EDGE reports $1.1 billion in capital investment and hundreds of new jobs; council presses on local hiring
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Summary
Joanne Massey of EDGE told the council the agency supported roughly 752 jobs and more than $1.1 billion in capital investment in FY24-25 and cited 89 active pilot projects; Council members asked how EDGE will increase resident hiring and training access.
Joanne Massey, president and CEO of EDGE, told the Economic Development & Tourism committee on Feb. 3 that EDGEs FY24-25 outcomes show notable capital investment and job creation. "In fiscal year 24-25, EDGE supported 752 jobs created with an average annual wage of $74,984 and generated over $1,100,000,000 in capital investment across Shelby County," Massey said.
Massey described EDGEs three pillars—business retention/expansion/recruitment, competitive positioning and community outreach—and highlighted performance-monitoring practices including site visits and pilot performance reviews. She said EDGE had 89 active pilot projects and that in 24-25 six pilots produced 647 jobs and $1.1 billion in capital investment.
Councilwoman Cooper Sutton pressed EDGE on why resident employment in Memphis is lower than in earlier years and raised concerns about training and access to jobs for constituents. Massey said jobs increasingly locate regionally and that EDGE and partners focus on retraining and connecting Memphians to available positions; she cited collaboration with partners such as the Greater Memphis Chamber and workforce programs (including Memphis Lift) to strengthen outreach and training.
Massey also highlighted the Port of Memphis and recent Port investments, noting the acquisition of 46 acres of former navy property and a $6 million roadway improvement on President's Island.
Council members repeatedly asked for clearer mechanisms to translate business commitments into resident hires; Massey said EDGE will continue engagement with workforce partners to close the gap between job openings and local worker training.
