Friends, 

Our City is the heart of Arkansas and the crossroads of the Mid-South. As a transportation and logistics hub, more than 120,000 vehicles cross the Interstate 30 bridge downtown every day. Recognizing the structural and functional deficiencies of the I-30/I-40 corridor through Little Rock and North Little Rock, the Arkansas Department of Transportation set out more than a decade ago to replace the highway infrastructure in our urban core. 

This reconstruction and rehabilitation of nearly 5 miles of major interstate highway, known as the 30 Crossing project, was recently completed after nearly five years of work. Last week, we joined state and local leaders for a ribbon cutting for 30 Crossing, which was substantially completed about six months ahead of schedule.

I was a member of the Arkansas Highway Commission when planning for the project began. In that position, and later in my role as Mayor, it was my priority to avoid the mistakes of the past, like I-630 which tore apart communities and created an artificial dividing line in our city. 

The 30 Crossing project protects community connections with a functional design to support economic development and continued growth within our region. It improves accessibility to Downtown Little Rock and improves motorist safety at the I-30, I-40 and I-630 interchanges.

One important aspect of the project is the potential for a transformational new city park on 20 acres of green space just west of the interstate between President Clinton and River Market avenues. City directors recently engaged with international design firm Sasaki to create a master plan for this new park. In addition, we are moving forward with preliminary plans for a "deck park" to be constructed over I-30 between Sixth and Ninth streets. The City received a $2 million federal planning grant last year as we consider the feasibility of a park at that location.

30 Crossing is an example of how community feedback and strategic planning can make a project better. Our appreciation goes to ArDOT, Kiewit Corp., Massman Construction and Garver for making 30 Crossing a reality.

• always lock your car doors
• Keep windows closed
• Never leave valuables in plain sight, whether in your car or elsewhere
• When shopping, keep personal items close and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in parking areas

It is an honor and privilege to be recognized as part of a new national campaign highlighting Black mayors and their leadership in their communities. Last week, we learned that the National Black Empowerment Action Fund (NBEAF) is highlighting five mayors from across the country. 

I'm proud to be considered alongside Mayors Justin Bibb of Cleveland, Andre Dickens of Atlanta, Stephen Reed of Montgomery and Randall Woodfin of Birmingham. This group of mayors all work to address the unique challenges of cities whose populations reflect the global majority. We prioritize access and innovation as we seek to unite, grown and transform our communities. 

In a news release, NBEAF's Darius Jones said: “Meaningful change often starts close to home — at schools, community boards, and in City Hall — thanks to our local leaders' efforts. As we spotlight Mayor Scott and others like him across the country, we celebrate their unwavering commitment to driving significant change in cities across America."

NBEAF said its campaign emphasizes the significance of local leadership as a unifying force to tackle mainstream priorities and issues in communities.

• The Little Rock Board of Directors will set the agenda for their next regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 4 p.m. in the Board Room at City Hall, 500 W. Markham St. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock Facebook and YouTube pages.
• Catch GloWild! this week at the Little Rock Zoo. This popular holiday festival features stunning larger-than-life lanterns and light displays and is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. A special "Sensory Night" is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12, when lights and sounds will be adjusted for sensory sensitivity.
• The Little Rock Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at noon at The Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St.
• The Little Rock Planning Commission meets Thursday, Dec. 12, at 4 p.m. in the Board Room at City Hall. The Planning Commission hears rezoning requests and makes other recommendation related to land use and permitting.
• Join us for Unlock the Dream, a conversation on homeownership and generational wealth, on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 322 Rock St. Participants in this event will learn about how first-time buyers can navigate the housing market and build lasting wealth. The discussion is sponsored by the American Property Owners Alliance and other stakeholders, and it will include subjects like credit, the homebuying process, and reducing the wealth gap. Government, business and community leaders will offer insights.