Memphis is a beautiful city! Each neighborhood is vibrant in its own way, but what can be done when a property isn’t being properly maintained?
Memphis’ neighborhoods are part of what makes our city special, each vibrant in its own way. Caring for those neighborhoods is a shared effort, and even something as seemingly isolated as an overgrown lot, abandoned property, or illegal dumping site can affect how residents experience their neighborhood and how others perceive it.
“There's work going on behind the scenes. There are no two paths that look the same for compliance of properties. Every property has its own story. Every property has different variables.”
Community safety isn’t only shaped by crime statistics; it’s also influenced by how people experience the places around them. The data shows that major offenses have declined significantly compared to previous years,and the Safer Communities Dashboard provides another look at what’s happening across Memphis. Still, when properties appear neglected, that visible disinvestment can shape perceptions of a neighborhood and the community around it.
That’s one reason the City of Memphis’ Community Enhancement team is taking a collaborative approach to caring for Memphis neighborhoods. Addressing blight isn’t the responsibility of one City division – or even City government alone. Community Enhancement works alongside property owners, neighborhood residents, other City teams, and community partners to prevent problems when possible and find paths toward compliance when intervention is necessary.
That collaboration comes to life through a multi-pronged strategy centered on education, beautification, and action.
- The Blight Busters public service announcements showcase common challenges (think excessive weeds & grass or improper storage of motor vehicles) and steps for remediation
- The Clean Memphis guide offers comprehensive insights into waste management practices and responsible disposal methods
- Memphians can take an active role in caring for their neighborhoods by maintaining their own properties, helping neighbors connect with available resources, and reporting concerns when they arise.
While prevention is paramount, some properties require a different approach. Blight litigation is another tool available to the City, with the goal of finding solutions that benefit property owners, neighborhoods, and Memphis as a whole.
We all have a role in keeping Memphis beautiful. If you spot illegal dumping or a property that needs attention, reporting is one simple way to help care for our neighborhoods. Call 311 or email: blight@memphistn.gov
Want to hear more about how The City of Memphis is tackling blight through teamwork? Listen to this conversation with Melanie Neal and Lani Lester with Mayor Paul Young on Meanwhile in Memphis!
Hear from real leaders making a real impact in Memphis each week on the Meanwhile in Memphis podcast, airing on Tuesdays at 8am on WYXR 91.7 FM and streaming wherever you prefer to listen podcasts.
Great cities need great leaders, and New Memphis builds them. New Memphis is a nonprofit leadership development organization that infuses Memphis with leaders who are passionate about positive community change and have the skills needed to take action. New Memphis’ leadership development programs inspire thought, connection, action, and civic engagement, helping participants find meaningful ways to use their talents and networks to be effective city advocates at any point in their careers — from the college classroom to the C-Suite executive.
