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Friends,
Today we observe Juneteenth. It was on this date in 1865 that U.S. troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to officially announce and enforce emancipation for enslaved African Americans, more than two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth celebrates freedom and invites all of us to recommit ourselves to the work of justice and equality for all.
I am proud that, starting in 2021, Little Rock became the first city in Arkansas to recognize this solemn day as an official holiday in our nation’s history.
I encourage you to spend time today to reflect on the importance of giving voice to those who are too often silenced and marginalized.
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Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.'s 2023 Juneteenth video message
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Electric Buses to 'Shock the Rock'
As our City moves toward a more sustainable future, I'm excited about Rock Region METRO's rollout of five new zero-emission mass transit buses. Rock Region will deploy the buses starting next month. They are the first electric mass transit buses in the State.
Public transit is already a smart and sustainable way to travel, and these zero-emission vehicles will further help reduce transportation-related carbon emissions and improve air quality. Known as the "Shock the Rock" fleet modernization initiative, Rock Region METRO's push to replace diesel buses with electric is another way our region is leading the state in sustainability. When the new buses come online, METRO will remove its remaining diesel buses from service.
I had the opportunity to join Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick, City Manager Bruce Moore, Rock Region METRO CEO Justin Avery and other officials as we ceremonially plugged in the first of the new buses at an event in downtown Little Rock last week.
The buses and charging equipment were funded by a $4.9 million grant.
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Reminder: Debris Removal Deadline
Residents in neighborhoods impacted by the March 31 tornado are reminded of the Sunday, June 25, deadline for placing debris at the curb to be picked up. After Sunday, Little Rock's debris removal contractor will make a final sweep of impacted areas to pick up any remaining debris.
Both Little Rock Public Works team members and contractors have been working since the tornado hit to help with clean up. Nearly 3,000 structures were in the path of the storm, with hundreds destroyed or heavily damaged. More than 400,000 cubic yards of waste has been collected so far.
Workers will collect debris daily until the final sweep in the days following the June 25 deadline.
Residents must place debris within 10 feet of the curb and separate construction waste from vegetative debris like tree limbs.
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The Week Ahead
- As a reminder, city offices are closed today -- Monday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Sanitation and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day this week because of the holiday.
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, June 20, at 6 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. To view the agenda, click here.
- On Thursday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., youth ages 6 through 15 are encouraged to participate in the "World's Largest Swim Lesson" at the Jim Dailey Fitness and Aquatic Center, 300 S. Monroe St. This free event - held at locations worldwide on Thursday - is intended to encourage swimming safety and highlight the importance of teaching children to swim.
- Join us Saturday, June 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a "12th Street Community Celebration" at the 12th Street Police Station, 3917 W. 12th St. We will celebrate the opening of new businesses and have a block party with free lunch, giveaways and prizes.
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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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