MEMPHIS, Tenn. May 18, 2026 — The City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development is proud to announce that the City of Memphis in partnership with First 8 Memphis has been selected to participate in the Pathways for Early Childhood Leadership initiative led by the National League of Cities (NLC).
This 15-month technical assistance program brings together municipal leaders and staff from across Tennessee and Michigan to strengthen local systems that support young children and their families. The initiative recognizes the important role city governments play in building collaborative, community-wide support networks that help children thrive from an early age.
This program aims to provide support to municipal staff and their community partners, so they can design, implement, and advance equitable Early Learning Community Action Plans rooted in community voice and local context.
The program is intentionally designed to engage multiple levels of municipal leadership, allowing both senior decision-makers and frontline staff to build the expertise, tools, confidence, and peer connections needed to advance early childhood success in their communities.
Through the initiative, the City of Memphis will receive technical assistance and strategic guidance from NLC, including access to early childhood experts, peer learning networks, customized resources, and examples of successful practices from cities across the country. Participants will work collaboratively to strengthen Memphis’ vision
“When we get early childhood right, everything else gets easier. Safe neighborhoods, strong schools, a workforce that’s ready to compete. All of it starts with what we do for kids in their first few years,” said Mayor Paul Young. “Partnering with First 8 Memphis and joining this national initiative is how we make sure Memphis is building that foundation, not just talking about it.”
As part of the initiative, Memphis leaders will collaborate with national partners and peer cities to explore strategies that strengthen family support systems, improve coordination across city departments, and expand opportunities that positively impact early childhood development.
“Local municipal staff plays a vital role in the collaborative ecosystem that supports young children and their families,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the NLC. “Memphis is joining other cities from across Michigan and Tennessee to embark on a unique and transformative experience for their youngest residents. The Pathways for Early Childhood Leadership cohort connects cities behind a single goal of making the future brighter for America’s young children and families.”
The City of Memphis joins eight other municipalities participating in the Pathways for Early Childhood Leadership initiative. In Tennessee, Chattanooga, Nashville and in Michigan, Cadillac, Detroit, Farmington Hills, Sterling Heights and Westland.
For more information please contact [email protected], HCD’s Deputy Director of Planning and Policy