Restoration and Redevelopment: Sam Echols IV’s Old-School Vision for the Future of District 10

Community | April 16, 2026

Restoration and Redevelopment: Sam Echols IV’s Old-School Vision for the Future of District 10
Community | April 16, 2026
by: JustMyMemphis
From corporate management to community mentorship, Sam Echols IV is running to bring economic pride and "Village" values back to Westwood and Whitehaven.
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Written By JR Robinson


Sam Echols IV doesn’t just see empty buildings when he drives through Westwood and Whitehaven; he sees ghosts of a thriving past and the seeds of a prosperous future. For Echols, running for Shelby County Commission District 9 is a mission to restore the "core values" that defined his childhood—a time when neighbors knew each other and children fought over who had the best grades rather than who had the loudest insults.

"I don't need the job. I want the job," Echols says with the clarity of a man who has spent 20 years in corporate management and 17 as an entrepreneur. "I see a need for a strong leader who is willing to be the voice for the residents of Westwood, Whitehaven, and Southwest Memphis. We need to redevelop the whole community so it thrives like Bartlett or Collierville."

A Living Witness of Restoration

Echols’s platform is rooted in "leading by example." He is open about his past, describing himself as someone who was once "in the streets" before choosing to use his knowledge for good. This lived experience is his greatest asset when talking to the youth of District 9.

"I want to show the young men that there is another way," Echols explains. "Just because you make a mistake doesn't mean you can't get back on track. When I hear the word 'can't,' it motivates me. I want to be that inspiration for the youth and a dream come true for the older generation."

Economic Development: More Than Just Storefronts

The cornerstone of Echols’s vision is aggressive economic development. He points to the loss of local landmarks like Corry Junior High as a heartbreak that signals a deeper need for population retention and increased student enrollment. His plan involves supporting existing local businesses while actively recruiting new storefronts to fill the empty corridors of his district.

As a partner in a Whitehaven tax office, Echols is already doing the work. He and his partner, Brandon Pryor, host workshops on financial literacy and tax preparation. "We’re teaching people how to start their own businesses," he says. "We want to empower our neighbors to be the owners of their own economy."

The Power of the Village

Echols is a "Village" believer. He serves on the advisory board of A Better Whitehaven, is a member of the Westwood Neighborhood Association, and works hand-in-hand with community leaders like Jason Sharif, Brian Bruce, and Alex Crane. He also counts his uncle, Stevie Moore of the Stop the Killing Foundation, as a primary mentor.

His vision for the Commission involves bringing these disparate groups together. He envisions a District 9 where pastors, principals, and business owners meet regularly—not just to complain about crime, but to compete for the best.

"I want to bring back that sense of value," Echols says. "I want to celebrate the best yard, the best restaurant, the best student. When you reward the good, it becomes contagious. We have to start celebrating and building on what we have."

Accountability and Advocacy

Echols is acutely aware of the economic pressures facing his constituents, from rising gas prices to the "Biden-era" inflation that has squeezed the budgets of working families. He rejects the idea that the only solution is to raise property taxes. Instead, he believes the solution lies in attracting attractions and amenities that keep people—and their tax dollars—in Shelby County.

"Why are we okay with our population getting smaller?" Echols asks. "We need to address why people leave. It’s because we don’t have enough to do, we don’t have enough grocery stores, and we don’t have enough hope. I’m running to change that narrative."

The Four-Year Goal

By the end of his first term, Echols wants the residents of District 9 to be "begging" for more because they see a tangible change in their streets. He wants to see enrollment up, high-quality restaurants open, and residents no longer forced to drive 15 miles just to find a decent grocery store.

"Regardless of whether I win or lose, I’m going to continue to do this work," Echols concludes. "The Commission is just a larger platform to reach more people. I’m a man of my word, and after four years, you’re going to see my imprint on this district."

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