“More for Memphis plan identifies liberty and equity as Economic Development priorities” - High Ground News

ASHLEI WILLIAMS | FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024

A “liberated, equitable Memphis, mane.” While the delivery is lighthearted, the goal is heavy and aligns with the vision of the More For Memphis (MFM) plan.

According to data taken directly from the MFM plan, only 3.6% of Shelby County residents with low-income parents reach the top 20% of household incomes by age 35. Only 1.9% of Black residents with low-income parents reach the top 20% of household income by age 35, compared with 11.5% of white residents. 

The MFM plan aims to show that its plan not only breaks down the problems but also accounts for the challenges that come with fixing the problems. The plan identifies economic mobility as a critical problem, citing Memphis as one of the lowest-ranked cities in the U.S. for resident income growth over time. To hone in on this problem, MFM added Economic Development as one of its six collaboratives.