BLDG Memphis' public policy and advocacy platform centers on creating sound policies and solutions that drive investment into Memphis neighborhoods. We believe that community development corporations (CDCS) are the backbone of our city’s neighborhoods and are thus critical to the development and redevelopment of Memphis communities. 

BLDG Memphis aims to inform policy makers and the public of the unique needs, impact, and influence of CDCs with regards to Healthy & Affordable Housing, Community Economic Development, and Strong Neighborhoods.

Among the overarching goals of BLDG Memphis’ policy and advocacy work are 

• Increase affordable housing and sustainable homeownership throughout Memphis.
• Increase resources available to support the revitalization of Memphis neighborhoods.
• Promote land use and transportation policies that guide equitable infrastructure investments and increase the livability of low and moderate income neighborhoods.
• Accelerate the redevelopment of vacant and abandoned properties to encourage greater density, grow the local tax base, and promote enlightened development.

2024-2025 BLDG Memphis Public Policy Priorities (Click Here to Read)

How We Drive Change 

BLDG Memphis convenes the Community Development Policy Coalition (CDPC) composed primarily of active members who represent community development corporations (CDCs), non-profit organizations, government/quasi government agencies, financial institutions and key strategic partners that work across Memphis neighborhoods.

That body sets an Annual Policy Agenda which establishes community development policy priorities, recommendations, and goals for the upcoming year. According to the priorities the BLDG Memphis CDPC, 

1. Tracks and advocates for equitable, transparent, and community informed policies at the local, state, and federal level. 
2. Conducts policy research, publishing reports and policy briefs that promote the need and impact of CDCs. 
3. Leads and participates in grassroots advocacy campaigns that drive economic and social investment into typically disinvested Memphis neighborhoods and families. 
4. Convenes collaborative learning tables and civic forums that engage and educate Memphis residents and practitioners on important community development policy issues such as land use, transit and mobility, affordable housing, economic development, green spaces, blight, and solid waste.

Relevant Policy Reports

• 2021 Policy Brief: MAHTF Policy Brief
• 2024 Policy Brief: Memphis Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Advocacy Campaigns

• Build Better Housing for Memphis Neighborhoods: Re-invest in the Memphis Affordable Housing Trust Fund 

• Moral Budget Campaign (Dedicated funding for Public Transit, Affordable Housing, Participatory Budgeting Process)

• BLDG Memphis Vision Zero & Pedestrian Safety Campaign (More information coming soon!)

• BLDG Memphis Quality of Life Campaign 

Interested in learning more? You can sign up for our email newsletter here or email [email protected] to find out how to get involved.