TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
TORNADO RECOVERY FUNDING
Board members voted for a resolution approving the City of Little Rock's draft action plan for nearly $21 million in federal dollars to support Little Rock's ongoing recovery from the March 31, 2023 tornado. The City's proposals related to the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) can be found here: https://www.littlerock.gov/cityadministration/city-departments/housing-and-neighborhood/communitydevelopment-block-grant-disaster-recovery/
the latest Little Rock Board of Directors meeting at:
EVENT REPLAYS
Find press conferences, meetings, and event recordings by LRTV linked here.
LRFD Training Division Burn Building Dedication
July 16, 2025
July Parks Commission Meeting
July 15, 2025
West Central Baseball Field Ribbon Cutting
July 15, 2025
Little Rock HNP World Changer Press Conference
July 15, 2025
B d f Di t M ti
Find all streamed and recorded events on CLR YouTube channel and Facebook page
youtube.com/littlerock facebook.com/littlerock
DEPARTMENT
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Shoutout to the Marketing and Communications Team for hosting citywide professional headshot sessions throughout the month of June Every department had the opportunity to take professional headshot photos in the newly renovated boardroom. Thank you to the comms team for providing a professional development opportunity for all of our city team members!
LITTLE ROCK FIRE DEPARTMENT
Shoutout to the Little Rock Fire Department for new beginnings! On Wednesday, July 16, LRFD training division “cut the ribbon” on a Class A Burn Building at the fire training facility. This new addition will help our firefighters better prepare for multi-story missions.
THIGHLIGHTS
ZOO
Shoutout to the Little Rock Zoo for breaking ground on their most ambitious endeavor yet. On Tuesday, June 24, everyone came together to witness history at The Little Rock Zoo as the front entrance and surrounding habitats undergo a complete transformation. You can visit the Zoo’s website to stay up-to-date on construction progress!
The entire city of Little Rock is celebrating the grand opening of the Komodo Dragon habitat at the Little Rock Zoo! On Tuesday, July 8, the community came together and listened to speakers full of excitement as the brand new “Isle of the Dragon” habitat opened it’s doors to visitors from all over the world The exhibit is located on the west side of the Reptile House, with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
FINANCE - PROCURMENT DIVISION
Congratulations to the procurement team in the department of finance for being invited to give a presentation at the NIGP Forum ‘25, hosted by The Institute for Public Procurement from July 27 - 30 . NIGP stands for National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Great job to our procurement team and we look forward to seeing all of the great photos!
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Shoutout to the Department of Community Programs for hosting “Get Real - Here’s The Deal”, a simulation of real-world scenarios where summer youth employment career climb interns had the opportunity to learn a variety of skills needed to navigate adulthood, such as financial literacy, homeownership higher-education, and understanding government
HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAMS
Congratulations to the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs for hosting the first open house for a brand new affordable housing unit! We’re proud to continue the mission of making living in Little Rock affordable for all people. Great job, Housing and Neighborhood Programs team!
HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD PPOGRAMS
Shoutout to Housing and Neighborhood Programs for hosting another successful World Changers Event!
World Changers is an international church located in South Fulton, Georgia. The lead pastors are Dr Creflo and Taffi Dollar World Changers young adults came to Little Rock to help repair houses again this summer. Nationally, 19,000 teens volunteered with World Changers this summer. Over 200 teens were expected to visit Little Rock during this summer to assist homeowners with painting and minor wood repair at twelve local work sites during the month of July Eligible homeowners applied in the fall of 2024 to be on this summer’s World Changers’ list. The homes had to be owner-occupied, and the owner had to have been at least 62 years of age or disabled There are also income guidelines for the program. World Changers work with the City’s Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs to identify the eligible homeowners.
Congratulations to Housing and Neighborhood Programs for another peoplecentered initiative and their continued partnership with World Changers International Church. Together, we can do more!
For more information on World Changers International Church, follow the link https://worldchangers.org/
PARKS & RECREATION
Shoutout to the Parks & Recreation Department for their hard work in reopening the ball fields at the West Central Sports Complex on Tuesday, July 15! We heard from department director, Leland Couch, Mayor Scott, and Ward 6 director, Andrea Lewis, who also had the pleasure of throwing the first pitch! There were also a few special guests, including a representative from the Arkansas Travelers Baseball Team
Attendees were also pleasantly surprised by Parks and Recreation’s social media specialist, Gabrielle Pervis, beautifully singing the National Anthem At the conclusion of the celebration, residents, community partners, and staff were treated to Kona Ice snow cones, food from two food trucks were available for purchase, and yard games entertained guests while they waited on their orders Central Arkansas Water also set up a spot and made sure everyone was hydrated in the heat Congratulations Parks team!
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION
Congratulations to AmeriCorps fellow, Seth Wyatt, for being recognized as American Connection Corps member of the week! AmeriCorps is a federal agency that engages Americans in service to address critical needs in communities across the nation. It's a network of programs connecting people to opportunities to serve with nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and faith-based and community organizations. AmeriCorps members work on a variety of issues, including education, the environment, public safety, health, and disaster relief The American Connection Corps is an AmeriCorps program that leverages the power of national service to expand people’s economic opportunities, bridge their social network, and open them up to different perspectives
This is what Seth had to say about his time at the City of Little Rock thus far:
“Arkansas is a place of hope and possibility. Growing up here taught me that beauty can be hidden around any corner, and that's certainly true where I serve in Little Rock. With over sixty parks, hundreds of miles of nature trails, and the Arkansas River flowing right downtown, Little Rock earns the title "city in anpark." Little Rock is a vibrant community, exemplifying the spirit of hope even in the hardest times. A few years ago, when a tornado came through the western part of the city, destroying homes and businesses, the city came together in a profoundly impactful way. Little Rock inspires me to continue feeling that hope every day
During my service here, I was honored to have been able to help organize a civic education program In an 7-week course, residents got to hear from community and city leaders (from the Director of Planning to the City Attorney's Office) on topics like economic development, public works, ordinances, and more. Residents got to ask these public servants questions visit key locations in the city (neighborhood re Authority, and more), and learn the ins-and-o
To read Seth’s full statement, visit AmeriCorps Instagram page by following this link: American Connection Corps Instagram
Congratulations Seth, and we’re happy to have
JULY IS NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Officially established in June 2008 as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, it is also known as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month Bebe Moore Campbell, an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate, dedicated her life to illuminating the mental health needs of the Black community and other marginalized groups.
While many in the United States experience challenges with accessing mental health care, minority individuals, including color, ethnicity, religion, and gender, face unique barriers to access and quality of care
Additional links to learn more: Mental Health America - BIPOC Mental Health Month, CDC - Prioritizing Minority Mental Health, NAMI - About Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
How is Cigna helping minorities get connected to behavioral care?
We have doubled our overall behavioral network and more than doubled our virtual provider network over the last 3 years and increased provider diversity and specialties
11% growth in providers identifying as BIPOC
23% growth in providers specializing in LGBTQ+ needs
23% increase in provider cultural specialties
150+ unique languages spoken across our network
Provider matching - by phone or online – find a therapist who specializes in Cultural & Race Related Counseling, search by languages spoken and more!
Quick access to appointments - often within 2 days – book online starting on myCigna.com, call us for appointment assistance, or other assistance, we are here for you 24/7/365. Using the myCigna website or app, you can access a range of dedicated resources that help support behavioral health
Here’s how to get started:
1.Log in to myCigna.
2.Click “Find Care & Costs.”
3 Click and then select “Doctor By Type”
4.Select “Behavioral Health Counselor.”
5 Answer the questions
6.Click “View Your Results.”
N E W N E W S N E W N E W S
CHANGES TO PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
N E W N E W S N E W N E W S
Beginning July 1, 2026, the income-driven repayment (IDR) plans are being phased out and replaced with new Repayment Assistance Plans (RAP) To stay eligible for PSLF, borrowers must switch to RAP or the Standard Repayment Plan by July 2028.
I’m already working toward PSLF will I lose my progress?
No If you’ve made qualifying payments under an existing IDR plan before July 1, 2026, you may carry those credits forward when you transition to RAP. However, you have to act before July 2028 to preserve your eligibility.
What is the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)?
RAP is a new income-based repayment plan Monthly payments start at 1% of your adjusted gross income and cap at 10%, depending on your income. The RAP is replacing most current IDR plans.
Do I need to do anything now?
Not immediately, but if you’re pursuing PSLF you should: Confirm your current repayment plan and qualifying payment count. Look out for guidance from your loan provider in 2026 Be prepared to switch to RAP before July 2028 to maintain eligibility
What if I have Parent PLUS loans?
Parent PLUS loans are not eligible for RAP. You will need to consolidate them and enroll in an IDR before July 2028 to continue to qualify for PSLF
Will this affect new hires?
Yes Employees who take out federal loans after July 1, 2026, will only be eligible for PSLF if they use RAP or the Standard Plan.
Where can I get help?
The City is exploring ways to provide informational sessions for employees and to connect staff with federal loan providers to get specific questions answered In the meantime, visit studentaid.gov for official updates.
NOTE: It is the borrower’s responsibility to opt into RAP your loans will not switch automatically.
FRIENDLY DRIVER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Come join an interactive program, aimed toward drivers, to learn how to better drive around people walking and biking, including new laws and new types of infrastructure! It is free and open to the public Please preregister by emailing John and jlandosky@littlerock.gov. See you there!
Tuesday, July 22 , 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM nd
Willie Hinton NRC
3805 W. 12 St. th
COMMS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: CANVA 301
Join the Marketing and Communications Manager as she leads Canva 301, an intermediate level workshop over the design platform, Canva, which is widely used to create promotional material, social media content, and assets such as posters, banners, and flags
Wednesday, August 6 , 2:00 PM th
Willie Hinton NRC
3805 W. 12 St. th
LITTLE ROCK RECYCLES DAY
Join the Sustainability Office, Keep Little Rock Beautiful, and the Little Rock Zoo on Saturday, August 2, 2025!
We will be accepting these clean & dry items:
Shred documents
e-Waste (anything with a power cord except fridges & window AC units)
Single-stream recycling (#1 & #2 plastic bottles & jugs, #5 plastic tubs, cardboard, paper, aluminum & steel cans - the regular contents of a curbside recycle bin)
Plastic grocery bags (and other stretchy plastic like bread bags, outer wrapping plastic of paper towels and toilet paper, bubble wrap and mailers)
Glass
Bicycles
Housewares (items you would donate to Goodwill)
Swing by the East Parking Lot at the corner of Zoo Drive and Monroe between 9am and 12pm to participate!
A WORK OF ART KICKOFF: CELEBRATING ART PORTER JR.’S BIRTHDAY
You’re invited to join the young Art Porter Musicians in the Little Rock City Hall Rotunda on Monday, July 28 , at 12:00 PM noon, for a free concert to celebrate the infamous Art Porter Jr.’s birthday! th
Monday, July 28 , 12:00 PM th Little Rock City Hall Rotunda 500 W. Markham St. FREE
COMMS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP: LGBTQ+ ALLYSHIP
Thursday, July 24 , 2:00 PM th Willie Hinton NRC 3805 W 12 St. th
NEW NEWS NEW NEWS
EMPLOYEE ACCESS TO THE GYM AT CITY HALL
If any city team member would like access to the gym at City Hall, please contact Allison Segars to obtain a key card We are working together to prevent staff from travelling through the Parks maintenance area to reach the gym space. asegars@littlerock.gov
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BOARDROOM TRAINING AVAILABLE
If you are a chair person and/or member of a board and/or commission, please make a point to undergo formal boardroom training before hosting your meetings in the city hall board chambers.
Boardroom trainings are available bi-weekly on Monday’s at 10:00 AM The next training will be July 21 . Follow this link to schedule a training: st linked here
STAY HEALTHY ON THE GO THIS SUMMER
Discover the simple ways to keep up your healthy habits while traveling this summer! Access the Omada health coach provided through Cigna to get tips on managing stress, improving sleep, and making balanced meal choices, so you can enjoy your vacation without worry! As a part of your Cigna Healthcare plan, Omada is of $0 cost to you, if you’re eligible. Claim your Welcome Kit by following the link below! Link to Welcome Kit
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UPCOMING HR TRAINING SESSIONS USING NEOGOV
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We are excited to remind everyone about our upcoming opportunities to level up your learning It is now even easier to enroll by using NeoGov Single Sign On (SSO) directions. Once signed-in, you will land on your dashboard, so click on the training link on the left side of your screen to review what’s currently available
If you prefer in-person classes, click the “calendar” hyperlink in the upper right corner of the training screen to see our coming attractions covering topics such as Effective Communication, Performance Management, CANVA 201 and Harassment and Discrimination.
Training videos on topics ranging from Office 365 to leadership development are available using the search function in the course catalog. The vendor publishes new videos frequently, so let us know if there are additional subject matter you would like added to our Learn library.
Please contact HRLearning@littlerock.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your continued engagement, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
reminder: upcoming hr training sessions using neogov
MAGIC SPRINGS PROMOTIONAL CODE
Enjoy discounted Magic Springs one day admission and season passes with the City of Little Rock promo code: CITYOFLR
See the see the flyer catalog for instructions on how to claim your discounted tickets today! Offer valid online only, not at the main gate
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WELLNESS TIP
Did you know that gum disease has a direct correlation with Glaucoma? Glaucoma is one of the four most common eye diseases that can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. Follow the link below to learn how you can take care of your eyesight and how to prevent and treat glaucoma Link to Presentation
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY THROUGH UA LITTLE ROCK
The Arkansas Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program is a nationally accredited, twoyear leadership development initiative designed specifically for public sector professionals including those in federal, state, county, and city government, as well as elected officials and nonprofit leaders Ideal candidates are those currently managing teams or programs or preparing to step into such roles Participants gain:
Enhanced leadership and team management skills
Confidence to lead mission-driven projects
Practical skill building through interactive, high-impact workshops
Key Details
View the Program Overview
Complete a Nomination Form
Shared the Online Application and Program Flyer (Attached) Application Deadline: July 25, 2025
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION FREE FITNESS PACKAGE
Have you claimed your FREE fitness package from one of our NBCF partners? FightCamp is an at-home, virtual exercise experience that features boxing, kickboxing, and a variety of other fitness activities National Breast Cancer Foundation is partnering with FightCamp to gift 5,000 free fitness packages to breast cancer patients and survivors Each package includes:
45-day Membership: Full access to FightCamp’s library of full-body workouts, and unlimited accounts for your household
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Fitness Tracker: Includes punch and kick trackers with real-time metrics such as speed, volume, and output.
Quick Wrap: Built to hold the fitness tracker
Contact Christopher Barnett cbarnett@littlerockgov, if you have questions or need to claim your package!
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UALR: DISCOVER YOUR PATH
Enrollment is open now for the Summer and Fall 2025 semesters! UA Little Rock offers a dynamic learning environment where students can choose from more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees at https://ualr edu/academics/ Please email UA Little Rock at admissions@ualr edu if you have any questions
Keep in mind that at UA Little Rock, employees can receive a 10% tuition scholarship on all undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, a $0 enrollment application fee, and a $25 per credit hour scholarship to help offset textbook costs.
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Admission for Transfer Students - Are you wondering how your credits will transfer to UA Little Rock? With our Trojan Transfer Hub, you can see exactly how your credits will transfer to multiple majors at once, all with one convenient tool! Am I a Transfer Student? If you have a high school diploma or GED and at least 12 transferable credit hours from another institution, you’re considered a transfer student.
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DROP BOX
JULY 2025
Little Rock Zoo Groundbreaking Ceremony
View the photo gallery from the groundbreaking of the Little Rock Zoo, commemorating the beginning of major structural improvements at the Little Rock Zoo.
Affordable Housing Unit Open House
View the photo gallery from the open house of one of the City of Little Rock’s newest affordable housing units.
World Changers Event Press Conference
View the photo gallery from the World Changers Event Press Conference, held at one of the homes pending repair.
LRFD Burn Building Press Conference & Ribbon Cutting
View the photo and video gallery from the Press Conference and Ribbon Cutting for Little Rock Fire’s brand new, Class A burn building held at the LRFD Training Facility.
West Central Baseball Field Ribbon Cutting
View the photo gallery from the Press Conference and grand opening of West Central Sports Complex brand new ball fields.
Komodo Dragon Grand Opening
View the photo gallery from the grand opening of the Komodo Dragon habitat at the Little Rock Zoo.
Employee Appreciation Picnic
View the photo gallery from the employee appreciation picnic held toward the end of June.
SUMMER IN LITTLE ROCK
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Art Classes
Events
Concerts
Gallery Tours
Summer Camps
Zoofari Day Camps
Museum of Discovery
Ballet Arkansas
Restaurant Guide
Little Rock Conventions and Visitors Bureau
Entertainment
Little Rock Conventions and Visitors Bureau
Natural State
Little Rock Parks
Outdoor Recreation
Facility Rentals
Little Rock Conventions and Visitors Bureau
State Parks
Farmers Market
Featured Resources Financial Wellness
How to Make Extra Cash with a Side Hustle
If you think you might have enough time in your schedule to pick up an extra job, but a part-time job sounds too demanding, consider a side hustle!
If you think you might have enough time in your schedule to pick up an extra job, but a part-time job sounds too demanding, consider a side hustle!
A side hustle is a job that you take on outside of your usual work Typically, the term “side hustle’’ refers to owning a business, freelancing, or task work. With a side hustle, you’re on YOUR schedule. You set your hours and (in many cases) your rates! It’s all about finding your niche or area of expertise and then boom: you start earning extra money.
Unlike a part-time job, there may be less commitment required to a side hustle. You can pick it up for just a few hours per week whenever you have extra time.
To read the full article, Click Here
RIBBON CUTTINGS
LRSD EV Bus Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, August 7th, 10:30 AM
1001 E 21 St. s t
Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken
Tuesday, August 5th, 12:00 PM
6610 Colonel Glenn Rd.
PRESS
Check back later for any upcoming press opportunities!
UPCOMING MEETINGS
City Beautiful Commission July Hearing
Thursday, July 24th, 4:00 PM
City Hall Board Chambers
Board of Directors Agenda Meeting
Tuesday, July 29th, 4:00 PM
City Hall Board Chambers
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, August 5th, 6:00 PM
City Hall Board Chambers
Civil Service Commission Meeting
Thursday, August 7th, 8:00 AM
City Hall Board Chambers
Little Rock Historic District Commission
Thursday, August 7th, 4:00 PM
City Hall Board Chambers
