Memphis City Council Shifts to Virtual Session Amid Winter Storm Recovery

Memphis City Council Shifts to Virtual Session Amid Winter Storm Recovery

As Memphis continues to grapple with the aftermath of a severe winter storm that moved through the Mid-South over the weekend, the Memphis City Council has transitioned its Tuesday, January 27, 2026, meeting to a fully virtual format. The decision follows a series of emergency declarations by President Donald Trump, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, and Memphis Mayor Paul Young, as the city prioritizes public safety and infrastructure recovery following significant ice accumulation and persistent sub-freezing temperatures.

Originally scheduled for in-person deliberations at City Hall, the Council announced that there will be no physical gathering today. Committee sessions were adjusted to begin earlier in the day at 10:00 a.m. to allow for a comprehensive review of the city’s emergency operations. The main afternoon session is scheduled to begin online at 2:30 p.m., moving up from the typical 4:00 p.m. start time to ensure all urgent weather-related business is addressed. This shift allows essential legislative activities to proceed without requiring council members, staff, or the public to travel on icy roads.

Agenda Focused on Storm Response and Public Safety

The primary focus of today’s virtual session is a status report on the city's response to the winter weather. Council members are receiving updates from the Division of Public Works and Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) regarding road clearing and utility stability. Key items on the agenda include:

• Utility Infrastructure: MLGW leadership is providing updates on the electric system’s integrity. While outages were reported as minimal during the initial storm, the continued freezing rain remains a threat to power lines and water mains.
• Emergency Resource Allocation: The Council is reviewing the fiscal implications of the State of Emergency, which facilitates federal and state assistance for recovery costs.
• Community Services: Updates are being provided on the status of warming centers and emergency shelters, which have seen increased usage over the last 72 hours as temperatures remain below freezing.

School Board Meeting Postponed

The weather has also disrupted other critical local government functions. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board meeting, which was set for this evening, has been officially postponed. This delay pushes back a high-stakes vote regarding the permanent appointment of interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond. All MSCS campuses remain closed today, and most city offices have adjusted their operations to limit travel during the cleanup process.

Mayor Young and city directors continue to urge residents to stay off the roads as crews work to clear priority routes and treat ice-covered surfaces. Today's virtual Council session is being broadcast live for the public on the city’s official website and through its radio affiliate, WQOX 88.5 FM.