Public safety is the foundation of thriving communities. Melvin Burgess will strengthen Shelby County’s criminal justice system to ensure both accountability and fairness.

• Resources: Fund a new Shelby County Jail and provide full support for law enforcement, courts, and justice agencies to effectively protect communities.
• Collaboration: Establish stronger partnerships across municipal, county, state, and federal levels. Hire a community-based Law Enforcement Liaison to build trust and oversee improvements.
• Community Engagement: Empower neighborhoods with resources to prevent crime, build grassroots safety networks, and strengthen resiliency against criminal activity.

Healthy neighborhoods are the heart of a strong county. Melvin Burgess will prioritize revitalization, infrastructure investment, and accountability for property standards.

• Infrastructure: Modernize and maintain roads, sidewalks, streetlights, and parks while planning for future growth.
• Code Enforcement: Work with residents to uphold high property standards, provide resources to responsible owners, and hold negligent owners accountable.
• Property Tax Enforcement: Expand relief, abatements, and freeze programs for qualifying residents, while ensuring delinquent property owners contribute their fair share.
• Beautification: Create job programs for unemployed, underemployed, and re-entry populations while utilizing inmate labor to tackle blight and restore neighborhood pride.

Shelby County deserves an economy that works for everyone. Melvin Burgess will implement policies that drive job creation, ensure accountability, and put residents first.

• Community Benefit First: Require community benefit agreements for all businesses receiving public incentives, with input from residents.
• Reform Incentives: Audit all public incentive programs to ensure transparency and alignment with community needs.
• Accountability: Reclaim incentives from businesses that fail to deliver on promises.
• Neighborhood Decision-Making: Expand participatory budgeting and support community development corporations and CRA Advisory Boards to give residents a direct voice in economic development.

Strong schools build strong futures. Melvin Burgess will prioritize equity, accountability, and collaboration to ensure every child in Shelby County has access to a quality education.

• Education Liaison Office: Re-establish this office to bridge county government, school systems, and families.
• Collaboration Across Districts: Share best practices and resources from high-performing schools with those that are struggling.
• Equity & Local Control: Empower community voices in education decisions while protecting local governance.
• Partnership with State Government: Advocate for community-led solutions to education challenges.
• Funding & Resources: Secure greater investments from both existing and new funding sources.
• Best Practices: Identify and implement innovative education models from across the nation to strengthen Shelby County schools.