Learn More About Who’s Running!

One of the most crucial steps in the voting process is to be well-informed about the candidates running for office. Whether you’re following along with news outlets like The Commercial Appeal, The Daily Memphis, Channels 3, 5, and the many, many other local sources or attending events to get to know the candidates, these sources often provide comprehensive coverage of candidate profiles, their stances on various issues, and their campaign platforms! Don’t forget to do your fact-checking!

Research Transportation Opportunities to Get to the Polls

Once you’ve gathered information about the candidates, the next step is ensuring you can reach the polling stations for early voting or official Election Day voting! For example, did you know that MATA (Memphis Area Transportation Authority) often provides free transportation to get voters out to the polls? Be sure to check the schedules and routes to find the best options for you!

Check the Polling Locations for Early Voting

Speaking of early voting–take advantage of it! Memphis typically offers early voting options leading up to Election Day, which can be a convenient way to participate. You’re not tied to your specific polling location during early voting, so you can vote while you’re out and about! It usually takes just a few minutes, so you’ll still have plenty of time to take your lunch break/get back to scrolling IG (we’re guilty too, no judgment). Be sure to check the calendars and know when early voting begins and ends!

Know What’s Important to You!

To make an informed decision at the ballot box, take the time to understand the topics and initiatives that matter to you! Research the city’s current priorities and room for improvement–it’ll definitely help you make the best choice in who aligns with your vision for Memphis!

Here are some ways to get connected and informed:

• Visit the official City of Memphis website for information on local government, city services, and ongoing projects.
• Engage with local community organizations, attend meetings, and participate in discussions about key issues facing Memphis.
• Seek out reports and studies on topics like education, public safety, economic development, and infrastructure to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s needs.

Encourage Your Friends and Family to Vote!

Voting is a collective effort, and your voice is even more powerful when shared with others. Encourage your friends and family to participate in the upcoming elections. Explain the importance of voting and help them navigate the process if they need some help!

By connecting with the community and the important people in your life, you can amplify the impact of your vote and contribute to a more engaged and informed Memphis community!

Remember, every vote counts, and your voice matters in shaping the direction of Memphis. Get ready to make a difference on Election Day!

You might also be interested in: City of Memphis: Departments & Memphis City Government

The post Get Out and Vote! Your Guide to Voting in Memphis’ Elections appeared first on We Are Memphis.

By, Carlissa Shaw

But seriously, stop playing and complete your 2020 US Census. Over the last several months, I have heard several people say that they are not filling out the 2020 Census because “they do not want the government in their business.” Reality check, the moment the government printed you a social security number, the government was in YO business.

The United States Census Bureau has been around since 1790 with not one huge scandal or hoax. It simply allows the government to have a complete and accurate count of every person living in the United States, regardless of age, citizenship status, or where they live. Census data is used to allocate critical resources like public benefits, fire trucks, road repairs, and hospitals. Census data is also immensely helpful for genealogical family history purposes. Just think about it, 150 years from now, your great-great-great grandchild will look for these records to know a little more about their history. 

Oh, and I forgot to mention – IT ONLY TAKES FIVE MINUTES!

Now that we have discussed why you should complete the 2020 Census, let’s discuss the “when”: 

Top 10 Memphis Moments You Can Use to Complete the 2020 Census

10. While you are dipping your Jack Pirtle’s biscuit in the gravy. 

9. While you are waiting 45 minutes for Wing Guru’s 10-piece honey gold whole wing combo. In the end, both were worth it.

8. While you are doing yoga at Overton Park, your grandma’s backyard, or wherever has the least Memphis mosquitoes.

7. While you are home listening to the This Is Memphis Hip-Hop playlist wishing you were at the club. No bottle service, but at least you’re counted for.

6. While you are reflecting on 2020 B.C. (Before Covid) at MLK Reflection Park. 

5. While you are standing in line at Jerry’s Sno Cones. And also, while you sit in the parking lot eating your Supreme with Cream.

4. While you ride the trolley Downtown. That $1 can now get you from Uptown to South Main, AND you get you counted.

3. While you watch a movie at the Drive-in movies. These days, it takes about 10 minutes for movies to start anyway.

2.  While you are renting a canoe or bike at Shelby Farms to get in shape. Emphasis on YOU, because the Census gon’ take whatever body I give them.

1. After you reschedule your vacation for the 2nd time because we all thought the pandemic would be over by the fourth of July.  I stopped by the Memphis Airport the other day just to make sure I remembered where it was located.

The Census only has ten questions and only takes about five minutes to fill out. Stop what you are doing wherever you are in Memphis and go to https://www.census.gov/ to complete your Census. 

Oh and if you see the Census workers at the door, open it. They can see you peeking out of the blinds. 

You might also be interested in: City of Memphis Departments | Memphis City Government

The post Top 10 Memphis Moments You Can Use to Complete the 2020 Census appeared first on We Are Memphis.

What is the Census?

Since 1790, and every 10 years after, The United States Census has aimed to count each person living in the United states during a certain period. This population census, which records specific population demographics, aims to gather details about the population of an area and how it has changed, grown, and evolved over the last 10 years. The results of the 2020 census will determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. Equally important are the political representative implications of the Census, as the results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets.

Why do we take the Census?

The United States Census gathers and provides incredibly important data to lawmakers, the education system, business owners, daily services, products, and the support of both government and private industry, allowing for an accurate picture of the community in which they provide for. Yearly, billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated for hospitals, essential services such as fire departments and police, as well as essential infrastructure such as roads and highways. Without a complete and true outlook of your city and state, this funding may not be shared correctly in your community.

Representation

The results of the Census not only decide the allocation of federal budgets towards our community, but also is the driving information that determines the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the population of a community and how it is dispersed amongst any area changes, so do the Congressional and state legislative district lines. Without proper figures and assessment, your community may not be represented completely and accurately.  

Community Funding

With a growing population in the United States, the landscape of what a population looks like, where they live, and what services and challenges these communities face change greatly during a decade. The Census, as it is required to be taken by every household in America ever 10 years, gives that information to lawmakers and is interpreted to successfully support your community. If these numbers are not accurate, funding for essential services, as well as infrastructure improvements will not support the population. Every response adds to the bigger picture.

Business Decisions

The Results of the 2020 census will affect and shape more than just the political and governmental action in your community. As the Results of the Census are public, businesses both public and private, use this data to dictate the best way to serve your community, as the information provides population trends, growth projects, community demographics, and other important social attributes that businesses take into consideration when planning for the future.

Transportation

The Census provides data that influences decisions on the infrastructure of our communities. Travel and transportation are other important aspect or our daily lives that is affected by the amount of people living in our cities and states. These results influence highway planning and construction, as well as other aspects of public transport such as buses and subways.

Education and Beyond

Community support is one of the most important consequences of taking the Census. Local schools, Universities, special educational programs, as well as the educators and professors that support and educate our children, are deeply affected by the results of the census.  The information provided directly translates to the funding and support from government budgets as well as grants that support the education system are based heavily on the results of the Census.  

The Deadline to complete the Census is September 30,2020. 

Although all postal census information was mailed to every home in America by April 1^st, the easiest way to take the Census before the Deadline is to visit the US Census website https://2020census.gov/en.html. Please seize this opportunity immediately to participate in the 2020 United States Census. You are shaping the future of Memphis!

You might also be interested in: Senior Pet Adoption Month in Memphis

The post 5 Reasons the 2020 Census is Crucial! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

By Carlissa Shaw

Now, this is a story all about how 

we can twist turn Memphis upside down.

And I’d like to take a minute

Just sit right there,

I’ll tell you the top 5 reasons to vote and why you should care!

ONE: Democracy only works if you show up to the game: “We do not have a government by the majority. We have a government by the majority who participate.” -Thomas Jefferson 

Though Thomas Jefferson is a bit of a problematic historical figure (with the whole relationship to Sally Hemmings, his slave and wife’s sister), we know for sure that he had an excellent grasp of American politics. In America, we do not have a pure form of democracy. We have a representative democracy. Simply, representative democracy is a government system in which all eligible citizens vote on representatives to pass laws for them. It is vital for young people to vote so that we elect people with the values that you believe in, and that will pass laws that reflect those values. 

TWO: Voting matters

You spent thirteen years going to school. From Kindergarten to 12th grade. Do you have suggestions for how that experience could have been better? Do you have ideas about funding for schools or the curriculum taught in schools? Those things are a function of the school board. Did you know a state law created school uniforms? Your vote impacts the things that you likely do not think about all things that matter to you. 

THREE: Not voting is not rebellion; it is surrender.

I hate to hear a young person say they don’t or won’t vote. Come on now, y’all. Whether you vote or not, policies and laws are still being enacted that impact you. Not voting is in no way a form of political statement. You are surrendering your voice to other folks that may not have the same views as you. 

FOUR: The world needs your voice.

I am a Millennial. We are a very different generation from our parents. We believe in work-life balance, brunch, social and environmental justice, vacations, and student loan debt forgiveness. Multi-million dollar companies have modeled their corporate structures after Millennials. We see the world differently, and our worldviews should be reflected in the policies and laws of our communities. 

As a Millennial, I am even more excited about Gen Zers. You guys are off to a running start of forcing America to face ugly truths and righting some of our nation’s systemic wrongs. 

FIVE: Our community is depending on you.

It is no secret that Memphis needs all the help she can get. Our city suffers from a high crime rate, low literacy rates, high poverty, high infant mortality, and many many many other issues. We all have to play a part in tackling these issues. For far too long, these issues have gone unaddressed or without progressive solutions. The survival of our city is dependent upon the next generation stepping up, organizing, and utilizing our collective voice to create a more equitable Memphis. Together we can create the Memphis that we all want to see. 

Memphis. Memphis. Memphis. The most beautiful land in the world. 

August 6th is election day in Memphis/Shelby County. We are voting for: General Sessions Court Clerk, School Board Members, Municipal Judge (Collierville). This is also a primary election for United States Senator, United States House of Representative [District 8 and 9], Tennessee Senator District 30 and 32, Tennessee House of Representatives, and State Executive Committeeman/woman. 

If you have any questions about voting precincts or times, please visit www.shelbyvote.com.

Remember, a high tide floats all boats, so get your young as$ out to vote.

You might also be interested in: Explore Memphis

The post 5 Reasons Your Young Ass Needs to Vote This August appeared first on We Are Memphis.

The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring thousands of workers for four different positions for the 2020 Census. According to the Memphis Area Census Office, the U.S. Census is currently hiring Memphis residents for clerk and supervisor roles.

The census is important because “the results are used to determine your representation in Congress, and they help inform how billions of dollars are distributed for hospitals, schools, roads, and more.”

Clerks

According to 2020census.gov, “clerks are needed in or near area census offices to perform administrative and clerical tasks in support of various functions, including payroll, personnel, recruiting, and field operations. Clerks will use computers or other electronic devices (such as smartphones and tablets) issued by the Census Bureau to conduct their work.”

Supervisors

The bureau is also currently looking for Field Supervisors who will, “supervise census takers, monitor their progress and performance, and ensure that the quality of work is maintained and that work is completed on time. Census field supervisors will use electronic devices issued by the Census Bureau to conduct their work.” The bureau is also looking for Office Operations Supervisors “in or near area census offices to assist in the management of office functions and day-to-day activities required to support field operations. The person in this position supervises clerks, oversees office operations, develops work schedules, oversees assignment preparation and tracking, conducts quality checks, does data entry, and oversees shipment activities.”

Census Takers

According to the Memphis office, applications for Census Takers will be considered starting January 17. Census Takers “will interview household residents and update address lists.” The addresses are verified via maps and address lists. After information is confirmed, Census Takers may call and/or personally visit homes of residents who have not yet completed the census. 

Pay for all of the positions range between $20 to $22 per hour.

How to Apply

In order to qualify for the roles, you must fill out the online application. You will need your social security number, physical and mailing addresses, email address, phone number, and date and place of birth. You will answer some basic assessment questions and then your application will be considered for all available positions in the area. In order to be considered for supervisory roles, you must complete a separate assessment for supervisors. The assessments should take about 10 minutes to complete.

All applicants must also take an English Proficiency Test. If you choose to take the assessment questions in Spanish, the system will also prompt you to take the English Proficiency Test to determine whether you can read, write, or speak in English.

Next Steps

Once you’ve applied, you may be called for an interview. If you are selected for a job, you will be notified about two months ahead of the paid training by email. As part of the process, applicants will also be required to undergo a background check. 

To learn more about employment opportunities in Memphis, check out our Jobs page here.

You might also be interested in: Women of the Bluff: Top 10 Breakers of Barriers and Glass Ceilings

The post Represent Your Memphis Community by Becoming a U.S. Census Worker appeared first on We Are Memphis.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, employee wage statements and independent contractor forms are due at the end of the month. Employers need to file Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) and Form W-3 (Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements) to the Social Security Administration by January 31 to prevent penalties from the IRS. 

Employers are also required to file Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Income) with the IRS to report non-employee compensation to independent contractors. Such payments are reported in box 7 of this form.

Why January 31? The answer is actually pretty simple: it gives the IRS time to detect fraud by verifying income reported on tax returns. This requirement was established in 2015 and will continue in the foreseeable future.

“Employers should verify employees’ information,” according to the IRS. “This includes names, addresses, and Social Security or individual taxpayer identification numbers. They should also ensure their company’s account information is current and active with the Social Security Administration before January. If paper Forms W-2 are needed, they should be ordered early.”

The IRS will use this info to detect fraud on individual tax returns. There are no automatic extensions of time to file Forms W-2. The IRS will only grant extensions for very specific reasons. Details can be found on the instructions for Form 8809, Application for Time to File Information Returns.

Depending on how big your company is, turning in these forms after the deadline could amount to some hefty fines. Currently, for the 2019 tax year, documents turned in after January 31 will incur a $50 fee per return or statement (not to exceed $556,500). In a nutshell, you would pay the penalty for every employees’ document not submitted on time. The fees escalate as you get further from the deadline. Learn more about the penalties here.

For more information, read the instructions for Forms W-2 & W-3 and the Information Return Penalties page at IRS.gov. For more stories about running a business in Memphis, check out our Business page.

You might also be interested in: 4 Reasons to Start a Business in Your 30s 

The post Be Prepared: Employer Tax Documents Due January 31 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Varying Taxes

When moving to Memphis, it is important to note that there are both county and city taxes. I’ve found that when determining taxes, many first-time home buyers will come up with one, but not the other, which is why they are surprised come tax time when they need to pay both city and county taxes.

Currently, for 2018, the Shelby County property tax for a home’s appraised value is 4.05 percent. Additionally, the city tax rate for Memphis is another 3.19 percent.

Should you move to the county but live outside of Memphis, there are reduced tax rates in neighboring cities. The tax rates for these cities are as follows:

• Arlington – 1.15 percent
• Barlett – 1.83 percent
• Collierville – 1.83 percent
• Germantown – 1.95 percent
• Lakeland – 1.25 percent
• Millington – 1.53 percent

City of Memphis Property Tax Rate Calculator

To start, you need to know what your 2018 appraised value is. If you are buying a home, you should have the property appraised. The appraised value is not always what you end up paying for it. If there is a bidding war for the home, you may end up paying more than the current value of the property. In this instance, the appraisal will show that you owe less than what you paid for it.

Once you have the appraised value, it’s easiest to start with the county property taxes. For example, if your property was appraised for $150,000, you will multiply it by 4.05 (or 150,000 x 0.0405). This comes out to $1,518.75 for the county property taxes.

Next, you need to determine your city property tax. We will use the Memphis tax rate of 3.19 (if you live right on the city line, it is important to know what side of the street the line is on. It may be the difference of nearly two percent). Using the same calculation method of $150,000 for the property value, you will multiply it by 3.19 (150,000 x 0.0319). This comes out to $1,196.25.

So someone who owns a home with an appraised property value of $150,000 and lives within the city of Memphis will end up paying $2,715 for their home.

Hopefully, this helps you out with determining your property value taxes and what to expect come tax time.

Additional reading: Memphis history facts that we bet you didn’t know!

The post How to calculate your Memphis property tax! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Each of the 18 libraries in Memphis has its own Facebook page, giving you the opportunity to get a feel for each library before you visit as well as keeping you informed about upcoming special events. Most locations offer public Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and copy services, with additional available amenities listed online. Here’s a quick rundown of all 18 libraries in Memphis:

• Benjamin L. Hooks Public Library is located at 3030 Poplar Ave. Its normal hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Notably, this library is home to Cloud 901, a state-of-the-art creative research and performance lab just for teens.
• Bartlett Library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It’s located at 5884 Stage Rd.
• Cherokee Library is located at 3300 Sharpe Ave. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
• You’ll find Cordova Library at 8457 Trinity Rd. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
• Cornelia Crenshaw Memorial Library is located at 531 Vance Ave. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and it offers public Wi-Fi and laptop checkout.
• Cossitt Library is located downtown at 33 South Front St. While the library undergoes renovations, events are being hosted in the Cossitt Courtyard.
• Located at 7200 East Shelby Rd. (East Shelby Dr. and Old Germantown Rd.), East Shelby Library is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Frayser Library is located at 3712 Argonne St. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
• Situated in Gaston Park, Gaston Park Library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is located at 1040 South 3rd St.
• Hollywood Library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is located at 1530 North Hollywood St.
• Levi Library sits at 3676 Highway 61 South, otherwise known as South 3rd St. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
• You’ll find North Library at 1192 Vollintine Ave. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
• Parkway Village Library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is located at 4655 Knight Arnold Rd.
• Poplar-White Station Library is located at 5094 Poplar Ave. Its normal hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
• Located at 3157 Powers Rd., Raleigh Library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
• Randolph Library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is located at 3752 Given Ave.
• You’ll find South Library at 1929 South 3rd St. Its normal hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
• Whitehaven Library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It is located at 4120 Mill Branch Rd.

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A post shared by We Are Memphis (@wearememphistn) on Jun 25, 2018 at 8:16am PDT

You may also be interested in: A list of Memphis Museums | Museums in Memphis TN

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One of the many areas affected by institutional racism was education, and we still see the consequences in our school systems across the country today through segregated schools and barriers to education. The aftermath of school segregation has been linked as a cause of an educational gap. Now, Memphis is driving innovation through a variety of non-profits and initiatives that work to close this gap and make quality education a reality for all students.

Fast Facts

• The city of Memphis has presented a plan to potentially pump $6,000,000 into Shelby County pre-kindergarten programs, using funds from property tax revenue without further affecting taxpayers. If approved by the city council, this effort would work towards increasing the accessibility of pre-k for an estimated 1,500 more students.
• Tennessee is also allocating $30 million this year to promote summer-reading programs across the state, which also aims to increase literacy proficiency in young students. Memphis students will directly benefit from the summer reading and pre-k program funding.
• Along with increasing this budget, by 2022 Memphis is planning to raise the full-time hourly wage for school employees to $15 an hour. These policy changes will help schools provide a more stable foundation for children entering pre-k and for the staff and employees of the schools.
• In a recent report by the University of Memphis, researchers write, “It is important to note that greater levels of education appear to be associated with lower poverty rates particularly among the overall population. It is interesting to note that greater high school completion seems to have a dramatic impact on African American poverty rates.”

Memphis is home to countless educational innovators, with over 4,000 charitable organizations dedicated to ending poverty by promoting educational success for underprivileged students.

“The function of education is to teach one to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of education.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Innovators

The local organization, CodeCrew provides tech literacy for children around the city, furthering diversity within technological fields. CodeCrew strives to ensure that through developmental learning, students have access to technological education on digital systems and software. This education is essential to prepare students for higher academic careers and making sure they are well equipped with modern skills for high paying, high demand jobs (coding, software developers,etc.). CodeCrew holds several after-school programs, summer camps, three in-school elective programs, and special events throughout the year.

Along with CodeCrew, LITE Memphis works in Shelby County Schools to promote the furthering of education. Their vision is for African American and Latinx students to close the racial wealth gap by becoming entrepreneurs and securing high-wage jobs. LITE Memphis begins their program by taking students into a 6-month entrepreneurship program to develop ideas, places students into paid internships, and then helps students inculcate financial success in their communities through entrepreneurship. The organization’s statistics show 2,000 youths empowered through entrepreneurship, $112,000 invested in small business growth, and that over 90% of students have launched entrepreneurial projects since 2014.

Organizations in Memphis like CodeCrew and LITE Memphis are dedicated to disrupting the achievement gap through innovative, modern approaches. Other non-profits working to close the achievement gap in Memphis include The Memphis Lift, Memphis Education Fund, New Leaders for New Schools, Stand for Children, and many more. It is easy to lose hope and become discouraged when staring at the hard truth of injustice, but the soul Memphis and the vision of Dr. King will never be lost, forever paving a path of light across our world.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Somewhere we must come to see that human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and persistent work of dedicated individuals.” Memphis is filled to the brim with persistent and dedicated individuals – and we thank them for their work as keepers of Dr. King’s dream.

You might also be interested in: The Future of Memphis: How Innovators are Reshaping City Planning

The post Issues and Innovators: Remembering Dr. King Over 50 years later appeared first on We Are Memphis.