Written By JR Robinson

When you ask Will Richardson about his top priorities, public safety is at the top of the list—because, as he puts it, “Where there is a Will, there’s a Way.” As a candidate for Shelby County Commission District 8, Will knows the struggle firsthand: he grew up in 38127, one of the most violent zip codes in the area, and regularly engages with families in 38126, the most impoverished zip code in the state.

For Will, the most urgent issue facing Shelby County is the state of its jail facilities—a core responsibility of the County Commission. The current jail is in such poor condition that patchwork repairs just aren’t enough anymore. Will believes a new jail, not just a facelift, is necessary to ensure not only the safety of staff and inmates but the dignity and security that every member of the county deserves.

But public safety goes beyond new buildings. Will is passionate about community-based, common-sense solutions for crime: early conflict resolution education, stronger support for youth, and connecting the dots between education, economic opportunity, and crime rates.

Memphis’s crime rate remains a top concern—according to the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission, violent crimes increased by 7.3% in 2023 compared to 2022. At the same time, Will insists that public safety and economic opportunity go hand-in-hand: “Safer communities come from more engaged, educated communities.” That’s why he’s committed to listening to residents, investing in grassroots initiatives, and holding landlords and businesses to higher standards.

If elected, Will Richardson promises an open-door policy and strong partnerships across city and county lines. He’s already shown what leadership looks like—organizing water deliveries with State Rep. Justin Pearson during water crises, and collaborating with fellow local leaders on school supplies and backpack drives.

For District 8, Will wants to turn the page from “neutral” to “forward.” TheWilltoLead.com is where you’ll find updates on his public safety platform and community events—because Will believes the pathway to a safer Memphis starts with working together.