Memphis City Council Regular Meeting - May 12, 2026

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on May 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations honoring teachers and law enforcement personnel, passage of the Small Business Enterprise Opportunity Program ordinance on third and final reading, approval of a 50-year ground lease for affordable housing at Historic Melrose School, and adoption of a resolution opposing the redrawn U.S. Congressional District 9 map. Numerous consent agenda items and add-on resolutions were approved, along with public comments on fiber optic infrastructure, immigration enforcement, and historic park restoration.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution accepting public improvements for Gardens of Gray's Creek, Phase 3 [CR#5397] and releasing a $82,500.00 bond. Approved with same-night minutes.
• Resolution accepting public improvements for Shady Grove Median Enhancement [CR#5438] and releasing a $2,321,700.00 performance bond. Approved with same-night minutes.
• General Ordinance (First Reading) – Tax Levy Appropriation for FY 2026-2027 (Ordinance No. 5971). Approved on first reading.
• Honorary Street Name Change – Bullington Avenue to James A. Bridges, Sr. Avenue. Added to consent agenda and approved.
• Fiscal Consent – In-Kind Donation from Bluff City Cluster of The Links, Incorporated (four TVs and gaming systems valued at $2,800.00) for Hickory Hill Community Center. Approved.

Presentations & Resolutions

• Teacher Appreciation Week Recognition: Councilwoman Easter-Thomas sponsored a resolution honoring May 4–8, 2026 as Teacher Appreciation Week and recognizing 18 nominated educators. Approved by acclamation.
• ALS Awareness Month: A resolution designating May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month was held until May 26, 2026.
• Honoring Lieutenant Stacey Lee: Chairwoman Swearengen-Washington sponsored a resolution recognizing Lieutenant Stacey Lee of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office for her promotion and leadership. Approved by acclamation.
• C-SPAN National Documentary Competition Winners: A resolution honoring Paytn Gibson, Carter Holmes, and Ty Miller was held until May 26, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pamela Moses spoke on the Small Business Enterprise Opportunity Program, asking whether it would revive the closed small business entrepreneurial center. She was told the ordinance must pass first before other steps are taken.
• Glenda Hicks (on Item #13) expressed concern about senior housing at Melrose School, asking whether multi-use development would respect seniors' need for quiet and serenity. Director Cash clarified that the upper two floors will be 100% senior housing with elevator access, and adjacent units are separate.
• Alexa Pouncy complained about property damage and lack of communication from Congruics, the contractor laying fiber optics in her low-income neighborhood. She was advised to email documentation to the administration.
• Leandre Key presented Keystone Energy Foundation's goal of providing free or low-cost electricity to Memphis residents using private donations and IRS credits from the Inflation Reduction Act. Time expired; he was asked to follow up.
• Rev. Dr. Lassimba Gray requested an ordinance to restore the Church Park Auditorium, noting the city's repeated removal of Robert R. Church Sr.'s legacy and a 56-year-old unfulfilled promise. He estimated $20 million is needed and asked for a June 18th deadline (Church's 187th birthday). Council directed him to speak with Chief Adams and Parks Director Bowden.
• James Clark, owner of a Beale Street business, supported restoring the auditorium to revive traffic on Beale Street, citing recent closures of Ghost River and Coyote Ugly.
• Brianna Byrd (Vets for the 901) read a statement opposing the Memphis Safe Task Force, ICE operations, and the National Guard presence, alleging 94% of arrests are non-white and calling for an end to cooperation.
• Ron Painter, a Vietnam veteran, seconded Byrd's comments and opposed both the ICE/National Guard deployment and the congressional redistricting, calling it an attack on black communities.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 5959 – Small Business Enterprise Opportunity Program (Third and Final Reading): Councilman Canale explained the long-held item was carefully negotiated with stakeholders (ABC, city legal, administration). Attorney Rick Bennett (ABC) praised the collaborative process. Public comment from Pamela Moses. The ordinance was adopted as amended, with all council members voting yes.
• Resolution Requesting Funding for Budget Management Software (Item #12): Councilman Spinosa sponsored a resolution asking the Administration to include funding in FY2026 operating budget for software to improve budget transparency. Approved unanimously.
• Option to Enter 50-Year Ground Lease for Historic Melrose School Affordable Housing (Item #13): Councilwoman Logan moved approval. Speakers included local resident supporting the project and Glenda Hicks raising senior concerns. Director Cash clarified the project includes 51 affordable units for households at 80% AMI or below, with the upper two floors reserved for seniors. Approved (majority yes; Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton noted but voted yes after raising concerns about fire safety and credit checks).
• Resolution Opposing Congressional Map Splitting U.S. Congressional District 9 (Item #15): Councilman Smiley spoke passionately against the gerrymandered map passed in a rushed special session, calling it a reinstitution of Jim Crow. Multiple council members expressed outrage. Public comment from Glenda Hicks (urging proactive action) and Pamela Moses (demanding a lawsuit). The resolution condemns the map and the legislators who supported it. Approved unanimously (with Councilmembers Walker and White voting yes per roll call).
• Various Add-On Resolutions (Items #17–#20): All approved unanimously:
  • Item #17: Swap $230,000 in Accelerate Memphis funds (Sea Isle Fitness) with CIP funds (Galloway Golf Course Repairs) to meet spending deadlines.
  • Item #18: Transfer $500,000 from Bridge Repair Coverline to Gayoso Bayou Drainage System (Districts 6 & 7).
  • Item #19: Transfer $800,000 from Bridge Repair Coverline to Knight Arnold/Johns Creek Bridge Project (District 4).
  • Item #20: Reduce $80,000 from THSO grant funds for police overtime and equipment.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance No. 5959 (Small Business Enterprise Program) adopted as amended (unanimous).
• Melrose School Ground Lease option approved (unanimous; 11 yes, 0 no). Developer must exercise option by December 31, 2026, and begin vertical construction within 24 months of lease execution.
• Resolution opposing Congressional District 9 map adopted (unanimous). The Council vehemently opposes the new map and condemns state legislators who supported it.
• Budget Management Software resolution adopted (unanimous), requesting Administration include funding in FY2026 budget.
• All consent items and add-on resolutions approved (unanimous), including bond releases, fund transfers, street name change, appointments, and grant reduction.
• Same-night minutes approved for items #7, #8, #9, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, and #21.
• Meeting adjourned after public comment period.