Meanwhile in Memphis with New Memphis

Memphis' economic advantage is its young people. New Memphis always says that our city's greatest resource is its people. Today, we will be focusing on one subset of the population and how they are poised to make the most impact. Join us as we take a look back to take a step forward. Longtime journalist Tom Jones and economics professor Dr. David Ciscel join us to share insights on the economic structure of Memphis, provide context for why specific decisions were made, and a platform where Memphis has the economic advantage — its young people!

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

The Advantage of Age in Memphis Magazine by Tom Jones

David Ciscel LinkedIn

David Ciscel ResearchGate

Memphis Poverty Fact Sheet 2024

Tom Lee Park

Learn more about the 1979 Memphis Jobs Conference, convened by then-Gov. Lamar Alexander, here and here

Tom Jones shares insights on urban sprawl

Smart City Consulting

The Sidebar conversation with Anna Mullins Ellis

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Shelby County students can earn and learn through a collaborative model for student success. Talking about this innovative partnership from both the logistical side and the employer perspective are Cortney Richardson (Peer Power) and Roxy Nunnally (4D Marketing and Business Solutions Firm Corporation).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Peer Power

Peer Power's Earn and Learn program

4D Marketing and Business Solutions Firm Corporation

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Previous conversations on workforce development can be found

New Memphis Summer Experience

Memphis Shelby County Schools

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

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Shelby County government provides free community-based resources to help youth and their families overcome obstacles. From therapy sessions to early intervention and alternatives to arrest and detention, the Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center exists to meet the needs of youth and families in Shelby County. This conversation — led by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris — illuminates innovation at work and showcases real impact. Tune in to learn how Shelby County is collaborating to build brighter futures for youth in Memphis and Shelby County with Amy Kalb (Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center) and Mollie Barker Cook (National Assessment Center Association).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center

Youth Connect

National Assessment Center Association

https://www.nacassociation.org/ Shelby County Youth & Family Resource Center on Instagram

This episode is made possible in partnership with Shelby County Government.

Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

A proven model of success is helping students in Memphis persist to graduation and launch careers in the Mid-South thanks to an impact-driven collaboration between tnAchieves and MDRC. Listen in to learn how a state-wide program is taking a tailored approach to help students in Memphis succeed!

Guests:

Krissy DeAlejandro (tnAchieves)

Sonia Drohojowska (MDRC).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

tnAchieves

MDRC

MEMcomplete

MDRC Post Secondary focus

Tennessee Promise

Slingshot Memphis

MEMworks

Southwest Tennessee Community College

Previous Meanwhile in Memphis episodes on related topics can be found here , here , here , here , and here

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

The City of Memphis named the goal of 10,000 housing developments by 2030 in an effort to create a vibrant city core with community-lifting development. This conversation with Mayor Young (City of Memphis) and John Zeanah (Chief of Development and Infrastructure for the City of Memphis) explores the "how" and "why" behind the goal.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

The City of Memphis

Housing and Community Development

Previous episodes featuring Mayor Young can be found here , here , and here .

Previous conversations featuring John Zeanah can be found here and here .

State of the City 2026

Community Redevelopment Agency

Memphis 3.0

HOME Program

EDGE

Downtown Memphis Commission

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co