SEPTEMBER 2026
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE JOINT OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY & ENGAGEMENT
September was a powerful reminder that Memphis and Shelby County are not just part of the national conversation on community violence intervention. We are helping shape it. From September 8–10, the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, alongside members of Heal 901, participated in the 5th Annual NOVPN/NICJR National Conference, joining changemakers from across the country to share ideas and advance the work of community violence intervention (CVI). We were especially proud to see our own City Director, Tamika Williams, take the national stage as a featured panelist during the plenary session titled Systems Change: Embedding CVI into Policy and Structure. Her participation reflects the growing recognition of the important work happening here at home, and the power of Memphis and Shelby County to contribute to the national movement. As we continue building connected communities, we are learning, sharing, and bringing new ideas home to strengthen the people and partnerships working every day to make our communities safer. . Connect with us: website: memphistn.gov/joint-office/ email: NeighborhoodSafety@shelbycountytn.gov or
JointOffice@memphistn.gov
SEPTEMBER 2026
FOCUS IN
A glimpse of what the Joint Office is doing to support community safety in Memphis and Shelby County
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BY THE NUMBERS
A snapshot of fatal and non-fatal shooting data shared with care, context, and commitment to keep residents informed
Recent data shows encouraging progress across Memphis with consistent declines in both fatal and non-fatal shootings. This progress reflects the combined efforts of law enforcement, f rontline workers, and local community-based organizations working to prevent violence, intervene in conflicts, and strengthen neighborhood safety.
Non-Fatal Shooting Incidents January - September (to date) 2025
2026
600
500
2026: 357 2025: 537 (-33.52%)
400
Just Over 30 Days to Go! Register for the Cities United Convening The countdown is on! In just over 30 days, Memphis will welcome leaders, practitioners, and changemakers f rom across the country for the 13th Annual Cities United Convening, October 20–23, 2026.
300
537
200
100
0
This national gathering is an opportunity to showcase Shelby County and the incredible work happening across our communities to create safer, stronger neighborhoods. Local community based organizations, intervention professionals, public agencies, faith leaders, educators, and neighborhood partners will have the opportunity to learn, connect, collaborate, and share what is happening right here at home. Have you registered? Have you invited your network? This national convening is happening right here in our own backyard, and we want our community to be part of it. Haven’t registered yet? No problem because you still have time! Click here to register, and as an added bonus, Shelby County registrants can still get 50% off registration with discount code TENNESSEE. 30 days. A national gathering. Memphis is ready. Shelby County is ready. The countdown is on. Will you be there?
357
Murder Incidents January - September (to date) 2025
2026
150
2026: 96 2025: 149 (-35.57%)
100
149
50
0 Data Reference: City of Memphis Safer Communities Dashboard and Memphis Police Department
96
SEPTEMBER 2026
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IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Upcoming events, gatherings, and opportunities to connect across our communities Click here to submit your event.
SEPTEMBER 2026
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IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Upcoming events, gatherings, and opportunities to connect across our communities Click here to submit your event.
SEPTEMBER 2026
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IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Upcoming events, gatherings, and opportunities to connect across our communities Click here to submit your event.
SEPTEMBER 2026
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IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Upcoming events, gatherings, and opportunities to connect across our communities Click here to submit your event.
SEPTEMBER 2026
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FUELING THE FRONTLINES
Current grants and investment resources to help partners grow, sustain, and deepen their impact in Memphis and Shelby County
The Joint Office City of Memphis Safer Communities Grant supports the delivery of comprehensive safety initiatives for individuals and neighborhoods at varying risk levels of involvement in community violence. Funding is available under two distinct tiers, Prevention and Intervention, to ensure targeted, high-impact programming. Organizations may only apply under one category and are not eligible to receive funding for both. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review category definitions in the proposal request carefully before submitting. These programs will help the city create safer communities that benefit its citizenry. This program is not meant to be the sole source for funding of an applicant’s programs, projects, or services. Grants between $10,000.00 and $50,000.00 will be available. The deadline for all applications is Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. Click the link below to access the Safer Communities Application: Safer Communities Grants Program Link FY 2026 Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance Award Ceiling: $1,000,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: Unknown Closing Date: 09/24/2026 FY 2026 Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance Award Ceiling: $3,000,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: TBD Closing Date: 09/25/2026 ROSS Rapid Response Program Department of Housing and Urban Development Award Ceiling: $250,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: 20 Closing Date: 01/25/2027
Please read the 2026 Fall Funding Opportunity Guidelines for full details on eligibility and the application process.
Where’d yall put the forms?! Chris R. Johnson GVRS Coordinator 901 Peace
INSIDE THE JOINT OFFICE
A closer look at the team members supporting partners in community safety efforts
1. Which side of the Joint Office do you work for? City 2. What is your hidden talent? Gardening and useless trivia 3.
What
is
something
you
are
currently
obsessed with? Growing fig trees 4. What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this? A lawyer 5. What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Sea urchin or baby octopus 6. What is the best trip or vacation you have ever been on? 2 weeks camping in Montana with my bros 7. What is your favorite movie? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 8. What is one skill you’ve always wanted to learn? Speak another language fluently