Mayor Young proposes $897 million FY27 Memphis budget; public commenters press for police accountability and youth mental health

Mayor Paul Young presented a proposed $897 million operating budget for fiscal year 2027 to the Memphis City Council on April 21, emphasizing personnel investments, housing and infrastructure projects and a 2% across‑the‑board pay increase for city employees.

The proposal, which Mayor Young said was developed with independent revenue estimates from the University of Memphis and review of division requests, allocates roughly $652 million to personnel — about 72% of the operating budget — and includes a roughly $106 million capital improvement program. "This is a people‑driven budget," Mayor Paul Young said during the presentation, summarizing that officials evaluated more than $150 million in cost pressures and about $38.2 million in division requests before balancing the plan.

Why it matters: The plan holds the line on taxation while directing dollars toward public safety, neighborhood infrastructure, housing and culture, but members of the public told the council the proposal underfunds mental‑health supports for youth and transparency and accountability for the police department.

Key features of the proposal include a 2% pay increase proposed for all city employees, a…