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I WORK FOR MEMPHIS Tyler Stegall, Talent Management
CONTENTS 2017 5 6 8-9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Editor in Chief Allison J. Fouche’ Managing Editor Mary Jean Hall Contributors Marcey Wright Kyle Veazey
Fourth Bluff Dance Party Chasing Light, Capturing Hope Inside the 901: Tyler Stegall Thinking Money Start Here: New Library Campaign Transit Vision seeks feedback Increased hours lead to Increased Particpation New Open Data Policy Ovation Awards
A View from the Mayor’s Desk
Mayor Strickland with Aposotle Ricky Floyd Pursuit of God Church during Project ChildSafe
Dear colleague: If you’ve seen the news lately, you’ve seen we’ve been busy — particularly when it comes to rolling out plans for exciting new developments in our city. From the Fairgrounds to the Riverfront, the City of Memphis is contributing to our city with exciting ideas of what’s possible. That means I get to talk about exciting things, which is a great perk of the job. But I want to make sure you know how much I appreciate the hard work that leads to moments like these. The work of Paul Young, Mary Claire Borys and the entire Division of Housing & Community Development staff is largely to thank for the announcements I mentioned above, but the truth is that every single one of you contribute to the good news of the City of Memphis, every single day. When we talk about reducing crime, I know that it’s our MPD officers who are doing the heavy lifting. When we laud the consistent, steady work of Memphis Fire, I know it’s the men and women of MFD who make that happen. When we brag about another move in the right direction for employee benefits, I know a whole team of men and women in our Division of Human Resources have put in the hard work. So the next time you see or hear me talking about another accomplishment for the City, please know that it wouldn’t have been remotely possible without your hard work. Yours,
Jim Strickland
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Fourth Bluff Dance Parties Bring Memphians Together
By: Mary Jean Hall Dancing tends to bring people from different ages, races and backgrounds together, and there was no exception to that at the Fourth Bluff Friday Night Dance Parties. On selected Fridays throughout the fall months, Memphis residents came together at the Fourth Bluff, behind the University of Memphis Law School, to boogey and bust a move. By the end of the series, several hundred people, ranging from 5 to 75 years-old, were in attendance, and Maria Fuhrmann, Fourth Bluff project manager for the City of Memphis, credits the turnout to marketing efforts, word-of-mouth, and social media. She also credits an engaging environment that encouraged residents to get involved and have fun through upbeat music by local deejay C’beyohn, who hosted the parties. Members of Cat’s Ballroom, a studio dance business located downtown, kept attendees engaged on the dance floor as well.
“They have been great at getting people up and dancing, even people who don’t know each other, and that’s fundamentally what we are trying to do – get people to interact with people they don’t know and to form relationships,” Fuhrmann said. “The outcomes we are working toward are civic engagement, connection to public spaces, connecting to each other and socio-economic mixing. We’re trying to draw people in from different neighborhoods, backgrounds, races and ages to interact with each other in a public space for environmental sustainability and value creation in the surrounding neighborhoods,” Fuhrmann explained. The dance parties were made possible through a grant from Reimagining the Civic Commons, a threeyear demonstration project reinvesting in libraries, trails, parks, community centers and other places that can bring people of diverse backgrounds together. For more information about the Fourth Bluff Project or upcoming events, visit www.thefourthbluff.com 5
Chasing Light, Capturing HOPE Story / Photos By: Marcey Wright, @MarceyWrite It has been said that photography is the art of drawing with light. Countless photographers spend their careers “chasing” this light – some successfully, some not. It’s what makes the difference between a memorable and historic shot versus one that is seen but soon forgotten. It was while chasing light that award-winning documentarian Amanda Lucidon successfully captured some of the most intimate, behind-the-scenes moments of former First Lady Michelle Obama. These frames were recently published in Lucidon’s new book “Chasing Light: Michelle Obama Through the Lens of a White House Photographer.” One of only a few women in history to hold this coveted position and the only one during her time at the White House, Lucidon recently shared select photographs from her New York Times bestseller in an exclusive exhibition displayed at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library – the second of her 10-stop book tour. Ten “rainbows,” what Lucidon calls her most compelling images, dressed the walls of Central Library’s Goodwyn Gallery in October – November 2017. Then, Lucidon and her publisher, Ten Speed Press, teamed with Memphis Public Libraries to host a special reception, book discussion and signing on Thursday, Nov. 9. “I’m still pinching myself that it actually happened,” Lucidon recalled before the standing-room-only crowd. “I was a newspaper photographer for a long time, and I moved to Washington D.C. to start my own business. I was new to the city, but news was happening – big news – the inauguration of President Obama. And I wanted to be there, so I went out into 6
the cold with everyone else. I documented the scene as it was happening. It was freezing cold, but it was such a warm environment. … Little did I know that two years later, I’d get a phone call
asking me if I wanted to be a White House photographer. Today, it still feels unreal to me to have all of these photos as a visual diary of all the experiences that we had.” Lucidon went on to tell about other memorable moments, like her first international trip to The Great Wall of China with Mrs. Obama and the First Daughters, and her trip to Liberia alongside the First Lady. “There was never a time that she [Mrs. Obama] asked me to put away my camera,” Lucidon told the inquiring audience. “To be able to work for the Obama administration where they appointed more women and minorities than ever before, it was really special. It was extraordinary! I will never be the same person again,” she commented. A diverse group of men, women and children of various races, ages and backgrounds held on to Lucidon’s every word, as she explained the inner “light” and hope that she ultimately captured, resulting in her book title. Following the discussion, Lucidon signed more than 100 copies of her book and, this time, stood in front of the camera with adoring fans and Obama enthusiasts whose energy was nearly palpable. The exhibit will remain on display at Central Library for customers to see through the end of November. To purchase the book or for more information, visit www. chasinglightbook.org or other online booksellers.
Special Musical Performance by Bethel Grove Elementary
December 5, 2017 Hall of Mayors 10:00 a.m.
EDITORIALFEATURE
INSIDE THE 901: Tyler Stegall, Project Coordinator By Mary Jean Hall
Innovation, diligence and collaboration are desired characteristics of City of Memphis employees. Tyler Stegall, who advanced from an unpaid intern to project coordinator in under two years, serves as a prime example of that. Stegall started as an intern with Talent Management through the Urban Fellows Program in fall 2015, and after completing the internship, he was asked to stay on a part-time capacity as Urban Fellows coordinator. Upon graduating from The University of Memphis in May 2017 with a bachelor’s in business administration, the Lexington native accepted a full-time position as project coordinator for Talent Management in Human Resources. In this role, he facilitates the Urban Fellows Program, conducts New Hire Orientation, assists with special projects and operations in Talent Management, and contributes to social media for Human Resources. What obstacles did you face transitioning to a paid position, and how did you overcome them? Including the challenges associated with working, juggling a full-time school load and extracurricular activities proved to be time-consuming. I was able to persist through the challenges because of the Talent Management team, who made coming to work fun and worthwhile. They’ve become like a second family. Have there been any particular mentors who helped you along in your journey? My supervisor, Fonda Fouche’, has been extremely supportive in my academic activities and involvement with the Society for Human Resource Management. Mary Phillips is probably my most influential role model. She is constantly encouraging me to the best I can be, both professionally and spiritually. What inspired you to get involved with city government? I don’t work well unless I have purpose; that’s what attracted me to work in city government. It’s fulfilling to know that the work being completed here directly affects the lives of Memphians.
EDITORIALFEATURE
What is the Urban Fellows Program and why is it important to the City of Memphis? The Urban Fellows Program is the City’s internship program, which targets current college students and recent graduates. Recruiting college students is important to the City of Memphis because college students bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table that can potentially help the City thrive. Interns often look at issues from a different perspective and offer technical insight and solutions that are often cost effective and more efficient. The success of the program would not be possible without the mentors in each department who hire the Urban Fellow interns to complete challenging projects. I appreciate their involvement with the program, which allows us to provide college students with beneficial opportunities. What are your long-term goals? Professionally, I’d like to see the Urban Fellows Program continue to grow in number and prestige. I hope that our internship program is sought after by college students across the Mid-South. Personally, I plan to continue growing my experience in Human Resources by earning my SHRM certification and getting my master’s degree. What has been your most memorable moment while working at the City of Memphis? I knew I was making a difference in City Hall and the community when I walked into the summer 2017 Urban Fellows Orientation, which boasted 50 interns – the largest class in the program’s history. When I started as coordinator, we had only 19 interns. What advice do you have for individuals looking to serve with the City of Memphis? I heard Police Director Rallings say once to our interns, “The best way to grow in your organization is to learn everyone else’s job.” That is so true and has been my avenue for growth since starting here two years ago. By learning the roles around you, it becomes easier to understand how your department and the City as a whole functions, and also increase the quality and effectiveness of your work. 9
“One of the things that make this exhibit so great is that it’s hands-on. There are activities built in that make it fun!” commented Library Deputy Director Chris Marszalek. “It is something that everyone – regardless of age – can take advantage of and get something out of. Regardless of where you are in life or what your financial needs are, this exhibit is an opportunity to build financial literacy skills.”
Customers ‘Thinking Money’ at Memphis Public Libraries By: Marcey Wright @MarceyWrite Have you got money on your mind? Memphis Public Library customers are “thinking money” in a whole new way, thanks to a new traveling exhibit at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Ave.). One of 50 library systems nationwide chosen to host the interactive exhibit, Memphis Public Libraries are taking customers on the lifetime voyage of money management through this 1,000-square-foot display, “Thinking Money: A Financial Expedition.” Whether saving for college, establishing or rebuilding credit, or trying to alleviate debt, Thinking Money offers customers of all ages a chance to re-think their financial decisions and even plan ahead. Adventurethemed storylines, interactive iPad content and other fun activities make the display especially interesting for children, tweens and teens.
Business & Sciences librarian Blake McVey, and a team of other librarians, established a list of programs to reinforce recurring themes throughout the display. “One principle that the exhibit teaches is to envision your future self,” McVey explained. “When you’re 15 or 16, you don’t think so much about how life is going to be when you’re 30 or 40, and you’re not at all thinking about retirement when you’re that age. So, Thinking Money takes some steps to help kids and adults envision what is coming down the pike in the future.” Some financial literacy programs that accompanied the exhibit in October - November 2017 included children’s storytimes, Money Bingo, Budgeting 101 for College Students, Outsmarting Investment Fraud, a credit and money management workshop, a class on safeguarding your valuables and many more! “Money affects all of us, but many of us lack the information we need to make smart decisions about our financial futures,” Marszalek continued. “Thinking Money is designed to teach us about financial literacy in a way that is not only understandable, but fun, and we’re proud to host it at our Library.” Thinking Money was developed by the American Library Association Public Programs Office in collaboration with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, whose support made this exhibition possible. For more information about the Thinking Money Exhibit or financial literacy programs available at Memphis Public Libraries, visit www.memphislibraries.org.
New Campaign at Libraries Invites Customers to ‘Start Here’ By: Marcey Wright
Before there was Google, there were libraries. And, Memphis Public Libraries are encouraging customers to “start here” for all of their informational needs. Overhead, at any Memphis Public Library location citywide, customers will now find a “search bar,” one of several new additions to Libraries’ communications and marketing strategy under the “Start Here” campaign. The information hub, once labeled Memphis Public Library & Information Center, is now called Memphis Public Libraries under the new structure, also marked by changes to the Library’s website, social media, marketing and signage at each branch. This awareness campaign was the result of more than a year of research conducted by “design thinking” agency Little Bird Innovation and creative communications consulting firm Doug Carpenter + Associates (DCA). The two agencies sought to identify Memphians’ collective definition of libraries by holding brainstorming sessions and conducting interviews and focus groups. The ultimate objective was to eliminate barriers and increase access to information at the library in fun and engaging, new ways. “We sought a fresh perspective of where and how we – as Memphians – use the library,” explained Director of Libraries Keenon McCloy. “Libraries are more than archives or repositories for books. They are living, breathing and free platforms for knowledge. While Google gives you a lot of answers, your librarians and resources at Memphis Public Libraries give you the answer. Our face-to-face service and guidance is truly one of a kind in today’s day and age.” Customers who live online are also invited to “Start Here” on the Library’s new user-friendly website with a searchable events calendar or the Library’s newly-expanded, branch-specific Facebook pages. Online customers no longer have to filter through information that does not interest them! Each Memphis Public Library location will communicate its unique programs directly to its customers, tailoring the information specifically for them. In addition to providing the community with valuable resources, the #StartHere campaign on Twitter serves as a convener of conversations about current events or other complex topics. City of Memphis Marketing Manager Allison Fouché commented, “Memphis Public Libraries are contributing to the dialogue of the day with our digital resources. Our Twitter feed offers an opportunity for users to learn more and to refine their understanding of an issue, whether political, cultural or historical.” In-person and online, Memphis Public Libraries’ Start Here campaign invites customers to explore the many things they can do with a Library card. From downloading free e-books and audiobooks with no fees to learning new skills on Lynda.com or even a new language, it’s all free, and it’s all at Memphis Public Libraries! For more information about your local Library or the Start Here campaign, visit www.memphislibraries.org.
“By engaging in a clear conversation about trade-offs, we can develop a transit system that better reflects the values of Memphians,” MATA Chief Communications Officer Nicole Lacey said. “The public’s input is critical to the success of the vision. Riders, non-riders, and people from all walks of life will be encouraged to share their goals and values for Memphis transit, as well as help to create a recommended transit network.” The coverage and ridership concepts represent the extreme options of possibilities with current funding. The coverage plus and ridership plus concepts exhibit the possibilities of the transit system assuming additional funding of up to $45 million is available. The two plus concepts are not recommendations, but simply give the public an idea of what results could be possible should additional funding be pursued.
Transit Vision Seeks Resident Feedback By: Mary Jean Hall Through January 2018, Memphis residents can give feedback on the City’s transit plan, including whether or not they think additional funding should be pursued in order to increase services through coverage or ridership. The City of Memphis and Innovate Memphis, in partnership with the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), have released a concepts report through Memphis 3.0: Transit Vision, with the goal of developing the city’s transit system by 2020. Memphians are encouraged to read the report, and then complete the survey at www.memphis3point0.com/transit. The current transit system, based mostly on coverage versus ridership, provides access to only about 80 percent of Memphians. Transit Vision considers four general concepts to improve the overall MATA service: coverage, ridership, coverage plus and ridership plus. Phase two of the Transit Vision plan relies heavily on getting feedback from residents to determine the best outcome for our needs.
The concepts give Memphians options to determine what the priority should be with transit, as well as whether or not to invest in it by increasing funding through taxes or other revenue sources. Without adding additional funding, that service will likely be lost due to having to choose between ridership or coverage. Gary Rosenfeld, CEO of MATA, stresses the importance of investing in the transit system to improve the quality of life for residents and attract potential businesses to Memphis through predictability and reliability. “When we tell the story that by investing in transit, how more jobs become available and how many more people gain access to good service, it changes the whole dynamics of how MATA is viewed in the community and how the community views public transit,” Rosenfeld said. According to Rosenfeld, there has been minimal investment in the transit system over the last decade. He hopes that by investing in the system, the city can better plan for the future. “Every time you cut, you lose more customers, and it just becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of where we are headed,” Rosenfeld explained. “We need to change that, not just for the benefit of the transit authority but for the benefit of our community. Our community without it just becomes that more dependent on other things that are far more costly to the taxpayers.”
Increased Hours at Libraries and Centers Lead to Increased Participation Hours and programming have increased at Memphis Public Libraries and all 24 community centers. “Whether it be with extended library hours, more programming in our community centers, and now these longer community center hours, our administration continues to show that we’re reinvesting in our young people and our neighborhoods,” Mayor Strickland said. In May 2017, library service hours were increased by 145 hours per week, and there has been a significant increase in the number and types of programs offered. From fiscal year 2016 to 2017, the number of programs offered in the entire library system increased by over 2,500, which led to an increase of over 20,000 attendees. Memphis Public Libraries Director Keenon McCloy also credits the attendance increase to the intentional combination of high-quality programming, staff development, and a greater effort at the branch level to make customers more aware of events. “Teams across our 18 locations have worked very hard to plan programs that offer opportunities for people to develop literacy, job readiness, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) skills, not to mention a wide variety of lifelong learning options,” McCloy said. “The expanded hours give our staff the opportunity to offer a much wider range of programs than we had previously.”
The extended hours and programs at community centers proved to be a popular move in neighborhoods, too, with 280 hours per week added in September 2017. Raleigh Community Center Director Evelyn Young believes the extended hours open up opportunities for all ages to get involved. “It’s vital that the community centers offer a fun, safe and wholesome environment, since the centers help develop social needs, health and fitness, character and other skills,” Young said. “I love the vision the leadership is taking by encouraging structure, setting expectations and extending hours for community centers, because it allows the centers to be more productive, which makes a larger positive impact in the neighborhoods.” Young said that at the Raleigh Community Center, there has been a significant increase in youth participation during after-school hours and Saturdays, especially with team sports. More community groups, like cheerleading and dance teams, are taking advantage of center services and using the space to practice in a safe environment. The increased emphasis on programming has allowed Young and other center directors to add free programs like yoga and stepping for adults, too.
Library Numbers Programming/Outreach Agency/Branch Children’s CLOUD901 CENTRAL TOTAL EAST REGION* TOTAL SOUTH REGION** TOTAL
FY 2017 Total
FY 2017 Total
FY 2016 Total
FY 2016 Total
Programs Offered 347 2,454 3,433 1,583
Attendance 9,292 8,006 41,643 29,997
Programs Offered 262 419 1,397 1,386
Attendance 9,292 1,935 34,208 26,927
1,145
25,605
865
15,915
*East Region includes Bartlett, Cordova, Frayser, Hollywood, North, Poplar-White Station, Raleigh and Randolph.
New Open Data Policy Streamlines Data From City to Citizens By: Mary Jean Hall Accountability and transparency are values that City of Memphis residents desire, and Mayor Jim Strickland’s Administration hopes to achieve that through the development of an Open Data Policy. Simply put, the creation of an Open Data Policy streamlines the process to present city data to residents. The policy draft, which can be found online, calls for the creation of a Data Governance Committee that would determine the most efficient way for residents to request desired data, how that data can be pulled from the appropriate areas and properly reviewed, and finally, a venue for how the data will be released to the public. The Strickland Administration already meets monthly and determines data to share online, like 911 response times, crime rates and youth involvement, and residents have responded positively. However, this has generated requests for even more robust data sets, and there is currently not an efficient means to gather and share the requested information. Residents will be able to track the city’s progress toward Mayor Strickland’s goals, like increasing the size of the police force to 2,300 officers by 2020.
“The Open Data Policy will standardize data practices across the city, with the goal of making the city’s data more usable and accessible to citizens,” City of Memphis Chief Information Officer Mike Rodriguez said. “It is a natural continuation of the work that is already being done, and having a policy in place will allow for even more data to be shared and in formats that are most convenient to citizens.” Information Services and the Office of Performance Management partnered with What Works Cities, a national initiative designed to enhance cities’ use of data and evidence to improve services, inform local decision-making and engage residents to develop the policy. The Sunlight Foundation, a nonpartisan organization that advocates for open government, assisted with developing a draft policy and soliciting public feedback. Memphis joins a number of cities that have partnered with the Sunlight Foundation in a growing trend for open government. “We have been able to learn from their expertise to identify and adopt best practices,” Rodriguez said. The team working on the project is currently reviewing citizens’ feedback to determine which suggestions can be incorporated directly into the policy, while other responses will be used to guide future discussions of the committee. After that, the policy will undergo a final review by the City Attorney’s Office. A chief data officer position will be created to establish a central focus on key aspects of the policy, and members from multiple divisions will collaborate to implement the policy.
Congrats to our Winners!! Management Excellence Fonda Fouche’ Innovation Kevin Moore Accountability Sgt. Charles F. Jenkins Collaboration Katrina Hughes Diversity Sharon M. Evrard Customer Service (TIE) Shelia Tucker Lt. Frank Hannah
A volunteer speaks with a resident about how to use a gun lock during Project ChildSAFE awareness campaign at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.
Team Excellence 911 Communications Performance Task Force Major Maxine Craig Fonda Fouche Eddie L. Heaston Karen F. Jackson Deputy Director Michael Jubirt Jill Madajczyk Marvin Pender Jr. Michael C. Spencer Chief Keith Staples Margaret Stiger Deputy Director Patrice Thomas Lt. Col. Jeff Tow Beverly Wolfe-Davis
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