MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor A C Wharton has been leaving city hall and going around the country telling Memphis’ story of success in reducing crime, removing blight, and revitalizing neighborhoods.
In CNN Money, the mayor let the world know about his Innovation Team, which tackles youth violence and neighborhood blight.
He says MemFix turned virtually abandoned neighborhoods into popular gathering spots by helping businesses thrive.
Overton Square is one example. Stores like Modern Handmade Memphis sell their goods in temporary retail pop-up shops. The idea is to bring something new to Overton Square and show others the possibilities.
“There were times when it was little dodgy down here. Now, not so much. People feel free to come and go, walk have something to eat, shop,” Beverly Zeinner, who was visiting Overton Square Monday, said.
The mayor also touted MemShop as a way to help business owners thrive. You can find that in action on Broad Avenue, where businesses were given an incubator to go from pop-ups to permanent establishments.
“It looks like it is spreading to the West as you go on Madison. To me, it’s more down that way too,” Chip Reed said as he reflected on how Overton Square’s growth seems to be expanding.
For youth violence, the mayor wrote about Memphis Gun Down’s approach of working with youth one-on-one in neighborhoods and even hospitals to prevent retaliation. He says it decreased crime in the targeted neighborhoods.
Just last week, the city council refused to give the Gun Down program extra money. One council member questioned why there are no real stats to show success. In the past, council members have said the mayor keeps them in the dark until it’s time for a vote.
We asked a few members if the mayor briefed them sufficiently on his innovative approach to crime and neighborhoods, since they do have to sign off.
Councilman Myron Lowery said the Innovation Team had been before the council previously. Council members know some of the details, but not all. Lowery said he’s satisfied that when it’s time for the council to review the program, all will be explained again.
Councilman Shea Flinn said there are some things the mayor’s office is good at, and others it’s not so good at when it comes to keeping them in the loop. He said they don’t always get information on a consistent basis.
It all indicates there may be some more talking to do right here at home.
Wharton said Memphis still has problems to correct, but that bringing businesses and people back to neighborhoods helps to fight blight which leads to crime.
