Memphis City Council approves downtown parking and housing programs

The Memphis City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, focused on several key legislative items, including the establishment of a downtown parking garage revitalization program and the Memphis Shelby County Building Home Program.

During the meeting, the council reviewed a consent agenda that included multiple ordinances and resolutions. Notably, item number 11 proposed an ordinance to create a downtown parking garage revitalization and safety program, which is aimed at enhancing parking facilities in the city. This ordinance is sponsored by council members Spinoza, Green, Swearingen, Washington, Smiley, Warren, and Logan.

Another significant item was the joint ordinance establishing the Memphis Shelby County Building Home Program, which aligns with the Tennessee Homestead Act. This ordinance, numbered 5,946, received support from a broad coalition of council members, including Easter, Thomas, Canale, and others.

The council also discussed an ordinance to appropriate tax levy proceeds for the fiscal year 2025-2026, ensuring proper management of city funds. Additionally, a zoning ordinance was introduced to reclassify land at 5433 Malone Road from a conservation agriculture use district to an employment use district, which could facilitate development in that area.

During the voting process, Councilwoman Janika White recused herself from voting on item number 30 due to her role as special counsel for the County Commission. Following the vote, a procedural error was identified regarding item number 9, prompting Councilwoman Logan to request a change in her vote from yes to no. This change raised concerns about the outcome of the vote, leading Councilman Smiley to propose that the item be held until all council members could participate in the decision. The motion to hold the item was seconded and accepted without objection.

The meeting concluded with the council moving on to fiscal consent agenda items, indicating ongoing discussions about the city's financial management and development initiatives. The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping Memphis's urban landscape and fiscal policies in the coming year.