MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In a move aimed at strengthening community ties, Shelby County Mayor Mickell Lowery announced the debut of a mobile office that will travel to neighborhoods throughout the county. The ribbon‑cutting ceremony, held Friday with Emergency Management Director Brenda Jones, highlighted the county’s commitment to meeting residents where they live and work.
Bringing government to the people
“Shelby County is the largest county in Tennessee, and it’s a beautiful county, but it’s a large area,” Mayor Lowery said. “We can’t expect everyone to always have to come downtown to see what we’re doing. We have to make sure we’re in neighborhoods. Also, people work during the day, so sometimes they can’t get to Shelby County during traditional office hours.”
The mobile office, a converted van equipped with desks, computers, and signage, will follow a schedule that rotates through different precincts each week. Residents can stop by to discuss anything from road repairs and public safety to permits and social‑service referrals. County staff will be on hand to answer questions, take requests, and provide informational brochures.
How to request a visit
County officials have set up an online request form on the Shelby County Government website. Residents and community organizations can submit a preferred date, location, and topics they wish to address. Requests are reviewed in the order received, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
“We want this to be a two‑way conversation,” said Director Jones. “When we hear directly from families, churches, and local businesses, we can respond more quickly and tailor our services to real‑world needs.”
One Shelby project expands outreach
The mobile office is part of Mayor Lowery’s broader “One Shelby” initiative, which seeks to unify county services and make government more accessible. Earlier this year, the administration launched a series of town‑hall meetings and a revamped website that consolidates permits, licensing, and public‑record requests in one place.
Community leaders have praised the effort. Shelby County Commissioner John Davis noted, “Having the county’s resources roll into our neighborhoods shows respect for the hardworking families who keep this region thriving.”
Looking ahead
The mobile office will operate on a rotating schedule for the next twelve months, with plans to evaluate its impact through resident feedback surveys. If successful, the county may consider expanding the program to include additional mobile units focused on specific services such as health‑clinic outreach or small‑business assistance.
For more information, to view the mobile office schedule, or to submit a request, visit the One Shelby page on the Shelby County Government website.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
