About Us
Memphis Fast Forward began with a conversation and a pledge of collaboration. That seems fitting, because not only did they set in motion the region’s unprecedented plan for economic prosperity, but communication and cooperation became key ingredients for Memphis Fast Forward itself.
The seeds for Memphis Fast Forward were laid in 2005 when Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton and Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton approached Memphis Tomorrow to discuss their concern that the Memphis region did not have a strategic agenda to accelerate economic growth and improve the quality of life of the Memphis region.
The business leadership of Memphis Tomorrow immediately joined hands with the mayors to build an ambitious roadmap to create jobs, make our community safer, produce a better-educated workforce, and create more efficient local government. It was agreed that the five-year plan would be data-driven and measurable, focus on strategic opportunities to propel the economy, emphasize innovative approaches, and address the interlocking relationship between public safety, quality of life, and economic growth.
From those conversations between the public and private sectors, Memphis Fast Forward was born.
Together, the Memphis and Shelby County Mayors and Memphis Tomorrow convened a cross-section of experts, civic-minded citizens, and organizations working in the areas of economic development, education, public safety, and government efficiency. It was from this process that the four major initiatives of Memphis Fast Forward were identified.
In keeping with the founding principles of Memphis Fast Forward, each of the four initiatives had a detailed plan, a scorecard to measure progress, a lead agency to act as quarterback, a program chair, and a leadership team. In addition, diverse groups of people and organizations were involved in implementing the plan of action for each initiative.
To keep Memphis Fast Forward on track, to monitor its achievements, and to guide its work, the Memphis Fast Forward Steering Committee – consisting of elected officials and business leaders – was established with the job of endorsing the four plans and any changes made to them, acting as advocates for the plan financially as well as through support of the policy and legislative agenda, and to review data and measurements and call for course correction.
Coordination and staff support to the Memphis Fast Forward Steering Committee are provided by Memphis Tomorrow staff and board.
The strong foundation of collaboration and communication that gave birth to Memphis Fast Forward produced five years of accomplishments and continues just as strongly today. If there is any lesson from Memphis Fast Forward, it is the power of a community joined by a shared vision for the future and motivated by a collective plan of action and reciprocal respect.