As we observe Earth Day this week, we are excited to share with our residents that Little Rock has been named one of the nation’s top cities for highlighting environmental health through our comprehensive efforts to use 100 percent clean energy for city operations.
The Community Data Health Initiative, as part of a collaboration with the African American Mayors Association, recently named Arkansas’s capital city as one of the Top 12 cities to watch. Little Rock was selected because of our work to improve air quality through projects like our under-construction 4.9 megawatt solar array and the Clinton Sustainable Energy District.
Because of this recognition, Little Rock will be featured in a national Community Data Health Initiative campaign that spotlights environmental health leadership. We will also be sharing our success stories with mayors from across the country.
Our solar array being constructed at the Port of Little Rock will save the City about $1 million every year in energy costs and will power about 70 percent of all City operations.
The Clinton Sustainable Energy District is another significant component of our energy efficient future in Downtown Little Rock. Through our partnership with the Clinton Foundation and ENFRA, we will build a new system to cool buildings in Downtown Little Rock from the Clinton Center west to City Hall. Using clean, renewable energy, taxpayers will see multiple benefits such as cost savings and a positive environmental impact.
In addition, we continue to prioritize the environment through implementation of our Sustainability Action Plan and the work of our Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission.
Our Green Restaurant Program is growing, with 18 restaurants now certified by the City as “green.” This certification lets residents know that participating restaurants actively reduce waste, promote responsible sourcing, and take active steps to protect the environment. We are encouraging all Little Rock restaurants to take steps toward certification.
Through Adopt-a-Street, more than 200 organizations have volunteered to pick up litter and beautify our City. We have Adopt-a-Street participants in all seven wards, and more opportunities for anyone who wants to help. This program is in its 31st year.
And, because we know it takes all of us working together to make a difference for our environment, we sponsor the Sustain The Rock awards annually to honor individuals, businesses, nonprofits and others who have contributed to a more sustainable Little Rock. We will honor six recipients of the 2026 Sustain The Rock awards during a special ceremony next month.
For Earth Day on Wednesday and throughout the year, join us as we protect environmental health in Little Rock for ourselves and for future generations. Whether through recycling, Green Restaurant certification, or picking up litter on your daily walks, we can all help make this a more strong and sustainable community.
Our team members in the Little Rock Department of Emergency Communications manage stressful situations consistently, and they are the primary link between residents facing emergencies and our other first responders.
