Data Points: Ones That Matter For Memphis
All data are for Memphis: Racial Breakdown of Memphis Population: In 1980: 47% African American...
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Dec 4, 2020 | Data Points
All data are for Memphis: Racial Breakdown of Memphis Population: In 1980: 47% African American...
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Dec 2, 2020 | Civil Rights
Thumbnail: The always perceptive Joe Cortright of the City Observatory think tank pointed out that the car insurance rate paid by bad or aggressive drivers is less that what is paid by people living in an African American neighborhood. It’s why states should ban insurance rates being based on things like zip codes rather than on individual driving records.
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Nov 30, 2020 | Leadership, Poverty
Thumbnail: One of the milestones in the age of Memphis momentum has been the entry of the Kresge Foundation into Memphis. Since 2013, it has provided funding of more than $23 million for nonprofit organizations working to create a culture of opportunity.
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Nov 23, 2020 | Data Points
Thumbnail: Shelby County continues to have a net loss of population but people moving here from abroad keep the gap close between those moving in and moving out. Predictions are that Shelby County’s population is likely to grow 1% and Memphis’ is to decrease 1%, one of three lowest in the ranking of the 30 largest U.S. cities.
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Nov 20, 2020 | Economic Development, Leadership
In 1986, minority business development was an afterthought – if thought of at all. That would all...
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Nov 18, 2020 | Leadership, Planning and Urban Design
There are some deaths that are nothing less than a punch in the gut. Heartbreaking, defying...
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Nov 16, 2020 | City of Memphis Government
Thumbnail: The Summit on Housing shone a spotlight on the affordable housing problem in Memphis...
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Nov 11, 2020 | City of Memphis Government, Parks and Greening, Uncategorized
Thumbnail: The Overton Park Conservancy continues to map out the future of Memphis’ beloved park and is asking for public input. Overton Park is at a crossroads and it’s in everyone’s interest to help make it be all that it can be. About 10 years ago, we had an opportunity to express opinions that led to creation of the Overton Park Conservancy. Your input can help define the park’s next chapter.
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Nov 9, 2020 | City of Memphis Government
Thumbnail: At a time when people want answers, Tennessee Valley Authority has responded with a special coloring book. If that wasn’t enough, it was issued in the name of Allen Fossil Plan which was closed for several years because of toxic waste. The following is a column published in last week’s issue of the Memphis Flyer.
Read MorePosted by Smart City Memphis | Nov 7, 2020 | Uncategorized
by 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.