>Communications</li><li>Community Affairs</li><li>Engineering</li><li>Finance</li><li>Fire</li><li>General Services</li><li>Gang Violence Intervention Program</li><li>Housing and Community Development</li><li>Human Resources</li><li>Intergovernmental</li><li>IT</li><li>Legal</li><li>Library Services</li><li>Mayor's Office</li><li>Parks &amp; Neighborhoods</li><li>Performance Management</li><li>Permits &amp; Licenses</li><li>Police</li><li>Public Service Corps</li><li>Public Works</li><li>Second Chance</li><li>Solid Waste</li><li>Youth Services</li></ul><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6539da4a41a448b29e7789547313542d">Access the Applications Portal Here</a>.

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250 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103(901) 527-7300

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<h3>Transition Team Co-Chairs Announced</h3>

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Paul Young is a lifelong Memphian and a Democrat who is deeply committed to improving the lives of others. He grew up as one of the four children of Bishop William and Pastor Dianne Young from the Healing Center Full Gospel Baptist Church.

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Latest Campaign Developments

Memphis Tenn. October 18, 2023. With 75 days to go until he is sworn into office, Mayor-elect Paul Young has assembled a transition team that includes among its co-chairs and team members the former president of the University of Memphis, the former Chief People Officer for FedEx, multiple founders of non-profit organizations, private sector business owners, and community advocates. The team includes dozens of members and 25 sub-committee co-chairs representing Young's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youngformemphis.com/issues">five pillars</a> and other key focus areas.&nbsp;"Diversity is a defining element of this team," Young said when asked about the transition planning. "It was important to pull together the best and brightest people from all neighborhoods and all facets of our community. Our business sector, civic, nonprofit, and community organizations are all represented in this team, and we look forward to adding more.”The team makeup directly aligns with Young's goals for diversity, with a wide range of neighborhoods, generations, and backgrounds represented. Nearly 85 Memphis advocates have already agreed to represent their individual communities as part of the team, with others anticipated to join within the coming days and weeks.&nbsp;Overall Team Stats:45% Millennial/Gen Y40% Gen X&nbsp;57% Black36% White4% Latino/Other Races People/Appointments Co-ChairsEmily Greer, CEO, Greer Leadership Solutions. Former Chief Administrative Officer, ALSAC/St. JudeDavid Rudd, former President, University of Memphis&nbsp;Chris Winton, former Chief People Officer, FedEx Public Safety Co-ChairsJennifer Collins, President, Rhodes College. Former Assistant US AttorneySandy Bromley, Deputy Director of Justice Programs, Shelby County Division of Community ServicesToney Armstrong, Director of Security, St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Former MPD DirectorK. Durrell Cowan, Director, Heal 901 Economic Development Co-ChairsChristina McCarter, Owner, Feast &amp; GrazeTed Townsend, President &amp; CEO, Greater Memphis ChamberJozelle Booker, President and CEO, Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum Strong Neighborhoods Co-ChairsArchie Willis, President, ComCap PartnersJanet Boscarino, Executive Director, Clean MemphisRegina Blount Williams, Neighborhood Leader Supporting Our Youth Co-ChairsJonathan Torres, CEO, Memphis Athletic MinistriesPatrice Thomas, Chief of Staff, Memphis Shelby County SchoolsSarah Lockridge Steckel, CEO, The Collective BlueprintThriving Arts &amp; Culture Co-ChairsCara Greenstein, VP of Public Engagement, Doug Carpenter &amp; AssociatesCraig Brewer, FilmmakerGeorge Monger, CEO, Connect MusicRachel Knox, Senior Program Officer, Hyde Family FoundationTransportation &amp; Infrastructure Co-ChairsAnna McQuiston, Executive Director, Mid-South Development DistrictCourtney McNeal, Chief of Staff, Innovate MemphisStephen Edwards, Senior Engineer, TREKK Design GroupGood Governance Co-ChairsCheyenne Johnson, Councilwoman, Memphis City CouncilDorcas Young Griffin, Director, Shelby County Community ServicesMarco McClendon, Mayor, City of West Memphis The transition team has been tasked with community outreach, strategic planning, and potential talent identification to support the Young administration's priorities. Young has also confirmed that he and the People/Appointments co-chairs will meet with all current administration senior staff regarding the transition and his vision for their departments under his administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you would like to be a part of creating a stronger Memphis and are interested in joining a transition team sub-committee, please email a letter of interest to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:youngtransitionteam@gmail.com">youngtransitionteam@gmail.com</a>. ###

With 75 days to go until he is sworn into office, Mayor-elect Paul Young has assembled a transition team that includes among its co-chairs and team members the former president of the University of Memphis, the former Chief People Officer for FedEx, multiple founders of non-profit organizations, private sector business owners, and community advocates. The team includes dozens of members and 25 sub-committee co-chairs representing Young's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youngformemphis.com/issues">five pillars</a> and other key focus areas.&nbsp;

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Paul Young Announces Transition Team Co-Chairs with City-Wide Community Representation and Emphasis

No new mayor in Memphis history, he said, would be as prepared for the mayor’s office as he is now.&nbsp;That assertion shows Young’s considerable confidence and ambition. He believes he is going to win the first political race he’s ever run. The early returns — polling and fundraising — reveal that his audacity is not misplaced hope. He’s near the top of recent polls and leads the field in fundraising.&nbsp;

In bid for mayor, Paul Young is out to change the city’s reality

MEMPHIS, TN – Today, the Paul Young for Mayor campaign released its second quarter fundraising figures, showcasing overwhelming grassroots support for Young's mayoral bid. The campaign has raised $760,678.31 since Young announced his candidacy, including $254,656.15 in the second quarter alone. Young’s campaign reported $597,468.62 in cash on hand.The campaign has received over 2,800 individual contributions — the most individual contributions of any mayoral campaign in Memphis history and more than all other candidates in the race combined. More than 2,000 of the campaign’s donors remain below the maximum donation limit, demonstrating widespread grassroots support and indicating the capacity for these donors to contribute further in the futurePaul Young said, “I am deeply humbled by the outpouring of support we have received. These record-breaking fundraising numbers are a vote of confidence in our shared vision of a Memphis where our neighborhoods are invested in, where public safety and justice go hand in hand, where our grandparents feel safe to sit out on their porches, and where every child has a fair shot at success. We are building a broad-based coalition of Memphians ready to roll-up their sleeves and propel us to victory on October 5th.” Young’s commitment to engaging with the local community and empowering residents to take an active role in shaping Memphis's future is reflected in his grassroots fundraising success. His record includes significant roles such as President and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission, Director of the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development, and Director of Legislative Affairs in the Mayor’s Office of Shelby County.Election Day is October 5, 2023, with Early Voting beginning on September 15th. All announced candidates must report campaign finance totals for the most recent reporting period by July 10, 2023.Learn more at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://YoungforMemphis.com">YoungforMemphis.com</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.youngformemphis.com">.</a>

MEMPHIS, TN – Today, the Paul Young for Mayor campaign released its second quarter fundraising figures, showcasing overwhelming grassroots support for Young's mayoral bid. The campaign has raised $760,678.31 since Young announced his candidacy, including $254,656.15 in the second quarter alone. Young’s campaign reported $597,468.62 in cash on hand.

Paul Young exceeds $760k raised, more individual contributions than every other candidate combined

The next mayor of Memphis is likely to determine the future of policing in the city, including who serves as the police chief and what policies are implemented.

Memphis mayoral candidate Paul Young talks policing, public safety after Tyre Nichols

The DMC president raised $347,482 since September compared to the $311,719 raised by Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner and $300,000 by businessman and philanthropist J.W. Gibson.&nbsp;

Paul Young has most money in Memphis mayoral campaign coffers

Multiple candidates from the packed field of people vying to be the next Memphis mayor will be in Whitehaven at the Southland Mall Saturday afternoon to speak with residents about crime and public safety.

Memphis mayoral candidates to discuss crime at meet and greet in Whitehaven Saturday

Public safety and justice are at the core of every aspect of my platform. I am a citizen, just like you. I am also a parent and a husband, and I feel the same feelings you do when I pull into the gas station or drop my kids at school. I know that crime is the product of the trauma, economic disparity and broken families. These issues have been gripping Memphis for years. Crime is what we see; but the roots go much deeper.

1 of 30: Leadership

Lately, I’ve been thinking about Omaha, Nebraska, where a network of nonprofits, neighborhood associations, churches, and local law enforcement have come together over the past 15 years to reduce crime – especially gun violence. According to an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/omaha-nebraska-cut-gun-violence-half-become-model/story?id=96799185">ABC News article</a>, gun violence in Omaha was cut in half using this collaborative approach.

2 of 30: Leadership Means Learning from Others

Memphis is a great city with amazing assets and amenities. However, many in our community - particularly our young people - have no clue that these amenities exist. I firmly believe that exposing our youth to the assets of our City will result in more pride and a higher likelihood of them staying in Memphis and becoming involved and active residents as adults. Simply stated: An engaged and mobilized youth is a critical ingredient to creating a stronger future for Memphis.

3 of 30: Engaging Our Youth

As President and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission, I have a front-row seat to the lingering impact of COVID-19 and the residual economic and social impact on our city. I work to combat the negative consequences every day.

4 of 30: Responding to Crisis by Connecting Community

Today, I am thinking about family and what that means to each of us - biological family or family of choice, nuclear family or extended family. Because at the core of all the proposed policies, protocols, and best practices that make up my platform, there are people and families. When contemplating the future of our city, I am focused on who will be impacted and empowered by our choices. I am focused on helping to create the path UP and not OUT because I believe in Memphis.

5 of 30: Family Matters

Next week is National Crime Victims Rights Week. And for Memphis, the remembering feels different this year, as the national spotlight has found Memphis too many times over the past twelve months. This year, as in prior years, there will be gatherings in honor and remembrance of those who have been impacted by crime, including violent crime. The crime stats may feel more personal this year because we all have grieved together too many times.

6 of 30: The Impact of Crime on our Community

I am ready. Professionally, I have been preparing for the role of Memphis Mayor for my entire career. And my resolve, temperament, and moral compass were formed from a life of service in the church and the community I grew up in. There are many skills required in the top levels of business and government. I believe financial management is one of the most critical components of leading any organization.

7 of 30: Ready for the Job!

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to participate in the Commit to Memphis Mayoral candidate forum at Mosaic Church in Midtown. This was the second candidate forum this week. And, similarly to the debate on Monday, most of the candidates joined me for the discussion - four others on Monday and five others on Saturday - while a few prominent names in the field didn’t show up to share their views, again.