In this issue
- The MSCS mess
- Infrastructure repairs begin
- The xAI factor
The MSCS mess

I’ve sidetracked the plans I had to start the year while we deal with the Memphis-Shelby County Schools leadership crisis.
Prior to the MSCS board’s vote terminating Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins, the county commission moved to dissuade them. We passed a vote of no confidence and encouraged them to hold district town hall meetings first.
The board ignored warnings from the public, county officials, and state lawmakers. But they won’t be able to ignore us for long. Commissioners have threatened funding and are planning a forensic audit of the district. The General Assembly is considering an oversight board, a recall provision, and perhaps other changes.
One commissioner who did not join the vote of no confidence says he would like to absorb the school board’s line item budget authority. It seems safe to say, board members will pay a hefty price for their behavior.
Infrastructure repairs begin

The emergency jail repairs I’ve mentioned previously are underway, following the county commission’s December 16 approval of several resolutions I sponsored as chair of the Law Enforcement, Corrections and Courts committee. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office expects the repairs to take “roughly two years” to complete.
Meanwhile, a rebuild of the Regional One trauma center can finally move forward, thanks to the recent purchase of a new property where construction can take place while the existing hospital continues to provide critical and emergency care.
The xAI factor

Memphians have been asking how they benefit from the arrival of xAI, which offered county commissioners a tour of the property last fall.
We already knew about the direct investments being made by the company, the utility construction projects they have bankrolled, the graywater treatment facility they plan to build and share, the jobs they are offering to Memphians, the ancillary companies they have recruited to locate here, the charitable contributions they have made to local non-profit organizations, the incentive packages they have declined, and the economic impact of choosing Memphis for the world’s largest artificial intelligence project.
And now we also have an estimate of how much they will pay in personal property taxes, which is assessed upon the company’s physical assets. The company is estimated to have already invested $12 billion in computer chips, battery packs, and other technology, with many phases of expansion still to come.
The Assessor’s office says Shelby County will collect an estimated $13.5 million from the company this year. That is incredible news.
Upcoming meetings
Feb 5 — Standing Committees, 8:30 a.m.
Feb 10 — Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Feb 12 — Budget subcommittee, 9 a.m.
Feb 19 — Standing Committees, 8:30 a.m.
Feb 24 — Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Feb 26 — Budget subcommittee, 9 a.m.
Puppy adoption update

Halo enjoyed her first snow experience, thanks to a record snowfall brought by Winter Storm Cora that coated the Memphis area with several inches.
Stay in touch
If you have a question or concern, email me at mick.wright@shelbycountytn.gov.
You can speak with the Commission office by calling 901-222-1000.
I welcome your feedback on Facebook @CommissionerMickWright and X @mickwright.
Thanks for reading.

Mick Wright
Shelby County Commission – District 3