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Friends,
As City of Little Rock team members, we are constantly working to put our core values into action. Our values include having a people-centered approach to helping our residents and providing exceptional service in everything we do. I am grateful to lead a team that clearly and effectively demonstrated those core values during last week's extreme weather.
Our Public Works crews worked in 12-hour shifts around the clock, starting last Sunday and continuing throughout the week, to clear primary and secondary roads, making our streets safer for the essential workers across our City unable to stay at home. The first responders in our Police, Fire, and Emergency Communications departments braved the cold and snow to do what they do best: protect and serve our residents, whether it be assisting stranded motorists, responding to emergency needs or transporting unsheltered residents to a safe, warm place to stay.
Through a coordinated effort with local nonprofit The Van, we were able to provide emergency shelter to approximately 120 residents for the duration of the harsh winter weather event. East Little Rock Community Center served as a temporary emergency shelter, where anyone who sought refuge found a respite from the snow and dangerous cold. The Van and a team of advocates and volunteers helped provide food and support at the shelter. We are especially grateful to Aaron Reddin with The Van for his compassion and passion for helping our community's unsheltered residents.
I appreciate our emergency management team -- three employees who provided 24/7 support at the shelter -- along with LRPD, Parks Department and other City staff who answered the call to serve the community by supporting our emergency sheltering efforts.
Last week when we transitioned from an emergency shelter to hotel vouchers for those who remained at the Community Center, our Housing and Neighborhood Programs staff worked diligently to process the vouchers and ensure a smooth shelter closure. Close to 100 vouchers were distributed to residents to ensure safety and well-being for the duration of the weather event. The Van provided additional support for that, as well.
I am grateful to work with a dedicated team of servant leaders who go above and beyond in spite of any challenges. As residents, please be confident in knowing City of Little Rock staff is committed to exceptional service, no matter the day or season.
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Trash Pickup to Resume
Because of last week's inclement weather, the City of Little Rock suspended trash collection and Waste Management suspended recycling pickup to protect the safety of crews and the public. Since road conditions on residential streets have improved, collections will resume today.
In order to prevent any further delays, crews will not "catch up" from last week's interrupted service. Instead, the City and Waste Management will operate normally scheduled routes starting today.
We recognize that residents may have additional trash or recycling to be collected beyond what will fit in the cart, so please be sure to put those items curbside on your normal collection day. Please note: all additional trash items must be bagged, and all additional recyclable materials must be placed in a cardboard box (recyclable materials will not be picked up if placed in a plastic bag).
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BUILD Academy Applications Sought
Next month, we will kick off the fourth cohort of the City of Little Rock's successful small business incubator, BUILD Academy. Participants in BUILD Academy learn how to scale their businesses, compete for city contracts and learn from experts on entrepreneurship. By the end of the 12-week program, participants will be equipped with the resources and knowledge they need to achieve their business goals.
Applications for the 2024 program are due by Wednesday, Jan. 24. ( Find more information and complete an application.)
For this year's cohort, we are seeking business owners in the following sectors: janitorial services, lawn care, construction, real estate and food service. If you are a small business owner seeking to level up your entrepreneurial efforts, I encourage you to apply.
BUILD stands for Businesses United In Leadership Development, and it is one of the core programs of my administration,. Through BUILD, we connect potential to opportunity. Apply by Wednesday to join this year's class! |
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The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, Jan. 23, 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 Tuesday's agenda, click here.
- The City's Public Works Department is hosting a open-forum public meeting today at 5:30 p.m. at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Road, to discuss upcoming projects in Ward 5. Those include a traffic signal at the intersection of Rahling Road and Kirk Road, and drainage improvements on Weston Court and Chenal Parkway.
- The Little Rock Police Department hosts one of its quarterly meetings on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 6 p.m. at the LRPD's Southwest Division, 6401 Baseline Road. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about crime statistics and trends, and offer feedback to LRPD officials.
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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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