Friends,
Little Rock has more than 200 neighborhoods, many with unique character and rich history. We take pride in our neighborhoods and support those around us, and for lots of us, our neighborhood friends become family.
I was born, raised, and still reside in Southwest Little Rock, and I witness community pride and support for neighbors almost every day. My neighborhood, like so many others in Little Rock, is resilient in the face of challenges. I was reminded of the strength and community spirit of our neighborhoods this past week as we observed National Night Out across the City.
Little Rock neighborhood associations, in conjunction with the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs, the Little Rock Police Department, and other community partners, turn out at events throughout Little Rock on the first Tuesday of every October. National Night Out is an opportunity to reconnect with neighbors, city leaders, and officers that patrol in your neighborhood. National Night Out events send a positive message about how we can work together to reduce crime and to make our neighborhoods safer.
I had the privilege to make several stops on National Night Out, where I shared with Little Rock residents the positive steps we’re taking to reduce crime and spur growth and economic development in every part of our City.
Though physical boundaries may define separate neighborhoods, we are all united in our love for Little Rock and our neighbors.
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Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., visits with neighborhood associations and residents during National Night Out on Oct. 4, 2022.
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Public safety forum
As you know, instances of violent crime have increased across the country over the past few years. Gun violence, especially, has plagued our cities and our rural areas. In Little Rock, our homicide rate has increased, even as the overall violent crime rate has been decreasing. I grieve every single loss of life to homicide in our City. I personally know several homicide victims and their families, and we can never say or do enough to give them the solace and peace that they deserve.
Nevertheless, I have made clear that crime reduction is the main priority of my administration. We are directing resources to the Little Rock Police Department for additional targeted patrols in high-crime neighborhoods and LRPD is establishing a state-of-the-art Real Time Crime Center, which will make investigations more efficient and effective. We are investing in community programs that focus on intervention and treatment, and we’ve asked Little Rock leaders as part of our H.O.P.E. Advisory Council to make additional recommendations of tangible ways to reduce violence.
We shared our progress and vision for crime reduction during a public forum last week. I appreciate Little Rock residents who attended and watched online as they heard detailed information from the Little Rock Police Department, our Department of Community Programs and H.O.P.E. Council members.
A recording of the forum is on the City of Little Rock’s YouTube page and on our Crime Reduction Strategy page.
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Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., leaders in the Little Rock Police Department and Department of Community Programs, and members of the HOPE Advisory Council gather to discuss public safety on Oct. 4, 2022.
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MacArthur Unlimited!
It was such a joy to be there last week when we opened the MacArthur Park Unlimited Playground for the first time! This inclusive play space is open and welcoming to all and it’s another treasure within Little Rock’s oldest park. Children and adults alike are able to play regardless of any challenges. It’s a truly special place.
This playground is the result of a public-private partnership and the support of countless members of the community and advocates for MacArthur Park. I applaud the MacArthur Park Group, Little Rock Parks and Recreation, and the Arkansas Community Foundation for their efforts to make this a reality.
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Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., Parks Director Leland Couch and former Mayor Sharon Priest of the MacArthur Park Group welcome residents and neighbors for the opening of the MarArthur Unlimited playground on Oct. 6, 2022.
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The week ahead
-The Little Rock Board of Directors will set the agenda for its next regular Board meeting Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 4 p.m. at the Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock Facebook and YouTube pages. View the agenda here.
-Tuesday is also the deadline to register to vote in order to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 general election. Exercise your right to have a voice in your government by registering and participating in the election process. For more information about voter registration, including details about how and where to register, visit the Pulaski County Clerk’s website or the Arkansas Secretary of State.
-The Little Rock Planning Commission meets at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Centre at University Park. The 11-member commission is responsible for reviewing rezoning requests and making recommendations on zoning and land use to the Board of Directors.
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As always, stay up to date with what's happening in the City on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram via @citylittlerock. You can also email me at mayorscott@littlerock.gov or call my office at 501.371.4744.
I appreciate you!
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