The Memphis City Council Committee meeting held on July 22, 2025, focused on the ongoing development project involving Dillard's, which aims to remain a key player in the new development plan. The discussions highlighted the extensive community engagement efforts undertaken by the development team, led by Josh, who has established relationships with Dillard's across various properties nationwide.
The meeting began with a review of the development process, which has spanned over a year. Initial discussions with the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) commenced in June, followed by three community meetings in October to gather public input. Feedback from these meetings was incorporated into the development plans, which were revisited with the community in April before the formal application was submitted.
Chloe, a member of the development team, noted that adjustments were made to the application based on additional community feedback received during a mandatory meeting in May, as well as through numerous one-on-one interactions, including coffee meetings and phone calls. In total, the team hosted seven public meetings, attracting several hundred participants, which significantly influenced the final development plan.
The meeting concluded with a summary of the community's feedback, emphasizing the importance of public input in shaping the project. The development team expressed their commitment to continuing this dialogue as they move forward with the project. Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative approach taken to ensure that the development aligns with community expectations and needs.