Gov901

Jana Swearengen Washington

Person

Past 12 months

Active meetings

3

tenita freeman

4 min

lasimba gray

2 min

prayer

2 min

yes

6

Speaking turns

• Special Meeting: Memphis City Council: April 21, 2026 14:06

  thank you welcome to the April 21st 2026 special called meeting of the Memphis City Council. Meetings of the council shall be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure the public has the full opportunity to be heard and the deliberate process of the council is retained at all times. Our council staff member has meeting agendas available upfront. Mr. Clay, please raise your hand. as well as comment request cards for members of the public wishing to be heard on this specific item. All those wishing to speak on an item must turn in their comment card to staff before that item is called. If you are not here to speak on a specific item, you can note your request to give comment at the end of the meeting. As chair, I will only recognize citizens that properly registered to speak by submitting a completed comment request card to council staff. Madame controller, if you will please call item number one. Thank you, Madam Chair. Item number one is presentation of the mayor's fiscal year 2027 proposed budget. Thank you, mayor. We are in your hands.

• Memphis City Council: April 28, 2026 27:01

  I'd like to recognize Councilwoman Easter Thomas at this time. Thank Chair. Chair, I would ask that we table item 14 without objection. All right. Without objection, item number 14 will be tabled. Our hold items will be item number 15. It will be held until May 12th, 2026. Item number 14 will be tabled will be tabled. Madam Comptroller, will you please call item number one? Thank you. Item number one is a resolution honoring and recognizing Cato Johnson for 40 years of dedicated service to Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and the entire Memphis community. This resolution is sponsored by Chairwoman Swearingen Washington. We are so excited to be able to present this resolution and honor to a gentleman who has had so much tremendous impact in our community. And we want to commend you. We honor you. We have great pride in saluting you. Whereas the Memphis City Council takes great pride in recognizing individual whose lives of leadership, service, and integrity have profoundly shaped our community. In this spirit, we honor Mr. Cato Johnson, a respected leader, visionary, and pillar within the healthcare and civic landscape of Memphis. Mr. Cato Johnson has dedicated more than four decades of exceptional service to Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, serving as senior vice president and chief of staff while leading public policy and regulatory affairs since 1985, helping guide one of the region's most vital healthcare systems with wisdom, excellence, and unwavering commitment. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Cato Johnson has played a critical role in advancing healthcare policy, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and ensuring that communities across Memphis and Tennessee have access to quality, compassionate care. His leadership extends far beyond healthcare, having served in numerous influential roles, including chairman of the University of Memphis Board of Trustees, chairman of the Medicaid Advisory Committee and former chairman of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission demonstrating a lifelong commitment to education, public service, and institutional excellence. Whereas Mr. Cato Johnson has been a champion for equity and opportunity helping to establish and lead Partnership Tennessee, a coalition dedicated to advancing workforce diversity and leadership opportunities, and contributing to initiatives that uplift both individuals and communities. Whereas Mr. Cato Johnson's life work stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through dedication, wisdom, vision, service, and leaving an indelible mark on the health care community, the city of Memphis, and the lives of countless individuals. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Chairwoman Jauna Sweringen Washington and the entire Memphis City Council, we hereby and honor, we celebrate Mr. Cato Johnson for his extraordinary career of 40 years of dedicated service to Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare and the city of Memphis. Be it further resolved that we extend our deepest gratitude for your leadership, for your commitment to advancing health care and public policy, and your unwavering dedication to strengthening our community. Be it further resolved that this resolution be presented as a lasting symbol of the city of Memphis' highest appreciation recognizing you, Mr. Cato Johnson. Your legacy of excellence, service, and leadership will continue to inspire generations to come given by my hand under the great seal of the city of Memphis this 28th day of April 2026. Jauna Sweringen Washington, Chairwoman, and the entire Memphis City Council, we definitely salute you. God bless you. Thank you, ma'am. Congratulations, Bobby. Of course you can. This is for you. Madam Chairwoman, members of the council, when they had my retirement ceremony, one of the things I told them I said, "None of us is good as we think we are. I only stand here by God's amazing grace. And if not for God's amazing grace, I do not make it. One of the things I've understood, we all stand on the shoulders of many others. And if nothing else, God is not through with me yet. I have run the race, I have fought the good fight, and I will return. Thank you. Thank you, Bobby. Thank you, Bobby. Thank you. Madam Controller, could you call item number two? Thank you. Item number two is a resolution recognizing and honoring Gina Sweat for her service to the Memphis Fire Department and the city of Memphis. This was held from March 3rd. Councilwoman Green, you're recognized.

• Memphis City Council: April 28, 2026 37:08

  And I am proud to say that I am her councilwoman. She's in the heart of District 4. We're so thankful for your service and happy retirement. Enjoy yourself. You have definitely earned it. God bless you. We will now move to our Councilman Chairman. I was wondering if I could say a word. Okay, go ahead. Coun- Council- Councilman, go ahead. I just want to say that many people in Memphis are alive today because of Gina Sweat's leadership and the fire department's follow-through during COVID, and I really appreciate them. Thank you. Amen. Thank you so much for your service. We will now hear our zoning cases, items number three and four. Madam Controller, if you will please call item number three.

• Memphis City Council: April 28, 2026 39:11

  Councilman Espinosa, you are recognized. I'm hoping as well it will be a model. It's a concierge car service where they are only putting out a few cars at the same at a time. And the ones that they are putting out, they are putting them inside in the evening. So, it takes down theft. You don't have a lot of cars out. So, hopefully this will be the new norm of the car services and car businesses that we're having. With all that being said, we will take it to a vote. Madam Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

• Memphis City Council: April 28, 2026 41:14

  That item passes. Madam Controller, if you will please call item number four.

• Memphis City Council: May 12, 2026 7:32

  Sergeant-at-Arms, please call out call our May 12th, 2026 council meeting to order. I would like to recognize our chaplain of the day, Reverend Dr. Tanita Freeman from the city of Memphis, Office of Community Affairs. She has been invited by Councilman Spinosa. Reverend Dr. Tanita Freeman, please lead us in prayer at this time. Please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. Thank you for that beautiful prayer, Reverend Dr. Freeman. Councilman Spinosa, you are recognized at this time.

• Memphis City Council: May 12, 2026 9:32

  Thank you, Councilman. Madame Controller, if you will please call the role.

• Memphis City Council: May 12, 2026 11:33

  Councilwoman Walker. I think you've reviewed the minutes.

• Memphis City Council: May 12, 2026 11:33

  Welcome to the May 12th, 2026 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council. Meetings of the council shall be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure the public has the full opportunity to be heard [clears throat] and the deliberate process of the council is retained at all times. Our council staff member has meeting agendas available upfront. Mr. Clay, if you'll please raise your hand, as well as comment request cards for members of the public wishing to be heard on a specific item. All those wishing to speak on an item must turn in their comment card to staff before the item is called. If you are here to speak on a specific item, you can note your request to give a general comment at the end of the meeting. As chair, I will only recognize citizens that properly register to speak by submitting a completed comment request card to council staff. our holes. Item number five will be held until May 26, 2026. Item number 11 will be held until June 9th, 2026. Item number one is being withdrawn. We will now begin with our presentations. Madame Controller, if you will please call item number two. Item number two is a resolution honoring teachers in honor of teacher appreciation week. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas.

• Memphis City Council: July 7, 2026 12:36

  Sergeant-at-arms, if you will please call our July 7th 2026 council meeting to order. All right. I would like to recognize our chaplain of the day, Pastor Theotus Cochran Jr. of Trinity All Nations Church, invited by Councilwoman Easter Thomas. Pastor Cochran Jr., please lead us in prayer.

• Memphis City Council: July 7, 2026 12:36

  Please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. Councilwoman Easter Thomas, you are recognized. Congratulations. Congratulations. Councilman Canali, I I think you have read the minutes. All right. has been moved by Councilman for Canali, second by Councilman Spinosa. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Council members Canali, yes. Cooper Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Warren, yes. White. Yes. Chairwoman Swearington Washington. Yes. That item passes. Welcome to the July 7th, 2026 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council. The meetings of the council shall be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure that the public has the full opportunity to be heard and the deliberate process of the council is retained at all times. Our council staff has meeting agendas available up front. Phoebe, if you'll please raise your hand, as well as comment request cards for members of the public wishing to be heard on a specific item. All those wishing to speak on an item must turn in their comment card to staff before the item is heard. If you are not here to speak on a specific item, you can note that your request to give a general comment at the end of the meeting is welcomed. As chair, I will only recognize citizens that properly registered to speak by submitting a completed comment request card to council staff. The administration has withdrawn items number nine and item number 10. We will now begin with our presentations. Madame Comproller, if you will please call item number one.

• Memphis City Council Meeting: October 8, 2026 8:24

  I would like to call our October 6, 2026 council meeting out of recess. Madame Controller, if you will please call the role.

• Memphis City Council Meeting: October 8, 2026 8:24

  Thank you. Welcome to the October 6, 2026 recessed regular meeting of the Memphis City Council. Meeting agendas and public comment cards are available at the front of the room. If you would like to speak about an item on today's agenda, please complete a comment card and give it to the staff before that item comes for discussion. If you would like to speak about something that is not on the agenda, you may sign up for general comment at the end of the meeting. Only individuals who have completed and submitted a comment card will be allowed to speak. We ask everyone to remain respectful. Personal attacks, gossip, false or harmful statements about others. Profanity and abusive or offensive language will not be allowed. Anyone who does not follow these rules may receive a warning or be asked to leave. If someone refuses to leave or continues to disrupt the meeting, security may remove them. These rules are posted at the entrance of the council chamber and near the comment cards. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a respectful and orderly meeting where everyone's voice can be heard. For our holes, item 24 will be held until the October 20th, 2026 meeting. We will now start with our MLGW fiscal consent agenda. Thank you, Madam Controller. Councilwoman Walker, you're recognized.

• Memphis City Council Meeting: October 8, 2026 12:29

  All right. It has been moved by Councilwoman Walker. Second by Vice Chair Carile. Madam Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Council members, please cast your vote.

• Memphis City Council Meeting: October 8, 2026 14:30

  That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please call the planning and development items, items four through eight.

• Memphis City Council Meeting: October 8, 2026 14:30

  Councilman Spinosa, you're recognized at this time. That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please call item number five.

• Memphis City Council Meeting: October 8, 2026 16:32

  Councilman Spinosa, you're recognized.

• Memphis City Council Meeting: October 8, 2026 16:32

  We may want to look at a presentation because it is a gas station. All right, we're ready to hear from the applicant at this time. Councilman Carlile, you're recognized at this time.

• Memphis City Council Committee Meetings: October 20, 2026 14:25

  You're welcome. And I had a couple of questions. So, on page four, the partial funding, so we're paying part of it. Are these municipalities at the bottom paying the other portion?

• Memphis City Council Committee Meetings: October 20, 2026 14:25

  Okay. And then one more, please.

• Memphis City Council Committee Meetings: October 20, 2026 14:25

  Okay, thank you for that. And then on page um so these are post tops. These are not the actual post.

• Memphis City Council Committee Meetings: October 20, 2026 14:25

  Okay. Um, and sometimes, unfortunately, someone can hit a pole and knock it down. So, are they do you all currently charge people for that?

• Memphis City Council Committee Meetings: October 20, 2026 16:26

  Okay. And how much do you assess um the driver for a pole?

• Memphis City Council Committee Meetings: October 20, 2026 16:26

  And that's how much?

• Memphis City Council Committee Meetings: October 20, 2026 16:26

  Okay, thank you for that. Let the record show that Councilwoman White has joined us. Okay, thank you. Councilwoman White, did you have anything before I wrap up? You're welcome. Well, being that there are no other questions or comments, we are adjourned. Thank you.

Mentions

• Memphis City Council: January 13, 2026 13:06
• Memphis City Council: April 28, 2026 0:29

  Calling meeting to order, prayer (by Dr. Lasimba Gray), pledge of allegiance, roll call.

• Memphis City Council: April 28, 2026 2:32

  Item number 18 (in the agenda: https://memphis.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=memphis_ffedd4fb89d6d15a63aa3913bd71ea3f.pdf&view=1 ) is addressed as an add-on agenda item. It is a video presentation recognizing the impact of the Memphis Legal Community. All Council Districts. Requested by Canale and White.

• Memphis City Council: April 28, 2026 27:01

  Item 14 tabled. Item 15 will be held until May 12th, 2026. Item #1: a resolution honoring and recognizing Cato Johnson for 40 years of dedicated service to Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and the entire Memphis community.

• Memphis City Council: April 28, 2026 37:08

  Item #2: a resolution recognizing and honoring Gina Sweat for her service to the Memphis Fire Department and the city of Memphis.

• Memphis City Council: May 12, 2026 7:32

  Opening of meeting, call to prayer, prayer from Reverend Dr. Tenita Freeman

• Memphis City Council: May 12, 2026 9:32

  Opening of meeting, call to prayer, prayer from Reverend Dr. Tenita Freeman. Pledge of Allegiance. Spinosa is recognized and gives an award to Reverend Dr. T3nita Freeman

• Memphis City Council: May 12, 2026 11:33

  roll call, adoption of the April 28th, 2026 meeting minutes

• Memphis City Council: July 7, 2026 12:36

  The meeting opens in a prayer from Pastor Theotus Cochran Jr. of Trinity All Nations Church.

• Memphis City Council: July 7, 2026 14:38

Roll Call

Present: 7

• Memphis City Council: January 13, 2026 13:06

  Present

• Memphis City Council: March 24, 2026 23:32

  Present

• Special Meeting: Memphis City Council: April 21, 2026 12:05

  Present

• Memphis City Council: April 28, 2026 0:29

  Present

• Memphis City Council: May 12, 2026 11:33

  Present

• Memphis City Council: July 7, 2026 14:38

  Present

• Memphis City Council Meeting: October 8, 2026 8:24

  Present

Votes