Weekly Policy Update Tara Fredenburg Weekly Policy Update Tara Fredenburg

Big News Week in Memphis

Some hot topics in Memphis have had major developments this week. In this update, we cover Judge Waverly Crenshaw Jr. clearing the path for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Oversight Board and a contentious City Council meeting in which a majority of council members voted to delay a decision on a temporary data center moratorium.

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Weekly Policy Update Tara Fredenburg Weekly Policy Update Tara Fredenburg

Centering the Data on Data Centers

As cities across the U.S. grapple with the rapid revolution of artificial intelligence, Memphis finds itself in the center of the debate over how to balance protecting community needs with the expansion of the Mississippi Delta’s data center alley.

In this update, we examine the proposed moratorium on new AI data centers in Memphis, how SpaceXAI is currently operating in the area, and what considerations and guardrails residents here and across the country are asking for when data centers come to town.

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Weekly Policy Update Tara Fredenburg Weekly Policy Update Tara Fredenburg

All the Money in Shelby County

The Tennessee comptroller rejected Shelby County’s budget for the first time due to what he claimed were unmet requirements. This means Shelby County cannot access bonds or take on debt in fiscal year 2026, but major projects, like new schools and the Regional One rebuild, should stay on track.

In this update, we show you what public funding we have locally and where it comes from. We also highlight what Memphis and Shelby County officials can focus on in budgeting for the upcoming fiscal year to support children and families.

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