Recommendations from the Advisory Board Related to Public Use Funds from Artificial Intelligence Properties are headed to the Memphis City Council for consideration.
According to the council’s agenda, a resolution to accept the recommendations from the board will be introduced on Tuesday, June 9th. Top priorities include home and weatherization assistance, community health, public safety, workforce development and more.
The board recommended up to one million dollars be allocated for a pre-weatherization assistance program to assist with inspections and home repairs. They also suggested funding be allocated to healthcare organizations for preventative and respiratory care and “other essential health services.”
“[T]he Public Advisory Board has reviewed community survey data, information provided by city administration, and recommendations submitted by board members regarding the allocation of these funds within the directly impacted communities,” the resolution said.
The city distributed a survey to residents following the committe’s first meeting after members voiced concerns about community participation. The survey was updated based on board and community partner recommendations.
During a previous board meeting, city of Memphis Chief of Staff Renee Sekander said the survey was a tool to gauge and organize feedback. According to Sekander, the majority of respondents wanted to see the funds used for home repairs, weatherization, and public safety, which aligned with responses prior to redistribution.
Respondents also commented on environmental health concerns and said they wanted air quality monitoring, mitigation of health impacts, environmental testing, and compensation for pollution exposure.
Board chairman KeShaun Pearon said he believed the board’s recommendations are comprehensive, and encompasses data from community surveys by community-led organizations and public testimonies.
However, Pearson noted that no amount of money “will suffice for the amount of harm xAI has done and continues to do.”
“Our families continue to demand their health impacts due to industry are seriously addressed,” said Pearson. “I expect the current administration and our city council to heed to cries for help with serious intention.”
Vice chairman of the board, Kelsey Huse said the recommendations highlight the needs of residents, and while she called some of them “commendable” she urged decision-makers to look at the bigger picture.
“I want to remind everyone why this fund exists and why the community spoke up — because of the very real pollution and health impacts,” said Huse.
Huse noted that there are still turbines in operation with 46 operating at the Southaven facility, and referenced SpaceX’s intentions to use turbines for energy through 2029.
“I hope they mayor and city council put the health of the people first, and I will be watching to see what they decide to do,” said Huse.
