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Friends,
The City of Little Rock recently hosted its first-ever Economic OpportUNITY Summit and Expo. This two-day event in partnership with an alliance of community stakeholders was an innovative and effective way to engage with our thriving small-business community.
The inaugural event served as a powerful platform for meaningful dialogue that aimed at fostering collaboration and mutual growth. We had more than 100 policymakers, industry leaders and entrepreneurs participate in panel discussions and breakout sessions.
The Summit highlighted the necessity of building an inclusive economy in our City. At the Summit, we saw multiple examples of the ways in which corporations and small businesses are answering that call.
At the Expo, entrepreneurs had the chance to receive first-hand technical assistance and learn about procurement opportunities. Community bankers were onsite to provide support. It was exciting to see all this productivity and collaboration right in the heart of Little Rock's 12th Street Corridor, at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center and the 12th Street Station, where the Summit and Expo were held.
We heard from a diverse set of small business owners who learned more about how to successfully scale their business and how to pursue joint venture opportunities and contracts with other enterprises. Vendors at the expo were eager to engage with individuals throughout the small business support ecosystem. The event wasn't just for bankers, development professionals or entrepreneurs. Rather, it brought them all together in a meaningful way.
The Summit and Expo event is just one example of how we are working in my administration to support and engage small businesses across our City. Through initiatives like OpportUNITY Little Rock, BUILD Academy and Emprende, (a Spanish-language small business incubator) we are equipping our entrepreneurial community with the tools for success.
We hope to make the Summit and Expo an ongoing resource that benefits our City.
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Community Meetings Continue
I want to express my sincere appreciation to every Little Rock resident who has attended our ward-by-ward community meetings to discuss the City's sales tax proposal. Last week, we joined our neighbors in Wards 2, 6 and 7 constructive and valuable discussions.
A one percent sales tax increase would generate at least $600 million over the next 10 years to fund safer streets and stronger neighborhoods throughout Little Rock. The proposed framework funds what I call the "four P's," Public Safety, Public Infrastructure, Parks and Recreation and the Port/Economic Development.
Of the proposed one percent tax, five-eights of a percentage would fund major, transformational projects like a new indoor/outdoor sports complex and a senior citizen activity center, as well as public safety vehicles to replace our aging fleet. That portion of the tax would end, or "sunset," after 10 years. The additional three-eighths percent would be a permanent tax dedicated to our ongoing needs.
Ultimately, the Little Rock Board of Directors will decide whether to refer the plan to voters. If an election is held this year, it would be on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Other potential election dates are March 5, 2024, or Nov. 5, 2024.
I hope you have been able to attend one of the community meetings we've already had, or one of the two we have scheduled this week. If you haven't, and you'd like to reach me directly, you can email mayor@littlerock.gov or call my office at (501) 371-4510. To reach a member of the City Board, visit the City of Little Rock website to find contact information for the Director that represents you.
This week, our community meetings start today (Monday, Aug. 28) in Ward 5 at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Road. We'll be in Ward 3 on Wednesday, Aug. 30, at Christ Little Rock Church, 315 S. Hughes St. Each meeting begins promptly at 6 p.m.
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Last week, we went to Wards 6 (top photo), 2 (bottom, left) and 7 for our community meetings to discuss a potential sales tax. Thanks to all the attendees, to our Ward 7 hosts at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, and to our Parks and Recreation staff who operate and maintain the Southwest Community Center and the Centre at University Park, where we also held meetings.
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Little Rock lands another high ranking
Another week, another win for Little Rock, which was recently named as one of the Top 25 places to live in the Southeast by Livability.com. This comes right after Forbes Advisor placed the Little Rock area in the top 10 for young professionals.
I'm excited about this recognition and reaffirmation of what we love best about our community. We're a vibrant and diverse City that provides opportunities for all. We care about our City and about each other, and our quality of life is second to none.
According to Livability, Little Rock provides its residents with "all the mainstays of modern life without sacrificing its historically tight-knit community feel." The site was particularly fond of our food and culture scene, saying: "You don’t need to leave Little Rock to enjoy everything from good eats to great art. Residents swarm to the multitude of Southern eateries, and the barbecue joints around town are off the charts. (The) River Market is a delightful destination for anyone looking to enjoy a night out with friends and a little live music."
As I said about the Forbes designation, Little Rock would not attain these rankings without the work we've all done to grow and improve our City. Every resident should be proud of what they do to make Little Rock great, and I appreciate each and every one of you!
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The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, August 29, at 4 p.m. at The Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St. At that time, the Board will set the agenda for its next regular meeting. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock Facebook and YouTube pages. To view the agenda, click here.
- Residents have two more chances this week to participate in community meetings regarding a potential sales tax. Today, (Monday, Aug. 28), a public meeting is scheduled at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Road, in Ward 5. On Wednesday, Aug. 30, there will be a meeting in Ward 3, at Christ Little Rock Church, 315 S. Hughes St. Both meetings begin at 6 p.m.
- On Thursday, Aug. 31, Little Rock residents impacted by the recent tornado may receive in-person assistance related to Little Rock Cares individual grant applications. The in-person assistance event is at the Fletcher Library, 823 N. Buchanan St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- City offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, in observance of Labor Day. Sanitation and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day next week because of the holiday. The next Mayor's Monday Memo will be sent to e-mail inboxes on Sept. 11.
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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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