Community Project Funding

Fiscal Year 2026:

Listed below are the Community Project Funding requests that Congressman Cohen submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2026. The projects are listed in alphabetical order by intended recipient and do not indicate any order of priority.

Project Name: Covenant Gardens Senior Apartments Construction Project
Request Amount: $4,206,595
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to build 103 units of affordable housing for lower-income seniors. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because the project will provide secure and long-term affordable housing to the ever-growing number of senior residents of Memphis.
Covenant Gardens Senior Apartments Construction Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Historic Mason Temple Restoration Project
Request Amount: $1,200,000
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used for the restoration, rehabilitation, and technology system upgrade to the historic site. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because maintaining the historical landmark, which draws thousands of tourists to the Memphis downtown area each year, will help to increase economic development.
Historic Mason Temple Restoration Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Memphis Community Engagement Youth Facility Renovation and Vulnerable Family Housing Project
Request Amount: $1,068,750
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to renovate community facilities serving at-risk youth and provide additional housing for vulnerable families experiencing homelessness. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because the project will increase positive community engagement, especially among the youth, reduce homelessness, and ultimately will improve public safety.
Memphis Community Engagement Youth Facility Renovation and Vulnerable Family Housing Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Memphis Homeless Veterans Homes Renovation Project
Request Amount: $2,456,000
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used for renovations to support homeless veterans’ housing. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because it addresses the growing need for affordable, housing for U.S. military veterans in Memphis and Shelby County.
Memphis Homeless Veterans Homes Renovation Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Memphis Youth Violence Prevention Initiative
Request Amount: $1,375,000
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to support programs and services, in partnership with community organizations, that work to break the cycle of violence for at-risk youth and high-risk individuals. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will combat gun, youth and gang-related violence, which is plaguing the city of Memphis at alarming rates.
Memphis Youth Violence Prevention Initiative Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Monroe Plaza and Extended Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements Project
Request Amount: $3,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to convert an underutilized street into a new downtown plaza. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because it will make the Mississippi River and downtown area more accessible for all Memphians by offering critical infrastructure for pedestrian and tourist traffic.
Monroe Plaza and Extended Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Sterick Renovation and Restoration Project
Request Amount: $ 4,970,000
Intended Recipient: Downtown Memphis Commission
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 114 N Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to restore the historic Sterick building. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because the project will support the mixed-use development that continues to boost the city’s economy and will revitalize both the downtown area and the Memphis Skyline.
Sterick Renovation and Restoration Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades at Montgomery Plaza, Memphis, TN
Request Amount: $2,500,000
Intended Recipient: Memphis Housing Authority
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 700 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to upgrade the existing electrical infrastructure. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because improving the electrical infrastructure will provide better energy efficiency and will increase the electrical capacity of the development, which serves low-income residents.
Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades at Montgomery Plaza, Memphis, TN Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Memphis Police Department Equipment and Software Upgrades Project
Request Amount: $3,715,000
Intended Recipient: Memphis Police Department
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 170 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to make critical software improvements to keep the Memphis Police Department aligned with best practices in public safety, utilizing predictive policing and data-driven operations. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because these technological improvements will help to promote transparency, reduce liability, and strengthens accountability — all of which are central to maintaining public trust and improving outcomes for both Memphis Police Department officers and the Memphis community.
Memphis Police Department Equipment and Software Upgrades Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Terminal Modernization and Seismic Project at Memphis International Airport
Request Amount: $8,000,000
Intended Recipient: Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 2491 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38116
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to seismically protect the airport departure roadway, enhance ADA access, and provide shelter to passengers from inclement weather. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will modernize the terminal facilities to ensure seismic resiliency of the building structure and roadway. MEM is the principal commercial airport serving west Tennessee, north Mississippi, southeast Missouri, east Arkansas, and is home of many attractions, including Graceland, the second most visited home after the White House.
Terminal Modernization and Seismic Project at Memphis International Airport Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Historic Clayborn Temple Restoration and Renovation Project
Request Amount: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: Shelby County, TN
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 160 N
Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to restore the 130-year-old building, which was the stage of the 1968 Sanitation Workers’ Strike and I AM A MAN campaign. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because the project will eliminate significant blight in the downtown corridor and restore a significant landmark in American history. This will help increase tourism and open a pathway for economic development in Memphis and Shelby County.
Historic Clayborn Temple Restoration and Renovation Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Shelby County District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Services Program
Request Amount: $1,029,877
Intended Recipient: Shelby County District Attorney’s Office
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 201 Poplar Avenue, 11th Floor, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to enhance the victim/witness services program and support digital forensics to recover, analyze and preserve electronic data. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because crime victims and witnesses play an essential role in successful prosecutions, which will help ensure justice and increase public safety.
Shelby County District Attorney's Victim/Witness Services Program Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Shelby County Emergency Operations Center
Request Amount: $3,750,000
Intended Recipient: Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1075 Mullins Station Road, C-119, Memphis, TN 38134
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to construct a new emergency operations center that will serve all seven municipalities of Shelby County, TN. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because an updated, modern emergency operations center will increase coordination, efficiency, and will ultimately save lives in an emergency or disaster. The Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is the first line of defense in responding to emergencies and disasters.
Shelby County Emergency Operations Center Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Reimagining Southwest Tennessee Community College Renovations Project
Request Amount: $1,900,000
Intended Recipient: Southwest Tennessee Community College
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to renovate and modernize key facilities on the campus. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because providing access to cutting-edge facilities with the latest technology will help shape the next wave of healthcare professionals and first responders who are instrumental in safeguarding our community.
Reimagining Southwest Tennessee Community College Renovations Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: University of Memphis Park Avenue Campus Water and Sewer line, Campus Street Repaving Project
Request Amount: $6,000,000
Intended Recipient: University of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 315 Administration Building, Memphis, Tennessee 38152-3370
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to replace the water and sewer lines, repave and restripe for long term use and pedestrian and vehicle safety on the Park Avenue Campus. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it is a good use of taxpayer money because it will improve drainage and street safety for both pedestrians and vehicles utilizing the Park Avenue Campus.
University of Memphis Park Avenue Campus Water and Sewer line, Campus Street Repaving Project Disclosure Letter

Fiscal Year 2025:

Listed below are the Community Project Funding requests that Congressman Cohen submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2025. The projects are listed in alphabetical order by intended recipient and do not indicate any order of priority.

Project Name: Covenant Gardens Senior Apartments Construction Project
Request Amount: $4,206,595
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to build 103 units of affordable housing for lower-income seniors. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because the project will provide secure and long-term affordable housing to the ever-growing number of senior residents of Memphis.
Covenant Gardens Senior Apartments Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Covington Police Department Youth Crime and Violence Diversion Project
Request Amount: $100,000
Intended Recipient: Covington Police Department
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 211 S. Main Street, Covington, TN 38019
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): to support the police youth crime and violence diversion project to enhance community relations and deter youth from engaging in criminal activity. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will help to reduce violent crime and increase public safety.
Covington Police Department Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades at Montgomery Plaza, Memphis, TN
Request Amount: $2,500,000
Intended Recipient: The Memphis Housing Authority
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 700 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to upgrade the existing electrical infrastructure. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because improving the electrical infrastructure will provide better energy efficiency and will increase the electrical capacity of the development, which serves low-income residents.
Montgomery Plaza Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Enhancing Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Crime Reduction Initiative
Request Amount: $2,999,076
Intended Recipient: Shelby County District Attorney’s Office
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 201 Poplar Avenue, 11th Floor, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to purchase crime lab equipment to speed processing times and allow for testing on-site. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the on-site equipment will greatly improve the solve rate and speed of investigations for non-fatal shootings and property crimes, including the auto theft and auto break-ins which have reached epidemic proportions in the region.
Enhancing Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Crime Reduction Initiative Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Historic Clayborn Temple Restoration and Renovation Project
Request Amount: $3,000,000
Intended Recipient: Shelby County, TN
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 160 N
Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to restore the 130-year-old building, which was the stage of the 1968 Sanitation Workers’ Strike and I AM A MAN campaign. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because the project will eliminate significant blight in the downtown corridor and restore a significant landmark in American history. This will help increase tourism and open a pathway for economic development in Memphis and Shelby County.
Historic Clayborn Temple Restoration and Renovation Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Historic Mason Temple Restoration Project
Request Amount: $1,200,000
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used for the restoration, rehabilitation, and technology system upgrade to the historic site. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because maintaining the historical landmark, which draws thousands of tourists to the Memphis downtown area each year, will help to increase economic development.
Historic Mason Temple Restoration Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Memphis Police Department Real-Time Crime Center Equipment Upgrades Project
Request Amount: $3,255,000
Intended Recipient: Memphis Police Department
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 170 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to purchase updated Real-Time Crime Center Equipment. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the updated equipment will improve the turnaround time in which data is received to make insightful decisions on combatting crime patterns.
MPD Real-Time Crime Center Equipment Upgrades Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Memphis Trolley Station Modernization – ADA Upgrades project
Request Amount: $2,400,000
Intended Recipient: Memphis Area Transit Authority
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 40 S Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to replace and modernize existing trolley stations with new features in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because modernizing trolley stations with new ADA features will provide better access to passengers with disabilities.
Memphis Trolley Station Modernization Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Monroe Plaza and Extended Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements Project
Request Amount: $3,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to convert an underutilized street into a new downtown plaza. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because it will make the Mississippi River and downtown area more accessible for all Memphians by offering critical infrastructure for pedestrian and tourist traffic.
Monroe Plaza and Extended Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: New Chicago Park Community Resource Center Construction and Rehabilitation Project
Request Amount: $600,000
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used for construction and rehabilitation of the resource center in the New Chicago community of North Memphis. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because it is supporting an important community resource that provides a secure setting for seniors and low-income families residing in a high crime, economically disadvantaged neighborhood.
New Chicago Park Community Resource Center Construction and Rehabilitation Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: One Stop Accelerated Skills Training Center Construction and Renovation Project
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main Street, Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used for the construction of a jobs training center. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because the training center will provide opportunities for economic mobility and support the increased economic development needs in the region.
One Stop Accelerated Skills Training Center Construction and Renovation Project Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Shelby County Crime Reduction Initiatives Program
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: Shelby County, TN
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 160 N. Main Street Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to expand programing in South Memphis and increase the amount of youth served through the county’s Youth and Family Resource Center in order reduce the pipeline to prison. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because the expansion of services will enable more families and children in need to get services to help prevent truancy, delinquency, and criminal behavior.
Shelby County Crime Reduction Initiatives Program Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Shelby County District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Services Program
Request Amount: $300,000
Intended Recipient: Shelby County District Attorney’s Office
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 201 Poplar Avenue, 11^th Floor, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to enhance the victim/witness services program, reduce the backlog of cases, and improve data collection. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because crime victims and witnesses play an essential role in successful prosecutions, which will help ensure justice and increase public safety.
Shelby County District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Services Program Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Shelby County Emergency Operations Center
Request Amount: $3,750,000
Intended Recipient: Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1075 Mullins Station Road, C-119, Memphis, TN 38134
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to construct a new emergency operations center that will serve all seven municipalities of Shelby County, TN. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because an updated, modern emergency operations center will increase coordination, efficiency, and will ultimately save lives in an emergency or disaster. The Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is the first line of defense in responding to emergencies and disasters.
Shelby County Emergency Operations Center Disclosure Letter

Project Name: Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) Building at Memphis International Airport
Request Amount: $6,867,836
Intended Recipient: Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 2491 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38116
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used for Construction of a Snow Removal Equipment Facility for storage of snow removal equipment. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will provide winter protection and proper storage to extend the longevity and efficiency of important airport operations equipment. Snow removal equipment is critical to maintaining passenger and cargo operations during winter weather events.
Memphis International Airport Disclosure Letter

Fiscal Year 2024:

Listed below are the Community Funding Projects that Congressman Cohen submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2024. The projects are listed in alphabetical order by intended recipient and do not indicate any order of priority.

Project Name: Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region Building Renovation Project
Request Amount: $202,000
Intended Recipient: Boys and Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 412C Alston Circle, Covington, TN 38109
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used for building renovations. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will provide a safe space and support for youth from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances in Covington and Tipton County, TN.
Boys & Girls Club Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Castalia Heights Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Development Project,
Request Amount: $1,350,000
Intended Recipient: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 7136 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38125
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to build 23 new affordable homes. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it provides new affordable homeownership opportunities which will help relieve significant rental housing cost-burdens and unhealthy housing conditions for many renters across Memphis and Shelby County.
Castalia Heights, Habitat for Humanity Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Covington Police Department Youth Crime and Violence Diversion Project
Request Amount: $100,000
Intended Recipient: Covington Police Department
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 211 S. Main Street, Covington, TN 38019
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): to support the police youth crime and violence diversion project to enhance community relations and deter youth from engaging in criminal activity.
Covington Police Department Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Hub Hall: Disrupting the Cycle of Chronic Homelessness in Youth Project
Request Amount: $3,400,000
Intended Recipient: Hospitality Hub
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 590 Washington Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to build additional transitional housing for young adults between 18-24 years of age. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it helps to address chronic homelessness and supports vulnerable communities impacted by the housing crisis in Memphis and Shelby County.
Hub Hall Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Legends Park Expansion, Memphis, TN
Request Amount: $2,500,000
Intended Recipient: Urban Strategies, Inc.
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 930 Mason Street, Memphis, TN 38126
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to develop mixed-income multifamily buildings. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will increase affordable housing opportunities and promote economic development.
Legends Park Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) Operations & Maintenance Facility Project
Request Amount: $20,000,000
Intended Recipient: Memphis Area Transit Authority
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 40 S. Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to construct a new MATA Operations & Maintenance Facility. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will improve mobility and access to public transportation. The current facility is over 40 years old and there is a critical need for a new building that is stable, safe, and seismically sound.
MATA Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) Building at Memphis International Airport
Request Amount: $7,000,000
Intended Recipient: Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 2491 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38116
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used for Construction of a Snow Removal Equipment Facility for storage of snow removal equipment. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will provide winter protection and proper storage to extend the longevity and efficiency of important airport operations equipment. Snow removal equipment is critical to maintaining passenger and cargo operations during winter weather events.
Memphis International Airport Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Memphis Police Department Officer Equipment Improvement Project
Request Amount: $1,424,618
Intended Recipient: Memphis Police Department
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 170 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used for equipment to increase the safety of Memphis police officers. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the equipment will allow officers to remain safe during times of crisis while working to reduce crime and to protect the community.
Memphis Police Department Officer Equipment Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Memphis Police Department Sentinel Surveillance Cameras Project
Request Amount: $1,254,000
Intended Recipient: Memphis Police Department
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 170 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used for additional technologically upgraded crime surveillance equipment. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the upgraded technology will enhance the police department’s ability to combat crime, including auto theft, in an effective manner.
Memphis Police Department Sentinel Surveillance Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Northside Square – The Revitalization of Northside High School Project, Memphis, TN
Request Amount: $3,000,000
Intended Recipient: The Works, Inc.
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1471 Genesis Circle, Memphis, TN 38106
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to renovate a vacant school building into a community hub that will offer new affordable housing options. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will help to promote economic development and revitalize an economically distressed area of Memphis.
Northside Square Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Operation Home for Heroes Project
Request Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: Alpha Omega Veterans Services
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1183 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to provide housing for homeless and disabled veterans in the Memphis area. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will assist homeless veterans in reintegrating into mainstream society, improve their quality of life and ultimately help them transition to independent living.
Alpha Omega Veterans Services Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Overton Park Accessibility Improvements Project, Memphis, TN
Request Amount: $2,500,000
Intended Recipient: Overton Park Conservancy
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1930 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to build a modern and accessible system of sidewalks and other pedestrian friendly infrastructure. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will help ease traffic and parking congestion by improving access for pedestrians, cyclists, and persons in wheelchairs. Cultivating walkable and bikeable neighborhoods will also help improve property values.
Overton Park Conservancy Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Shelby County Emergency Operations Center
Request Amount: $3,750,000
Intended Recipient: County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1075 Mullins Station Road, C-119, Memphis, TN 38134
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to construct a new emergency operations center that will serve all seven municipalities of Shelby County, TN. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because an updated, modern emergency operations center will increase coordination, efficiency, and will ultimately save lives in an emergency or disaster. The Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is the first line of defense in responding to emergencies and disasters.
Shelby County Emergency Operations Center Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Shelby County District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Services Program
Request Amount: $300,000
Intended Recipient: Shelby County District Attorney’s Office
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 201 Poplar Avenue, 11^th Floor, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to enhance the victim/witness services program, reduce the backlog of cases, and improve data collection. It is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because crime victims and witnesses play an essential role in successful prosecutions, which will help ensure justice and increase public safety.
Shelby County District Attorney's Office Disclosure Letter

Fiscal Year 2023:

Listed below are the Community Funding Projects that Congressman Cohen submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2023. The projects are listed in alphabetical order by intended recipient and do not indicate any order of priority.

Project Name: Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital
Request Amount: $1,250,000
Intended Recipient: Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital in collaboration with Room In The Inn-Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 409 Ayers Street, Memphis, TN 38105-3112
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to repurpose the former African-American hospital into a homeless shelter that will provide the first respite/recuperative care center in the Midsouth for homeless individuals who are medically fragile.
Document
Collins Chapel Disclosure Letter.pdf (209 KB)
Project Name: Memphis Home Repair Program
Request Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 2633 Inverary Cove, Memphis, TN 38119
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to provide grants for very low-income seniors. LISC Memphis worked in partnership with the City to identify affordable housing preservation needs, barriers that homeowners face in accessing capital, and the resulting need for significant home repair assistance.
Document
LISC FY23 Disclosure Letter.docx (42.9 KB)
Project Name: Regional One Health Care Access and Quality Care Improvements
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: Regional One Health
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to replace OmniCells, a central management system, that ensure safe, efficient, secure access to medications and point of care supplies in all care areas. Funding will also be used to renovate women's services patient care areas.
Document
Regional One FY23 Disclosure Letter.pdf (678.01 KB)
Project Name: Reentry Services to Reduce Recidivism
Request Amount: $500,000
Intended Recipient: Lifeline to Success, Inc
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1647 Dellwood Avenue, Memphis Tennessee 38127
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to support the reentry program that provides supportive services for ex-offenders, which will help them become productive members of society and reduce recidivism.
Document
FY23 Lifeline to success disclosure letter.pdf (677.52 KB)
Project Name: Porter Jr. Hi. – MLK Transition Academy Redevelopment
Request Amount: $3,000,000
Intended Recipient: Urban Renaissance Partners
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1708 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to support the redevelopment of the MLK Transition Academy/Porter Jr. Hi into a mixed-use development that will provide critical services and resources, embrace the neighborhood's history, and provide economic, cultural, and educational opportunities for the residents and the greater Memphis community.
Document
MLK Transistion Porter Hi FY23 Disclosure Letter.docx (43.07 KB)
Project Name: Memphis Cobblestone Landing Recreational Center
Request Amount: $4,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 125 North Main St., Room 608, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used for the development of the Memphis Cobblestone Landing Recreation Center, which will provide a recreational area for growth of restaurants, shopping venders, and stimulate the existing economic development of downtown Memphis, as well as the Mississippi riverfront areas.
Document
Cobblestone Disclosure Letter.pdf (229.01 KB)
Project Name: Overton Park/Memphis Zoo Parking Plan
Request Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: Overton Park Conservancy
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1914 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to support the construction of a new parking lot, zoo entrance and the restoration of park greenspace, which will lead to more efficient operations for both the park and the zoo. The project will help provide better service to visitors and strengthens the partnership of two of Memphis' most treasured assets.
Document
Overton park memphis zoo FY23 Disclosure Letter.pdf (211.59 KB)
Project Name: Promoting and Preserving Homeownership Program
Request Amount: $1,200,000
Intended Recipient: United Housing, Inc.
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 2750 Colony Park Drive Memphis, TN 38118
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to provide grants to increase homeownership, especially among African-American families, and to help revitalize neighborhoods that are vulnerable due to the age of the housing stock, longstanding problems accessing investment and impact of the foreclosure crisis.
Document
United Housing FY23 Disclosure Letter.pdf (211.7 KB)
Project Name: South City VI
Request Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: The Memphis Housing Authority
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 700 Adams Ave. Memphis, TN 38105
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to support the final phase of the redevelopment of The Foote Park at South City Community Homes (South City), into a mixed-income, multigenerational community.
Document
South City FY23 Disclosure Letter.pdf (211.22 KB)
Project Name: The Expansion of YMCA Before and After School Care in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 7171 Goodlett Farms Parkway, Cordova, TN 38016
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding will be used to expand high quality before and after school programming to serve more under-resourced and under-served youth who need care in Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
Document
YMCA FY23 Disclosure Letter.pdf (679.68 KB)
Project Name: Stax Music Academy and Soulsville Charter School
Request Amount: $1,150,000
Intended Recipient: Soulsville Foundation
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38106
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to support educational programing for middle and high school students, including an after-school music program.
Document
Stax Music Academy FY23 Disclosure Letter.docx (43.1 KB)
Project Name: Le Bonheur Pediatric Mobile Intensive Care Transport Vehicles
Request Amount: $970,000
Intended Recipient: Le Bonheur Children's Hospital
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 848 Adams Ave, Memphis TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to purchase new fully-equipped pediatric mobile intensive care transport vehicles to transport critically ill newborns and children. The care provided during transport of acutely ill children is critical in producing positive outcomes
Document
Le Bonheur Disclosure Letter.pdf (677.07 KB)
Project Name: 901 Entrepreneurs Program
Request Amount: $673,332
Intended Recipient: Vibrant Memphis Inc.
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 150 Peabody Place, Lower level, Memphis, TN 38103.
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to provide business planning, program and growth resources to support small businesses and entrepreneurs who have the potential to strengthen the Memphis economy.
Document
901 entrepreneurs FY23 Disclosure Letter.pdf (673.73 KB)
Project Name: Competitive Edge Program
Request Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: Agape Child and Family Services
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 3160 Directors Row, Memphis, TN. 38131
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to support the Competitive Edge job training and career placement program, which will help increase workforce development-related strategies in traditionally under-resourced Memphis communities to build economic mobility and intergenerational independence.
Document
Agape Disclosure Letter.pdf (678.57 KB)
Project Name: Studio Village
Request Amount: $1,275,000
Intended Recipient: Hospitality Hub
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 590 Washington Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): to provide support to chronically homeless men and women. The Hospitality Hub (the Hub) is the region's central point of entry into the HUD Continuum of Care (CoC). Each year the Hospitality Hub welcomes 2500 newly homeless men, women and children as guests.to provide support to chronically homeless men and women. The Hospitality Hub (the Hub) is the region's central point of entry into the HUD Continuum of Care (CoC). Each year the Hospitality Hub welcomes 2500 newly homeless men, women and children as guests.
Document
Studio Villiage Disclosure Letter.docx (42.71 KB)

Fiscal Year 2022:

Listed below are the Community Funding Projects that Congressman Cohen submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2022. The projects are listed in alphabetical order by intended recipient and do not indicate any order of priority.

Project Name: Memphis ReStart Initiative
Request Amount: $750,000
Intended Recipient: Black Business Association of Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 480 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Avenue, Memphis, TN 38126
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to support the multi-faceted small business development program that focuses on three areas: Talent, Acquisitions, and Talent Acquisitions in order to nurture Black enterprises toward economic equity as well as addressing the wealth gap. This includes leadership training for Black managers, entrepreneurs and business owners, and identifying opportunities for Black businesses to thrive.
Signed Financial Disclosure Letter
Project Name: Cocaine and Alcohol Awareness Program, Incorporated (CAAP, Inc) Community Corrections Program
Request Amount: $670,500
Intended Recipient: Cocaine and Alcohol Awareness Program, Incorporated (CAAP, Inc)
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 4041 Knight Arnold Rd, Memphis, TN 38118
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to support the community-based, residential, alternative to incarceration, corrections program that has a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Corrections. CAAP, Inc.'s program supports non-violent offenders who suffer with a substance use and mental health disorder. The program's goals include reducing overall recidivism and crime within the Memphis and Shelby County communities.
Document
CAAP Inc Disclosure Letter.pdf (667.49 KB)
Project Name: Historic Melrose Redevelopment Project
Request Amount: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Memphis, Housing & Community Development
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 590 Washington Avenue, TN 3810
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to invest in the redevelopment of the Historic Melrose High School and the Orange Mound Community, which was the first African-American neighborhood in the U.S. to be built by and for African-Americans. The project will provide senior housing and will create a place for nonprofits to convene and offer numerous community services. It will also include a library and genealogy center, which will highlight the former school and neighborhood's rich history.
Document
Melrose Disclosure Letter.pdf (670.51 KB)
Project Name: Christian Brothers University Community Engagement Partnerships with Binghampton and Orange Mound Neighborhoods, Memphis, TN
Request Amount: $386,221.55
Intended Recipient: Christian Brothers University
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to support community engagement efforts in Binghampton and Orange Mound neighborhoods through four targeted initiatives: (1) the Community Academic Internship Program; (2) the Community-Engaged Learning Program; and (3) the Servant Leadership Fellowship Program; (4) the Community Innovation Project Fund. These initiatives will continue to support these communities by providing workforce development, coordinated and experiential educational opportunities, as well as support for local nonprofit organizations.
Document
Christian Brothers Disclosure Letter.pdf (673.32 KB)
Project Name: Supporting Whole-Person Primary Care and Other Services to Serve the Healthcare Needs of the Uninsured and Underserved
Request Amount: $355,224
Intended Recipient: Church Health
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 142, Memphis, TN 38104
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to obtain up-to-date technology in all aspects of operations and have the clinical equipment needed to support the multiple services provided to patients in need in Shelby County and to help Church Health share its data, knowledge and model with clinics across Tennessee and the entire U.S.
Document
Church Health Disclosure Letter.pdf (669.47 KB)
Project Name: Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital in collaboration with Room In The Inn-Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 409 Ayers Street, Memphis, TN 38105-3112
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to repurpose the former African-American hospital into a homeless shelter that will provide the first respite/recuperative care center in the Midsouth for homeless individuals who are medically fragile.
Document
Collins Chapel Disclosure Letter.pdf (663.83 KB)
Project Name: Sadie B's Kitchen in Memphis, TN
Request Amount: $450,000
Intended Recipient: Hospitality Hub
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 590 Washington Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to build a commercial kitchen in the new shelter and operations Hub, as well as two supplemental food truck parking bays. The Hospitality Hub (the Hub) is the region's central point of entry into the HUD Continuum of Care (CoC). Each year the Hospitality Hub welcomes 2500 newly homeless men, women and children as guests.
Document
Hospitality Hub Disclosure Letter.pdf (670.15 KB)
Project Name: Memphis Home Repair Program
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Memphis
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 2633 Inverary Cove, Memphis, TN 38119
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to provide grants for very low-income seniors. LISC Memphis worked in partnership with the City to identify affordable housing preservation needs, barriers that homeowners face in accessing capital, and the resulting need for significant home repair assistance.
Document
LISC Disclosure Letter.pdf (667.42 KB)
Project Name: Regional One Health Care Access and Quality Care Improvements
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: Regional One Health
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to provide priority clinical enhancements that will enable front line health care workers the ability to diagnose and treat ill and critically injured patients more accurately and quickly. As the only essential access health care system in Shelby County, and the oldest teaching hospital in the state of Tennessee, these improvements will continue to improve the quality of care for vulnerable Shelby County residents.
Document
Region One Disclosure Letter.pdf (669.17 KB)
Project Name: Tom Lee Park, Memphis, TN
Request Amount: $3,000,000
Intended Recipient: Riverfront Development Inc. d/b/a/ Memphis River Parks Partnership
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 22 N Front St., Ste 960, Memphis TN 38103
Explanation of the request (must include purpose and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds): The funding would be used to further develop and provide improvements for a larger river front park transformation, which will create an equitable, shared community space for all Memphians.
Document
Tom Lee Park Disclosure Letter.pdf (670.24 KB)