Downtown Action Plan
Moving Downtown Forward Together
Downtown Memphis is having a moment, and it’s ours to shape. Over the next three years, we have the opportunity to create a Downtown Memphis that reflects the boldness, creativity, and soul of the greater Memphis region. This Downtown Action Plan is a 3-year blueprint for that change.
Strategic Focus for the Next Three Years
Make Main Street the Main Thing
Focus on creating an attractive Main Street from the Convention Center to Central Station as a priority, because it’s an essential pedestrian spine and core of Downtown.
Target Investment to Better Connect Downtown Assets
Prioritize blight remediation, infill development, and public space activation within the Downtown Core, Sports & Entertainment District, and designated Retail Nodes to fill gaps in vibrancy and better connect existing assets.
Maximize Walkability
Leverage investment opportunities to create a more vibrant public realm and elevate the pedestrian environment and street network.
Key Priorities
- Make Downtown Memphis attractive, safe, and welcoming.
- Reduce blight and fill ground-floor vacancy.
- Grow the tax base of Memphis and Shelby County.
- Build a bold and unified identity for Downtown Memphis.
- Expand the DMC’s ability to do its mission-critical work.
About the Downtown Memphis Commission
The DMC is the official agency responsible for stewarding the growth, vibrancy, and vitality of Downtown Memphis.
Vision
Downtown Memphis is the economic and cultural heart and soul of the region, built by and for everyone.
Mission
The DMC leads and advocates for the transformation and vitality of Downtown Memphis through bold investments in four areas:
- Safety & Hospitality
- Beautification, Clean & Green
- Community Building & Development
- Marketing, Events & Activation
This plan is a roadmap for how the DMC will focus our energy, efforts, and resources over the next three years.
The vision, mission, core values, key priorities, and strategies represent the big picture and are intended to remain constant over the next three years. The specific action items developed for each priority are fluid and adaptable. They are intended to be evaluated regularly for effectiveness and adjusted as needed.