Analysis: Political Influence Gives Birth To Tax Subsidies For Apartment Developers
“Evidence from other cities is that apartments are about as important as ax-throwing bars in...
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Oct 9, 2020 | City of Memphis Government, Economic Development, Taxation
“Evidence from other cities is that apartments are about as important as ax-throwing bars in...
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Oct 7, 2020 | Economic Development, Taxation, Uncategorized
Today, I’m writing over at MLK50.com, whose founder and publisher is Wendi C. Thomas. I...
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Oct 1, 2020 | Uncategorized
From A Reader: Sometimes in government the people charged with spending money forget to remember...
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Sep 30, 2020 | Uncategorized
Thumbnail: While some in the media greeted this report with applause, it was premature. The economy remains gloomy, and it’s beginning to look like it’s going to be long and painful road back. David Ciscel contributes his economic update to this conversation.
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Sep 28, 2020 | Arts and Culture, City of Memphis Government
Thumbnail: Christopher Reyes sets the standard for creativity in Memphis again with a proof of concept project that is mind-blowing and could hopefully open up an era of artistic creativity with support from the public and private sectors.
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Sep 23, 2020 | Criminal Justice, Politics and Government
Thumbnails: The late Memphian, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Abe Fortas, is used by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in his pretzel logic about the appointment of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s successor. It’s worth remembering the entire and powerful story of this distinguished Memphian’s life and how raw politics blocked his appointment as chief justice in one of the U.S. Senate’s darkest moments.
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Sep 21, 2020 | Uncategorized
Thumbnail: Justice Ginsburg’s death was the ultimate kick in the stomach in a grinding year that I’m anxious to leave behind. As a result, I’m moving into the Jewish new year and the fresh start it offers.
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Sep 19, 2020 | Uncategorized
Posted by Smart City Memphis | Sep 18, 2020 | City of Memphis Government, Planning and Urban Design, Transportation, Uncategorized
Thumbnail: The always insightful Joe Cortright of the City Observatory think tank pointed out that transportation planners label projects as “pedestrian-friendly” when they are really being designed for cars. The following article by him was published at City Observatory earlier this year.
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Sep 16, 2020 | City of Memphis Government, Criminal Justice
Thumbnail: After 48 years of police directors chosen from within the Memphis Police Department culture, Memphis has the opportunity to bring in new perspectives and new ideas with a new hire who is prepared to answer the key question: Does Memphis need more police or better police? It is now also the primary question that is front and center for the newly appointed City of Memphis reimagining police committee.
Read Moreby Bill Day. Memphian Bill Day is two-time winner of the RFK Journalism Award in Cartooning. His cartoons are syndicated internationally by Cagle Cartoons. Cartoons Archive →
Since 2005, this has been Smart City Consulting’s blog with the aim of connecting the dots and providing perspective on issues and policies shaping Memphis. Editor and primary author is Tom Jones, City Journal columnist at Memphis magazine, author of two books and a museum exhibition, and consultant on public policy and strategic planning. He has written articles for MLK50, The Commercial Appeal, and USA Today. The blog was called one of the most intriguing blogs in the U.S. by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change; The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal said it “provides some of the most well-thought-out thinking about Memphis’ past, present, and future you’ll find anywhere,” and the Memphis Flyer said: “This incredibly well-written blog sets out to solve the city’s ills – from the mayor to MATA – with out-of-the-box thinking, fresh approaches to old problems, and new ideas.” If you have questions, submissions, or ideas for posts, please email Tom Jones, at tjones@smartcityconsulting.com.