Update: This story has been updated for context with additional quotes and information from Memphis Chamber President and CEO Ted Townsend.

Memphis business leaders are seeking state support to help cure the city’s crime issues.

On Jan. 10, the Greater Memphis Chamber's Chairman’s Circle submitted a letter to Gov. Bill Lee’s office asking for assistance with a litany of crime issues impacting the city's business community.

Memphis Chamber President and CEO Ted Townsend said he drove into Nashville Tuesday night and hand-delivered the letter on Wednesday morning to the offices of Lee, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton.

Townsend said every lawmaker he spoke with Wednesday was receptive and appreciative of the Chamber taking the initiative to bring these issues forward.

"They understand the importance of Memphis in the state economy," he said. "This is not a partisan thing. Everyone understands the importance of a safe Memphis."

Memphis Chamber director of communications Ryan Poe said the Chairman's Circle has submitted similar letters to the state requesting public safety aid over the last several years.

“As business and community leaders, confidence in our local public safety system has fallen to an unsustainable low. Crime is impacting our neighbors, customers, employees, and investors. Tennesseans deserve to feel safe buying groceries, getting gas and going to work. Our community needs your direct intervention,” Townsend said in the letter.

In the letter, which was endorsed by more than three dozen Chairman’s Circle members including Richard Smith — president and CEO of FedEx Airline and International, the Chamber called for improvements to the state’s sentencing laws, an increase in the number of trials by jury for criminal cases in Shelby County, financial aid for the Shelby County Public Defender’s office, stiffer charges for stolen firearms and drag racing, and $50 million in aid for improving public safety in tourism-specific zones.

In the letter, Townsend cites the call for action can help protect $3 billion in capital investment already underway in Shelby County:

“We have more than $3 billion of local capital projects in the planning process, plus represent tens of thousands of employees asking for your intervention. Shelby County can be a model for the country and regain its world-renowned reputation as a premier entertainment, distribution, industrial, health care, and technology center. Your leadership and support are needed now more than ever.”

During a phone call Wednesday, Townsend said the Chamber is hoping to secure $50 million in block grant funding, however, no pre-determined sites have been outlined for the "tourism zones."

"We know Downtown is critical for Memphis development overall," he said.

Townsend said improving public safety Downtown is paramount especially as the city prepares to host notable events such as the 2024 NCAA March Madness men's basketball tournament's opening rounds.

"I'm incredibly encouraged by the level of collaboration from all companies (within the Chamber and Chairman's Circle)," he said. "Every business has been impacted by these issues."

Memphis Mayor Paul Young has routinely called for a “pandemic-level” response to crime in the city and has continued to endorse Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis. (Memphis City Council is continuing to review Davis’ potential appointment.) Young’s administration is also establishing a special adviser to the mayor on public safety.

Townsend acknowledged that the letter outlines several elements to improve public safety and perception and serves as a starting point for change and improved partnerships with the state. However, it is a complex issue that requires multiple solutions and strategies including strengthening economic mobility, which is a core focus of the Chamber, he said.

"Memphis is the next great investment opportunity in the U.S., not just the Southeast," Townsend said.

Neil Strebig is a journalist with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at neil.strebig@commercialappeal.com, 901-426-0679 or via X: @neilStrebig

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis business leaders seek help on crime from Gov. Lee, Tennessee