City, Firefighters Agree to Historic Contract Extension

You have heard it said before that if you want to know someone’s priorities, then look at their checkbook. A glance at the City of Little Rock’s “checkbook" (our annual budget) shows we prioritize public safety first and foremost. More than 60 percent of the City’s annual budget is set aside to support our firefighters, police officers, and the public safety tools and resources that make Arkansas’s capital city stronger.

Recently, we worked with IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) Local #34 alongside FLAME Little Rock Chapter IABPFF (International Association of Black Professional Firefighters) to further solidify our public safety priorities through support of the men and women of the Little Rock Fire Department. On Monday, City leaders joined the two organizations to celebrate a historic contract extension that provides our LRFD personnel an additional 5 percent annual salary increase over the next three years.

During Monday’s news conference, IAFF Local #34 President Matthew Stallings called the agreement “the best contract we’ve ever had,” offering “unprecedented economic mobility” for our firefighters.

In recognition of the challenges they face in their efforts to protect our community and save lives,

the contract also includes provisions for cancer screenings for firefighters.

This historic agreement augments our continued investments in our fire department through capital spending for firehouse renovations, trucks and equipment.

We recently dedicated our new, state-of-the-art Class A burn building at the Little Rock Fire Training and Support Services Complex. This building allows firefighters to practice real-life fire scenarios in a safe and contained environment. Earlier this year, we partnered with ProTeam Tactical Performance to open a physical therapy clinic at the Training Complex designed specifically to meet the therapy needs of our LRPD and LRFD team members.

In 2025, we have received five new fire trucks. Next year, we will purchase eight more, including an aerial (ladder) truck.

We appreciate the Board of Directors for authorizing an additional $2.5 million for capital improvements at our 22 fire stations recently, after dedicating $1.5 million in support last year.

Our community has shown its support, too, over the last few months through the Love Your Firefighters program, in which donations are directed to furnishings and amenities at our fire stations.

All these collective efforts support the men and women of LRFD who always run toward the danger, not away from it. As a City, we have made sure to hear the voices of our firefighters and to work together as we unite as a community and reassert our commitment to public safety.

Refreshed B. Finley Vinson Plaza Taking Shape

Guided by its Tourism Master Plan, the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau plays a vital role in our re-imagination and transformation of Little Rock’s downtown. LRCVB’s initiative to revitalize B. Finley Vinson Plaza, on Markham Street near the Robinson Center, is a great example of how our urban core is becoming more inviting for both residents and visitors.

Last week, we joined LRCVB, the Little Rock Advertising and Promotion Commission, and members of the Vinson family to kick off Phase II construction of the plaza. When finished, the area will have expanded green space, seating and areas intended for events and live performances. Updated lighting makes the plaza a central entryway to Riverfront Park.

The first phase of the renovation, already completed, features LED lights, a bandstand, a redesigned fountain and a canopy that creates the perfect Downtown location for a picnic lunch or a coffee. 

The renovation aligns with both the Tourism Master Plan and the Downtown Master Plan, each with a goal of bringing more residents and visitors Downtown through the creation of inviting spaces. We appreciate LRCVB President Gina Gemberling, At-Large City Director Dr. Dean Kumpuris, A&P Commission members and Chairman Nick Roye, and all the stakeholders working to implement these transformational plans.

Here’s a quick look at what’s going on this week in the City of Little Rock:

Tuesday, October 14: The Little Rock Board of Directors will set the agenda for its next regular meeting at 4 p.m. in the Board Room at City Hall, 500 W. Markham St. All board meetings are open to the public, and all meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

Wednesday, October 15: The Little Rock Land Bank Commission meets at noon at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St. The Land Bank Commission’s goal is to reduce blight and support home ownership in Little Rock.

Thursday, Oct. 16: The Age-Friendly Little Rock Commission meets at 12:30 p.m. at West Central Community Center, 8616 Colonel Glenn Road.

Thursday, October 16: The Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs hosts a free “Residents Academy” for Little Rock residents who want to learn more about operations and procedures of the City’s Code Enforcement Division. The session, one of five, starts at 6 p.m. at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center.

Thursday, October 16: Residents are able to meet with LRPD staff and learn more about crime prevention during LRPD’s quarterly meeting at the Northwest Station, 10001 Kanis Road. The open. public meeting begins at 6 p.m.