A proposal proposed by Memphis Mayor Paul Young may impose a new tax on the Downtown district. A 0.5% sales tax on food and other goods would be imposed specifically, with the goal of financing “security, beautification, and assistance for our unhoused population.” According to WREG, this tax would be an additional 50 cents on a $100 bill and is in line with the boundaries established by the Tourism Development Zone.
However, the local community’s reaction to the implementation of this tax has been conflicting. “We don’t need another tax, I think it will drive away customers from downtown,” expressed Downtown resident Angela Isom to WREG, adding that “they just need to allocate the money appropriately.” Another local, who asked not to be identified, however, voiced support, arguing that “other downtowns” have established a standard for similar programs.
Chandell Ryan, President and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission, has expressed support for the project in remarks provided by the Local Memphis. Ryan said, “It would definitely help how we serve downtown in our clean, green and safe initiatives, having more dollars means that we could provide more services.” Stakeholders who have voiced interest in a cleaner Downtown region, such the Memphis Grizzlies, agree with this sentiment.
Jabari and other lifelong residents, however, see the idea as a chance. He told Local Memphis, “I would support it if it’s for the good, yep,” seeing it as an investment in the future of the community. Others, such as a local called Jay, contest the need for these upgrades, pointing out that the existing impressions might not accurately represent Downtown Memphis’ actual condition. During an interview with Local Memphis, Jay stated, “I think that people who live down here think it is pretty beautiful, and maybe it gets a bad rep because of people who don’t actually live down here,”
According to The Daily Memphian, state lawmakers must approve this tax before it can go into effect. Once they do, the City Council will be able to carry out the measure. Residents have differing opinions about the tax’s possible effects on the future of the Downtown district, and its adoption is contingent upon the legislature’s actions and the council’s following decisions.
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