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Friends,
When Norway-based manufacturer Elopak chose the Port of Little Rock last year as the location of its first U.S. production plant, a company executive attributed the selection to the fact that Little Rock "thought big. It acted big." This mindset serves our City well as we consistently aim to exceed our goals when it comes to economic development and job creation.
The proof of our success is in the numbers. Over the past five years, we've brought about 11,000 new jobs to Little Rock. According to our economic development partners at the Little Rock Regional Chamber, there are currently 370,420 people employed within the Little Rock metropolitan area, an all-time record. And, the Port of Little Rock -- Arkansas's largest economic engine -- is finely tuned to be a catalyst for additional jobs growth. First, though, we must refuel this powerhouse economic engine. That can be accomplished through our Results For The Rock penny investment proposal.
Little Rock voters will decide on Nov. 5 whether to support the proposal, which was approved this summer by the Little Rock Board of Directors. The $650 million investment over 10 years includes funding for public safety, public works and infrastructure, parks and recreation and the Port and economic development.
The $30 million proposed for the Port and economic development would go toward acquisition of additional acreage at the Port to attract new jobs, as well as money to meet specific infrastructure needs to create shovel-ready industrial sites.
The City's previous support of $30 million for Port economic development brought us an impressive $831 million in private investment at the Port, a remarkable return for our residents. In addition, the City leveraged its investment to gain more than $25 million in grant funding alone.
Little Rock, with your support, we can keep thinking big and acting big, leading to big results and more than a billion dollars in private investment. The Results For The Rock proposal makes it a priority to improve quality-of-life amenities, create new jobs and attract new residents, transforming our City and growing our tax base.
Below, you will find the complete video from a news conference at the Port of Little Rock last week, where I was joined by Port Executive Director Bryan Day, Chamber President and CEO Jay Chesshir and City Directors Virgil Miller and Lance Hines. At the news conference, we provided more details about the compelling case for continued support of the Port and economic development through the Results For The Rock penny investment plan.
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News conference at The Port of Little Rock to highlight the importance of the City's investment in job creation
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Community Meetings Continue
With early voting less than one month away, we want all Little Rock residents to have the best, most comprehensive information and education possible about the Results For The Rock penny investment proposal. From the time we began discussions more than a year ago to now, we have participated in dozens of meetings and events across all seven Little Rock wards. Those meetings and discussions will continue until the Nov. 5 election, and we ask you to let us know if you would like a presentation at your next organizational meeting or event.
Last week, we had the opportunity to discuss the proposal with residents of the Kingwood neighborhood and with the Little Rock Metro Rotary Club. This week, we have events scheduled with other neighborhood associations and community groups. We are excited about the potential to transform Arkansas's capital city with this renewed investment, and we want to make sure all residents have their questions answered before they head to the ballot box.
To request a speaker at your next meeting or event, complete the form at this link. We are eager to share information with you in person, or you can research the proposal and view complete details on our website.
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Little Rock Recycles Day
Saturday, Sept. 28, marks the return of Little Rock Recycles Day, a communitywide recycling event that's just one of the ways we work toward a sustainable Little Rock. This quarterly recycling effort is led by our Sustainability Office, the Little Rock Zoo and Keep Little Rock Beautiful.
Residents can bring recyclable materials to the Zoo's east parking lot on Saturday and dispose of them free of charge. Items that will be accepted are plastic bags, glass, electronic waste, documents for shredding, bicycles and household items. Those materials will be accepted in addition to the single-stream recycling waste typically placed in a resident's recycle bin.
Little Rock Recycles Day goes from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The event is free and open to the public.
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The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 4 p.m. in the Board Room at City Hall, 500 W. Markham 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's Facebook and YouTube pages.
- On Wednesday, Sept. 25, we will celebrate the grand re-opening of the indoor swimming pool at Jim Dailey Fitness Center, 300 S. Monroe St., in historic War Memorial Park. The pool has been closed for major renovations and replacement of an HVAC system. As part of the event, we will discuss plans for War Memorial Park as proposed in the Results For The Rock penny investment plan. The re-opening celebration starts at 9 a.m.
- The monthly meeting of the City Beautiful Commission is Thursday, Sept. 26, at 4 p.m. at the City Hall Board Room. The commission considers requests for variances to the city landscape ordinance as well as citywide beautification issues.
- Almost 18 months after the devastating 2023 tornado, we will reopen the Rock Creek Trail -- severely impacted by the tornado -- on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 9 a.m. at the trailhead near the 200 block of Bowman Road. The reopening coincides with a clean-up event in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Volunteers are requested to help work Saturday morning to clear the trail of invasive plants and pick up litter. Volunteers can get a free lunch for participating.
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As always, stay up to date with what's happening in the City on Facebook, X, 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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