During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on a new grant program aimed at supporting small businesses affected by crime. Commissioner Brooks raised concerns regarding the allocation of public funds, specifically a proposed $750,000 initiative designed to assist businesses that have experienced incidents such as burglaries and robberies.

The program, known as CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), was developed in collaboration with the City of Memphis Mayor's Office and the Memphis Police Department (MPD). It aims to provide financial assistance to small businesses for safety assessments and improvements based on recommendations from MPD. The funding will come from the existing inner city economic development forgivable loans, which have been in place since 2017.

Commissioner Brooks expressed apprehension about the criteria for eligibility, noting that the initial information did not specify detailed requirements beyond having experienced a crime incident prior to July 1. She emphasized the need for transparency to her constituents, who are taxpayers, and sought clarification on how these funds would be distributed and the rationale behind prioritizing certain businesses over others.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by small businesses in high-crime areas and the government's efforts to address these issues through targeted financial support. Further discussions are expected to clarify the program's criteria and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.