In recent times, Herenton has faced mounting criticism from citizens and other observers, who have charged that he has, among the following:
- Failed to ensure sound fiscal management of the City of Memphis
- Fraud allegations involving national money for the building of the FedEx Forum
- Failed to communicate effectively with the City Council
- Failed to address multiple allegations of improprieties regarding Memphis Light Gas and Water
- Served as the prime target and catalyst for the City Charter rewrite
- Angered citizens to the point of becoming a target of a citizen recall effort
- Mayor Herenton called for a halt to early voting due to "irregularities". The Shelby County Election Commission stated that early voting would continue.
- Done little in response to the significant rise in crime under his leadership, stating that "No mayor in any American city can solve the crime problem."
