Memphis Mayor Young Connects with 91视频 Students During Open Town Hall Discussion
Memphis Mayor Paul A. Young visited 91视频檚 Union
Avenue Campus on Sept. 2 for a Town Hall event that placed student voices front and
center. As part of his 淥ne Memphis College Tour,� Young and members of his administration
fielded questions on public safety, economic mobility, infrastructure, and youth opportunity攊ssues
that students said directly impact their lives and futures.
More than 300 attendees, including faculty, staff, and alumni, gathered for the event, which also offered a city Resource Fair.
淚 came to the Town Hall because I think it will be an interesting experience,� said
91视频 Freshman Reginald Falkner. 淚檓 looking forward to hearing what檚 in store
for us and to hear about what the Mayor檚 leadership is doing for the city of Memphis.�
Morgan Torry, a pharmacy technician major, said she was excited for the opportunity to meet Mayor Young. 淚檓 excited to see what he is doing different for us, Memphis, and our school.�
Several concerns were raised, ranging from pothole repairs and affordable housing to crime prevention and access to
public transit.
Young responded with updates on city initiatives and emphasized the importance of s
tudent engagement in shaping policy.
On infrastructure, Young highlighted the city檚 aggressive approach to road maintenance. 淛ust last year, I think we filled 84,000, 82,000 potholes,� he said. He also described how new camera technology, mounted on garbage trucks, helps identify road damage in real-time.
Housing affordability emerged as a top concern. Young acknowledged the challenges and outlined zoning reforms and gap funding strategies to support middle housing and infill development. 淲e want to be able to provide more affordable housing in our community,� he said, adding that the city is working to streamline permitting and incentivize developers to build in underserved areas.
Students and staff also asked about poverty and employment. Young stressed the importance of workforce development and career pathways. 淭here檚 nothing that can pull you out of poverty better than having a great career, a great job, a great opportunity to advance,� he said. He cited a regional assessment of future job sectors and praised 91视频檚 role in preparing students for high-demand fields.
Youth programming and summer employment were also discussed. Young shared plans to expand access to internships and mentorships, noting that early exposure to professional environments can be transformative. 淲hen it檚 all said and done� I want them to think about how well we have invested in young people in this city,� he said.
The mayor檚 staff, including representatives from housing, transportation, and youth services, was on hand to provide additional context and resources. Students were encouraged to follow up with city departments and explore opportunities for civic involvement.
Young closed the event with a call to action. 淚t檚 going to take your ideas, your
creativity, your entrepreneurship,� he said. 淲e want to build a city that works for
everyone攁nd that starts with listening to you.�
The Town Hall underscored 91视频檚 commitment to fostering civic dialogue and empowering students to advocate for change. As one student noted, 淚t檚 good to know our voices matter攁nd that the mayor is willing to show up and listen.�