Mayor Paul Young stopped in Raleigh on Tuesday, speaking to a crowd of residents about the challenges and potential of Memphis. At the latest "One Memphis" tour event, Young addressed issues from littered streets to crime and shared details about his recent engagement with the city's gang leaders. According to an Action News 5 report, the mayor highlighted the importance of government presence in troubled neighborhoods, saying, "If you really want to see our city change, you need to come tell them yourself, because we don't see people like you in our neighborhood."
Young also touched on the issue of street takeovers, which have been increasingly problematic in Memphis. The Memphis Police Department has begun to respond forcefully, seizing 10 cars and making two arrests over the Memorial Day weekend for related offenses. "That level of vehicle havoc in our community is a nuisance," interim Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis told Action News 5, asserting that MPD is looking to stiffen its approach against such acts.
At a time when Memphis faces a $30 million budget shortfall, a vote on property tax and solid waste fee increases looms. Young is embracing these measures to generate revenue, enhance services, and create opportunities for city residents. "At the end of the day, the only thing we want is to deliver more for you," Young stated in a town hall meeting.
In an approach to curb crime, the mayor unveiled his "5 Cs" strategy during the Raleigh town hall, as Local Memphis described. This strategy includes criminal activity disruption, the enforcement of curfews, increased use of cameras and technology, Code Zero operations, and more forceful control of the highways. "These criminals have gotten emboldened. They’re emboldened and brazen in their actions," said Memphis resident Gwen Sutton, emphasizing the need to meet this challenge head-on.
Moreover, Young has reiterated his support for interim Police Chief C.J. Davis, who he wants to be reappointed following the budget season. While the ultimate decision rests with the City Council, Young credited Davis's crime-fighting efforts and discussed bringing external expertise to assist the Memphis Police Department. After State Sen. Brent Taylor's move to invite a former NYPD commissioner as a consultant, Young expressed openness to dialogue. "It is an all-hands-on-deck situation when we talk about public safety in our community," Young said in a town hall covered by FOX13 Memphis.
As Mayor Young continues his town halls across Memphis, many remain focused on the tangible steps the city will take to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for its residents. Further details on the next town hall have not yet been announced.
