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Friends,
When I was a community banker, I learned on the job about many of the wealth-building strategies and investment tools I needed for long-term financial success. I have often wished other residents of Little Rock would have had the opportunity to hear some of the same high-level, professional advice. So, naturally, I am excited and eager to bring that kind of financial literacy knowledge to our residents this Saturday!
"CapitalCon: Navigating Your Financial Journey" is a day of panel discussions and activations intended to help Little Rock residents level up their financial game and come away with the skills and know-how to tackle debt and build wealth. Most importantly, it's free! All we ask is that you register now or join us on-site Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Statehouse Convention Center starting at 11 a.m.
CapitalCon is open to anyone from young to seasoned, from small-business owner to industry leader. All are welcome who have goals of enhancing financial knowledge and positioning themselves and their families to make wise investment choices to help build long-term wealth.
CapitalCon is a half-day, immersive experience that includes themed activities, panel discussions, and curated networking spaces. During the course of the day, participants can engage with leading vendors in the financial ecosystem who can provide assistance and advice on estate planning, obtaining business loans, real estate investing, long-term financial planning, savings, debt relief options and more.
This program is fully funded through a grant from the African American Mayors Association Economic Mobility Leadership Institute (EMLI). As immediate past president of AAMA, I helped lead efforts to support cities across the country and equip them with tools and resources to create new and innovative pathways for upward mobility.
We will hear from experts from a variety of economic sectors, who will share strategies for economic success. Panel discussions kick off at noon. Ultimately, we want to even to be uplifting, engaging and fun for everyone, and we will end our day with a pitch competition followed by a live concert from Ivory Scott, a fresh and up-and-coming Hip Hop and R&B artist and songwriter. Ivory Scott, who's been nominated for multiple Grammys, was recently named to Sirius XM and Pandora's Artist Accelerator program. He will discuss his path to success and the financial decisions he's made along the way.
CapitalCon is shaping up to be a can't-miss event, and I look forward to seeing you there!
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Downtown Master Plan Update
Representatives of Sasaki are back in Little Rock today to share updates on progress toward the inaugural Downtown Master Plan. They are hosting a Community Framework Visioning Workshop today (Monday, Dec. 4) at 6 p.m. at the Robinson Center's Still Ballroom, 426 W. Markham St.
Sasaki is the international design and consulting firm selected to develop the plan, which was approved earlier this year by the Board of Directors. Sasaki's team will discuss the suggestions and feedback it has received since the process officially kicked off in October.
At this evening's forum, the consultants plan to discuss opportunities related to parks and open space, connectivity and mobility, urban design and neighborhood building, and culture and history. They ask the Downtown Little Rock business community, residents and all interested stakeholders to join the discussion and to hear the latest updates related to the plan.
If for whatever reason you can't make it to the community workshop, additional public meetings and engagement activities will continue into 2024.
Sasaki has also created a new online survey that launches today, coinciding with the community meeting. Learn more at mp.downtownlr.com. The public is invited and encouraged to attend both the workshop and take the survey.
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Commission Applications Open
In October, the Board of Directors established Little Rock's first-ever Public Safety Commission. This commission. The commission will serve alongside the City and the Little Rock Police Department to make recommendations and assist us as we continue to improve our violence reduction efforts.
The Public Safety Commission will be integral to refining and enhancing our overall response to crime, and membership will include Little Rock residents -- one member from each Ward and six at-large members. We are currently accepting applications for this important leadership opportunity.
Public Safety Commission members will be able to directly impact the quality of life and place in our City by helping contribute to the well-being and safety of their community. Members should have an interest in being a leading representative and advocate for their wards and neighborhoods and be willing to contribute to positive change.
Participation on the Commission is a powerful way for residents to be involved in the decision-making process that contributes to a safer and more vibrant Little Rock!
Visit our website to apply. For additional information about vacancies on this and other city boards and commissions, click here. Applications are due no later than Jan. 5, 2024.
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Wills and Trusts Platform
Another benefit of AAMA's Economic Mobility Leadership Institute is the establishment of an online platform aimed to help Little Rock residents as they shape their financial legacy. Between now and the end of the year, Little Rock residents are able to access tools related to wills and trusts for free at the site MyLegacyItems.com.
The website allows users to easily create and update wills and revocable trusts, establish powers of attorney, craft living wills, appoint executors and more. There's also an informational component offering help, quizzes and videos related to learning about estate-planning concepts.
Little Rock residents have exclusive, free access to MyLegacyItems.com for one year by registering by Dec. 31, 2023. Use the promo code "LITAR" upon registration. The promotional offer is only available until the end of the month.
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The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, Dec. 5 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.
- GloWild! continues at the Little Rock Zoo starting Thursday, Dec. 7, and throughout the weekend. Thursday is a Sensory Night at GloWild, with lights and sounds being adjusted for those with sensory sensitivities. GloWild is in its third year, with more than 40 lanterns this year for the Zoo's annual light festival. GloWild brightens the Zoo on select evenings through Jan. 7. Check the website for the full schedule and ticket details.
- The Little Rock Historic District Commission meets Thursday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m. at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St.
- Santa Paws, a holiday party benefiting the Little Rock Animal Village, is Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at Loft 1023, located at 1023 W. Seventh St. Ticket information and more details about the Friends of the Animal Village holiday fundraiser are available here.
- Don't forget "CapitalCon: Navigating Your Financial Journey," a day of panel discussions, activations and entertainment focused on financial literacy and wealth generation, is Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Statehouse Convention Center. Registration starts at 11 a.m. It's a free event! Register and learn more here!
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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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