Written by JR Robinson

In the political landscape of Memphis, few figures have been as pivotal as Mayor Jim Strickland. His tenure, marked by ambitious promises and significant challenges, has left an indelible mark on the city. This comprehensive report card aims to dissect Strickland's time in office, examining his campaign promises, achievements, and the hurdles he faced.

Campaign Promises

Strickland's campaign was built on a platform of change and a new direction for Memphis. He pledged to tackle crime, poverty, and blight, with a particular emphasis on public safety. Strickland also promised to be a mayor for all of Memphis, including those who did not vote for him.

Public Safety and Crime

Public safety was a cornerstone of Strickland's campaign. Upon taking office, he worked to increase the number of officers in the Memphis Police Department, acknowledging crime as the city's greatest challenge. Efforts were also made to reduce 911 call wait times. However, despite these initiatives, crime remained a significant issue throughout his term. Auto thefts and break-ins increased by 50% in the last year of his term, and the city saw a rise in homicides, with 269 recorded in the year before his term ended.

Economic Development and City Planning

Strickland's administration saw significant strides in economic development and city planning. He proposed de-annexation to "right size" the city and expanded programming at Memphis parks. His tenure also oversaw $11 billion in development in Greater Memphis. In 2023, he introduced an ordinance amendment aimed at stimulating future investment in Memphis-wide high-speed broadband networks, as part of the Memphis 3.0 and Smart City priorities.

Conflict with the District Attorney's Office

Strickland publicly criticized the District Attorney's office for dismissing charges in a high-profile case, which he used as an example of the 'revolving door' justice system. However, the District Attorney responded by saying that Strickland's criticism was misleading and that he had gotten the facts wrong. This public disagreement highlighted a lack of cooperation between the Mayor's office and the District Attorney's office, which could have hindered efforts to address the city's crime problem.

DOJ Investigation into the Memphis Police Department

During Strickland's term, the Department of Justice launched an investigation into the Memphis Police Department over allegations of discriminatory policing, improper use of force, and unlawful searches and arrests. Strickland's response to this investigation was to express disappointment and to question its impact on the recruitment and retention of officers and the crime rate. This reaction could be seen as a failure to fully acknowledge and address the serious issues being investigated.

Criticism of the Judicial System

Strickland repeatedly criticized the judicial system, describing it as a 'revolving door' that allowed criminals to return to the streets. While this criticism may have been intended to highlight the need for tougher sentencing, it was seen by some as a deflection of responsibility for the city's crime problem. Furthermore, Strickland's call for the public to express their opinions on court decisions could be seen as an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary.

Strickland's tenure as mayor was marked by a commitment to public safety and city development. However, despite his efforts, crime remained a significant challenge. This report card provides a comprehensive look at Strickland's time in office, offering insights into his achievements and the challenges he faced.