What is Memphis 3.0 and Why You Should Follow it!

Back in the summer of 2017 I came across a redevelopment project called Memphis 3.0. This redevelopment project was created to operate around connectivity, livability, sustainability, and opportunity within the 14 districts that Memphis is divided into. The project is a two year plan that started it’s initial 5 phase process on November 30, 2017. The plan consist of each district going through the 4 different phases and phase 5 being put into action in January of 2019.

Phase I begins with the Planning Process. During these sessions there will be research of existing conditions and public meetings used to ask residents what they value about Memphis and what should be improved. There will be technical committees formed to prioritize research in specific fields and planning areas. Phase II focuses on developing future goals that have been set. Phase III will consist of four public meetings used to determine a path that continues to drive forward the city's population and development. This phase asks questions such as "What are the trade-offs for different population, employment, and housing increases, and what are the trade-offs associated with different growth strategies?” according to the project's website. Phase IV will last approximately 9 months and will involve members of the 3.0 team to spend 10 weeks in each of the 14 districts. During these 10 weeks a series of workshops, neighborhood tours and presentations will occur at various community spaces. By the end of the District Planning phase, there will be 14 Community Character plans that will form the Comprehensive Plan, with designated areas for projects and initiatives assigned. The hope is that by 2019 our city will have a plan for the neighborhoods, opportunity for all, special quality of life, walkable/bikable communities connected by effective transportation options, smart use of our land, strong connections between places and people, and more. 

For more information or ways to get involved please visit the Memphis 3.0 website. 
​http://www.memphis3point0.com/

I know there is a lot of talk of gentrification and some dislike for Mayor Strickland however, all of the moves that I have seen made have been public knowledge. We have been given the opportunity to be involved in the decisions being made within the city. I encourage you all to sign up for the Mayor's weekly e-mail list, follow City officials on social media, follow these city and state pages, send messages to them, write letters, attend these public meetings, ask questions, and hold these people accountable. If there is a change to be made we have to demand that they make it, even if that means electing new officials. If you're not sure how to find these events or meetings please let me know. Facebook has an event section that will allow you to express interest in all types of events going on within the city and it keeps  a calendar with all of your interest posted. Also, there is a School Board Business Meeting today at 160 S. Hollywood St. Memphis, TN 38112 @ 5:30 pm! Let's make Memphis the city we need and want it to be!