|
Friends,
I hope that, like me, you were able to spend some quality time in the presence of your friends and family over the holiday season. I was especially appreciative of the first responders, military, medical personnel and service workers who make the season a little better and easier for all of us, even while sacrificing their own time to do so.
I have been reflecting on a productive 2023 as we welcome the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and vision. At the City of Little Rock, we come into 2024 re-energized and ready to meet new challenges and make more progress to better our City.
Last week, I spent some time with department directors and members of our Office of Executive Administration team as we talked through our vision and goals for the coming year. As always, we will move ahead in 2024 with intentionality and a spirit of excellence, working together to unite, grow and transform Little Rock.
Our team made clear its passion for our community during our internal meetings. We discussed how to improve city services across the board and make the kinds of policy changes that focus on equity and the priorities that help us create a brighter future for our residents. I know 2024 will be the year we can level up our City in areas from public safety to quality-of-life amenities to education. Our team is united in this effort, and I encourage all residents to join us as we level up Little Rock this year.
A great way to demonstrate the unity of our City is for residents of all faiths to join us for our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Service. The city's Unity Service is open to everyone as we stand together to honor the legacy of Dr. King and the ongoing quest for equity and social justice. This inspiring program will amplify Dr. King's values of service, equality and human rights.
The Unity Service is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, at Saint Mark Baptist Church, 5277 W. 12th St. The program features special music and remarks from faith leaders from across our City. Our featured speaker for the event is Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, the senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis.
Please join me and the Board of Directors for this special event on Sunday.
|
|
2023 Public Safety
As we look ahead to 2024, it's important to take note of the progress we made last year to reduce violence and make our neighborhoods safer and stronger. In 2023, we saw a decrease in violent crime compared to the previous year, with a substantial decline in the number of homicides in our City. Last year, homicides fell by 22 percent when compared to 2022.
We continue to make progress because of our holistic approach to crime reduction. Last year marked the second consecutive year we saw a decrease in violent crime in Little Rock. We are committed to continuing that downward trend through our investment in personnel, technology and data-driven strategies within the Little Rock Police Department. We are directing resources toward multiple community programs and initiatives intended to prevent crime and keep our residents safe.
In addition, I am eager to begin working with our new Public Safety Commission to identify innovative and improved ways to reduce crime. (Applications to serve on the newly created commission were due Friday, and the group will begin its work soon.)
I appreciate the men and women of the Little Rock Police Department, led by Chief Heath Helton, our City Board of Directors, and everyone who is committed to improving public safety in the state's capital city.
|
|
LR Recycles
Recycling is one simple and effective way to help build an environmentally friendly and sustainable Little Rock. We encourage all eligible residents to participate in our biweekly, curbside recycling program. If you don't live in a single-family home, duplex, triplex or quadplex, then I hope you take advantage of other opportunities to recycle, like our quarterly Little Rock Recycles Day events at the Little Rock Zoo.
For households who have curbside recycling containers, we have issued our 2024 recycling calendar so you will know when to expect recycling trucks in your neighborhood. If you are not sure whether your residence is in a green or gold collection zone, visit LRecycles.org to view a map and input your address. The 2024 calendar is a helpful tool for knowing when recycling trucks will roll down your street!
For more information about the City of Little Rock recycling program, be sure to visit LRecycles.org to learn what recyclables are permitted in your cart and other recycling opportunities available to residents.
|
|
The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, Jan. 9, 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's Facebook and YouTube pages. To view the meeting agenda, click here.
- The Little Rock Planning Commission meets Thursday, Jan. 11, at 4 p.m. at The Centre at University Park.
- As I mentioned previously, the City of Little Rock's annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Service is Sunday, Jan. 14, at 5 p.m. at Saint Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th St. All are invited.
- City offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Normal sanitation and recycling routes will be delayed by one day next week because of the holiday.
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
