Memphis City Council Takes Bold Step Against Car Theft Epidemic
MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ In a move thatโs sure to grab headlines, the Memphis City Council is gearing up to discuss the possibility of hiring an attorney to sue the automakers behind Hyundai and Kia. The shockingly high rates of car thefts in the city have prompted officials to explore legal actions that target these manufacturers due to defects in their vehicles.
Whatโs Happening This Tuesday?
During an executive session on Tuesday, December 3, the City Council will deliberate over a resolution that could allow city attorney to bring in outside counsel to file litigation against Hyundai and Kia. And it doesnโt stop there! The resolution may also extend to “any other manufacturers of vehicles contributing to the epidemic of vehicle thefts,” as stated in the board documents.
If the resolution passes, the city aims to hire the law firm Johnson and Johnson, P.C. to represent them in this matter. The documents highlight that car thefts in Memphis are allegedly linked to known defects in these vehicles that the manufacturers have, according to the documents, concealed. This lack of action has resulted in a dramatic surge in vehicle thefts, leaving many residents frustrated and concerned.
The Car Theft Crisis in Memphis
Memphis has seen a troubling rise in car thefts, and the city officials are ready to take significant action. The board documents indicate that there is solid ground to claim that Hyundai and Kia were aware of these issues and chose not to address them. This alarming situation has made car safety a top priority for the city and has left residents feeling uneasy about their vehicles.
What About the Rising Rental Prices?
But wait, thereโs more! The board has also identified issues surrounding increasing rental prices in the Memphis area. City officials noted that many landlords utilize a software called RealPage to set their rent prices. They argue that this program often drives rental prices up, impacting residents already struggling with affordability.
The documents accuse the usage of RealPage’s system of precluding competition and disproportionately affecting local residents. As Memphis grapples with vehicle thefts, it seems that the rising costs of living are just another factor weighing heavily on the community.
Not Alone in This Fight
Itโs worth noting that Memphis isnโt the only city tackling this issue head-on. Cities like Nashville are also taking legal steps against Hyundai and Kia. The ripple effects of car thefts and rising rent are concerns resonating beyond the lines of Memphis, making this a significant matter on the agenda across the state.
And speaking of RealPage, thereโs even more heat on the company. The United States Department of Justice has already filed a lawsuit against them, alleging that they run an โalgorithmic pricing schemeโ that significantly harms American renters. This investigation adds a layer of urgency to the conversation surrounding rental prices as Memphis considers its course of action.
Whatโs Next for Memphis?
With the executive session just around the corner, all eyes will be on the Memphis City Council’s decisions. Whether they will move forward with hiring legal counsel to sue Hyundai and Kia or take additional steps to address rising rental prices remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the voices of the people in Memphis are being heard, and city officials are advocating fiercely on their behalf.
As the city grapples with these pressing matters, residents will no doubt be looking for solutions that enhance both their safety on the roads and the affordability of housing in their beloved Memphis.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
