Memphis, TN, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Memphis city officials are set to reevaluate a controversial blight-remediation ordinance aimed at addressing deteriorating buildings on October 7. This ordinance seeks to expand the city’s authority to renovate or demolish properties deemed blighted, primarily targeting neglectful out-of-town landlords. Despite community concerns about its impact on low-income homeowners and vague language regarding enforcement, city officials assert that the ordinance aims to improve neighborhood integrity and public safety. The council’s debate comes in light of over 10,000 abandoned properties in Memphis.
Memphis city officials are gearing up to reconsider a controversial blight-remediation ordinance aimed at tackling deteriorating buildings throughout the city. The Memphis City Council is set to deliberate the proposal on October 7. This ordinance, which faced delays due to heightened community concerns, seeks to expand the cityโs power to either renovate or demolish properties deemed as blighted.
The ordinance was initially postponed in the previous month after residents voiced fears that it could adversely impact low-income homeowners. Council members clarified that the ordinance is designed primarily to address properties owned by neglectful out-of-town landlords rather than targeting local residents. The city aims to curtail unsafe and unsanitary properties while potentially increasing affordable housing availability.
However, critics express apprehension about the ordinance’s lack of specific language that distinctly addresses out-of-town landlords. This vagueness raises alarm that the ordinance might be used against any property classified as “blighted” by city inspectors. Several residents worry that this broad interpretation could include those who are unable to afford necessary repairs to their homes.
Despite these concerns, Councilwoman Jerri Green has assured the community that displacing local homeowners is not the ordinanceโs objectives. The proposed ordinance will grant city inspectors significant authority to label buildings as blighted, supplementing the inspectors’ decisions during disputes with property owners. Under this new framework, city inspectors could conduct random inspections, potentially including interior evaluations, without prior notice to the property owners.
The ordinance defines blight in wide-ranging terms, encapsulating any conditions considered hazardous to health, safety, or morale. This includes, but is not limited to, issues such as poor ventilation, fire hazards, pest infestations, structural damage, and overcrowding.
Advocates for the ordinance contend that it will streamline the remediation process by bypassing traditional Environmental Court procedures that handle code violations. A fee system may be introduced for property owners who are noncompliant, which could ease the financial burden for the city associated with property renovations or demolitions. In situations where property owners remain unresponsive, the city may impose liens, affecting the owners’ ability to sell their properties similar to unpaid property taxes.
A.T. Harrison, a professor of urban studies, cautions that the cityโs code enforcement mechanisms traditionally prioritize low-income neighborhoods, which may inadvertently lead to adverse outcomes for those communities rather than emphasizing out-of-town landlords. Furthermore, the ordinance lacks a comprehensive strategy to safeguard tenants living in blighted properties against displacement, a point raised by Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton.
Local stakeholders suggest a need for community input on targeting specific properties to ensure equitable practices in the enforcement of the ordinance. Residents like Ivy Caldwell highlighted frustration regarding the city’s slow action in addressing reported blight concerns, demanding greater accountability from city leadership.
City council members and officials have acknowledged ongoing discussions about the ordinanceโs potential effectiveness in managing blight and its connection to public safety and neighborhood integrity. The city currently has over 10,000 properties with utilities shut off for extended periods, indicating a significant level of abandonment in Memphis.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the proposed blight-remediation ordinance?
The proposed blight-remediation ordinance aims to expand the city’s authority to renovate or demolish dilapidated buildings.
When is the Memphis City Council set to reconsider the ordinance?
The Memphis City Council is set for consideration of the ordinance on October 7.
What concerns did residents raise about the ordinance?
Residents raised concerns regarding the ordinance’s potential impact on low-income homeowners and the lack of specific language targeting out-of-town landlords.
How would the ordinance empower city inspectors?
The ordinance will empower city inspectors with broad authority to declare buildings blighted and will favor the inspectors’ decisions in disputes with property owners.
What defines blight in the context of this ordinance?
Blight is defined broadly in the ordinance, covering conditions deemed harmful to health, safety, or morale, including poor ventilation, fire hazards, pest infestations, structural damage, and overcrowding.
How many properties in Memphis have utilities shut off for extended periods?
The city reportedly has over 10,000 properties with utilities shut off for extended periods, indicating high levels of abandonment.
Key Features of the Blight-Remediation Ordinance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Expand city authority to renovate or demolish dilapidated buildings. |
| Consideration Date | October 7. |
| Focus on Landlords | Target neglectful out-of-town landlords. |
| Broad Authority | City inspectors granted broad authority to declare buildings blighted. |
| Property Definition | Conditions harmful to health, safety, or morale, including structural damage and pest infestations. |
| Inspections | Random property inspections without prior notice. |
| Utility Shutdowns | Over 10,000 properties in Memphis have utilities shut off for extended periods. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis Mayor Paul Young Addresses City Challenges and Progress
Additional Resources
- MLK50: New City Ordinance for Blighted Buildings
- Local Memphis: Fee to Combat Blighted Properties
- WREG: Memphis Leaders Targeting Blighted Properties
- Wikipedia: Urban Blight
- Fox 13 Memphis: City Takes Aim at Blighted Homes
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.
