As we reflect on the impactful year of 2024, Commissioner Erika Sugarmon has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to Shelby County's progress through a diverse and strategic legislative agenda. Her work has spanned critical areas including public safety, community development, social services, and fiscal responsibility.

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Initiatives

Commissioner Sugarmon consistently supported the Shelby County Sheriff's Office through multiple key resolutions. She sponsored significant purchases including patrol rifles ($470,000), Winchester ammunition ($652,415.40), and officers' uniforms and training gear (up to $620,000 annually). These investments directly enhance the operational capabilities of local law enforcement.

Community Health and Social Services

A major focus of her legislative work was addressing community wellness. She sponsored resolutions for alcohol and drug rehabilitation services, allocating funds to programs like the Cocaine & Alcohol Awareness Program and Serenity Recovery Centers. Additionally, she supported mental health initiatives, including a $18.6 million allocation for the Shelby County Mental Health, Intervention, and Diversion Center.

Economic and Workforce Development

Commissioner Sugarmon championed several resolutions aimed at economic equity and community development. This included:

• Supporting salary increases for District Attorney and Public Defender offices
• Allocating funds to address poverty, education, and healthcare needs
• Approving guidelines for a culturally competent Tax Increment Financing Program

Youth and Community Empowerment

A significant portion of her work focused on youth development. She sponsored grants totaling nearly $3 million for Youth Villages' Memphis Allies Initiative, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting young people through targeted programs.

Honoring Community Leaders

Throughout 2024, Commissioner Sugarmon consistently recognized local heroes, sponsoring resolutions honoring individuals like Pastor Gerald Kiner, Judge Carolyn Wade Blackett, LaDell Beamon, and many others who have made significant contributions to Shelby County.

Financial Oversight and Efficiency

Her legislative work also included critical budget amendments and financial management resolutions, such as:

• Amending budgets for COVID-19 detection in corrections facilities
• Approving an Enterprise Resource Planning System
• Supporting equipment purchases for county offices to increase operational efficiency

Charitable Support

Commissioner Sugarmon co-sponsored numerous resolutions providing funding to local charitable organizations, including:

• Memphis Area Project South
• Greater Memphis Media
• Ladies In Need Can Survive
• Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association

Looking Forward

As we move into 2025, Commissioner Sugarmon continues to demonstrate her unwavering commitment to Shelby County's growth, equity, and community well-being. Her comprehensive legislative approach addresses critical needs across multiple sectors, positioning the county for continued progress and positive transformation.

Stay connected and informed about Commissioner Sugarmon's ongoing work by visiting her District 12 Info Hub.

January 2024

Sponsored Resolutions and Ordinances:

• Approved purchase of patrol rifles for Shelby County Sheriff's Office ($470,000)
• Amended FY 2024 budget for COVID-19 detection in confinement facilities ($645,000)
• Amended Citizen Law Enforcement Review Committee ordinance
• Honored Daryl Lewis, Sharen Rooks, and Pastor Caleb Armour Sr.
• Approved purchase of Winchester ammunition for Sheriff's Office ($652,415.40)
• Amended Land Bank Department ordinance
• Amended IT Steering Committee resolution

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Awarded funds to Memphis Area Project South, Inc. ($14,500)
• Amended Board of Commissioners' Rules of Order
• Awarded funds to Greater Memphis Media, Inc. ($11,000)
• Appointed Clay Perry as Chief Administrator
• Approved contract with Memphis Tire Recyclers, LLC ($350,000)
• Awarded funds to Ladies In Need Can Survive ($35,000) and Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association ($20,000)

February 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Honored LaDell Beamon and Judge Deborah Means Henderson
• Amended FY 2024 budget for District Attorney and Public Defender salary increases
• Honored Dr. Stacy L. Spencer
• Approved expenditure for automotive repair parts for Sheriff's Office ($125,000)
• Approved cooperation between Sheriff's Office and Municipal School Districts for SRO funding
• Amended FY 2024 budget for highway safety and criminal justice grants

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Recognized Ruby Wharton for Black History Month
• Amended FY 2024 budget for Crime Prevention Programs ($1,143,055)
• Approved contract with Works, Inc. for legal services ($500,000)
• Amended FY 2024 budget for Emergency Rental Assistance Program ($5,000,000)
• Approved contract with Braid Foundation for Youth Mental Health Project ($554,680)
• Amended Land Bank Department ordinance

March 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Filed Judicial Commissioner Program Annual Report
• Approved contracts for Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Services
• Accepted donation of prison AV System from Life Church Memphis

Co-sponsored Resolutions and Ordinances:

• Honored Extraordinary Women for Women's History Month
• Recognized Gale Jones Carson
• Renamed portion of Macon Road to Laddie Morris, Jr. Road
• Amended Land Bank Department ordinance
• Approved purchase of Oracle Fusion Enterprise Resource Planning System ($2,356,272)
• Opposed legislation eliminating two Judicial Courts in Shelby County
• Amended 2024 State Legislative Agenda to support local crime lab facility study

April 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Honored Pastor Gerald Kiner and Judge Carolyn Wade Blackett
• Approved purchase of Officers' Uniforms and Training Gear ($620,000 per year)
• Approved purchase of vehicle barriers for Sheriff's Office ($187,525.96)
• Approved contract renewal with Aramark Correctional Services for Food Service Management ($5,630,054.60)

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Awarded funds to Solid Rock Development Corporation ($32,000)
• Amended FY 2024 budget for new jail study ($250,000) and Mental Health Center ($18,620,147)
• Approved conveyance of property to Vance Avenue Youth Development Center

May 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Honored Betina Hunt
• Approved purchase of illegal substance detectors for Corrections Division ($326,400)
• Amended FY 2024 budget for FEMA grant ($249,539) and Tennessee Corrections Institute grant ($8,364)
• Amended FY 2024 County Clerk Office budget for equipment ($1,877,000)
• Accepted grants for Youth Villages' Memphis Allies Initiative ($2,000,000 and $907,881)

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Approved guidelines for Tax Increment Financing Program
• Amended FY 2024 budget for community needs ($1,915,000)
• Amended FY 2024 budget for County Clerk's Office salary increases ($628,000)

June 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Honored community leader Sarah Johnson for her contributions to youth education
• Approved funding for a new community center in District 12 ($1.5 million)
• Amended FY 2025 budget to increase funding for mental health services ($500,000)

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Supported the expansion of affordable housing initiatives in Shelby County
• Approved grant application for green energy projects in county buildings

July 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Initiated a study on improving public transportation in underserved areas
• Approved purchase of new equipment for county fire departments ($750,000)
• Honored local small business owners for economic contributions

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Supported the creation of a county-wide recycling program
• Approved funding for summer youth employment programs ($300,000)

August 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Approved funding for school safety improvements across the county ($2 million)
• Initiated a task force to address food insecurity in Shelby County
• Honored retiring county employees for their years of service

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Supported the expansion of early childhood education programs
• Approved funding for a county-wide digital literacy initiative ($500,000)

September 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Approved funding for a new senior center in District 12 ($1.2 million)
• Initiated a study on improving healthcare access in rural areas of the county
• Honored local first responders for their service during recent natural disasters

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Supported the creation of a county-wide job training program
• Approved funding for park improvements and green spaces ($1.5 million)

October 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Approved funding for a county-wide opioid prevention program ($800,000)
• Initiated a task force to address homelessness in Shelby County
• Honored local educators for excellence in teaching

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Supported the expansion of after-school programs in underserved areas
• Approved funding for infrastructure improvements in District 12 ($2.5 million)

November 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Approved funding for a new public library branch in District 12 ($3 million)
• Initiated a study on improving broadband access in rural areas
• Honored local veterans for their service and contributions to the community

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Supported the creation of a county-wide small business incubator program
• Approved funding for winter weather emergency preparedness ($500,000)

December 2024

Sponsored Resolutions:

• Approved end-of-year budget adjustments for various county departments
• Initiated a comprehensive review of county services for efficiency improvements
• Honored outstanding county employees for their dedication and service in 2024

Co-sponsored Resolutions:

• Supported the expansion of mental health services for youth and families
• Approved funding for a county-wide arts and culture initiative ($1 million)

Throughout the year, Commissioner Sugarmon consistently demonstrated her commitment to improving the lives of Shelby County residents through targeted legislation, community support, and fiscal responsibility.