Memphis Mayor Paul Young is a “YES” man. He basically said so himself.
For his 2025 State of the City Address, not only did he have the words “YES” lit up in front and behind him, he was bold enough to get up on the altar at Temple of Deliverance COGIC in front of God and everybody and say so over and over again.
“Yes to safer neighborhoods, yes to stronger communities, yes to economic growth, yes to investing in our youth, yes to more jobs, yes to more regional economic development, yes to more industry growth,” Young, a self-described “preacher’s kid” preached to a packed sanctuary. And he wasn’t done.
“Yes to every small business owner and small business that opens on Jackson Avenue, Park Avenue, on Elvis Presley Boulevard,” he continued, shouting out companies like Aon, St. Jude xAI and Blue Oval City. “And we’re saying yes to fostering small business growth in more ways this year.”
Such was the blatantly optimistic, hopeful and inspiring picture that Young painted as he enters his second year in office. He highlighted the city’s progress, acknowledged its shortcomings, and challenged its people to show up and show out for the M.
“We cannot ignore the people that are dying in our community. We gotta put the guns down. We gotta find a better way to resolve conflict .”
— Young
Opening on a solemn note, Young reflected on a recent tragic shooting in South Memphis, where five individuals were shot, two fatally. He used the moment to call for collective action against gun violence.
“We have to put the guns down,” he urged. “We must find new ways to resolve conflict.”
Crime reduction remained a major focus, with Young touting initiatives such as expanded SkyCop camera installations, increased police resources, and a $1 million grant program dedicated to supporting local nonprofits tackling the root causes of violence. He also introduced Judge Bernice Donald as an independent monitor overseeing Memphis Police Department reforms.
“Yes to safer neighborhoods,
yes to stronger communities,
yes to economic growth,
yes to investing in our youth,
yes to more jobs,
yes to more regional economic development, yes to more industry growth!”
— Memphis Mayor Paul Young
Beyond public safety, Young laid out a sweeping economic vision for Memphis, highlighting efforts to attract businesses, improve infrastructure and streamline city policies to encourage investment. He pointed to major projects, including the revitalization of 100 North Main and the Sterick Building, the St. Jude expansion and Memphis’ growing role in the tech sector, as evidenced by landing the world’s largest supercomputer, XAI.
Cultural growth also played a role in Young’s address. He announced plans for a new outdoor music venue at Grind City Brewery and celebrated Memphis’ selection as the host city for FUBU’s inaugural hip-hop awards. “Memphis is not just another city,” he said. “We are a city with soul, and the world is taking notice.”
Young placed significant emphasis on youth engagement, citing expansions in summer job programs and the success of city-led community cleanup initiatives like “On Your Block.” He urged Memphians to mentor young people and actively take part in their development, declaring, “Our youth need to see us. They need our support.”
Looking forward, Young vowed that his administration would continue to embrace progress and push for Memphis’ rise. “For too long, we’ve talked about potential,” he said. “Now, it’s time to act like we’ve arrived.”
