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SHELBY COUNTY FORWARD.

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Dr. Marie Feagins is your fighter for healthcare access, economic opportunity and change!

WE ARE POWERED BY GRASSROOTS SUPPORT

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Goal: Strengthen the county’s role as a partner in student success.

Education and Workforce Development

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MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE!

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<h3>May 5th</h3>

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<h3>April 15th - 30th</h3>

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<h3>Apply by April 25th</h3>

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ABOUT MARIE

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Friends of Marie Feagins has created this privacy notice to explain how we use information that you may provide while visiting our website and to demonstrate our firm commitment to Internet privacy.Friends of Marie Feagins may modify this policy from time to time so we encourage you to check this page when revisiting this website.<h3>How We Use Your Information</h3>Friends of Marie Feagins is committed to protecting your privacy online.When you register, contribute, sign up to volunteer, or take any other action on our site, we may ask you to give us contact information, including your name, address, telephone number and/or e-mail address. We may obtain information about you from outside sources and add it to or combine it with the information we collect through this site.We use this information to operate this site, send you news and information to you about Friends of Marie Feagins &amp; to solicit your participation in Friends of Marie Feagins programs, events and activities, and obtain and confirm RSVP’s to events and programs. We use your e-mail address to send such information by e-mail and may use your telephone number to call you for these purposes.We will never provide your e-mail address or any of your personal information to any other person or organization, for any purpose. If you decide to purchase tickets to an event or to make a contribution online, we may also ask for your credit card number and its expiration date. That information is used solely for processing your contribution; is not maintained by our organization; and is never disclosed to anyone, for any other purpose other than for processing your contribution, under any circumstances.<h3>How We Protect Information You Provide</h3>Friends of Marie Feagins uses industry standard security measures to protect against the loss, misuse or alteration of the information under our control. Our server is located in a locked, secure environment. Permission to access your information is granted only to you and Friends of Marie Feagins employees or contractors who need to know that information to provide services to you. Although we make good faith efforts to store information collected by this website in a secure operating environment, we cannot guarantee complete security.<h3>Links to Other Websites</h3>This privacy policy covers this website and its subdomains. These sites may link to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy policies of these third-party sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies and review the practices of all websites you visit.<h3>Other Disclosure of Your Information</h3>Though we make every effort to preserve user privacy, we may need to disclose personal information when we have a good-faith belief release is appropriate to comply with the law (for example, a lawful subpoena), to protect our rights or property, or to protect our donors, artists and supporters from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful conduct, or if we reasonably believe that an emergency involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any person requires disclosure of communications or justifies disclosure of records without delay.<h3>Special Notice for Parents</h3>We want to help you guard your children’s privacy. We encourage you to talk to your children about safe and responsible use of their personal information while using the Internet. Friends of Marie Feagins does not knowingly collect, use or distribute children’s personally identifiable information to any third parties. If you have any reservations, questions or concerns about your child’s access to this site or how information that your child provides is used by us, please contact us.Mobile Opt-In DataMobile opt-in data is not shared with third-party organizations or affiliates, except when sharing (1) with vendors, consultants and other service providers who need access to such information to carry out work (and who will not use such information for their own purposes); (2) if disclosure is required by any applicable law, rule, or regulation or to comply with law enforcement or legal process; and (3) if the user consents to sharing of such information.<h3>About Cookies, IP Addresses and Log File Data Cookies</h3>A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user’s hard drive containing information about the user.Friends of Marie Feagins website uses a cookie for measuring aggregate web statistics, including number of monthly visitors, number of repeat visitors, most popular webpages and other information. Friends of Marie Feagins will also use cookies to facilitate your online visit by maintaining data that you provide for online activism activities so that you will not need to resubmit certain information.We may also use third-party services such as Google Analytics. This helps us understand traffic patterns and know if there are problems with our Site. We may also use embedded images in emails to track open rates for our mailings, so that we can tell which mailings appeal most to our supporters.<h3>Advertising</h3>We may place online advertising with third-party vendors, including Google, which will be shown on other Sites on the Internet. In some cases, those third-party vendors may decide which ads to show you based on your prior visits to the Site. At no time will you be personally identified to those third-party vendors, nor will any of the information you share with us be shared with those third-party vendors. If you prefer to opt out of the use of these third-party cookies on the Site, you can do so by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt out page.<h3>Server Log Files</h3>We log standard technical information, such as your IP address and the kind of browser you use. We log this information for troubleshooting purposes and to track which pages people visit in order to improve the site. We do not use log files to track a particular individual’s use of the website.<h3>How to Unsubscribe or Opt Out</h3>People who subscribe to e-mail &amp; SMS Opt-In lists via this website will receive periodic updates from Friends of Marie Feagins by regular mail, fax and/or e-mail. You may opt out of receiving future information via email or SMS text by using the unsubscribe procedure specified on the e-mail message or on the SMS Opt-In Page.<h3>How We Notify You About Privacy Policy Changes</h3>We may revise and update this Privacy Policy if we change our practices, add new site features, or change existing site features. We will notify registered users by email and post notice to this site of any substantive changes to our Privacy Policy. Your use of this site following such changes constitutes your agreement with regard to information collected from you in the past and in the future.<h3>How To Contact Us</h3>Questions regarding this Privacy Policy should be emailed to <a href="mailto:info@torreyharris.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">info@mariefeagins.com</a>

Intern - Policy & Research

<h2>From the Classroom to the Boardroom and Beyond.</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/81220a46-fa89-4316-814c-464d6d2fa093/adc72584-c1d6-4736-8ccf-44d90a8e45d0/adc72584-c1d6-4736-8ccf-44d90a8e45d0.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1080%2C1440&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="32" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>Dr. Marie Feagins is a transformative leader whose twenty years of executive experience has spanned classrooms, boardrooms, neighborhoods, and national institutions — always with one mission: to see people fully and build systems where communities can win, and win big.</h3>Marie’s story starts in public housing, where she was a Head Start kid who fell in love with books before she truly understood the world they were describing. Her parents worked hard, often carrying multiple jobs to make ends meet, and taught her early the balance and grit her future career would demand. By 15, she was juggling a part-time job, the basketball court as a point guard, and cheer mats as a seven-time All-American cheerleader.

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Issues Post

Building a Shelby County That Works for All Of Us

VIEW THE VISION

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News

Goal: Protect credit rating and manage long-term liabilities.

Debt Service Fund

Education and Workforce Develo

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Host Marie

Marie for Shelby County Mayor

Goal: Strengthen law enforcement effectiveness, trust, and partnership. Build a joint working relationship between the Mayor and Sheriff for unification.

Sheriff's Office

Judicial Branch

Goal: Improve the everyday conditions residents experience - roads, waste, lighting, and infrastructure.

Division of Public Works

Division of Public Works

<h2>How to handle donations on your website</h2>Run does not process donations directly on our platform, as is standard with most political and advocacy sites.Campaigns are often required to comply with reporting requirements, donation limits, and other regulations, so using a donation processor that specializes in serving campaigns is generally a good idea. Sign up with a donation processor and then on your Pages sidebar, click the Link icon on the Donate page and add the link to your donation page. Some common options for donation processing include:<ul><li><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ActBlue</a></li><li><a href="https://www.campaigndeputy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Campaign Deputy</a> </li><li><a href="https://goodchange.app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GoodChange</a></li><li><a href="https://numero.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Numero</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ngpvan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NGP VAN</a></li></ul>

Goal: Address jail overcrowding, unsafe working conditions, and operational breakdowns.

Division of Corrections

Division of Corrections

VIEW THE VISION

"We are building One Shelby. One Future. A county where safety is felt, opportunity is reachable, and every neighborhood - from Millington to Orange Mound, Collierville to Frayser - moves forward together."

Page Intro

Goal: Streamline development, strengthen neighborhood planning, and expand economic mobility.

Division of Planning and Development

Division of Planning and Devel

<h2 style="text-align: center;">"People recognized courage, truth-telling, and a leader willing to confront broken systems rather than accept them.”</h2><h4 style="text-align: center;">- Marie Feagins</h4>

Volunteer

Endorse Marie

Stand With Dr. Marie Feagins for Shelby County Mayor.Shelby County deserves bold, principled leadership—leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and delivers real results for our communities. Dr. Marie Feagins has spent her career advocating for opportunity, accountability, and a future where every neighborhood can thrive.By adding your name, you are showing your support for Dr. Feagins’ vision for Shelby County—one rooted in equity, transparency, and progress. Your endorsement sends a powerful message that our community is ready for leadership that puts people first.Whether you are a community leader, educator, faith leader, business owner, or concerned resident, your voice matters. Together, we can build a Shelby County that works for everyone.Add your name today and stand with Dr. Marie Feagins for Mayor.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/81220a46-fa89-4316-814c-464d6d2fa093/0bf2b0e5-e395-4b26-bafd-a745d345fdba/0bf2b0e5-e395-4b26-bafd-a745d345fdba.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=168%2C304%2C1124%2C1158&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">

I ENDORSE MARIE

Long Form

Listen to Marie

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<h2>LET'S WIN, TOGETHER!</h2>Happy day! Early voting is days away and we need your help!Sign up to volunteer and join a grassroots movement that’s building a stronger, more united Shelby County.Let’s get to work. Together.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/81220a46-fa89-4316-814c-464d6d2fa093/7acd567e-ba40-4a33-87fe-8d413ab43d1c/7acd567e-ba40-4a33-87fe-8d413ab43d1c.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1080%2C1350&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">

LET'S WIN, TOGETHER!

Host a special event for Marie Feagins or invite her to speak to build a stronger future for Shelby County. Whether you’re interested in hosting a meet-and-greet, house party, community conversation, or fundraising event, your support helps bring neighbors together and fuels a people-powered campaign. By opening your home, business, or community space, you create an opportunity for Marie to listen, share her vision, and mobilize supporters who believe in honest leadership and real results.Sign up to let us know how you’d like to host and our campaign team will follow up to help plan an impactful and successful event.

Get Involved

ON THE ISSUES

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Testimonials Here

Endorser Name

Testimonials

Make History With Your Donation and Get Your Team Feagins Tee Shirt or Marie Feagins Yard Sign.

Call to Action

Goal: Build unified governance through collaboration and transparency.

Elected Officials

Stabilize the budget. Stabilize the workforce. Stabilize public safety infrastructure.

100 DAY PLAN

Goal: Improve operational efficiency and set standards for accountability.

Division of Administration and Finance

Division of Administration and

<h2>Intern - Communications</h2>The Communications Intern will support the communications director in building and executing a disciplined communications program across press, digital media, messaging strategy, and public storytelling. The role requires strong writing skills, rapid turnaround time, attention to detail, and the ability to track and translate complex information for diverse audiences.Responsibilities:&nbsp;<ul><li>Monitor local and state news daily; prepare quick-read summaries for the candidate.</li><li>Assist with rapid response by drafting statements, fact sheets, or talking points as needed.</li><li>Maintain the press list and help track outreach to reporters and media outlets.</li><li>Help prepare weekly messaging guidance and internal talking points.</li><li>Support development of graphics and social media content</li><li>Assist with drafting and formatting op-eds, letters, scripts, and remarks.</li><li>Track social media analytics and engagement; identify trends and opportunities.</li><li>Organize press materials, bios, headshots, and media kits for upcoming events.</li><li>Provide support during virtual or in-person events (taking notes, capturing quotes, monitoring social comments, etc.).</li><li>Uphold message discipline and professional confidentiality at all times.</li></ul>Ideal Candidate:<ul><li>Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.</li><li>Ability to translate complex issues into clear, concise explanations.</li><li>Comfortable working under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.</li><li>Strong awareness of news, politics, and cultural conversations.</li><li>Responsive and reliable with consistent follow-through and attention to detail.</li><li>Creative thinker who can generate ideas for storytelling, narrative arcs, and engagement.</li><li>Interest in political communications, journalism, public relations, or digital strategy helpful (not required).</li></ul>What You Will Gain:<ul><li>Direct exposure to strategic message development, media relations, and narrative design</li><li>Experience analyzing budgets, policies, and public systems.</li><li>Professional references and a letter of recommendation upon completion.</li><li>Opportunities to contribute to published content (credited or anonymous).</li><li>A deeper understanding of how campaigns shape public perception and drive news cycles</li><li>Strong portfolio material for graduate school or future communications roles.</li></ul>Academic Credit:College credit may be available depending on your institution’s requirements. The campaign will complete all necessary paperwork and provide formal supervision.To Apply: Please send your resume to <a href="mailto:info@mariefeagins.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">info@mariefeagins.com</a> with the subject line: [YOUR NAME] - Intern - Research &amp; Policy, 1–2 page writing sample, A brief statement (150–200 words) on why you are interested in policy work in Shelby County, and your weekly availability from January–May 2026.Work Location:VirtualThe Campaign believes strongly in creating a welcoming work environment for everyone. The Campaign is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, gender, religion or sexuality (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions)

Intern - Communications

checkMark

On The Issues

On The Issues

Goal: Build an advanced, secure, and people-centered digital infrastructure.

Division of Information Technology Services

Goal: Stabilize the county's financial position, restore public trust in budgeting process, and establish transparent practices.

Fiscal Planning and Transparency

Fiscal Planning and Transparen

Press & Media Kit

Marie Feagins is running to be a Shelby County Mayor for All of Us.As School Superintendent, she’s brought people together and delivered real results for people — and now, she needs your help to build momentum.Marie knows firsthand that real change starts from the ground up. She understands the power of people coming together — and she’s building this campaign the same way.Whether it’s knocking doors, making calls, or helping at events, your time and energy can make a big difference.Sign up to volunteer and join a grassroots movement that’s building a stronger, more united Shelby County.Let’s get to work. Together.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/81220a46-fa89-4316-814c-464d6d2fa093/7acd567e-ba40-4a33-87fe-8d413ab43d1c/7acd567e-ba40-4a33-87fe-8d413ab43d1c.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1080%2C1350&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">

WE NEED YOU ON OUR TEAM!

Endorser Title

Endorser Name

Headshots

Feel free to reach out to us and we will get back with you as soon as possible.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/81220a46-fa89-4316-814c-464d6d2fa093/f416b4ad-c97c-402e-9ea7-10bb412cc181/f416b4ad-c97c-402e-9ea7-10bb412cc181.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C157%2C3024%2C3295&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="32.5" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

We'd Love To Hear From You!

Goal: Prioritize safe, modern facilities and long-term investment discipline.

Capital Improvement Plan

Pre-K Education

Events

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/81220a46-fa89-4316-814c-464d6d2fa093/c61c5273-4981-4254-a3fd-c65616026796/c61c5273-4981-4254-a3fd-c65616026796.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1206%2C1504&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>A Leader with A Community Focus.</h3>Marie served as class president and made history when she was voted as the first Black Miss Smiths Station High, experiences that taught her how to lead in any room. Becoming the first in her family to graduate college didn’t just change her life; it changed her expectations for what was possible. Her career never followed a straight line because Marie never believed change lived in just one place.She worked in media and corporate spaces, counseled young people and families, taught in classrooms, led a school as principal, and eventually stepped into complex public-sector leadership. Whether advising Fortune 500 executives and elected officials, partnering with neighborhoods, or coaching teams, Marie is known for calm in chaos, truth in tough moments, and a rare mix of heart and discipline that comes from growing up in places where neither could be taken for granted.

Introduce the videos below with a short blurb.

Campaign Videos

<h3>On Informed Sources Extra with Greg Hurst, Dr. Marie Feagins Lays Out Her Vision to See Shelby Shine As Mayor.</h3>

Video

Campaign Events

Events

Shelby County is home to roughly 922,000 people. Half of the population identifies as African American, 36% as white, and the remainder identify as mixed race, Asian, Hispanic, multiracial or other. With a median household income of approximately $62,300 per year, still, the county struggles with nearly one in five residents living in poverty. These numbers matter because poverty, instability, and years of neglect show up as public health crises, violence, lost opportunity, and generational trauma.Our goal is disciplined and achievable: align what we fund with what people need, build systems that work, connect communities to opportunity. We are building One Shelby. One Future. A county where safety is felt, opportunity is reachable, and every neighborhood - from Millington to Orange Mound, Collierville to Frayser - moves forward together.What follows is a big vision because Shelby County deserves big outcomes. We won’t do everything at once, but this shows how we can build a brighter Shelby together moving in phases year by year, with clear goals and progress you can see, feel, and monitor.<h4>FOUNDATION 1: Public Health &amp; Safety</h4>Invest in the wellness of people and places to create safety families can feel.What we will do:Fix current jail conditions while planning responsibly for a new facility.Conduct a full facility &amp; population audit, publish results, and size future construction based on real need.Reduce jail population. Expand diversion programs, strengthen mental-health resources, and speed up case processing to prevent long stays for non-violent individuals.Tackle root causes.Expand community-based safety (Memphis Allies, etc), youth jobs, neighborhood-based conflict mediation, and counselors accessible in community centers.Take healthcare where people live.Mobile clinics, school-based health clinics, and community wellness hubs that align with MATA routes.Expand “missing middle” housing.Partner with municipalities to launch Happy Homes housing and stability program. Tiny home &amp; rehab housing cohorts with job placement support, transportation access, and temporary stipends.Outcomes: Safer streets, fewer repeat offenses, healthier families, stronger neighborhoods, tax dollars used wisely.<h4>FOUNDATION 2: Education &amp; Workforce</h4>Build a Literacy-to-Life pathway so every child can learn, lead, and leave a legacy.What we will do:<ul><li>Birth-to-3 support for early literacy, parent coaching, and developmental screening.</li><li>Expand Pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds through partnership with First 8 Memphis and childcare workforce expansion.</li><li>Middle Matters mentorship, career exploration, and See Shelby exposure tours for grades 5–8.</li><li>LEVEL UP Cohorts 10,000 youth internships and jobs over four summers with hiring incentives for local employers.</li><li>Create an Education Outcomes Compact One scorecard for all districts with county funding connected to literacy, attendance, career readiness, and post-secondary placement.</li><li>Parent Power Hubs across community centers focused on childcare subsidy support, digital literacy training, ESL workshops, and “how to read my child’s data” sessions.</li></ul>Outcomes: Literacy increases, workforce grows, employers get talent, families gain stability, youth see a future in Shelby County and choose to stay.<h4>FOUNDATION 3: Economic Growth &amp; Social Mobility</h4>A county where work pays, businesses grow, and opportunity is reachable.What we will do:<ul><li>Fix transportation gaps that keep people from work, school, and healthcare. Collaborate with municipal mayors to implement 901-RIDE, a supplemental shuttle network that fills the spaces MATA cannot reach: students who don’t receive district bus services, park and ride to boost event attendance and tourism, and responsive routes for third-shift workers.</li><li>Launch LEVEL UP County’s first Guaranteed Income Initiative for as many households, providing as much as possible, 6–12-month pilot with expansion tied to results to stabilize more families.</li><li>Make Shelby County the amateur sports &amp; culture capital of the South.</li><li>Grants for artists, See Shelby neighborhood tourism routes, Shelby Cup multi-sport tournament (hotel stays, revenue, tourism), and a Mayor’s Sports &amp; Events Council to attract WNBA/NBA-level events, state and regional youth championships, and international competitions across all sports.&nbsp;</li></ul>Outcomes: More people working, small business growth, tourism returns, neighborhoods vibrant with arts, culture, and sports. Everyone has a chance to rise.<h4>FOUNDATION 4: Housing Affordability &amp; Stability</h4>Affordable living without forcing families to choose between rent, food, and necessities.What we will do:<ul><li>Launch the Happy Homes Cohort to place families in affordable housing paired with jobs, transportation, and short-term stabilization support.</li><li>Expand missing-middle housing by rehabbing vacant properties and partnering with cities, faith institutions, employers, and nonprofit builders.</li><li>Create pathways to stability and ownership through rent-to-own options, credit-building programs, and employer-assisted housing.</li></ul>Outcomes: Fewer evictions and more stable families, stronger neighborhoods, a workforce able to stay and grow.<h4>FOUNDATION 5: Government Efficiency and Performance</h4>Efficient, honest government that delivers results people can see and feel.What we will do:Bold Business Boom<ul><li>Make Shelby County the easiest place in the Mid-South to start and grow a business.</li><li>Launch Legacy U Small Business Accelerator Academy partnering experienced businesses with rising and aspiring owners to provide permitting support, zoning guidance, and assistance with the procurement process.</li><li>Streamline permitting and zoning to shorten wait times and remove barriers.</li><li>Expand Neighborhood Opportunity Zones to push incentives and county microgrants to underserved ZIP codes.</li><li>Require fair wages and youth hiring for county contractors, aligning public dollars to impact community.</li></ul>“One Shelby” Legislative Agenda &amp; Lobbying Team<ul><li>Move as one region with many voices on the issues that matter.</li><li>Convene monthly mayor-to-mayor strategy sessions.</li><li>Build a unified legislative agenda for Nashville and D.C.</li><li>Establish a regional lobbying team to champion funding for transit, public safety, housing, and workforce.</li></ul>Accountability, Transparency &amp; Public Engagement<ul><li>A government that people can track, trust, and participate in.</li><li>Annual State of Shelby address outlining progress, challenges, and the path forward.</li><li>Quarterly dashboard showing trends in crime, health, housing, education, and jobs.</li><li>Community-design tables where residents help shape policies and local investments.</li><li>Cut wasteful spending, explore community participation budgeting for input on how dollars are spent.</li></ul>Outcomes: A government that is faster, simpler, transparent, and built around the community it serves.

This urgency of now paves the way for bold believers like us to come together to build a Shelby County that truly serves everyone. Meet Dr. Marie Feagins for a series of critical conversations and powerful programs that shift the trajectory of our local communities.

Community Connections

<h2>Intern - Policy &amp; Research</h2>The Policy Research Intern will support the campaign team by conducting research, preparing briefs, compiling data, and generating clear summaries to inform the candidate’s public statements, media interactions, and policy platform. This position requires responsiveness, accuracy, and the ability to synthesize information quickly.Responsibilities:&nbsp;<ul><li>Conduct research on topics including public safety, education, economic development, homelessness and housing, transportation, public health, justice system process, local government budgets, and county operations.</li><li>Prepare 1–2-page research briefs that clearly summarize issues, data, and proposed solutions.</li><li>Monitor local news, public meetings, and policy developments; flag relevant information to the campaign team in real time.</li><li>Review local, state, and school budgets, committee agendas, and policy documents; identify key findings and discrepancies.</li><li>Support drafting content for op-eds, speeches, debate prep, and public remarks.</li><li>Compile best-practice models from peer cities and national organizations.</li><li>Fact-check statements, platform language, and public communications for accuracy.</li><li>Assist with preparation materials ahead of community forums, candidate events, and stakeholder meetings.</li><li>Complete assigned deliverables by agreed-upon deadlines (punctuality is essential in this role).</li><li>Maintain confidentiality and operate with professional discretion at all times.</li></ul>Ideal Candidate:<ul><li>Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.</li><li>Ability to synthesize complex issues into clear, concise explanations.</li><li>Highly responsive in communication (email, text).</li><li>Comfortable working independently in a fast-moving environment.</li><li>Flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities.</li><li>Interest in public policy, governance, or campaigns.</li><li>Ability to meet deadlines consistently with minimal supervision.</li><li>Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail.</li></ul>What You Will Gain:<ul><li>Direct exposure to county-level policymaking and campaign strategy.</li><li>Experience analyzing budgets, policies, and public systems.</li><li>Professional references and a letter of recommendation upon completion.</li><li>Opportunities for published research contributions (credited or anonymous).</li><li>Hands-on understanding of how political campaigns build platforms and shape public discourse.</li><li>Strong portfolio material for graduate school or future policy roles.</li></ul>Academic Credit:College credit may be available depending on your institution’s requirements. The campaign will complete all necessary paperwork and provide formal supervision.To Apply: Please send your resume to <a href="mailto:info@mariefeagins.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">info@mariefeagins.com</a> with the subject line: [YOUR NAME] - Intern - Research &amp; Policy, 1–2 page writing sample, A brief statement (150–200 words) on why you are interested in policy work in Shelby County, and your weekly availability from January–May 2026.Work Location:VirtualThe Campaign believes strongly in creating a welcoming work environment for everyone. The Campaign is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, gender, religion or sexuality (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions)

Goal: Improve case flow, reduce delays, and strengthen justice access through improved systems and processes.

Judiciary

Goal: Strengthen food security, homelessness response, youth supports, and family stability.

Division of Community Services

Division of Community Services

Get A Yard Sign

Goal: Strengthen public health accountability, support Regional One restructuring, and expand behavioral health access.

Division of Health Services

Division of Health Services

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<img src="https://run.imgix.net/81220a46-fa89-4316-814c-464d6d2fa093/0d1c40dd-730c-4b54-9055-342c71af97d8/0d1c40dd-730c-4b54-9055-342c71af97d8.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=574%2C0%2C6447%2C5760&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>Leaving a Lasting Legacy.</h3>In Detroit, Marie led the district to the highest graduation rate in a decade. In Memphis-Shelby County Schools, where she became superintendent of the largest district in the state in 2024, Marie focused on the fundamentals families feel most: better attendance, fewer chronically absent students, stronger academic growth, and more honesty about what needed fixing.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/81220a46-fa89-4316-814c-464d6d2fa093/2ec01005-8983-4ff3-8c1c-e05f5cfd6f07/2ec01005-8983-4ff3-8c1c-e05f5cfd6f07.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=179%2C0%2C1098%2C1062&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>Shelby Starts With She.</h3>The community response to her leadership — thousands showing up, speaking out, and organizing — revealed something unmistakable: "People recognized courage, truth-telling, and a leader willing to confront broken systems rather than accept them.”Marie is running for Shelby County Mayor with a simple belief that government should work for everyone. Her priorities reflect the concerns she’s heard again and again from everyday families: safer communities, healthier neighborhoods, real opportunities for young people, and public systems that work the way people need them to.<h3>Leading By Example.</h3>Her work has earned national recognition as Success Magazine Women of Influence, the Legacy Trailblazer Award, Memphis Business Journal Power 100, and national features including with Katie Couric. But if you ask her, the awards matter less than the people behind them.Dr. Feagins holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Alabama, a Master’s in Counseling from the University of West Alabama, and a doctorate from Samford University with an executive finance certification from Georgetown University.

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<h4>Efficient, honest government that delivers results and measures them publicly.</h4>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.<h4>Commitment:</h4>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.<h4>Priorities:</h4><ul><li>Bold Business Boom</li><li>“One Shelby” Legislative Agenda and Lobbying Team</li><li>Accountability, Transparency, and Public Engagement</li><li>Phasing Out the Penny</li><li>Transition Leadership and Continuity</li></ul><h3>1. Bold Business Boom</h3>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:<ul><li>Legacy U Small Business Accelerator Academy Training, permitting and zoning guidance, procurement navigation led by experienced business owners</li><li>Streamlined Permitting + Zoning Reform Fast-tracked approvals, shorter wait times, single entry for new business owners</li><li>Expand Awareness of Neighborhood Opportunity Zones Distressed ZIP codes designated as priority locations for tax incentives and county-funded microgrants</li><li>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</li></ul><h3>2. ONE SHELBY Legislative Agenda and Lobbying Team</h3>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 HuddleHeld twice a year, during the Mayors Huddle we will:<ul><li>discuss city-specific priorities to inform the budget</li><li>develop a joint legislative agenda and lobbying team</li><li>lobby Nashville and D.C. as one region with many voices and nuanced needs</li></ul><h3>3. Accountability, Transparency, &amp; Public Engagement</h3>Residents deserve to see how dollars are used, where progress is made, and where more work is needed. This plan includes:<ul><li>Annual “State of Shelby” Address to share wins, challenges, budget impact, and what’s next.</li><li>Public dashboard with crime, health, housing, and education indicators visible to residents</li><li>Community-design tables where residents co-develop policies, pilots, and neighborhood investments</li><li>Participatory budgeting in select communities, allowing parents and youth to help decide how funds are spent</li><li>Maintain business practices and county initiatives that align with Local Government Rating criteria to sustain an excellent rating </li></ul>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 <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:fec27558-cd29-4e36-88f7-61a8234af1d1">here</a>.<h3>4. A Penny for Your Thoughts</h3>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<ul><li>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.</li><li>Penny Exchange Program Partner with trusted county locations to allow residents to exchange accumulated pennies for higher denominations, ensuring no one loses value.</li><li>Financial Access &amp; 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.</li></ul><h3>5. Transition Leadership &amp; Continuity</h3>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<ul><li>Establish a Transition Leadership Office immediately after the election to protect critical services and ensure continuity.</li><li>Professionally onboard new leaders with required training in ethics, budgeting, operations, and community impact.</li><li>Publish a public transition playbook with a clear 90-day plan so residents, employees, and partners know what to expect.</li></ul>

We will run Shelby County with discipline, transparency, and shared purpose. Every department will have clear goals, measurable results, and public accountability.

Government Performance and Efficiency

<h4>Affordable living without forcing families to choose between rent, food, and necessities.</h4>Shelby County faces rising rents, aging housing, and too many families one emergency away from displacement. This is a public health issue, a workforce issue, and a public safety issue. Stable housing reduces future public costs, lowers contact with the justice system, improves health outcomes, and increases economic participation. It is one of the smartest long-term investments a county can make.<h4>Commitment:</h4>Every Shelby County family deserves a stable place to call home. We will expand affordable housing, prevent displacement, and connect housing to jobs, health, and transportation so families can stay rooted and move forward.<h4>Priorities:</h4><ul><li>Happy Homes Cohort</li><li>500 Homes Challenge</li></ul><ol><li>Happy Homes Cohort: a stability-first cross-agency housing initiative that places people in homes and surrounds them with tools to grow there. The initiative will serve an identified number of families annually with: <ul><li>Housing Stability Units: Tiny homes and rehabbed properties through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, BLDG Memphis, Memphis Housing Authority, MLGW home weatherization</li><li>Workforce Readiness Training: Cohort participants required to complete GED/skills training, job placement support, interview prep</li><li>Guaranteed Job Path: County and employer partners commit interview slots and priority hiring for cohort graduates</li><li>Transportation Access: Transit passes and ride-to-interview funding</li><li>Stipend Bridge: Monthly support for a defined timeframe to stabilize families as they transition to new or increased income</li></ul></li><li>500 Homes Challenge: To expand “missing middle” housing, we will partner with municipalities to launch a public-private push to create or preserve 500 affordable units in one year.</li></ol>What counts• Renovated units • Vacant homes returned to occupancy • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) • Converted motels • Church-owned land adapted for housing • Employer-assisted housing pilots • Rent-to-own or credit-building housing tracks Potential Funding Sources: Federal HUD dollars (HOME, CDBG) to build/rehab units and provide down payment assistance; PILOT recapture used to stipends and workforce wraparound support; Philanthropic match to support cohort expansion and tiny home pilots; Private sector and Habitat for Humanity partnerships for construction materials and labor cost reduction

Housing instability disproportionately affects women-led households, particularly Black women, and stabilizing housing is one of the strongest predictors of long-term economic security for families.

Housing Affordability & Stability

Join Dr. Feagins for her annual birthday build with Habitat for Humanity.

Birthday Build with Habitat for Humanity

Each year for her special day, Dr. Feagins partners with Habitat for Humanity to help make affordable housing possible for more families. Sign up to join the fun!

Birthday Build

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Marie Feagins: Petition Pulling Day!

December 22! Is the first day to pick up petitions. Meet us for an opportunity to watch as Marie does the first official step toward making history.

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Dr. Marie N. Feagins, the accomplished educator and former superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, has officially announced her campaign for Shelby County Mayor, marking a seismic shift in the county’s political landscape.

Former superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins is running for Shelby County Mayor, promising bold change

Coffee & Tea with Marie- Square Beans

Something's Brewing: Let's support small businesses and discuss bold ways to make Shelby brighter...together. *Location does not indicate endorsement by the business listed

<h4>A county where work pays, businesses grow, and opportunity is reachable.</h4>Shelby County has always been a place where things move: planes, packages, people, and ideas. We are positioned to become the culture, amateur sports, and distribution capital of the nation where people, jobs, creativity, and opportunity meet. Economic growth requires a focus on giving people the tools, transit, and investment needed to move upward and forward. Our goal is simple: job creation, small business expansion, and opportunities that don’t stop at the city core or at municipal borders. This is how we reposition Shelby County as the innovation capital of the South.<h4>Commitment:</h4>A growing economy must lift the people who built it. Everyone rises, or no one does. This includes closing income gaps that disproportionately affect Black women, who are overrepresented in low-wage work while carrying the highest caregiving burdens.<h4>Priorities:</h4><ul><li>Regional Transit Access</li><li>Level Up Guaranteed Income Initiative</li><li>The Spirit of Shelby: Culture and Sports as Economic Engines</li></ul><h3>1. Regional Transit</h3>Transportation should connect people to opportunity. Today, it doesn’t and the costs to families, students, and businesses are high. The gaps are real:<ul><li>Workers can get near their job, but not to the entrance.</li><li>Students live “close enough” to school on paper, but too far to walk safely at times</li><li>Seniors miss appointments because one route takes three hours.</li><li>Third-shift employees lose jobs when buses stop running.</li><li>Suburban routes are shrinking and safety concerns push people back into cars.</li></ul>We will collaborate to implement 901-RIDE as a supplemental shuttle network working alongside MATA to fill in missing gaps.<ul><li>Pick up students who live too close for a school bus, but too far to walk safely especially without sidewalks or during bad weather.</li><li>Connect workers to more sites like logistics, hospitals, Amazon/Nike, retail</li><li>Move families to entertainment - shuttles from designated park-and-ride hubs to downtown to increase event attendance and avoid garage searching, six-block walks at midnight, and returning to car break-ins.</li></ul>Proposed funding to operate 901-RIDE:<ul><li>Federal transit &amp; mobility grants, state workforce &amp; apprenticeship funds</li><li>Corporate sponsorships</li><li>Employer-co-funded workforce route contracts for shift-workers</li><li>Philanthropic pilot matching and county operational savings&nbsp; </li></ul><h3>2. Level Up Guaranteed Income Initiative</h3>No family in Shelby County should have to choose medication, groceries, or gas. Hunger is not a result of personal failure, it is the consequence when pay doesn’t keep up with cost-of-living. We will pilot Level Up, Shelby County’s first Guaranteed Income Initiative:• Low-income households• Monthly stipend• 6-12-month pilot program with expansion tied to resultsThis is an efficient way to put money directly into the hands of families who need it most without complicated forms, hoops to jump through, and punishment for working or improving your life. <h3>3. The Spirit of Shelby: Culture &amp; Amateur Sports Capital of the South</h3>From Beale Street to Bartlett studios, from rap to rock to gospel, Shelby County creates culture the world copies, yet too many of our artists and athletes lack access, space, and funding. Our talent is our currency. We will invest in it: Heart the Arts<ul><li>Microgrants for artists, filmmakers, musicians, and designers to turn vacant or neglected spaces into creative landmarks.</li><li>Quarterly designated days of celebrating local innovation, arts, food, and sports showcasing homegrown talent and ideas to draw investment, attention, and tourism.</li></ul>See Shelby Passport<ul><li>Neighborhood cultural tourism routes exploring food, murals, music, and history countywide</li></ul>Shelby Sports<ul><li>Create a Countywide Youth Sports Commission representing all 13 districts</li><li>Launch The Shelby Cup regional multi-sport tournament to generate tourism</li><li>Form the Mayor’s Sports &amp; Events Council to pursue major events and generate revenue: WNBA/NBA All-Star Weekend, youth cheer/dance nationals, baseball championships, state and regional sports events</li></ul>Responsible GamingAs part of our ONE SHELBY Legislative Agenda we will advocate to our state partners to evaluate the future of regulated gaming as a responsible, locally beneficial approach to casinos and gaming that puts Shelby County first. Beneficial outcomes from this approach would include:<ul><li>Education facility maintenance and deferred maintenance, ensuring our schools are safe, modern, and worthy of our students</li><li>Transportation and infrastructure investments, from road repairs to transit improvements that move people and commerce efficiently</li><li>Local economic growth including workforce development and inclusive small-business participation</li></ul>

Shelby County has always been a place where things move: planes, packages, people, and ideas. We are positioned to become the culture, amateur sports, and distribution capital of the nation where people, jobs, creativity, and opportunity meet. Economic growth requires a focus on giving people the tools, transit, and investment needed to move upward and forward.

Economic Growth and Social Mobility

For Immediate Release - Memphis, TN, December 17th — Dr. Marie N. Feagins — business executive, transformational educator, and former Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby CountySchools (MSCS) — will deliver a public announcement today at 5:00 PM CST.This marks Dr. Feagins’ first public address since her departure from the district. Her remarks are expected to directly address the future of Shelby County, and her next steps.Widely regarded as one of the few leaders with system experience spanning education, community partnership development, government, and media, Dr.Feagins has long received encouragement from supporters urging her to pursue public office. Many believe she could become the first woman to ever lead ShelbyCounty. Full remarks and press materials will be distributed immediately following the announcement event. Event DetailsDate: Wednesday, December 17, 2025Location: 8146 East Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38125Media Check-In: Must present announcement event-issued credentials for entranceRSVP: Email individual names of media representatives attending.<a href="http://attending.Contact" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Contact</a>: <a href="mailto:info@mariefeagins.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">info@mariefeagins.com</a>

For Immediate Release - Memphis, TNDr. Marie N. Feagins - business executive, transformational educator, and former Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) - will deliver a public announcement today at 5:00 PM CST.This marks Dr. Feagins' first public address since her departure from the district.

Former Superintendent to Make Announcement in Shelby County

Coffee & Tea with Marie- The Pharmacy Coffeehouse

Marie will be available for anyone to come meet with her, ask questions, and express what you would like to see from your next Mayor! See you soon!

Monday Meet Ups with Marie

Marie will be available for anyone to come meet with her, ask questions, and express what you would like to see from your next Mayor! See you soon!

HEAR THE VISION

On Informed Sources Extra with Greg Hurst, Dr. Marie Feagins Lays Out Her Vision to See Shelby Shine As Mayor.