Memphis' Soulsville neighborhood is getting $7 million of city funds to boost development, Mayor Paul Young said.
Young announced the cash boost at the city's annual housing summit, which was held at the Memphis Botanic Garden on Oct. 15.
The money comes from the city’s Health, Educational and Housing Facility Board, with additional financial support from Memphis Light, Gas and Water and philanthropic contributors. The funding will be put toward expanding essential housing programs in Soulsville, Young said.
The investment into South Memphis is part of Young's overall goal of constructing 10,000 new housing units in the city by 2030. He said over 3,300 have been created toward that target since he took office in January 2024, and that locations
of new developments are strategically picked.
"I don't want to reach 10,000 housing units by simply building it where it's the easiest to build," he said a few hours after the announcement. "I want housing investments that are going to change the trajectory of our neighborhoods — communities that have been waiting far too long for the investment."
In his remarks to housing professionals and community organizations, Young also spoke on the importance of a working partnership between those working both in and outside of City Hall.
"We are the cavalry. There's nobody else coming to save us," he said.
Members of community organizations and a reporter from the Commercial Appeal present at the event did not see any members of the Memphis City Council at the Housing Summit.
Activists are barred from City Council, attorney considers countersuing
After seven people were issued ban orders from attending upcoming Memphis City Council meetings in the wake of the abruptly recessed Oct. 6 meeting, several sued to lift the bans.
Now, legal representation for the Council may escalate it further.
In an Oct. 16 hearing in federal court, longtime Memphis City Council Attorney Allan Wade suggested to the court the council could countersue and seek an injunction that would establish legal repercussions for similar behavior to the Oct. 6 meeting.
He emphasized that maintaining order will be a priority moving forward, and that he is fearful of a repeat situation.
"This was very offensive and embarrassing to our city," Wade said during the hearing.
What to know for early voting
Early voting is well underway in Shelby County, but you still have plenty of time to cast your ballot before Election Day.
For the next few weeks, registered voters can visit a number of polling places across the county, as there aren't assigned locations like there will be Nov. 3.
The final day of early voting will be Oct. 29.
Memphis voters also have some city-specific questions to weigh in on during this election cycle. Three changes to Memphis' city charter are on the ballot. The amendments could affect public library workers and other city employees, and implement a disclosure process for lobbyists.
See the full list of early voting locations and hours:
Coming up
The Memphis City Council will next meet at 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 at City Hall, 125 N. Main St. Meeting agendas for the Council's committee and regular meetings are posted on the city's website.
The Council is expected to continue discussing a possible temporary ban on data center development, or more likely, regulations for ones proposed within city limits.
The Council is also holding several special Planning and Zoning Committee meetings focused on workshopping proposed data center regulations. The sessions will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at City Hall on Oct. 19, 22, 26 and 29, and are open to the public in person and will be livestreamed.
The Shelby County Commission's next regular meeting will be at 3 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Vasco A. Smith, Jr. County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St. The meeting will also be streamed on the Commission's YouTube channel.
The Commission has also taken on regulating data centers and is considering legislation mirroring what is going through the Memphis City Council. Discussions should continue over the next few weeks.
Got a question for us?
Got a question for the metro reporting team you would like us to take on? Have thoughts on what you want to see in our weekly politics column? Send an email to annie.goldman@commercialappeal.com or call 901-930-7431.
Annie Goldman covers government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at annie.goldman@commercialappeal.com or 901-930-7431, and followed on X @AnnieSGoldman.v
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: City of Memphis investing millions in Soulsville housing, development
