VIEW THE VISION

Efficient, honest government that delivers results and measures them publicly.

We will run Shelby County with discipline, transparency, and shared purpose. Every department will have clear goals, measurable results, and public accountability. We will work collaboratively with elected officials and municipal leaders to streamline processes, align budgets with outcomes, meet consistently, and advance at least one coordinated legislative agenda as ONE SHELBY so the government works together, spends wisely, and delivers results people can see and feel.

Commitment:

A government that serves the people must be transparent, disciplined, and aligned. Every dollar, decision, and department will be accountable to outcomes that improve lives across Shelby County.

Priorities:

• Bold Business Boom

• “One Shelby” Legislative Agenda and Lobbying Team

• Accountability, Transparency, and Public Engagement

• Phasing Out the Penny

• Transition Leadership and Continuity

1. Bold Business Boom

Help small businesses grow, recruit new industries, and ensure economic development benefits the people who live here. We will remove barriers, reduce bureaucracy, expand access to capital, and tie incentives to outcomes residents can feel through:

• Legacy U Small Business Accelerator Academy
  Training, permitting and zoning guidance, procurement navigation led by experienced business owners

• Streamlined Permitting + Zoning Reform
  Fast-tracked approvals, shorter wait times, single entry for new business owners

• Expand Awareness of Neighborhood Opportunity Zones
  Distressed ZIP codes designated as priority locations for tax incentives and county-funded microgrants

• Fair Wage and Youth Hiring Requirement
  A percentage of county infrastructure contracts dedicated to apprenticeships and youth jobs; Contractors must pay a living wage aligned with inflation

2. ONE SHELBY Legislative Agenda and Lobbying Team

The county mayor’s role is to convene, connect, and champion. Municipalities know their communities and pain points, but we can go farther, faster when we go together. This is not one-size-fits-all. The county sets the table, cities bring their needs, and together we design solutions that meet the needs of the people we serve.

Mayors Huddle

Held twice a year, during the Mayors Huddle we will:

• discuss city-specific priorities to inform the budget

• develop a joint legislative agenda and lobbying team

• lobby Nashville and D.C. as one region with many voices and nuanced needs

3. Accountability, Transparency, & Public Engagement

Residents deserve to see how dollars are used, where progress is made, and where more work is needed. This plan includes:

• Annual “State of Shelby” Address to share wins, challenges, budget impact, and what’s next.

• Public dashboard with crime, health, housing, and education indicators visible to residents

• Community-design tables where residents co-develop policies, pilots, and neighborhood investments

• Participatory budgeting in select communities, allowing parents and youth to help decide how funds are spent

• Maintain business practices and county initiatives that align with Local Government Rating criteria to sustain an excellent rating
  

Engagement strategies will prioritize women, parents, and caregivers through accessible meeting times, childcare-aware formats, and clear, plain-language communication.

Read more about our alignment with Local Government Rating criteria here.

4. A Penny for Your Thoughts

The federal government is phasing out the penny. While this change is national, how it’s handled locally matters especially for seniors, working families, and people who rely on cash. Our administration will handle this transition with transparency, fairness, and respect for every dollar families earn.

How Shelby County Will Meet the Moment

• Clear Public Education
  Launch a simple, plain-language education campaign so residents understand what’s changing, when it’s changing, and what it means for everyday purchases before implementation begins.

• Penny Exchange Program
  Partner with trusted county locations to allow residents to exchange accumulated pennies for higher denominations, ensuring no one loses value.

• Financial Access & Literacy
  Work with the Trustee’s Office and community partners to expand access to basic banking, credit education, and safe financial tools, especially for unbanked and underbanked residents.

5. Transition Leadership & Continuity

Strong leadership includes how you hand the baton. I will lead a disciplined, transparent transition that protects services, respects workers, and keeps Shelby County moving forward from day one.

What we will do

• Establish a Transition Leadership Office immediately after the election to protect critical services and ensure continuity.

• Professionally onboard new leaders with required training in ethics, budgeting, operations, and community impact.

• Publish a public transition playbook with a clear 90-day plan so residents, employees, and partners know what to expect.