Do Memphians Trust the Government?
Late last year, nationwide public trust in government was near an all-time low at 17%. Of course, values differ by ideology, party, race, and other factors, but there has been an overall steep decline since the 1960s. A local internal poll conducted by TN Prospers earlier this year found that every locally elected legislative body is unpopular among voters.
Budget Season Wrapped
Memphis City Council and Shelby County Commission finalize budgets for Fiscal Year 2027. Additionally, MSCS TCAP scores show mixed results, and a federal judge has placed a temporary halt on the state’s oversight board.
The time to act is now.
A new study from Stanford found that a majority of school districts in the US have seen declining proficiency in reading and math, with the largest declines happening in underserved communities. According to Education Scorecard, students at Memphis-Shelby County schools performed an average of 2.37 grade levels behind their Tennessee peers between 2022 and 2025.
The data makes one thing clear: the time for bold action is now.
Memphis 3.0 and Place-Based Policy
You may have seen Memphis 3.0 mentioned in the news or on your feed. This comprehensive plan aims to revitalize neighborhoods, grow opportunity, and strengthen Memphis for all families. The impact of Memphis 3.0, however, depends on updates to the UDC—the very rules that determine what gets built, where it gets built, and how our communities grow. These regulations are not just paperwork—they decide whether your neighborhood has safe parks, affordable housing, and thriving local businesses.
Election Results and Looking Forward
Election Day was on Tuesday, and we now have some idea of what our county’s elected leadership will look like when the victors are sworn in on September 1st. While the general election is not until August, historical trends can tell us who is likely to emerge from the field.