Memphis doesn’t need another campaign built on empty promises. We need a clear vision, measurable priorities, and leaders willing to do the real work for our communities.

My platform is built around 10 actionable priorities designed to move Memphis forward and create a city where every resident can build a thriving future without having to leave home to find it.

 

OUR PRIORITIES

Building the Memphis We Deserve

Memphis doesn’t need another campaign built on empty promises. We need a clear vision, measurable priorities, and leaders willing to do the work.

My campaign is built around 10 priorities designed to move Memphis forward and create a city where people can build a future without having to leave home to find one.

01 — SAFER COMMUNITIES

Every family deserves to feel safe where they live. We will push for stronger neighborhood safety, better lighting and infrastructure, community-centered policing, youth prevention programs, and greater accountability.

02 — OPPORTUNITY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Our young people should see Memphis as a place of possibility. We will fight for internships, apprenticeships, career pathways, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities.

03 — ECONOMIC MOBILITY

A job should be more than a paycheck—it should be a pathway forward. We will support workforce development, skilled trades, career training, entrepreneurship, and opportunities that help residents increase their earning potential.

04 — HOMEOWNERSHIP & GENERATIONAL WEALTH

Memphis families deserve a realistic path toward owning property and building something they can pass down. We will advocate for first-time homebuyer resources, financial education, neighborhood investment, and policies that encourage long-term ownership.

05 — SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Memphis has entrepreneurs everywhere. We will work toward a city where starting and growing a local business is easier, where entrepreneurs can access resources, and where Memphis businesses have a real opportunity to thrive.

06 — NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

Every neighborhood deserves investment—not just the ones receiving the most attention. We will focus on blight reduction, abandoned properties, beautification, parks, infrastructure, lighting, and creating communities people are proud to call home.

07 — EDUCATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Our city’s future starts in our classrooms. We will advocate for stronger connections between education, workforce opportunities, career preparation, and the needs of Memphis students and families.

08 — A MODERN MEMPHIS

Memphis cannot afford to be stuck in the past. We will embrace technology, innovation, digital access, modern infrastructure, and emerging industries that can create the jobs and opportunities of tomorrow.

09 — CULTURE, TOURISM & MEMPHIS PRIDE

Our music, food, history, arts, sports, and culture have influenced the entire world. We will champion Memphis creators, local businesses, events, tourism, and investment that turns our culture into even greater opportunity for our communities.

10 — ACCOUNTABILITY AT CITY HALL

Public service means being accountable to the public. We will advocate for transparency, responsible spending, ethical leadership, accessible government, and a stronger connection between City Hall and the people it represents.

 

THE MEMPHIS WE’RE BUILDING

We want a Memphis where:

You can be safe.
You can find opportunity.
You can start a business.
You can buy a home.
You can build wealth.
You can raise a family.
You can chase your dreams.
And you can believe in your city’s future.

I’m not running to maintain the Memphis we have.

I’m running to help build the Memphis we deserve.

SAFETY. OPPORTUNITY. PROGRESS.

Beyond the ordinary. Beyond expectations.

Let’s level up Memphis.

— Ja’Marez Benson
Candidate for Memphis City Council