New Year, Same Confusing Government?

New Year, new me? More like new year, same local government challenges.

As we step into 2025, Shelby County government continues to tackle important issues, balancing priorities and making decisions that impact our daily lives. For many of us residents, understanding the structure and function of our local government is the first step toward meaningful civic engagement.

So, How Does Shelby County Government Work?

Shelby County operates under a mayor-commission form of government. That means:

• The County Mayor (currently Lee Harris) serves as the chief executive, overseeing departments like health, public works, and economic development.
• The County Commission (13 elected officials) helps shape policy, controls the budget, and discusses key issues such as school funding and zoning changes.
• Other key players include the Sheriff, Assessor, Clerk, and District Attorney (who has both county & state staff), all of whom impact daily life in significant ways.

Want to know where your tax dollars are going? Curious why certain projects take time to complete? It’s all decided in these local meetings, and they’re open to the public.

How Can You Get Civically Engaged in 2025?

You don’t need to run for office or have a political science degree to make a difference. Here are a few simple ways to get involved:

Attend (or stream) a County Commission meeting. They meet twice a week and you can find their meeting schedule and past meetings videos here: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/71/Shelby-County-Board-of-Commissioners

Join a local board or commission. Shelby County has committees on everything from the environment to education. Your voice matters.

Show up in your neighborhood. Whether it’s a cleanup, a school event, or a local town hall, engagement starts where you live. If I’m being completely honest, it all begins with you at the neighborhood level.

Stay informed. Follow updates on county policies, elections, and community issues. (Hint: My social media series which will air this year, The Answers w/ Arriell, is here to help!)

Progress Starts with Showing Up

Government can be complex, but democracy works best when we participate. Whether that’s emailing your commissioner, speaking at a public meeting, or just picking up litter on your block, small actions create big change.

Let’s make 2025 a year of civic action. No matter how challenging things seem, your voice and your presence matter. Shelby County’s future is shaped by those who show up. Will you be one of them?