In 2010, an effort led by downtown business interests and the Center City Commission (now Downtown Memphis Commission) resulted in the creation of a “no-panhandling zone” in downtown Memphis and the alteration of panhandling laws for the entire city.
The “no panhandling zone” also infamously included “charity mats” placed under Operation Blue Crush camera towers that are 2-foot by 2-foot mats that any person panhandling must stand on and be watched.
The MSPJC spearheaded community efforts to oppose these laws on the grounds that they were a violation of civil rights and also impractical. The following file is a copy of an Alternative Solution presented to downtown stakeholders and the Memphis City Council.
MSPJC Alternative Solution to Anti-Panhandling Efforts Report