Memphis City Council Convenes Today Amid Winter Weather Emergency

City Council Moves Forward with Agenda as Schools Close for Inclement Weather

The Memphis City Council is scheduled to meet today, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, for both committee and regular sessions, even as much of the city remains under a state of emergency. While Memphis-Shelby County Schools and the University of Memphis have canceled in-person activities due to ongoing winter weather conditions, the Council is proceeding with a full agenda at City Hall.

Committee meetings began this morning at 8:30 a.m. on the fifth floor of the Council Committee Room, with the regular session set for 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. For residents unable to attend in person due to the hazardous road conditions, the city is providing live-stream access through its official website, YouTube, and local radio station WQOX 88.5 FM.

Key Legislative Actions and Honors

A primary highlight of today’s session is a resolution honoring Gina Sweat for her distinguished service to the Memphis Fire Department and the City of Memphis. The Council will also address several financial and infrastructure items aimed at community support and municipal maintenance. Notable agenda items for today include:

• Utility Assistance: A resolution to authorize $227,000 in matching funds with TVA’s Community Care Funds. These resources are slated for distribution to local 501(c)(3) organizations to provide direct utility bill assistance to Memphis residents.
• Service Contracts: The Council is considering a renewal of a contract with Mason’s Professional Cleaning Services, LLC. The janitorial services agreement is valued at approximately $360,484.38 for the funded period.
• Community Development: Multiple items from the Planning and Zoning Committee are up for final review, alongside discussions regarding the Housing and Homelessness Committee's recent rejections of residential projects.

Public Participation and Emergency Context

Despite the cold, local housing advocates are expected to utilize the public comment period to address recent decisions by the Housing Committee. Council leadership has reminded the public that those wishing to speak on specific items must submit comment cards to the Sergeant-at-Arms before each item is called. General comments will be heard at the end of the regular session.

The meeting takes place under a city-wide State of Emergency extended by Mayor Paul Young late last week. While city offices generally remain operational, officials urge citizens to prioritize safety if traveling to 125 North Main Street. The Council is also expected to ratify resolutions regarding remote meeting capabilities to ensure government continuity during this and future weather-related disruptions.