About HCD

Since 1977, the City of Memphis has demonstrated its commitment to its neighborhoods through the work of its Division of Housing and Community Development, commonly known as HCD.  The establishment of the division was made possible in 1974 by federal legislation that provided grant funding for cities nationwide to attack deterioration, blight, and disinvestment in core city neighborhoods.

Since that beginning, HCD has dramatically expanded its reach to take a more comprehensive approach to strengthen Memphis neighborhoods and serve its residents.  Today, along with its original purpose, HCD supports access to quality and affordable housing and economic development in communities by providing support for programs and organizations that provide affordable housing, reduce lead paint hazards in homes, increase energy-efficiency through weatherization, and support homeless, HIV/AIDS, domestic abuse, elderly and disabled populations. In addition, HCD directs major economic development projects like Bass Pro Shops at The Pyramid, Memphis Cook Convention Center expansion, and Memphis Youth and Events Center at the Fairgrounds as well as works in partnership on projects like South City which is transforming 880 acres adjacent to downtown Memphis.

Mission

The mission of HCD is to make our City and our neighborhoods strong, healthy, and thriving by providing loans and grants, education and expert advice, and direct and indirect services to our entire community.

Vision

Our vision is to make Memphis a world-class city by facilitating and delivering resources and services that improve the quality of life for every neighbor and neighborhood.

Ashley Cash is the Director for the Division of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis. Most recently, Ashley has worked to provide support and manage federal funds that address challenges brought on to communities, families, and individuals related to the pandemic. This includes collaborating on solutions around homelessness support, ensuring people remain in their homes and other related issues. She previously led the effort to develop the first comprehensive plan for the City of Memphis’ 650,000 residents and 340 square miles in nearly 40 years. Ashley managed accessibility and beautification improvements for the Jimmy Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity. She also helped several Memphis communities receive the Obama Administration’s Building Neighborhood Capacity Program Grant. Ashley has a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of Tennessee and a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the University of Memphis. Ashley has worked over the past ten years in varying areas of community development. Her work has centered on quality of life planning and ensuring that all neighborhoods have equitable access to basic needs, opportunities, and amenities. She is experienced in managing and implementing complex projects and leading teams to success.    

Ashley is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Planning Association, the Urban Land Institute, and a Leadership Memphis Alum. She also sits on the Board of the Downtown Memphis Commission. She has twice been the recipient of the Outstanding Planning Award for the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association, most recently for the Memphis 3.0 Comprehensive Plan. When she is not working, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and their young daughters.