Herff College of Engineering
University of Memphis and City of Memphis Launch $1 Million Strategic Partnership to Advance Urban Resilience and Smart Infrastructure
March 24, 2026
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -The University of Memphis has entered into a $1 million strategic partnership with the City of Memphis to advance research, innovation and implementation strategies that strengthen the city’s infrastructure, sustainability and long-term resilience, while positioning Memphis for the next generation of smart, data-driven urban systems.
Under a newly executed memorandum of understanding (Contract No. 42776), the City will support the University’s Resilient Smart Cities Innovation Center (ReSInC) as a key research and innovation partner for engineering, infrastructure and forward-looking urban development initiatives.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration between the City of Memphis Division of Engineering and ReSInC with focus on:
- Infrastructure testing and material evaluation
- Climate resilience and sustainability planning
- Smart and data-driven urban systems
- Transportation and environmental assessments
- Community-centered planning and stakeholder engagement
“This partnership represents a transformative step forward for Memphis,” said Dr. Rouzbeh Nazari, director of ReSInC and chair of the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at the UofM Herff College of Engineering. “By aligning academic innovation with municipal priorities, we are creating a model for how cities can leverage research, technology and data to build smarter, more resilient infrastructure systems that serve communities today and in the future.”
Through this partnership, ReSInC will provide advanced research capabilities, laboratory expertise and analytical support to help address complex urban challenges such as climate adaptation, infrastructure modernization, digital integration and equitable development. The collaboration supports Memphis’s transition toward a more connected, efficient and resilient urban environment.
Manny Belen, P.E., M.P.A., City Engineer and director of Engineering, said, “This agreement strengthens our ability to integrate innovation and smart solutions into Memphis’s infrastructure.”
Prevailing Wage Program Manager and Herff Engineering Alum Matthew J. McBride added, “This partnership enhances accountability and supports high-quality, data-driven public investments.”
City of Memphis Mayor Paul A. Young emphasized the importance of collaborative innovation in shaping Memphis’s future. “This agreement strengthens our ability to make data-driven decisions and build a city that is resilient, sustainable and prepared for the challenges ahead.”
In addition to advancing research and infrastructure strategy, the partnership will promote workforce development, technical training and expanded external funding opportunities to further strengthen Memphis’s capacity for innovation.