Written By JR Robinson

Setting the Stage: The Nonprofit Debate

Last week, we tackled the heated debate over nonprofit funding in Memphis, spotlighting organizations that truly move the needle and those that leave us questioning where the money goes. The conversation boiled down to accountability, transparency, and impact—qualities that separate game-changers from wallpaper-changers.

This Week’s Focus: Shelby County, Mayor Lee Harris, and Orange Mound

This week, the spotlight shifts to Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and his handling of funding for District 10, which includes the historic Orange Mound community. Despite the Shelby County Commission approving $2.7 million for District 10 not once, but twice (most recently in January 2025), the funds remain locked on the mayor’s desk as of June 16, 2025—just 15 days away from expiring and returning to the general fund.

Key Facts

• $2.7M Allocation: Approved twice by the County Commission for FY25, meant for neighborhood infrastructure and nine community-based projects.
• Current Status: Still unsigned by Mayor Harris, with a looming 15-day deadline before the funds are lost to a “pocket veto”.
• Urgency: The FY26 budget is about to be approved, yet last year’s money for District 10 hangs in the balance.
• Community Need: District 10 leads the county in new HIV cases, has the lowest life expectancy, ranks #2 in homicides, and is among the highest in blighted properties.
• Plan Details: The District 10 Plan aims for boundary-to-boundary neighborhood investment, innovation, and comprehensive support for all local associations.

The Stakes: Celebration in Chambers, Distress on the Streets

Commissioner Britney Thornton, the driving force behind the District 10 Plan, has worked with the Harris Administration and remains willing to cooperate to prevent the funds from being lost. Yet, she voices frustration at the disconnect between official celebration and the daily struggles faced by her constituents—highlighting the urgent need for real, measurable impact.

The Accountability Question

• Who Decides? At this point, the fate of $2.7 million rests with one official: Mayor Lee Harris.
• Community Engagement: Thornton urges residents to attend public forums and commission meetings, emphasizing that the citizens of Shelby County are the true bosses of their elected officials.
• Transparency and Oversight: The situation underscores the importance of transparent, timely action and robust public oversight in local government.

Lessons from the Nonprofit Debate

The same principles that define high-impact nonprofits—clear goals, measurable outcomes, transparency, and community input—are exactly what’s needed in public funding decisions like this one. When billions have been spent over seven years, the community deserves to see tangible results, not just promises or paperwork.

The Path Forward: Demand Receipts, Not Blank Checks

• Fund What Works: Require annual public reports on outcomes. If a program isn’t delivering, reallocate the money.
• Public Review: Create a review board with everyday Memphians to decide which programs get funded based on need and track record.
• Transparency: Publish a simple, searchable list of who gets what and why.
• No Forever Funding: Every grant should have an expiration date and a review. Renew only if the need and results are clear.

Your Turn, Memphis

The showdown over District 10’s $2.7 million is about more than one neighborhood—it’s about whether Memphis will invest in real solutions and hold its leaders accountable. Will the mayor sign the contract and let the community move forward, or will bureaucratic inertia win out?

Show up, speak out, and demand receipts. The people of District 10—and all of Memphis—deserve nothing less.

Upcoming Events:

• Community Forum: Saturday, June 21st—latest updates on District 10 funding.
• Committee Meeting: Wednesday at 8:30am—last chance for public comment.
• Commission Meeting: Monday, June 23rd at 3pm—decision time.

#BothSidesNow #CommonSense #MemphisDebate #District10 #OrangeMound #Accountability

Let’s stop arguing about blank checks and start demanding receipts. Who’s really fighting for Memphis—and who’s just fighting for a paycheck? The showdown starts now.