Michelle McKissack
Learn more about my campaign here
My Blueprint for Change
Youth
How would you create more things for youth to do - including jobs and safe educational, fun places? Please be specific.
My platform is called Whole City Memphis because I will use the city government to bring the whole city together to address our needs. In my administration, we will open up all city departments to hire 5,000+ MSCS students for internships and apprenticeships. I will lead the city to bridge the gap between higher education institutions, unions, and MSCS to boost the certifications that students can earn while in high school, which eventually lead to high paying jobs. With the YMCA, we can teach kids how to swim, and then hire some as lifeguards to open our community pools.
Careers
What do you believe is the appropriate local investment in post-secondary training, internship and apprenticeship opportunities?
Providing post-secondary opportunities to young people is critical to the growth of our community. But, when speaking with young adults, I keep hearing that many are also looking to pivot into entrepreneurship. In addition to the various technical resources that city and local organizations already provide to entrepreneurs, I will put in place policies that allow for emerging entrepreneurs to win an allocation of contracts from the city. Businesses need contracts and cash to survive, and as Mayor I will also lead the city to partner with banks to develop creative financing opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.
Wages
How would you impact wages or working conditions for Memphians, especially young adults?
A lack of opportunities to learn new job skills and advance in their careers leaves many unable to earn more money, forcing them to take on lower-wage jobs with higher health risks and contributing to families experiencing poverty for generations. As Mayor, I will create Workforce Memphis, a private/public partnership to develop a plan to help more residents in underserved areas gain new skills to get higher-paying jobs. I would also work to create a central hub where people can get information and help to pursue new career opportunities.
Predatory Practices
How would you address companies that take advantage of poor people, for example slumlords and predatory financing companies?
I would address historical housing inequities by promoting non-discriminatory practices, supporting inclusive housing policies and ordinances, and providing resources for housing assistance programs. An example is publishing an online landlord registry, which allows tenants to see information about the building’s owner, contact information, and outstanding building violations. Currently, potential code enforcement violations are discovered through citizen complaints and referrals from other agencies. I would work to require proactive building inspections once every five years. Landlords would then be required to fix any health or safety violations within a reasonable time frame, reducing tenant exposure to harmful chemicals like lead paint.
