Written JR Robinson

In the heart of Memphis, where the history of the soil is as deep as the rhythm of the blues, property is more than just real estate—it is the foundation of generational wealth, neighborhood stability, and civic pride. Yet, for many Shelby County residents, the process of understanding what their property is worth and why they are paying what they pay remains a source of profound confusion and frustration.

Enter Michael O. Harris.

A Memphis-born civic leader, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a veteran of the banking industry, Harris currently serves as the President and CEO of the Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority (MMLBA). He has spent his career at the intersection of public service and property development. Now, he is stepping into the political arena, launching a campaign for Shelby County Assessor of Property with a clear mandate: Clear Process, Superior Service, and Collaborative Leadership.

A Vision Polished by Memphis Roots

Michael O. Harris is "Memphis Made." An alumnus of the University of Memphis and Bishop Byrne, his deep local roots are the engine behind his professional drive. While his journey took him through the Navy and across the country to California, it was the pull of home that ultimately defined his mission.

"Memphis made me," Harris says. "The Navy enhanced me, California exposed me, but Memphis polished me."

That polishing has seen Harris take on some of the city’s toughest challenges. Since July 2022, he has led the MMLBA, a role that requires a unique blend of legal navigation, economic forecasting, and community empathy. Under his leadership, the Land Bank transitioned from a pilot program struggling for funding into a strengthened statutory entity capable of returning blighted properties to productive use.

The Problem: A Crisis of Confusion

When asked why he is running for Assessor, Harris doesn’t point to a lack of technical tools; he points to a lack of human connection.

"Across our community, so many people are confused," Harris explains. "They’re confused about their valuations. They’re making phone calls, trying the appeals process, sending emails—and they aren’t getting returned. They’re lost."

To Harris, the Assessor’s Office shouldn't just be a "valuation engine"—it should be a service-oriented department of stewardship.

"It’s not just about the mechanics," Harris asserts. "It’s about following the law and treating taxpayers fairly to ensure they understand the 'why' behind the numbers. Efficiency and customer service should be reprioritized."

The Efficiency Gap: By the Numbers

Harris isn't just offering rhetoric; he’s bringing a banker’s eye to the county's data. He points to a staggering discrepancy between Shelby County and its neighbors in Middle Tennessee.

Shelby County is larger than Davidson County (Nashville) by roughly one-third in both population and parcel count. However, the Shelby County Assessor’s Office staffing level is nearly seventy percent higher.

"That difference cannot be explained by scale alone," Harris notes. "It warrants a closer look at operations, systems, and how resources are deployed. If Nashville is moving toward more frequent assessments with fewer people, we have an efficiency issue that needs to be solved before we simply add more staff."

Leading with "Vision and Heart"

On social media, Harris describes his leadership style as one of "Vision and Heart." To Harris, heart is the commitment to people—a commitment he balances with heavy civic involvement.

His "hiding place" from the stresses of professional life is youth development. In partnership with the 100 Black Men of Memphis (where he serves as Vice President) and the Rotary Club of Whitehaven Memphis-South (as a former President), he created a mentoring program for sixth-grade boys at Haven Middle School. He also established the "Safe Haven Locker" to provide hygiene products for students in need.

Whether he is serving as an old-school PTO president, sitting on the board of ProGeny Place, or working with Deaf Connect—where he recently launched a community advisory board led entirely by the deaf community—Harris’s version of "building community" is about giving residents the tools to lead themselves.

A Proven Track Record of Bold Innovation

Harris has spent the last three and a half years at the Land Bank navigating complex state statutes and fighting for property inventory in the Court of Appeals. He is ready to bring that same tenacity to the Assessor's office.

"I love failure," Harris says, a surprising admission for a candidate. "Because it’s in failure that I learn the best way to never make that mistake again. People are afraid to fail, and that makes them fall in love with 'the way we’ve always done it.' I’m looking to be bold and innovative."

The Road Ahead

As Michael O. Harris moves forward, he carries with him the perspective of a "Girl Dad" who wants a more equitable Memphis for his daughters. His platform isn't just about property records; it’s about rebuilding the trust between the citizen and the state.

"I’m looking to do more," Harris concludes. "It’s about getting out there, making the change, and bringing people along with you."

Follow Michael’s journey and learn more about his platform for Shelby County Assessor on Facebook and Instagram @michael_o_harris.

"Leading with vision & heart | Building communities, creating opportunity."