Public Meetings - Memphis, Tennessee

The Memphis City Council met on October 20, 2026, at 9:45 AM to address a full agenda including resolutions honoring community members, land-use approvals, fiscal items, and several high-profile ordinances. Key debates centered on a proposed data center moratorium (item 19), an alternative data center regulation ordinance (item 18), a resolution calling for the removal of ICE and the National Guard (item 32), and a lease for the Pipkin Building to Bluff City Pickleball (item 26). Public testimony was extensive, with dozens of residents speaking on these issues. Consent Calendar - October 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously. - Resolutions honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Clergy Appreciation Month, Leslie Smith, and Lieutenant Marvin Wiggins: All passed by acclamation. - Planning & Development Items 5-8: Special use permit and planned developments at 1288 Sycamore View Rd., 1470 N. Germantown Pkwy., zero Austin P. Hwy., and 2604 Covington Pike all approved. Councilwoman Logan recused from item 7. - MLGW Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 11-16): Approved, including contracts for water main replacement, data analysis, and lighting. - Add-on Items 34-37: Approved with same-night minutes, including a fund transfer for Westwood Pool improvements ($43,224.45), additional grant funds from U.S. Marshals Service ($105,528.10), a downtown command project amendment ($319,000), and a Memphis Zoo pervious pavement grant ($500,000). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 26 – Pipkin Building Pickleball Lease: Multiple speakers opposed the lease, arguing the building is a vital community space used for roller derby, flea markets, emergency response, and more. They cited low rent ($4,000/month for 27,000 sq. ft.) and the park director's acknowledgement that the tenant expects to make zero profit. Supporters of the lease were not present to speak. - Item 32 – ICE and National Guard Removal: Over 20 public speakers shared emotional testimonies about family separations, fear in immigrant communities, and four deaths attributed to the task force (Tyron Johnson, Jonah Neal, Darren Pigram, Alphonso Ivy). Speakers included children, religious leaders, veterans, and organizers, who called the operation "fascist" and demanded an end to occupation. - Item 18 & 19 – Data Center Ordinances: A large crowd urged passage of the 18-month moratorium (item 19). Speakers cited health impacts (asthma, cancer), threats to the Memphis Sand aquifer (100% of drinking water), noise pollution, and the failure of earlier promises to deliver community benefits. Many criticized the substitute ordinance (item 18) as a rushed, non-transparent alternative that lacked community input. Discussion Items - Item 26 – Pickleball Lease (Pipkin Building): After public comment, Parks Director Justice Bolden defended the lease, noting $500,000 in tenant improvements, $280,000 in rent, and similar utility contributions over the lease life. He stated roller derby would receive space at community centers and the new Sports & Event Center at a 84% subsidy. The lease passed 7-4 (Canale, Logan, Walker, Warren, White, Chairwoman yes; Carlisle, Green, Spinoza no; Easter Thomas recused). - Item 32 – ICE and National Guard Removal: Council sponsors Easter Thomas, Smiley, and Green argued the task force is terrorizing communities and has not improved safety (crime was already at a 25-year low). Councilwoman Logan supported removal of ICE but opposed removing the National Guard, citing constituent praise for crime reduction. After further public testimony, the resolution passed (vote not explicitly recorded but appears to have passed). - Item 18 – Data Center Development Regulations (Councilman Warren’s Substitute): This ordinance amends the Unified Development Code to regulate large-scale data centers, prohibiting evaporative cooling, requiring closed-loop systems, and mandating public disclosure. Councilwoman Green and others argued it was introduced at the last minute without proper review. After debate, item 18 passed 7-5 (Canale, Carlisle, Ford, Logan, Spinoza, Warren, White yes; Easter Thomas, Green, Smiley, Walker, Chairwoman no). - Item 19 – 18-Month Data Center Moratorium (Councilman Smiley and Green’s Ordinance): Called for a pause on new data center applications to allow community engagement, expert studies, and development of protective regulations. Supporters said it was the community's demand; opponents said it was redundant with item 18. The vote was tied 6-6 (Easter Thomas, Ford, Green, Smiley, Walker, Chairwoman yes; Canale, Carlisle, Logan, Spinoza, Warren, White no), so the motion failed. Key Outcomes - Item 26 (Pipkin Lease): Approved 7-4. A 7-year lease with one 7-year renewal option for Bluff City Pickleball at 940 Early Maxwell Blvd. - Item 32 (ICE/National Guard Removal): Passed. Council calls for removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Tennessee National Guard from the Memphis Safe Task Force. - Item 18 (Data Center Regulations): Passed 7-5. Establishes new land-use rules for data centers, effective immediately, including cooling restrictions and disclosure requirements. - Item 19 (Data Center Moratorium): Failed 6-6. The 18-month pause was not adopted. - Items Held: Item 17 (strategic data center district ordinance) held to next meeting; Item 20 (blight remediation ordinance) held to November 10; Item 29 (Mid-South Coliseum pre-development) held two weeks; Item 33 (data center standards resolution) held to next meeting. - All other regular agenda items: Approved or passed as noted.

The Memphis City Council met on October 8, 2026, to act on MLGW fiscal consent items, planning and development cases, add-on and same-night agenda items, and to receive public comment. The raw transcript opens with a reference to October sixth, which is a discrepancy from the supplied meeting date. Unless otherwise noted, roll-call votes recorded all present members voting yes. Consent Calendar - The MLGW fiscal consent agenda, items 9 through 16, was approved unanimously. Approved funding included: $1,488,978 to TDOT for Lamar Phase 2 electric facility relocations; $250,000 increase and renewal with Allen & Hoshell; $228,000 increase and renewal with Integrity Solutions for external corrosion direct assessment; $261,531 increase and extension with First Tech for MLGW payment centers; $1,686,234 purchase order to All Tech for Class 5 and Class 8 bucket trucks; $94,479.97 for Radian Research electric meter testing; $616,601.30 water meter parts purchase order to Badger Meter; and $1,087,500 external auditing services contract to Clifton Larson Allen LLP. - Consent add-on items 32 and 33, the two data center zoning ordinances, passed on first reading. Councilmember Easter Thomas asked to be removed as co-sponsor of item 33. Public Comments & Testimony - Richard Massey supported a one-year moratorium on data centers. He said nearly 500 communities across the country, including multiple Tennessee jurisdictions, have paused data center development, and argued Memphis is acting from behind and needs time for community engagement, impact studies, and regulations rather than a rushed 45-day process. - Paul Klein, vice chair of the Sierra Club Chickasaw Group and co-chair of Climate Reality Project Memphis, supported a one-year moratorium. He cited concerns about rising electric bills, fossil-fuel generation, air pollution, water use, noise, and land use, and said a 90-day pause is not enough. - Jasmine Houston asked the council to pause and said decisions are being made without truly hearing residents. She said Memphis is putting profit over people and losing quality of life. - Alexa Pouncey said more than 200 people attended the prior Tuesday meeting and expressed concern that some attendees were not allowed to return, noting that they were Black. She said the situation was being mishandled. - Jessica Miller, a professional activist, said she attended every meeting since the moratorium was introduced. She said no one who spoke asked the council to reject the moratorium, that comment cards should have been considered before the hold was voted on, and that residents should not be shamed for attending. - Sophia Mason, a constituent of Councilman Spinoza, supported the resolution to remove ICE and the National Guard from the Memphis Safe Task Force and asked the council to pass it on October 20. - Brandy Price asked whether the data center ordinances cover heat distribution and monitoring of collected data. She cited examples in Denmark where data center heat is reused for homes and warming centers, said the council needs expert input, and supported a moratorium. Councilman Spinoza said a future meeting would bring in experts and he would answer the question. - Alexander Perkins cited Apple's Denmark data center, Meta's Utah center, Independence County, Arkansas's five-year moratorium, and 29 Tennessee jurisdictions with moratoria. He said XAI Colossus 1 paid $24.5 million in city and county property taxes, while Colossus 2 gas turbines are expected to cause more than $30 million per year in environmental damages according to the Southern Environmental Law Center. - Amber Sherman, an organizer, disputed claims that the moratorium is a ban or would stop existing data centers. She described worsening air quality and said she now needs an $800 inhaler because of it. She supported the moratorium. - Justin Pearson questioned notices about possible bans from council meetings, said the process should not chill First Amendment rights, and described impacts on Westwood, Boxtown, and Whitehaven over 855 days since Elon Musk's announcement. He cited a cancer risk 4.1 times the national average and an F air quality grade, and supported a pause. - Keyshawn Pearson, executive director of Memphis Community Against Pollution, said two years of community meetings, letters, and Southern Environmental Law Center presentations have not produced action. She demanded a pause and said the October 20 vote will show whose side the council is on. - Isaac Freeman, former president of Tennessee Young Democrats, supported a moratorium and called for policies to improve air quality. Discussion Items - Item 4, a resolution directing the zoning administrator to submit an application to replace the City of Memphis zoning map, passed unanimously. - Item 5, special use permit SUP 25-37 for a gas station at 1681 East Raines Road, passed with Councilmember Cooper Sutton voting no and Councilmember White abstaining. The applicant said the drive-through was eliminated, alcohol and tobacco would not be sold, and the adjacent property would be improved. The council added a condition that food trucks would not be permitted on the subject property. - Item 6, special use permit SUP 26-14 for a car wash at 2451 Summer Avenue, passed unanimously with an amendment changing hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. A comment card from Sander Snowden, who was not present, was read in support. - Item 7, planned development PD 26-05 at 2604 Covington Pike, was held without objection until October 20, 2026. - Item 8, ordinance ZTA 26-02 establishing a procedure for replacing the zoning map, passed on third and final reading. Planning staff said the ordinance only authorizes public notice for the upcoming zoning map update and does not approve the Memphis 3.0 plan. A letter from residents was made part of the record. - Add-on item 24, calling for removal of ICE and the National Guard from the Memphis Safe Task Force, was held until October 20, 2026. - Add-on items 25 through 28 and 30 were approved: $150,000 for the Safeways crime-prevention initiative in apartment complexes; $1,453,600 for Memphis Police Department in-service training; Myrtle Winfield appointed to the Board of Ethics; retired Judge Lois Lambert Ryan appointed Board of Ethics Chair; and nominal conveyance of 3628 Summer Avenue to Broad Avenue Community and Economic Development Corporation. - Add-on item 29 was approved, accepting and appropriating $129,220.45 in federal TDOT grant funding for the Range Line sidewalk enhancement project. - Item 17, pension ordinance third/final reading; item 18, Memphis Shelby County Building Home Program amendment third/final reading; and item 22, short-term rental public nuisance enforcement ordinance, all passed. Item 22 creates a three-violation standard, a public nuisance enforcement pathway, possible damages of $1,000 to $50,000 for qualifying nearby property owners, and city recovery of enforcement costs. Several council members were added as co-sponsors. - Item 23, the seven-year initial lease with renewal option for Bluff City Pickleball at 940 Early Maxwell Boulevard, was held until October 20, 2026, after Councilwoman Green raised concerns about roller derby. Memphis Parks Director Justice Bowden said roller derby has a permit at Davis Community Center through 2027. - Same-night minute items, listed as 2, 16, and 25 through 30, were approved in one motion. Key Outcomes - MLGW fiscal consent items 9 through 16 were approved unanimously. - Item 4 was approved unanimously; item 5 was approved with one no vote and one abstention; items 6 and 8 were approved unanimously; item 7 was held to October 20. - Data center first-reading ordinances, items 32 and 33, were approved, and Councilmember Easter Thomas was removed as co-sponsor of item 33. - Add-on resolutions 25 through 30 were approved; item 24 was held to October 20. - Items 17, 18, and 22 were approved; item 23 was held to October 20. - Same-night minutes were approved. - Items held to the October 20, 2026 council meeting include items 7, 23, and 24.

The Memphis City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. After an invocation, roll call, and approval of prior minutes, the council presented honorary resolutions, then held extended debate on Ordinance 5982, a temporary moratorium on data-center permits. A motion to hold the moratorium and related items for further work passed 7-5, and the meeting recessed. No written agenda or minutes were supplied with the source transcript. Opening & Administrative Items - Pastor Percy Hunter of Christ United Baptist Church, invited by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton, delivered the invocation and received the chaplain-of-the-day certificate for October 6, 2026. - A quorum was confirmed by roll call. Vice Chair Carlisle reviewed the September 15, 2026 minutes, moved their adoption, and the council approved them unanimously. Presentations & Recognitions - Hispanic Heritage Month: Councilmembers Easter Thomas and Cooper Sutton presented a resolution recognizing September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. Representatives from Vicendarios 901 and the University of Memphis Hispanic Student Association attended. Maria Oseja said the Hispanic community is the fastest-growing demographic in Memphis and thanked the council for honoring the community; she also thanked the council for a separate resolution against ICE, saying ICE had caused damage in the community over the past year. - Stage Road Honorary Street: Councilwoman Logan presented a resolution designating Stage Road between Coleman Road and Fargo Road as Bishop Gregory M. Askew Senior Street. Bishop Askew and family members spoke; the resolution was approved by acclamation. - Dr. Murray Heinberg Memorial: Councilman Warren presented a resolution honoring Dr. Murray Heinberg, a World War II veteran and former POW, professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and founder of Tennessee’s first lipid clinic, who died in November 2025 shortly before turning 101. His family thanked the council; the resolution was approved by acclamation. Discussion Items - Ordinance 5982, third/final reading: a temporary moratorium on accepting, processing, approving, and issuing zoning, land use, building, and other associated infrastructure permits for data center developments. It was sponsored by Councilmembers Smiley, Green, Swearing Washington, and Easter Thomas, and had been held from September 15. - Councilman Smiley urged a final vote, saying communities had been waiting and that data center operators had shown disrespect and a lack of transparency; he said a Thursday working session could still refine the ordinance without delaying the vote. - Councilwoman Green supported the moratorium, noting other Tennessee localities had adopted 12- or 18-month moratoriums and saying the community was overlooked by Elon Musk and xAI when they came to Memphis. - Councilman Warren opposed the moratorium, warning of an “AI desert” and lost tax revenue to surrounding counties, and argued the council should pass permanent regulations instead. - Councilwoman Easter Thomas offered three friendly amendments to Ordinance 5982: requiring inclusion of environmental and community organizations in the Section 4 study process; correcting the recommendation timeline to 90 days and adding monthly updates; and extending the moratorium duration from 12 months to 18 months. The amendments were accepted after discussion. - Councilman Walker flagged concern that 18 months could slow progress, but accepted that the ordinance requires recommendations in 90 days. He also said data centers grew from 1 percent of TVA’s industrial load in 2019 to 19 percent in 2025, and that $10.3 million in community-benefits appropriations from xAI tax revenue—$3.2 million from the first year and $7 million from the second year—remained unvoted and should be addressed. - Councilman Carlisle moved to hold Items 19, 20, 21, and 31 for a working session and to return them on October 20. Councilman Spinoza said the planning and zoning working session would meet Thursday at 1 p.m. - Councilwoman White said she was not against the moratorium but wanted a meaningful, funded product with an administrator and allocated resources, and cautioned against relying on a pause alone. - Councilwoman Logan said the council’s purview is land use, zoning, and siting—not environmental or electrical issues—and argued the moratorium alone would not protect communities unless the zoning code and UDC upgrade were completed. - Councilman Smiley responded that the moratorium could be amended after the working session, and that voting it down was preferable to holding it if the body no longer supported it. - Councilwoman Cooper Sutton said she supported the pause but would vote for the hold until the xAI contract and related NDAs were produced, citing safety concerns and noting she lives in 38109, seven miles from Colossus 2. - Councilwoman White clarified that she had not signed an NDA or taken contract-related money and urged care in public statements. Public Comments & Testimony - No formal comment cards were read during the meeting. Audience members repeatedly shouted support for the moratorium, and the chair and several councilmembers warned that continued disruptions could lead to the room being cleared. The meeting was recessed shortly after the hold vote. Key Outcomes - The September 15, 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously. - Hispanic Heritage Month, Bishop Gregory M. Askew Senior Street, and the Dr. Murray Heinberg memorial resolutions were approved by acclamation. - The sponsor accepted the three friendly amendments to Ordinance 5982 described above, but no final vote was taken on the ordinance. - A motion to hold Items 19, 20, 21, and 31 passed 7-5. Yes: Canale, Carlisle, Logan, Spinoza, Warren, White, and Cooper Sutton. No: Easter Thomas, Green, Smiley, Walker, and Chairwoman Swearing Washington. The transcribed roll call does not list Councilmember Ford’s vote. - The held items are scheduled to return on October 20, 2026; a planning and zoning working session is set for Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. The regular meeting recessed immediately after the vote.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on September 15, 2026, beginning at 10:15 AM. Chairwoman J. Swearington Washington presided, with all 11 council members present (Canale, Cooper Sutton, Easter Thomas, Ford, Green, Logan, Smiley, Spinoza, Walker, Warren, White, and Chairwoman Washington). The meeting opened with a prayer by Pastor Dwayne Hunt of Abundant Grace Fellowship, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of minutes from September 1, 2026, and recognition of several honorees. The council processed numerous consent items, planning and development resolutions, and add-on agenda items, including a $950,000 appropriation for middle-income housing infrastructure and a $2.388 million community grant fund allocation. Two ordinances were held over: Short-Term Rental regulations (to October 6) and Blight Remediation (to October 20). Public comments focused heavily on immigration enforcement, data center moratorium, and city operations. Consent Calendar - Minutes of September 1, 2026: Approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda Items 6-13 (second readings and engineering resolutions including final plats, bond acceptances, public improvements): Approved unanimously. - Fiscal Consent Agenda Items 14-15 (grant acceptance: $88,800 for EMS training; $1,023,200 for in-service training): Approved unanimously. - MLGW Fiscal Consent Agenda Items 16-24 (contract renewals, increases, payment deposits for utility relocation, software licensing, insurance, transformers): Approved unanimously as recommended by committee. - Planning and Development Items 4-5 (Planned Development at 795 Tanglewood Street and Special Use Permit at 525/529 South Main Street): Approved unanimously. - Add-On Agenda Items 29-33: - Item 29: $950,000 from geobonds for middle-income housing infrastructure – Approved unanimously. - Item 30: Transfer of $800,000 from Winchester-Perkins project to Knight Arnold Bridge Repair – Approved unanimously. - Item 31: $2,388,000 in community grant funds for FY27 – Approved unanimously. - Item 32: Honorary street name change on Patterson Street for Ms. 8 (equal education courage) – Approved unanimously. - Item 33: Acceptance of Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant funds – Approved unanimously. - Same Night Minute Items: Approved unanimously for items 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34. Presentations & Recognitions - Item 1: Recognition of Mr. Leon Lynn on his 100th birthday, citing his career as a brick mason, co-founding of Little Hands Learning Academy, and community service. Adopted by acclamation. - Item 2: Honorary street name on Travis Road for Elsie and Jesse Ford Sr., sponsored by Councilman Ford Sr. Adopted by acclamation. - Item 34: Honor of the 31st Annual Stone Awards, recognizing civil rights leaders and foot soldiers. Adopted by acclamation. Public Comments & Testimony - Glenda Hicks (21st Century Memphis Orbis): Expressed concern about Item 30 funds being moved from an unready project to an urgent need, urging procedural review. Highlighted congestion impacts from XAI on Holmes Road and Tulahoma. - Keishon Pearson (Memphis Community Against Pollution): Demanded protection of air quality and passage of a moratorium on data centers, citing 50+ methane turbines in South Haven, premature deaths, and degradation. Also urged action against ICE and the administration's inaction. - Maria Oseja: Spoke as a daughter of Mexican immigrants, noting the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. Described the August 30 ICE raid (largest in Memphis) taking 121 people, leaving 40+ children behind. Urged council to take a stance against ICE. - Reverend Keith Caldwell (MICA H): Called ICE actions a crisis and testing ground for erosion of civil liberties, comparing requirements to show papers to historical freedom papers. Urged council to stand against totalitarianism. - Luci Chambless: Contrasted the response to Dr. Hazlett's killing with treatment of community organizers. Argued Memphis invests in billionaires instead of its poor. Supported roller derby team and opposed additional pollution in Westwood, Boxtown, South Memphis. - Tracy Woods: Requested ordinance changes regarding overgrown hedges and tree limbs; criticized street name awards and referenced Lee Harris. - Brandy Price: Spoke about climate change, water deficit, ICE kidnapping families, and air destruction. Accused council of hardened hearts, complicity in raids, and prioritizing profit over people. - Jessica Miller (Co-founder, Immigrant Pantry through Indivisible Memphis): Described humanitarian crisis: deliveries rose from 8/week to 81/week after raids; children crying, fed sugar water. Begged council to address the crisis and reconsider resolution on National Guard. - Christine Fox (Faith leader with MICA H): Called for removal of National Guard from Memphis. Noted militarization of public safety, ICE collaboration with MPD, and erosion of trust. Criticized allowing corporations to poison and exploit communities. - Dr. Joy Brook Fairfield (Rhodes College): Supported data center moratorium, citing 300+ moratoriums nationwide. Cited research showing little local economic benefit from data centers; called for transparency and joining other cities in slowing development. - Eunice Garcia: Described 3,000 calls to rapid response network documenting ICE activity; accused Unsafe Task Force of targeting Hispanic and Black communities. Provided specific harassment locations. Called for council to acknowledge atrocities. - Reagan Murray: Criticized ongoing cooperation with federal/military occupation. Alleged MPD lying about involvement with Unsafe Task Force. Demanded answers on shooting of black man and death of Joan O'Neal during mental health crisis. Called council "one of the most sorry city councils." - Carrie Yakimini: Changed remarks after observing council behavior (rolling eyes, walking out). Emphasized community hurt and begged for leadership on moratorium and ordinances. Urged council to visit affected areas and not treat public as offensive. - Ricky Lewis: Criticized MLGW spending and contract awards to "friends" (Timothy Davis). Council clarified they do not approve MLGW contracts, only set salaries and rates. - Michael Harris (private citizen): Called for action on the Land Bank, which has been shut down for 77 days despite $400,000 appropriation in June. Quoted former chair's email about "almost intentional" neglect. Requested oversight. - Sarah Holding: Reported falsified code enforcement warning on her door; city denied existence despite video. Also noted 26 city-owned properties visited with overgrown weeds and trash. Called for city to clean up its own house. - Gisela Guerrero (MICA H): Recounted the August 30 raid in Council District 5. Noted statistics: 20,426 arrests (only 37 violent), 187,838 traffic stops, 6 deaths, $319 million cost of National Guard. Urged action. - Martha Lopez (grandmother): Two daughters taken; left with eight grandchildren. Described suffering of separated children, one-month-old without formula, etc. Asked council to stop ICE. - Dexter Britt (former teacher, co-chair with MICA H): Vividly described scene of raid: zip ties, assault rifles, families crying. Implored council to use their power. - Makeisha Allen (attorney): Stated everyone in the U.S. has due process rights; accused task force of violations. Criticized council for not listening, talking while citizens speak, and using resources for street renaming instead of addressing ICE crisis. - Sarah Houston (Protect Our Aquifer): Announced petition with 1,000+ signatures against MLGW water rate increases, noting XAI pays 19 cents per 100 gallons vs. residents' 32 cents. Supported data center moratorium and called for council to be co-sponsors. - Sharman Murley: Supported data center moratorium, citing pollution and water waste. Called for stewardship of resources. - Erika Alegria (late card): Mother and sister detained Aug 30; left with five siblings at 25 years old. Described trauma, zip-tied like animals. Vowed to teach siblings about voting and rights. Discussion Items & Deliberations - Item 26 (Short-Term Rental ordinance): Councilman Spinoza requested hold until October 6 for revisions; Councilman Ford Sr. asked to be co-sponsor. Held without objection. - Item 27 (Blight Remediation ordinance): Councilwoman White requested hold until October 20 to allow STR ordinance to progress first. Held without objection. - Item 28 (Acceptance of referendum results): Attorney Wade explained it certifies passage of referendum ordinances 596, 597, 5978. Approved unanimously. - Council comments during public testimony: Councilwoman Cooper Sutton and Councilwoman Easter Thomas acknowledged the ICE crisis, announced intention to present a resolution to ask task force to exit at next meeting. Councilwoman Easter Thomas offered to connect Jessica Miller with city administration regarding funds for immigrant food access. Key Outcomes - All regular agenda items and consent items approved as noted (see votes above), with all votes unanimous. - Holds: Item 3 and 25 held to October 6; Item 26 held to October 6; Item 27 held to October 20. - Upcoming Action: Councilwomen Cooper Sutton and Easter Thomas to present a resolution at the next meeting (likely October 6) asking the Memphis Unsafe Task Force to exit the city. Hispanic Heritage Month resolution deferred accordingly. - Public Records: Same night minutes authorized for multiple items (2, 10–15, 17, 19, 29–34). - No further discussion on data center moratorium during the meeting, though several public speakers urged support. - Land Bank oversight: Council aware of shutdown; no immediate action taken but public raised concern.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on September 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The meeting included the adoption of minutes, approval of multiple consent agenda items, zoning changes, budget allocations, and extensive public comments primarily focused on a proposed data center moratorium and community concerns about environmental justice and police accountability. Consent Calendar - Minutes from August 18, 2026, were approved (moved by Councilman Ford, second by Councilwoman Green; unanimous vote with all members present voting yes). - Item 1: Resolution approving an honorary street name change for Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris on Union Avenue. Sponsored by Councilwoman Green. Approved with Councilman Canale abstaining and Councilman Ford voting no; all others yes. - Items 4-9, 23, 25-26: General ordinances, zoning amendments, and public improvement resolutions were passed as a consent agenda. Included first readings of ordinances related to pension system (amending Chapter 25), strategic large load development and digital infrastructure district (sponsored by Councilman Spinoza), and data center regulations (sponsored by Councilman Warren). All passed unanimously. - Item 10: Resolution to accept a donation of $3,936.47 from the 100 Club of Memphis to the Police Department TACT unit. Passed unanimously. - Items 11-12: MLGW fiscal consent items – amending a water pilot agreement (extending to 2048) and approving contract increase with Granicus. Passed unanimously. - Items 16-24: Various resolutions for appointments, CIP funding for parks (Audubon Golf Clubhouse, Memphis Parks Security Cameras, Glennview Park Aquatic Facility, Guach Park Improvements), community grant funds ($2,388,000 to nonprofits), debt service budget amendment ($2.6 million), and Memphis Animal Shelter renovations ($300,000). All passed unanimously. Councilman Ford Canale noted that total nonprofit requests were $13 million with only $2.6 million available. Councilman Warren pointed out that Room in the Inn (homeless families) was initially excluded but later reinstated. - Item 2: Third and final reading of a zoning change for 2021 Berry Hill Road from Conservation Agriculture to Residential Single Family (R-6). The applicant seeks to create six single-family lots on 3.36 acres. No public opposition was received; Planning Department recommended approval. Passed unanimously. - Item 14: Resolution appropriating $150,000 for Mud Island Amphitheater (CIP). Passed unanimously. - Item 15: Resolution transferring $300,000 in CIP budget from continuous improvement to operational infrastructure fix. Passed unanimously. - Same-night-minute items (1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24) were bundled and approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony Numerous residents and community advocates spoke during the public comment period, with the overwhelming majority addressing the proposed data center moratorium and related environmental and social justice concerns. Key points include: - Alexander Perkins urged the council to consider rapid technological advances in AI and data centers, citing estimated $30 million/year in environmental damages from XAI turbines. - Reverend Gordon Myers thanked the council for proposing a moratorium, stating it signals that people matter more than profits. - Alexa Pouncey demanded that the council pass the moratorium and prioritize people over big business. - Sharon Smith (New Don Social Services) requested funding for her organization supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. - Batsell Booker (Box Town resident) described his community as a "canary in the cave" suffering from pollution and urged the council to act. - Adam Saleh linked data center pollution to U.S. military contracts with Israel, stating his Palestinian family has been affected. - Zoe Dalinger emphasized that the moratorium must cover all AI data centers, including XAI, claiming they host child sexual abuse material and contribute to military targeting. - Easter May Knox (Box Town resident) described health impacts including her husband's death from lung cancer after the data center arrived. - Jasmine Houston (District 38127) questioned why the council is not representing constituents and called for a pause. - Brandy Price stated the council is a representative body and must listen to citizens demanding a moratorium. - Sarah Houston (Protect Our Aquifer) supported the moratorium, stressing the need for guardrails on water, wastewater, NDAs, and joint city-county action. - Noel Hutchison accused some council members of kicking the can down the road on the moratorium. - Amber Sherman criticized Councilman Spinoza's proposed framework as not what the community asked for, and accused Councilman Warren of deferring to the Chamber of Commerce. - Handy O'Neill noted that XAI management failed to deliver a promised water recycling facility. - Carrie Yakamini (District and super district constituent) called for the council to stand up for communities over big business. - Jessica Miller expressed being "fired up" about the council's inaction on data centers, police violence, and ICE raids. - Lucci Chambliss asked for a town hall to address accountability regarding a task force that has resulted in five deaths. - Emily Bishop (Midtown Memphis) requested a new RN district for traditional neighborhoods and proper notification in zoning changes. - Representative Justin J. Pearson (District 86) urged the council to pass the third reading of the moratorium, citing high cancer risk in South Memphis and noting that Republican-led counties have enacted moratoriums. - Dr. Kimberly Owens Pearson stated Westwood and Boxtown are being treated as a "digital dumping ground" and called for a moratorium. - Leana Venezia questioned why data centers are only proposed in South Memphis. - Rihanna Watson (Protect Our Aquifer) echoed community health concerns and urged prioritizing people over profit. Discussion Items - Item 13 (not specified in transcript) was deferred to October 15, 2026. - The council discussed and voted on all consent and fiscal items with minimal debate. Councilman Ford Canale provided context on the nonprofit grant funding gap. - Councilman Warren clarified that Room in the Inn had been reconsidered for grant eligibility. - Councilwoman White corrected the amount in Item 22 (debt service budget amendment) to be not to exceed $2.6 million, which was acceptable. - For Item 2, Councilman Ford Canale asked the applicant about plans for the Berry Hill property; the applicant stated six lots of about 6,000 sq ft each. - No council members spoke in opposition to any item; all votes were nearly unanimous. Key Outcomes - All agenda items (1-24, consent, and public items) were approved either unanimously or with minimal dissent (Item 1 had one abstention and one no vote). - The data center moratorium (Item 25 and related ordinances) was only introduced (first reading) and will return for second and third readings. Public sentiment strongly supports a moratorium; exact timeline for final vote is October 6, 2026 (Item 3 was held to that date). - The council took no immediate action on the community's requests for a town hall on police/ICE task force, but public comments highlighted ongoing demands. - The meeting adjourned after public comments with a motion by Councilman Smiley and second by Vice Chair Carlisle.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on August 18, 2026, beginning at 10:15 AM. The meeting featured multiple resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, unanimous approval of consent and add-on agenda items including a first reading of a data center moratorium, and extensive public comments on data centers, transit, and other community concerns. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the August 4, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - Item 1: Resolution recognizing and honoring Black-owned businesses in honor of National Black Business Month, sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas. Honorees included A&R Barbecue, Aviation Pediatric Dentistry, and others. - Item 2: Resolution approving an honorary street name change for Samuel Henderson (Adams Avenue between North B.B. King Boulevard and Fourth Street to be honorarily known as St. Peter Sam Avenue), sponsored by the full council. - Item 3: Resolution honoring Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. for his 45 years of service, sponsored by Chairwoman Swearingen Washington. - Item 4: Resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Noel G. L. Hutchinson Jr., sponsored by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton. - Item 5: Resolution honoring volunteers at Plough Towers, sponsored by Councilwoman Green. - Items 6-10, 25 (Consent Agenda): Unanimously approved. Included: - Item 6: Ordinance 5980 (zoning, second reading) - Item 7: Ordinance 5981 (joint ordinance, second reading) - Item 8: Ordinance 5979 (zoning, second reading) - Item 9: Final plat for Pleasant Acres (with same-night minutes) - Item 10: Supplemental agreement for Lake Las Cruces Plan Development (with same-night minutes) - Item 25: Ordinance 5982 declaring a temporary moratorium on permits for data center developments (first reading). Passed unanimously. - Item 11 (Fiscal Consent): Resolution accepting $7,600 from the Tennessee Arts Commission for the Arts for All Grant Program (with same-night minutes). Approved unanimously. - Items 12-17 (MLGW Fiscal Consent): Approved unanimously: - Item 12: Contract for UAV inspection ($1,104,000) - Item 13: NERC compliance software ($256,045) - Item 14: Purchase order for 500 KCM wire ($504,813) - Item 15: Security automation installation ($187,000) - Item 16: Emergency HVAC replacement ($2,790,687) - Item 17: Safety boot program ($342,000) Public Comments & Testimony - Data Center Moratorium (Item 25): Multiple speakers urged the council to pass the moratorium and strengthen protections: - Claudia Hyman warned of water contamination risks, citing Jackson, Mississippi and Morgan County, Georgia. - Andrea Bell requested updates on basic services in Hickory Hill and raised health concerns about the Colossus data center. - Reverend Gordon Myers invoked moral leadership, the Golden Rule, and the Tennessee Constitution to support the moratorium. - Rachel Chantel argued that data centers shift costs to ratepayers and called for transparency and cost-of-service studies. - Amber Sherman accused Elon Musk of exploiting Memphis and noted that Councilwoman Cooper Sutton removed her name as a sponsor. - Brandy Price described greenwashing and warned of subacoustic noise and health effects. - Royce Davis documented 69 methane gas turbines operating without permits, 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxides annually, and health impacts in South Memphis. - Dylan Duke urged the council to remember that the moratorium does not exonerate past actions. - Kashawn Pearson demanded ethical development, citing 10-20 premature deaths and $33-40 million in lost wages from Colossus I. - Christian Dennis called for a thorough moratorium including air quality, aquifer usage, and subsidence. - Jack Branson, an environmental science student, argued that health should come before corporate profits. - Richard Massey listed other regional cities that have regulated data centers and called for action. - Jeremiah Smith linked data centers to AI used for surveillance and war, and urged the council to block further development. - Wymesia Hyman noted that a water reuse facility was paused and that the XAI Transparency Act was vetoed. - Other Comments: - Andrea Bell asked for updates on Hickory Hill services and the post office. - Lucy Chambless questioned MPD’s knowledge of Homeland Security and IRS responding to mental health calls. - Tracy Woods complained about pothole repairs and towing debris. - Brianna Smith demanded clean air and water, referencing health issues in zip code 38109. - Sarah Houston (Protect Our Aquifer) thanked the council for the moratorium and urged continued action. - Jasmine Bernard called the data center impacts an environmental genocide and demanded resident voting power on future decisions. Discussion Items - Item 2 (Samuel Henderson Street Naming): Councilman Canale presented the resolution. Father Scott O’Brien and Judge Jenny Latta spoke in support. - Item 25 (Data Center Moratorium): No discussion on the floor; the item was included in the consent agenda and passed on first reading. Councilwoman Cooper Sutton later noted she removed her sponsorship but did not indicate her vote. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approval of Consent, Fiscal, and MLGW Agendas: All items passed without dissent. - Data Center Moratorium (First Reading): Ordinance 5982 passed as part of the consent agenda, triggering a 12-month moratorium on permits for data center developments. Two more readings are required for final adoption. - Medical Debt Relief: Item 19 (resolution allocating FY27 Community Grant funds) passed, erasing medical debt for over 12,000 families. - Capital Improvements Funded: Over $7 million allocated for parks, transit, and other projects, including: - $3.1 million for Jesse Turner Park - $1.25 million for Zoo major maintenance - $500,000 for Kennedy Park, Wolf River Greenway Phase 5C, and Overton Park Metal Museum - $150,000 for Pine Hill Golf Course netting - $750,000 for Levitt Shell improvements - Transit Funding: $6.325 million transferred from bond appropriations to the Innovation Corridor BRT project. - Same-Night Minutes: Approved for items 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after public comments.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on August 4, 2026, beginning with a prayer and pledges. The council adopted minutes from the previous meeting and then proceeded to honor several individuals, voted on consent and regular agenda items, and heard public comments on a range of issues including data center water usage, mental health crisis response, and civil service protections. Consent Calendar - Items 5–11 (except 8): Passed unanimously. Included first reading of ordinances on short-term rental enforcement, zoning reclassification for 2021 Berry Hill Road, and a zoning map amendment procedure; and resolutions accepting engineering plans and bonds for various developments (Walnut Green, Phillips Farms, 272 North Bellevue). - Item 12: Fiscal consent – Resolution authorizing $200,000 in FY27 sponsorships for Memphis Parks programming. Passed unanimously. - Items 17–19 (Add‑on): Resolution appropriating $13,672,960 in GO bonds for the Southwest Twin Redevelopment Project; resolution approving the FY27 consolidated plan and annual action plan for federal entitlement funds; resolution supporting a public art mural at Alliance Health Care Services’ Children and Youth Crisis Wellness Center. All passed unanimously. Recognitions and Resolutions - Item 1: Resolution honoring Patricia Ann Rogers for her dedication to fighting blight in Memphis. Adopted. - Item 2: Resolution approving honorary street name change to “Pastor Leon Jones Junior Street” on East Street between Stage Road and Fairhaven Lane. Adopted by acclamation. - Item 3: Resolution honoring Caronda Hootabrown Dawson, the first African American woman to scuba dive in every ocean and the fastest person to do so (11 days, 23 hours, 40 minutes). Adopted by acclamation. - Item 4: Special use permit for a 130‑foot monopole tree‑style cell tower at 3778 Old Waverly Cove (in R‑10 zone with apartment overlay). No public opposition received. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - On Item 13 (Lobbyist Registration Referendum): Pamela Moses spoke in favor of amending the charter to require lobbyist registration, but asked the council to also address accountability for the Memphis Unite Task Force and recent vehicle chases. - On Item 14 (Civil Service Referendum): Five speakers (Casey McCoon, Chelsea Cheshire, Maisie Hazard, Denise Yule) expressed confusion and concern that the vaguely worded ordinance could weaken civil service protections, especially as library workers are seeking such protections in a separate referendum. They requested clarity. Council Attorney Wade and Councilman Carlisle explained that the measure is intended to conform to the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act as required by state Supreme Court, to establish transparent procedures for employee appeals and grievances. Councilwoman Walker noted that many library employees were uninformed about the earlier referendum on their own civil service status. - General Public Comments (after agenda items): - Janice Davis: Alleged unfair termination from MATA and document tampering; asked for investigation. - Reverend Gordon Myers: Criticized XAI’s water use (nearly 1 million gallons/day from the Memphis Sand Aquifer at $0.19/100 gallons) and lack of promised water reuse facility; called for accountability. - Reagan Murray: Raised concerns about the Memphis Unite Task Force and HSI responding to mental health crises, citing four fatalities (Tyron Johnson, Alfonso Ivey, Darren Pegram, Joan O’Neill) and that MPD’s Crisis Intervention Team should handle such calls. Provided statistics: 1 in 5 children and 1.4 million adults in TN experience mental illness annually; people with mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during police encounters. - Lucy Changless: Praised the new 911 option for mental health response but questioned why HSI is still responding; asked the council to withhold $13 million for a new police complex in Southwest Memphis until answers are provided. - Glenda Hicks: Criticized the sewer rate increase (effective August 1, 2026, with another in 2028) as an overburden on residents already facing multiple fees. - Rhiannon Watson (Protect Our Aquifer): Demanded transparency from XAI/SpaceX on water usage (Colossus 1 drew 840,520 gallons/day in February 2026; a fourth data center already built without public disclosure) and a clear timeline for the water reuse facility. - Brandy Price: Accused the council of ignoring citizens and allowing XAI to pollute air/water, comparing to historical injustices. - Teal Wright: Announced the Glenview Community Roots Festival on September 26, 2026, seeking $20,000 in support (raised $3,600 so far). - Chuck Thomas (Southwest Tennessee Community College): Invited council to Legislative Day on August 13, 2026, highlighting free tuition, 150 programs, 8,000 students, and high job placement. Discussion Items - Item 8 (AW Willis/North 4th Street Intersection): Councilwoman Cooper Sutton requested explanation after removing it from consent. City engineering and Kimley‑Horn representatives clarified that the $7.1 million bond secures installation of a traffic signal required for the St. Jude development, with the developer covering the cost. Approved unanimously. - Item 13 (Lobbyist Registration Referendum): Councilman Carlisle sponsored the measure to place on the November 2026 ballot a charter amendment requiring lobbyist registration and disclosure. A single public comment supported the idea but asked for broader reforms. Approved 11‑0. - Item 14 (Civil Service Referendum): After extensive public testimony and council discussion, council clarified the amendment would align Memphis procedures with the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, establishing clear rules for employee appeals (including right to counsel, hearing process, and chancery court review) to address current delays (up to two years). Councilman Smiley voted no. Approved 10‑1 (Smiley dissenting). - Item 15 (Solid Waste Vehicles Lease): Resolution authorizing a lease up to $7.1 million for various solid waste vehicles. Councilwoman Cooper Sutton inquired about “certain other matters” language; it covers closing costs and insurance. Approved unanimously. - Item 16 (CIP Budget Amendment for Vehicles): Companion to Item 15, allocating $7.1 million through a master equipment lease. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved by acclamation: Resolutions honoring Patricia Ann Rogers, Pastor Leon Jones Jr., and Caronda Hootabrown Dawson. - Approved unanimously: Special use permit for cell tower; consent agenda items (excluding Item 8); fiscal consent; all add‑on items; Items 8, 13, 15, 16. - Approved 10‑1 (Smiley opposed): Item 14 (Civil Service Referendum) to be placed on the November 2026 ballot. - Item 8 was removed from consent, discussed, and approved with clarification that the developer pays. - General comment cards were received on MATA termination, XAI water use, mental health crisis response, sewer rates, and community events. The council took no immediate action but noted investigations and requests.

The Memphis City Council convened on July 21, 2026, for a regular meeting. The agenda included routine consent items, several appointments, a major alcohol‑licensing appeal, and public testimony on transit, public safety, and civil service protections. The council voted to hold two referendum ordinances and denied an appeal that would have overturned the Alcohol Commission’s approval of a liquor store. Consent Calendar - Minutes from July 7, 2026 – Adopted unanimously (all present voting yes, with Councilmember Carlisle not voting). - Items 3 and 4 (Consent Agenda) – Item 3 (UDC amendment for zoning map replacement) was pulled from the consent agenda by Councilman Spinoza for further committee review; item 4 (supplemental agreement for Selfville Memphis East Homes Road) was approved without objection. MLGW Fiscal Consent Items - Items 6–10 (increased contract for paving, LNG tank painting, software renewal, roof replacement, telematics contract) were all approved by a unanimous vote (Councilman Ford’s vote recorded as yes). Regular Agenda Items - Item 11 – Pension system amendment (third reading) – Approved unanimously. - Item 12 – Sewer fee increase (third reading) – Approved unanimously. - Item 13 – Referendum ordinance on lobbyist registration (third reading) – Held until the August 4, 2026 meeting because the sponsor was absent. - Item 14 – Referendum ordinance on civil service appeal procedures (third reading) – Held until the August 4, 2026 meeting after discussion; Councilman Smiley moved to hold. - Item 15 – Held until September 15, 2026 (previously announced). Appointments - Item 16 – Art Davis as Chief Financial Officer – Approved unanimously. Mr. Davis spoke of bringing transparency to the finance division. - Item 17 – Chris Winton as Chief Administrative Officer – Approved unanimously. Mr. Winton committed to delivering more for the city. - Item 18 – Airport Authority appointments (Belinda Anderson, Pamela Clary, Damar Roberts) – Approved unanimously. - Item 19 – Resolution accepting $581,840 in federal surface transportation block grant funds for the Memphis Airport Plow Boulevard Access Road – Approved unanimously. - Item 20 – Resolution appointing Art Davis as MATAS Fiscal Trustee (replacing Walter Person) – Approved unanimously. Alcohol Commission Appeal – Major Discussion Item 2 – Appeal of Romanus Corporation (Busters, D Wine, Liquor Depot) regarding Ethan Edwards’ liquor store at 870 South White Station Road - Background: The appellants challenged the Alcohol Commission’s approval, arguing the store violates the 1,500‑foot proximity rule (Ordinance 4‑5) because it is within 1,500 feet of Woodland Presbyterian Church and School. The first application was voided for Open Meetings Act violations; a second application was approved after site modifications. - Appellants’ Position (Robert Spence): The survey submitted with the second application is fraudulent because it measures through a private parking lot instead of from the front door to the street (White Station). The claimed private drive does not meet the UDC definition of a private street. The store fronts on White Station, so the measurement must start on that street. - Appellee’s Position (Judge Bernice Donald, Mark Job): The measurement correctly follows the ordinance’s definition of a private passageway in a multi‑establishment commercial area of over two acres. The survey (Reeves survey) shows 1,559.37 feet, meeting the 1,500‑foot requirement. The same methodology was used by Busters for its own second store. Mr. Edwards has invested $1.262 million, employs 26 full‑time and 4 part‑time workers (70% city residents), and has paid $661,596 in wages. - Council Discussion: Council Attorney Wade clarified that the only issue is whether the application meets the distance requirement. Standing and competition arguments are irrelevant. The controlling ordinance is Section 4‑5 of the 1985 City Code, not the UDC. Councilman Warren asked about modifications to the site; Councilman Spinoza noted the “swerve line” used in the survey. - Vote: The motion to approve the appeal (i.e., to overturn the Alcohol Commission) failed. Votes: Easter Thomas (abstain), Ford (abstain), Green (no), Smiley (no), Spinoza (yes), Warren (no), White (no), Chairwoman Swearingin Washington (no), Walker (no). The appeal was denied, allowing the liquor store to remain open. Public Comments & Testimony - Cynthia Bailey (community advocate) – Expressed disappointment with MATA bus service, stating that promised improvements have not materialized and that the council has not responded to a list of issues submitted in May. - Lucy Chambliss – Called for answers about killings by federal task forces in Memphis (eight nationwide this year, half in Memphis). Questioned why DEA, HSI, and military personnel were involved in local law enforcement operations. - Sammy Hunter (co‑chair, Memphis Bus Rider Union) – Reported bus riders waiting two to three hours, criticized the halt of 20 used buses from Kentucky, and said 12 new buses promised for June have not arrived. Councilman Ford countered that nine new buses have arrived, three more are due this week, and that the used buses were not wanted. - Ricky Lewis – Alleged that MLGW contracts are being awarded to friends of senior VP Timothy Davis, citing a $5 million contract with a company run by a 30‑year acquaintance. He called for an investigation. - Johnny Mosley – Asked the Transportation Committee to schedule a meeting to address bus rider issues, referencing the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike. - Andrew Guthrie – Expressed concern that the held civil service referendum (Item 14) could undermine civil service protections, asking the council to protect public servants. - Brianna Byrd – Questioned the motivation behind the civil service referendum, comparing it to federal “DOGE” actions, and asked for clarification on what uniform administrative procedures would entail. Key Outcomes - Approved (all unanimously): Minutes of July 7, 2026; MLGW fiscal consent items (6–10); Ordinance 5974 (pension amendment); Ordinance 5975 (sewer fee increase); CFO appointment (Art Davis); CAO appointment (Chris Winton); Airport Authority appointments; TDOT grant acceptance; MATAS fiscal trustee appointment; same‑night minute items. - Held: Item 3 (UDC amendment) – held for committee review; Item 13 (lobbyist registration referendum) – held to August 4, 2026; Item 14 (civil service referendum) – held to August 4, 2026; Item 15 – held to September 15, 2026. - Denied: Appeal of the Alcohol Commission’s approval of Ethan Edwards’ liquor store (Item 2). The MAC decision stands; the store may continue operating. - Next Steps: The council will revisit the two held referendum ordinances at the August 4, 2026 meeting. The Transportation Committee may schedule a hearing on MATA issues following public testimony.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on July 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The meeting included a prayer, approval of minutes, a presentation honoring Grammy-nominated artist Sherry Moon, consideration of a special use permit, a consent agenda, an amended resolution for the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art project, approval of grant funds and community grant program amendments, and public comments on various issues including MATA, the National Guard, data centers, sewer fees, and MLGW. Consent Calendar - The council approved the minutes from the June 23, 2026 meeting. - Items 4, 5, 6, and 7 were approved en bloc (second reading ordinances and a resolution for Brooks Museum – later removed from consent). The consent agenda was adopted unanimously. Presentations & Recognitions - Resolution Honoring Sherry Moon (Snook Nook): Councilwoman Easter Thomas presented a resolution honoring Sherry Moon, a Grammy-nominated children's music artist from Memphis. Ms. Moon addressed the council, emphasizing the importance of investing in children and supporting the arts. The resolution was accepted. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Special Use Permit (2465 Millbrook Avenue): Councilman Spinoza moved approval with a favorable recommendation. The permit was approved unanimously. - Item 8 – Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Supplemental Agreement: Councilman Canale proposed an amendment to include the phrase "or as amended by the developer and the city engineer" in the contract. After discussion clarifying that Monroe Avenue will not be closed but expanded for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and that other elements (stoplight, walkway) remain unchanged, the council voted unanimously to approve the item as amended. Same Night Minutes - Item 11 – Grant Funds ($591,000) from Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs: Approved unanimously. - Item 12 – Community Grant Program for FY27: Approved unanimously. - Item 13 – Amendment to Community Grant Program: Approved unanimously. - A motion to approve same night minutes for items 8, 11, 12, and 13 passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Janice Brody Davis: Former MATA bus driver alleged wrongful termination and misplaced accident records. She asked the council to hear her concerns about MATA's handling of her case. - Lucy Chamberless: Expressed outrage over the killing of Tyron Johnson by the National Guard, criticized the council for divesting from community resources and overfunding police, and urged the council to pressure MPD to disarm soldiers in the city. - Wanicia Hyman: Raised concerns about data centers in the Memphis area, particularly regarding water usage and coolant chemicals (antifreeze). Called for city attorneys to obtain access to NDAs and for laws preventing the Greater Memphis Chamber from signing agreements without public input. - Glenda Hicks: Civil rights attorney shared experiences from Jackson, Mississippi's water crisis, urging the council to prevent similar issues in Memphis by ensuring community voice in water policy. - LG Cossett: Opposed a sewer fee increase (item 5, already passed on consent), argued that property taxes had already increased and that sewer funds were mismanaged. Also spoke on indigenous rights and requested the council send a letter to the governor regarding the Racial Integrity Act. - Martina X: Alleged that MLGW failed to follow verification procedures when allowing an estranged individual to establish utility service at her home, leading to loss of her home and legal issues. Demanded a council investigation into MLGW and CEO accountability. - Nehemiah Hardaway: Advocated for customers and employees fired from MLGW, urged the council to investigate the utility's practices and show concern for common citizens. Key Outcomes - All items requiring a vote were approved unanimously (items 3, 4–7, 8 as amended, 11, 12, 13, and same night minutes). - The council accepted an amendment to the Brooks Museum contract to allow plan modifications by the developer and city engineer. - No additional actions were taken on public comment topics; the meeting was adjourned.