[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6265743,"mediaKeyId","3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe","parentId",3088999,"title","Memphis Zoo lays out $250 million campus plan, asks city for $1.5 million more in annual operating support","audioSeconds",1151,"startMs",1547000,"endMs",2698000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe&start=1547&end=2698","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe/thumbnail_1547000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6265743/Memphis-City/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Memphis-Zoo-lays-out-250-million-campus-plan-asks-city-for-15-million-more-in-annual-operating-support","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265743-19b34a02e65d7c8cc838bc3a69eb8571/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448342&Signature=YyFd1n29GPOGtap~NzpJZcDVIPnYIRGWHg--ulavyfrN75X0L9jodLvltoT4b8Z-Gowt6RTMWP~vQRhfB5DTZZc69QKZJBdUwmbcgSoU019~9fV~6i-HuYE4KCjQ4OYO3wZFL7SVPnBcowtyQwmAVxcownFRij0Vr2D~qVhM0gAtkWvHd1MXdlbVxG5mD8w5wn0ekB-vsbnSuDgvzkDL8QZT45YbAL5LfI3Gw5UGM6VS9neUb43S5NkcTlujTi0Dj7Kdob8YlrsEtaVNsTL0v78iEIa6K1~ufXubsBRTAc5QMIoQvD~MoK9MCUC5JpJYDln-LzAa3OGRqnB4H1u5vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Memphis City, TN","date","2025-04-23T04:51:57.237Z","article","The Memphis Zoo told a city committee on April 22 that it has a new comprehensive campus plan, that capital campaigns and a recent state appropriation have advanced the project, and that the zoo needs additional ongoing municipal operating support to restore depleted reserves.

Matt Thompson, president and CEO of the Memphis Zoo, told the Budget and Public Service committees the zoo attracts roughly 900,000 to 1 million visitors a year and that roughly half of paid attendees come from beyond 50 miles — making the zoo a regional destination. He said a recent economic-impact study estimated the zoo’s contribution at about $89.4 million.

Capital plan and projects: Thompson described a roughly $250 million multi‑phase plan to finish the campus. The first major project is an African savannah exhibit — a 14‑acre facility with elephants, rhinos and giraffes — that the zoo estimates at $75 million; Thompson said the state budget included $20 million toward that project and that private fundraising has put the Africa project “almost fully funded.” He also described a proposed three‑story “Oceans to Forest” indoor aquarium and rainforest hybrid and a smaller stingray exhibit expected to open next spring.

Operating request: Thompson said the zoo has seen declines in operating revenue tied to lower attendance after a high‑profile violent incident in the city and that the zoo has drawn down operating reserves. He described the city’s current annual management‑fee contribution as approximately $1.2 million and told council members the zoo is asking the city for roughly an additional $1.5 million in annual operating support; he said the zoo has proposed that the city and Shelby County split an additional $3 million in operating support so each jurisdiction would provide about $1.5 million. The zoo asked that operating support be paired with continued private fundraising and oversight. Thompson said the zoo’s operating shortfall was driven in part by a roughly 20% drop in attendance in the years after several high‑profile public‑safety incidents.

Council response and follow‑up: Council members pressed for details on the long‑term operating plan, maintenance costs for new exhibits such as an elephant facility, hiring and training needs, and proof of private commitments. Several members asked for a clearer breakdown of what the city already pays to the zoo (the committee asked parks and zoo staff to prepare a detailed, recent multi‑year breakdown of operating transfers, capital support and existing grant relationships). Council members asked the zoo to provide quarterly financial and performance reports and to identify specific maintenance and operating-cost estimates for each new exhibit.

Why it matters: The zoo argued that new attractions and conservation programs are key drivers of tourism and non‑local visitation and that restoring operating reserves is necessary to sustain day‑to‑day operations and animal care. Council members said they were open to supporting the zoo but that any additional city commitments need more detailed budgeting, maintenance plans and proof of shared county support.

Ending: The zoo left committee with clear next steps: provide a detailed multi‑year operating budget, estimates of ongoing maintenance costs for each new exhibit, and quarterly reporting timelines for the council to review during budget season.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Memphis City Council Committee Meetings: April 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Memphis Zoo officials presented a $250 million comprehensive campus plan on April 22 and asked the city to increase its annual management‑fee subsidy — currently about $1.2 million — by roughly $1.5 million, with the zoo proposing a matching amount from Shelby County.","taxTitle","Memphis City, Shelby County, Tennessee","taxId",3648,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6265748,"Memphis nonprofit seeks city help to buy and restore Lamar Avenue theater",855,197000,1052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe&start=197&end=1052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe/thumbnail_197000.jpg","/articles/6265748/Memphis-City/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Memphis-nonprofit-seeks-city-help-to-buy-and-restore-Lamar-Avenue-theater","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265748-bbd12ec488d7db26418f8418fcce8fdc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448342&Signature=iPt~JoDXp50EdnalkjiP8vrB984T5VzEExl-HllZBzK9sC093duv6B-prdRuNOYOdOjDYk7Gn5f2OSPW5Rjox6CMnZuGs7kphV-jXHJL6lDwgFY3mJBl6AE11DsicETCmiaIGk83x7~9OFJ~RJ2bKezjPkMcJNpnSwyx0NrJIqFc3cnsufJeOhF8zmvpks~Y7Xa3-62XORACAfUts6hwrJRVERAm2-XuUYG6R6O5rINDQkXwI2BjDsspmM2CS~hKYIbVLcB2~O6mX90J3fcx07IfygvM~d3CLk3A63NIbEzJjeSTb4XPlVh1az3JKyJnUyaysrIywmVy1ij6rVICHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Zipporah Muriel, founder of the nonprofit Memphis Mecca and its development arm South Mecca Development, told the Public Service Arts and Youth Initiative Committee on April 22 that her group is pursuing rehabilitation of a long-vacant property on Lamar Avenue and is asking the council to consider funding help for property acquisition and initial site work.

Muriel said the nonprofit is a local, youth-focused development group that aims to convert the site into a multiuse cultural and entertainment venue targeted at younger residents. “We are the change,” she said, describing the anchor project as a multipurpose entertainment facility with rotating film series, cultural programming and youth workshops.

Why this matters: Muriel said Memphis is losing residents in prime working ages and that modest targeted investments in culture and walkable destinations can help retain young families and creatives. She told the committee the site falls within a federal opportunity zone and that the group has community support — she said a petition in the group’s packet carried more than 100 signatures.

What they asked for: Muriel asked the council to consider funding the cost of property acquisition, site assessment and early demolition. She said preliminary materials in the packet estimate the project will need “about 750,000” to secure the location and begin site work, and also referenced an existing agreement with the seller. She asked the committee to consider a possible line item in the 2026 budget and to identify any discretionary funds that could be used now to finish acquisition and start preparation work.

What the committee said: Committee members who spoke praised the youth-led proposal and asked for more detail on the applicant’s budget, long-term operations and community partnerships. Councilman Warren and Councilwoman Logan both urged staff to bring the project into budget discussions; Logan specifically asked for documentation identifying other grant and private funding commitments and for a financial accountability plan (Muriel said a plan was provided in the packet). The applicant said architects have completed renderings for phase one and that contractor estimates were still being finalized.

Next steps: Muriel said she would share renderings and additional budget detail with council offices and left a packet for members. The group asked for a 2026 budget line item and possible discretionary funds in the current budget; no formal appropriation was voted at the committee meeting.

Ending: The presentation closed with committee members encouraging the group to return with a final site budget and a timeline for acquisition and early demolition.","Memphis Mecca, a local 501(c)(3), asked the Public Service Arts and Youth Initiative Committee to consider funding to secure and rehabilitate a long-vacant building on Lamar Avenue, including a request that the council consider a 2026 budget line item and discretionary support this fiscal year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6265729,"Council says short‑term rentals are a growing neighborhood problem; sponsor to bring ordinance after legal review",412,10880000,11292000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe&start=10880&end=11292","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe/thumbnail_10880000.jpg","/articles/6265729/Memphis-City/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Council-says-shortterm-rentals-are-a-growing-neighborhood-problem-sponsor-to-bring-ordinance-after-legal-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265729-064daf3a61eb630c65058b5b8916df5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448342&Signature=FnquYiiQ783i-~1VUScwiM0z16MZkfW8oAVIg1ZjL4RbIuwEllopCcAecbada7rh6ewel-BKUeFEwFyuWHMGyiLvP8r9a7WaDh~vrb-SXTVyaPM6EQadD88FQggCCRMNWyfC6lmkxipCbz3FsDe1okU2GEg7aUsJR4rmyjqCZo6V1rRV76BiTpw2bi64DCE~icjallYdA9TZ~Kla90HaszUWCwkob~FWYiNKX6SgaGXedX4YLX7vgApfSXJPjt~2vyWQHUVfDp87FBsSctkXwuOkJkCN8PLUShf0kfLj7cZonIOU3PGvBQRV5USxNLRVa77jAekL9rYXOpBGZ1bFng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Short‑term rental (STR) complaints rose repeatedly during committee hearings on April 22, with council members and planning staff describing problems ranging from loud parties and street parking to violent incidents and difficulty enforcing local rules.

Councilman Jon Spinoza said residents across the city have reported STR‑related problems and that he planned to present a draft ordinance in the next meeting cycle after legal review. “I met with a woman three weeks ago by the Liberty Bowl who had bullet holes in her living room,” Spinoza said, describing neighborhood safety incidents linked to short‑term rentals in some cases.

Legal and enforcement limits: John Zena, planning director, explained the practical limits imposed by state law and by the way STRs register on private platforms. He said the city updated its local STR ordinance in 2023 to require permits and restrict sleeping rooms, but that state rules allow existing STRs to operate under earlier regulations in many cases. Zena and other staff said verifying when a listing began operating can be difficult because platform records are privately held.

Council direction and next steps: Members asked for a focused, enforceable local approach that stays within state limits. Several members urged involving Memphis Police Department so enforcement staff can explain what is possible at the local level. Spinoza said he and legal counsel are working on language to address repeat‑offender properties, party advertising and better neighbor notifications; he promised to deliver a proposed ordinance in the coming weeks for committee consideration.

Why it matters: Council members said the issue touches public safety, housing and neighborhood quality of life; they emphasized the need to protect residents’ rights and to craft measures that are legally sound and enforceable.

Ending: The committee will return to the topic after staff and legal complete a draft; council members asked staff to coordinate with MPD and code enforcement on enforcement mechanics.","Council members described noise, parties and safety incidents tied to short‑term rental units and asked staff and legal to draft enforceable local steps; sponsor Jon Spinoza said he will bring a draft ordinance after counsel review.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6265734,"Draft downtown parking ordinance would set standards for garage lighting, cleanliness and pricing; council sends draft to owners for review",1523,6234000,7757000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe&start=6234&end=7757","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe/thumbnail_6234000.jpg","/articles/6265734/Memphis-City/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Draft-downtown-parking-ordinance-would-set-standards-for-garage-lighting-cleanliness-and-pricing-council-sends-draft-to-owners-for-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265734-7f0a4bc37592a1ba5e324b52137b6edb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448342&Signature=Eh7-NRlPkC1h1HysfC34zQLqUgRkxSUCdC~Sc4FlLfW2BcXwG9WezcD1tXrcz6FgEqg9vCvGRKQOEK7YMmlzLv5ndDVclHgpPC0Zbqe03tsLiJkYKsIyQAw5tOZzRc5pjYt1Pta~WDjpI3N3M4tiODwSnAnPGbd33YJXNQuI31p-WSBcr0QwI7Nle9j1Cuh8p0Vde~B-A2VyczIriNoYVNMLiFrU6e75oLBp-MYZ2FYjHysUiE2xIcFc9X3sMw3oAPV1Jru4H8nZ98P0sL30dHqvBuI2eOTp~tTpPXFzvBiqWsrcApXzxcUqyQNIylw-DKhyDVEkVO0FY~Bl0W3xkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A broad rewrite of downtown parking standards was introduced April 22 by Councilman Jon Spinoza, who described a draft ordinance that would set minimum lighting, pressure‑washing, trash‑receptacle spacing, and inspection standards for downtown parking garages and establish fines and an incentive scheme for owners who comply.

Draft provisions: Spinoza said the ordinance is intended to improve public safety and the customer experience downtown. Items in the draft include mandatory cleaning and pressure‑washing cycles, trash receptacles at regular intervals, lighting minimums, clearer pricing displays, and fines for unsanitary or unsafe conditions. The draft also proposes incentives for garage owners who meet higher standards and a phased ramp‑up period (90–120 days) for compliance. Spinoza said that a separate enforcement mechanism and a fund into which fines would be deposited could pay for improvements and grants to owners who upgrade facilities.

Public testimony and stakeholder views: Former council member John Burgess — who attended and spoke as a downtown business leader — said inconsistent pricing and poor lighting discourage repeat visits and hurt downtown businesses. “Memphis is not a $35 parking city,” Burgess told the committee, urging standardization and better customer experience. Spinoza and other council members discussed options including a single default fee for short visits, protections against sudden event surcharges, and both penalties and grants tied to measurable improvements.

Council direction: Committee members asked the sponsor to work with the Downtown Memphis Commission, code enforcement, legal staff and downtown garage owners to refine the draft. Several council members asked for a clearer enforcement plan — including whether code enforcement would administer violations — and for cost estimates if the city were to invest in municipal garages. The committee also asked staff to produce a map of downtown garages, operators and current pricing to inform policy choices.

Next steps: Spinoza said the draft is intended to be collaborative and that staff will meet with garage operators, the Downtown Memphis Commission and code and legal staff. The committee voted to forward the draft to stakeholders and to send a version to the full council with the recommendation that further stakeholder negotiation continue before final readings.","Councilman Jon Spinoza introduced a first‑draft ordinance to regulate garage standards downtown — from lighting and pressure‑washing schedules to pricing transparency and fines — and the committee voted to send the draft to stakeholders for further work.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6265739,"MLGW seeks routine contract renewals and vehicle purchases while warning federal LIHEAP funding is at risk",928,3492000,4420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe&start=3492&end=4420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3088999-afb45e7b80ba513444268ecb5bd8cfbe/thumbnail_3492000.jpg","/articles/6265739/Memphis-City/Shelby-County/Tennessee/MLGW-seeks-routine-contract-renewals-and-vehicle-purchases-while-warning-federal-LIHEAP-funding-is-at-risk","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265739-d5fdabfb534aafaf4fd5e5103c9538a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448342&Signature=jYgXCxvPBcFfA3pP-rtCMtAPf7zEN02zGiV6siw8kmHRouFguBLEi9FjvYNX7iW8CZ2tTcD17BfIFUUkjcuJZEMX7D-kU1Av8dfvADHdusbVIcNDvcJ0Z3pGe4ljgDZdGeg8OGJhgAA3OJyZjn8kjZPXSKcbB1jdTCv5DWuRVDSGbLdzm9wpdsn6a1v1qQxcUx27jWto6J2lmvNUX~33sc1cIPkaRv7kUPkgQCh1-OXzE2zk9PAL3MVXoGDxJfOYXMAlR9eMO09iQ28DhUmy17LZarWx7uwtFPApbC0pMiURZX-Ei7ayhwIHCVZPVUs10ms~L4Tpwyf1cQRvvn5pUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) leaders briefed council committees on April 22 about a sizable consent agenda of contracts and equipment purchases and delivered a separate warning about potential cuts to federal energy‑assistance funding.

Consent agenda highlights: Doug McGowan, representing MLGW, summarized a batch of spending requests the utility was forwarding for committee approval. He said the board had already approved roughly $171 million in spending for the year and asked for an additional $6.3 million at that meeting. Items on the consent list included renewals and professional services (SCADA software support, IT cybersecurity modules, engineering contracts for lead service replacement and plant rehabilitation), and a series of vehicle and equipment purchases for system maintenance — from class‑7 bucket trucks to pickup trucks and service bodies. McGowan described several renewal contracts for network‑monitoring and cybersecurity tools that range in the low six‑figures annually, and a vehicle program that replaces aging fleet items.

LIHEAP warning: Separately, McGowan told the committee that the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — which supports utility payments for eligible households through Shelby County’s Community Services Agency — had seen only a partial 2025 allocation released so far and that the federal administration was proposing to stop LIHEAP funding for FY 2026. He said that reduction could affect tens of thousands of customers locally and millions nationally; McGowan noted that MLGW and local partners helped roughly 39,000 families in a typical year and cited historical LIHEAP totals the utility has distributed on behalf of customers (he cited roughly $16 million provided in 2024 and about $5 million in funds flowing in 2025). McGowan urged council members to be aware of the risk and said the utility and local partners were asking the federal delegation to restore LIHEAP funding.

Why it matters: LIHEAP reductions would mean fewer federal dollars available for Shelby County administration to help households with energy bills, increasing pressure on local assistance programs and utilities. Committee members asked for more detail on the consent agenda line items and on how MLGW tracks capital and operating budgets across electric, gas and water divisions.

Next steps: Several consent items require formal approval by the full council. McGowan said MLGW would continue to press the federal delegation on LIHEAP and that the utility will provide details to the council as any federal decisions are finalized.","Memphis Light, Gas & Water presented multiple spending items including IT, engineering and vehicle purchases and warned the council that federal LIHEAP energy‑assistance funding may be cut in FY2026, potentially affecting thousands of local customers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Memphis Zoo lays out $250 million campus plan, asks city for $1.5 million more in annual operating support

Memphis nonprofit seeks city help to buy and restore Lamar Avenue theater

Council says short‑term rentals are a growing neighborhood problem; sponsor to bring ordinance after legal review

Draft downtown parking ordinance would set standards for garage lighting, cleanliness and pricing; council sends draft to owners for review

MLGW seeks routine contract renewals and vehicle purchases while warning federal LIHEAP funding is at risk