Memphis City Council Regular Meeting – April 8, 2025

The Memphis City Council convened on April 8, 2025, at 10:15 AM for a regular meeting. The agenda included Mayor Paul Young's presentation of the FY26 budget, several ordinances on third and final reading, resolutions, and public comments. The council approved a flat budget with no tax increase, passed a hotel-motel tax increase, a neighborhood parking permit program, and a Cleveland Street Corridor TIF, among other items. One ordinance regarding alcoholic beverage codification was held for two weeks.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the March 25, 2025, meeting minutes (unanimous).
• MLGW fiscal consent agenda items 6–15 passed unanimously, including a $7.3 million purchase of gas meter components to prevent future meter failures (explained by President Doug McGowan).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Nardo (Executive Director, Liberta School of Memphis) spoke in support of pre-K funding, noting that 50–60% of their pre-K completers exceed national kindergarten readiness averages. He urged the council to continue supporting early childhood education and not divert funds.
• Chief Andre Matthews (Okaneshoba CDC) requested an update on North Memphis Food Desert funds allocated under the Recovery Act, stating that farmers need advance knowledge of market demand to avoid overplanting and food loss.

Discussion Items

• Mayor Paul Young's FY26 Budget Presentation: The mayor presented a flat budget with no tax increase. He highlighted accomplishments: 19% reduction in violent crime, 29% reduction in murders, 83,000 potholes filled, 450+ affordable housing units preserved, and a 30% increase in social media reach. He emphasized the need to contribute to the fund balance (currently $91M, dangerously close to the 10% minimum) and warned that any expense increases must be offset by cuts or revenue increases. The budget dedicates 70% to personnel, with 79% of that for public safety and anti-blight work.
• Item 18 – Hotel Motel Occupancy Tax Increase: A substitute ordinance to increase the tax to 4% to fund tourism and tourism development, clarifying language to match state statute. Councilman Carlisle noted the need to secure the Grizzlies as a community asset. Passed (with Councilwoman White recusing).
• Item 19 – Neighborhood Parking Permit Program (Ordinance 5933): Sponsored by Councilman Smiley. After testimony from a resident (Tanja Mitchell) about blocked driveways and abandoned vehicles, a friendly amendment limited the program to the east side of North Main Street between Saffron’s Avenue and Looney Avenue. The $50 fee was discussed but not changed. Passed as amended.
• Item 1 – Historic Overlay District on Carr Avenue: Designation of 43 residential properties on the 2000–2100 block of Carr Avenue. Passed.
• Item 16 – Cleveland Street Corridor TIF (Ordinance 5935): Sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas. The joint city-county ordinance establishes a redevelopment trust fund. Multiple council members expressed strong support, citing the success of Crosstown Concourse and the importance of community involvement. Public testimony from Rev. J. Lawrence Turner (Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church) and Dr. Scott Morris (Church Health) supported the TIF. Passed (Councilwoman White recused).
• Item 20 – Alcoholic Beverage Code Codification (Ordinance 5934): Attorney Wade explained that the substitute ordinance repeals outdated provisions (e.g., alcohol bans at Liberty Bowl) and recodifies the 1985 code, including the 1,500-foot restriction from churches and schools. He argued that the restriction was never repealed. Councilman Smiley moved to hold the item for two weeks to study impacts. After debate, the hold passed (8-4-1).
• Item 22 – FY26 Budget Hearing Rules (Resolution): Sponsored by Councilman Carlisle. Amended to include a process for cancellation/rescheduling of hearings (proposed by Councilwoman Walker) and to strike the fixed 10 AM start time. Passed.
• Items 21, 23, 24, 25, 26: All passed unanimously. Item 21 amended FY25 council community grant allocations. Item 23 appropriated HOME program income. Item 24 funded the Raleigh Springs Development Project. Item 25 transferred funds for storm drain repairs. Item 26 supported House Bill 1050.

Key Outcomes

• FY26 Budget: Mayor Young's proposed flat budget was presented; the council will hold budget hearings in the coming weeks.
• Item 18 (Hotel Tax): Passed on third reading (9-0-1 recusal).
• Item 19 (Parking Permits): Passed as amended, limiting to the Uptown neighborhood (12-0).
• Item 1 (Historic Overlay): Passed (12-0).
• Item 16 (Cleveland Street TIF): Passed (11-0-1 recusal).
• Item 20 (Alcohol Code): Held until April 22, 2025 (8-4-1).
• Items 22-26: All passed. Budget hearing rules adopted.
• Public Comment: No action taken on verbal requests; council took note of community concerns.