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Friends,
Our future as the catalyst for the New South depends on us coming together to connect Little Rock residents to jobs now and in the future. Workforce development is an essential part of any city's long-term growth strategy, and it takes all stakeholders working together to curate workforce readiness and responsiveness to industry needs.
Last week, we convened public- and private-sector leaders for our first-ever Workforce Development Summit. More than 100 participants met to discuss the state of our workforce and how we can collaborate for greater access, awareness and alignment with our workforce development efforts.
The idea behind this summit followed discussions among the City's Public CEO group, which includes leaders of Little Rock's public entities, such as the Airport, Central Arkansas Water and Rock Region Metro. We recognize Little Rock is the medical, financial and manufacturing hub of Arkansas, so how can we align our workforce to meet demand in those and other important economic sectors?
Unemployment statistics show workers ages 20-24 and 30-34 are almost twice as likely to be unemployed than the overall rate. African American unemployment was four times higher than that of white Little Rock residents. The disparities are similar for residents without a high school diploma. The data demonstrates we have more work to do as we expand the labor force. More specifically, we must engage residents early in their careers and we must be more intentional about cultivating job opportunities for under-resourced groups in our City.
We must also recognize that workforce development isn't just about finding jobs for our residents. It also involves empowering them and equipping them with the skills and resources they need. It means creating opportunities for all through a skilled, diverse and adaptable workforce.
We have an obligation to our young people to ensure they have opportunities for success whether or not they choose to go to college. There's a correlation between unemployment and crime, too, and we understand that holding a job is one of the most effective crime-prevention strategies.
Based on insights learned Friday, we can chart a course for our overall workforce development. I appreciate our keynote speaker Mike Rogers, the State's Chief Workforce Officer, as well as our panelists and attendees for an informative and encouraging discussion.
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Community Garden
In spite of a pouring rain, dozens of volunteers devoted their time Friday, Oct. 27, to help construct a new community garden on a previously vacant lot on Broadway Street near 17th St. The project from the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is intended to improve neighborhood access to fresh, nutritious food.
Access to healthy food is an imperative for policymakers across this State, as Arkansas ranks among the worst states in the nation for food insecurity. More than 16 percent of Arkansans are considered food insecure, according to a USDA report released last week.
The City is seeking solutions for food insecurity on multiple fronts, including addressing the issue of food deserts, or the lack of availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in some neighborhoods. Vice Mayor Kathy Webb, who serves as president of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, is leading our Food Desert Task Force, and we are looking forward to the group's recommendations.
One way to help eliminate food insecurity as well as food deserts is through community gardens located throughout Little Rock. Supporters of the Broadway Community Garden hope it serves as a food source, teaching center and neighborhood gathering place.
The Broadway Community Garden is funded by support from Love, Tito's, the philanthropic arm of Tito's Handmade Vodka. Through that organization's "Block to Block" initiative, Love Tito's is providing financial assistance to build community gardens and farms in urban areas across the country.
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Bullying Prevention Month
As this month comes to an end, we are reminded that October is National Bullying Prevention Month. At a recent Little Rock Board of Directors meeting, I signed a proclamation to observe the month and raise awareness of bullying and its negative consequences.
It was my privilege to share the proclamation with 2024 Miss Greater Little Rock Jada Simpson, whose community service initiative is Heroes Against Bullying. Jada attends the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, and she will compete in the Miss Arkansas pageant next summer.
This Bullying Prevention Month, we should all keep in mind that bullying is considered the most common form of violence, and it impacts millions of children and teenagers. Youth who are targets of bullying are at increased risk for depression and anxiety, and they are more likely to drop out of school or disengage from extracurricular or community activities.
Let's all work together to make sure every resident of our City feels safe and free from bullying as we continue to raise awareness of bullying's negative impact and consequences.
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Cornbread Festival
One of Little Rock's most popular festivals returns Saturday, Nov. 4, in the SoMa neighborhood!
The Arkansas Cornbread Festival resumes at 14th and Main for the first time since 2019. Before the three-year hiatus, thousands of people would descend on SoMA for the annual event. Organizers are hoping for a even larger turnout Saturday as we celebrate our community while raising money for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.
The festival includes cornbread (of course!) and other food, artisan crafts and music. The event began more than a decade ago to serve as a economic stimulus for the SoMA community. Everyone is encouraged to attend and visit vendor booths and hear great music. There are activities available for all ages.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required for cornbread tasting. To purchase cornbread tasting tickets, visit the festival's website or buy them in person the day of the festival.
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The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 4 p.m. at The Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St. At this session, 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.
- Today, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs will host a public meeting at the McMath Library, 2100 John Barrow Road. The focus of this community meeting is to obtain comments on neighborhood housing needs and to inform the Department during its 2024 planning process.
- The Little Rock Historic District Commission holds its regular November meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St.
- One of the most rewarding and important ways residents can impact their community is through service on a board or commission. On Saturday, Nov. 4, learn more about board service as we host "A Seat at the Table," promoting diverse and inclusive participation on City board and commissions. Guest panelists will discuss their service on boards, and those interested in volunteering can have their questions answered. This networking opportunity is sponsored by the Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission and the City's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Southwest Community Center, 6401 Baseline Road.
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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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