President of The Community Redevelopment Agency, Rosalyn Willis, steps down

Memphis, TN- After four years of service to North Memphis communities, Rosalyn Willis, President of the Community Redevelopment Agency, is stepping down. The CRA administers Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to specific districts. Funds are dispersed to focus on blight remediation, infrastructure improvements and affordable housing, thereby encouraging reinvestment in neighborhoods as directed by approved, comprehensive community plans. 


Willis was hired by the CRA Board and approved by both Mayor Strickland and Mayor Lutrell based on her 30+ years in construction, real estate development, community advocacy and preservation. Willis’ work has led and supported much of Memphis’ affordable housing including:  Uptown Square, the Metropolitan, Legends Park, Cleaborn Pointe, University Place, McKinley Park and most recently South City (a $210 million transformation of former Foote Homes).  


Willis has been adamant about using the allotted $125 million of Uptown TIF funds towards the benefit of North Memphis residents. Specifically, Willis led the extension of the Uptown TIF to parts of North Memphis that desperately needed resources to address ongoing neglect. In 2018, New Chicago, Bickford, and Smokey City were added to the Uptown TIF District and a new Binghampton TIF was launched. Willis initiated an investment of more than $7 million into 50 new homes and major renovations for 70+ owner occupied homes  in the district, making affordable housing a reality for old and new neighbors alike. 


In addition to efforts in advocating for residents to have safe, warm and dry spaces to call home, Willis and her team is investing over $12 million in public improvements and neighborhood restoration. By addressing blighted properties, infrastructure repair, replacing more than five miles of sidewalk, cleaning up 250+ lots, and assisting 1,400+ residents with tree trimming/ tree removal services, Willis’ intentionality to invest in people and neighborhoods is evident. 


This is why North Memphis neighbors are sad to see her go. Valerie Peavy, Uptown TIF District resident and former owner of The Office @Uptown said, “Rosalyn led the effort to provide more community initiated improvements. She took the time to understand the concerns of the community and where she could, she addressed them. Some long abandoned blighted properties were purchased and razed making way for future development.  Her focus on blight removal and infrastructure improvements is evident when you travel through parts of Uptown. She will definitely be missed.” 


When asked why she’s stepping down, Willis replied, “I’d lie awake at night thinking about Memphians who don’t have their basic needs met. Then I’d get up and work tirelessly with staff to resolve the problems. It’s what I loved and still love doing, but it was also emotionally exhausting and I’ve been at it for a long time.” Willis said she’s looking forward to continuing the work of community development but in a much lighter capacity and not before she spends some much needed time with her family. 


Willis recruited the CRA’s first staff and consultants. Together, they have done transformational work with the intent of fueling the next generation of North Memphians towards undeniable community pride. Willis commented, “I couldn’t have done this work without the amazing CRA staff. They’ve worked diligently so that residents can look at the work we’ve done and say, someone cares about us. We want that care to give residents the boost they need to carry the torch for their own community.” 


The CRA Board will soon announce a successor for the role.

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