BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
PUBLIC SAFETY ANNEX
Board members authorized an agreement with Park Plaza Mall for a 500-square-foot space inside the mall for Little Rock police officers to work. The space, provided at no cost to taxpayers, will give officers a centralized location to work and engage with the community
DAY LABOR PROGRAM
The Board entered into a contract with Feed First to support a day labor program, enhancing the City's goals of public safety, job creation, and beautification
EVENT REPLAYS
August 14, 2025
BRIDGE REPAIR
The Board of Directors hired an engineer and authorized short-term financing of up to $6.5 million to repair a bridge protection cell damaged by a barge strike under the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge. The City is pursuing litigation against the owner of the barge that caused damage to the protection cell.
Watch the latest Little Rock Board of Directors meeting at: youtube.com/citylittlerock
Find press conferences, meetings, and event recordings by LRTV linked here.
August 12, 2025
Find press conferences, meetings, and event recordings LRTV linked here.
Planning Commission Meeting
August 11, 2025
Board of Directors Agenda Meeting
August 5, 2025
Welspun Announcement at the State Capitol
July 29, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
July 29, 2025
Board of Directors Agenda Meeting
City of Little Rock Amazon Groundbreaking Event
DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Shoutout to the Department of Community Programs for partnering with the Central Arkansas Library System to host a successful back-to-school event, Big Top Bash 2025! Attendees were able to enjoy a multitude of activities and were exposed to a variety of resources. The event was held on Saturday, August 9, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center The event offered free haircuts and school supplies, dental and health screenings, fitness demonstrations and photo opportunities, circus and aerial performances, games, crafts, snacks, and more! Thank you to all partners involved, including CALS, Arkansas Circus Arts, Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock Rotary, the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, Picture Perfect Entertainment, and the Arkansas Department of Health.
HIGHLIGHTS
The inaugural Summer Youth Employment Opportunity (SYEO) Career Climb Interns wrapped up a successful summer with the City of Little Rock. Here are the highlights:
Participation
350 first-time applicants
255 participants placed across more than 90 worksites
84% program completion rate
Achievements
97 interns opened new bank accounts
5 participants graduated from Pulaski Technical College during the program Partnerships
39 business partners and volunteers
Thank you to the Department of Community Programs for always paying it forward and providing our youth with an avenue to learn key life skills they’ll need post-graduation. And a huge thank you to all of the supervisors who hosted an intern and served as the bridge between opportunity and experience We are already looking forward to next summer! For more information on how you can get involved, visit www LRDCPCares org
SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE
This has been a GREAT year for our team in the Sustainability Office! Check out these numbers from both March and August LR Recycle Day events! LR Recycle Day is a mass recycling event held at the Little Rock Zoo in partnership with Keep Little Rock Beautiful, LR Zoo, and the CLR Sustainability Office. Thank you to our sustainability team for always showing so much care and intention for our wonderful city! The last Recycles Day event for the year will be hosted on November 15, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Little Rock Zoo’s East parking lot. Follow the link below for more information!
LR Recycles Day Event, Nov. 15
MARKETING & COMMS
Rock Solid Shredding: Plastic Bags: eSCO: Epic Glass:
WM Recycling Dumpster: Recycle Bikes for Kids: Goodwill: Attendees (Vehicles):
Rock Solid Shredding: Plastic Bags: eSCO: Epic Glass:
WM Recycling Dumpster: Recycle Bikes for Kids: Goodwill:
Attendees (Vehicles): MARCH AUGUST 4.26 tons/8,520 lbs 13 tons/260 lbs 6.635 tons/13,270 lbs 25 tons/500 lbs .7 tons/1,400 lbs 16 bikes
875 tons/1,750 lbs 400
Congratulations to Internal Comms Coordinator, Nyah Peyton, on being selected as a finalist for the Little Rock Chamber’s Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED) Outstanding Minority Young Professional Award! Thank you for representing the City of Little Rock well and being a part of our cities progress. Well done!
5.06 tons/10,120 lbs 11 tons/220 lbs 2.485 tons/4,970 lbs 25 tons/500 lbs .84 tons/1,851 lbs 1 bike
1 225 tons/2,450 lbs 282
LITTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Shoutout to the Little Rock Police Department, for kicking off its 24th annual Youth Camp! The program runs four days and helps build positive relationships between law enforcement officers and preteens. The camp was packed with engaging indoor and outdoor activities. Thank you LRPD for leading the charge in building connection between our youth and those sworn to lead, serve and protect!
MONTH
Black business in America has a long periods of significant growth and res businesses during and after slavery, t challenges and triumphs of Black en
Take a look at some of these article
Th e n . . .
Before the Civil War:
Even during slavery, some African Americans engaged in business, either with permission from their enslavers or through clandestine activities
Video Link
Post-Civil War:
The Reconstruction era saw a surge in Black entrepreneurship as newly freed individuals sought economic independence.
Article Link
Early 20th Century:
The "golden age" of Black business (roughly 1900-1930) witnessed a flourishing of Black-owned businesses, particularly in segregated communities, catering to the needs of African American consumers
Article Link
Key Figures and Businesses
Madam C.J. Walker: Pioneered a successful hair care and cosmetics business, becoming a self-made millionaire
Johnson Products: Became the first Black-owned business on the American Stock Exchange
Reginald F. Lewis: Led TLC Beatrice International, the first Black-owned company with $1 billion in sales
Robert L. Johnson: Founded Black Entertainment Television (BET), making him the first Black billionaire
Joseph Randolph: Founded the first Black-owned insurance company in the U.S., the African Insurance Company
g and rich history, evolving from the earliest days of slavery to the present day, with ilience despite facing systemic barriers Key periods include the rise of Black the "golden age" of Black business in the early 20th century, and the ongoing trepreneurs today. es to learn more about Black business through the decades
Ongoing Challenges and Resilience
Systemic Barriers:
Black businesses have historically faced discrimination in access to capital, loans, and other resources. Article Link
Impact of Segregation and Jim Crow:
These systems forced Black communities to create their own businesses, but also limited their access to broader markets and opportunities. Article Link
Resilience and Innovation:
Black businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience and continue to play a vital role in the US economy Article Link
Community Focus:
Many Black businesses prioritize serving their communities and addressing local needs. Page Link
Now. . .
In 2025, Black-owned businesses in the U.S. continue to show growth and resilience, with a focus on leveraging technology and community support to expand operations and overcome challenges like inflation and hiring difficulties Initiatives like the 1 Million Black Businesses (1MBB) initiative and various grant programs are providing crucial support, while Black entrepreneurs are increasingly optimistic about the future, with many prioritizing growth and expansion Explore the list below of resources in Little Rock for Black business owners!
Minding My Black-Owned Business Non-profit
The UAMS Midsouth Black Expo Medical Institute
BuyBlack.Org Cultural Organization
Black-Owned Restaurants in Little Rock Little Rock Conventions and Visitors Bureau
NEW N
An Evening in the Rotunda: Community Appreciation Night x Gallery Opening Community Appreciation x Gallery
Join us on August 20, at 5:30 PM in the Rotunda of City Hall for a dynamic evening of art, community, and civic pride as we unveil the iCREATE 2025 Public Art Program an initiative that transforms everyday public spaces into vibrant expressions of creativity This special event doubles as both a civic engagement opportunity and a sneak peek of the selected artworks from a variety of talented local visual artists whose work will be displayed on the second floor of City Hall leading to the Board Room
Guests will enjoy:
A preview gallery showcasing featured artists and their upcoming public installations, Opportunities to engage with city leaders, artists, and community advocates about the power of public art,
Interactive spaces for residents to share ideas, provide input, and learn how to stay involved with city initiatives.
Through this program, the City of Little Rock reaffirms its commitment to:
Promoting local talent by spotlighting creatives from across the city
Beautifying public spaces through meaningful, accessible artwork
Fostering civic dialogue that strengthens community connection and shared identity
Whether you're an art lover, civic participant, or curious neighbor, this event invites you to be part of a movement that celebrates creativity, amplifies local voices, and builds a more vibrant, inclusive Little Rock
TO LEARN MORE, CLICK HERE.
Contact: mmitchell@littlerock.gov
NEWS
Mobile City Hall City
Mobile City Hall is BACK! Join us on September 8, 5:30 PM at Grace United on Cantrell for another fun and informative night where residents are invited to visit with various departments, take advantage of city resources after hours, interview for jobs on-site, and speak directly to city leaders during the “town hall” session Get ready to kickoff the third quarter of the year serving residents and having fun while doing it!
For questions and/or concerns, reach out to Aaron Sadler at asadler@littlerock.gov.
National Public Lands Day
National Public Lands Day is upon us again! NPLD is the single largest volunteer day on public lands, and is held annually on the 4th Saturday of September. As a signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), NPLD fosters a strong connection between people and the environment, educating and cultivating environmental stewards. This event is Parks’ annual fall clean-up and will be held on Saturday, September 27 In 2025, we’re focusing on Hindman Park. We will start at 9:00 AM and conclude around 11:30 AM, with lunch to follow. There will also be a raffle for a chance to win some awesome prizes! For more information, follow the link below
National Public Lands Day
Housing and Neighborhood Programs Children’s Book Drive
Housing and Neighborhood Programs is partnering with LRSD to host a Children’s Book Drive from August 4–29. We’re collecting new and gently used children’s books to help inspire and support young readers in our community Your contributions will go directly toward fostering a love of reading and learning for local children. For your convenience, a donation box is located in the City Hall Rotunda.
P a r k s & R e c re a t i o n G ro u p B i ke R i d e s
Parks & Recreation Group Bike Rides
Join the City of Little Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department as they lead group bike rides, held every Wednesday along the Arkansas River Trail! Rides start at Murray Park, 6:00 PM, and last about two hours Not an avid biker? No problem! These rides are “No Drop” rides, which means no rider gets left behind. Riders are asked to bring a bike, helmet, water bottle, and their sense of adventure, as they discover or RE-discover the beauty that is Little Rock, Arkansas!
Group rides are being offered through October 29, so grab your friends, family, or just yourself, and catch a bike ride or two before the summer ends! For more information and questions, contact Michael Simmons, at msimmons@littlerockgov, (501) 913 - 6841 Visit our website at https://www.littlerock.gov/residents/parks-and-recreation/.
Parks & Recreation Battle Under 630
Battle Under 630 is happening on Saturday, September 13 at Kanis Park!
Think you’ve got game? Round up your team and enter the 3-on-3 basketball tournament (ages 18+, 2 subs max) It’s $350 per team and spots will fill fast A cash prize and awards will be given to the winners.
Not playing? No problem. This is a family event, so come out for a day of good food, bounce houses, and fun at the park
To sign up for the tournament go to: https://pocketsuite.io/link/opf-organization
Parks Recreation Adult Co-Ed Softball
P a r k s & R e c re a t i o n A d u l t C o - E d S o f t b a l l
Fall Adult Co-ed Softball is here!
Games will be on Monday nights at the Interstate Sports Complex The League kicks off September 8 and runs through October 27.
Coaches Meeting: September 4 at Hindman Park Pro Shop.
Sign up now and let’s play ball: bit.ly/fallsoftball25
DROP BOX
AUGUST
Welspun Economic Development Announcement
View the photo gallery from the Welspun economic development announcement held at the Arkansas State Capitol building.
LRSD EV Bus Ribbon Cutting
View the photo gallery from the ribbon cutting of Little Rock School Districts newest EV School Bus.
Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken Grand Opening
View the photo gallery from the grand opening of the newest chicken spot in Little Rock, located off of Colonel Glenn Rd.
Career Climb Supervisor’s Appreciation Luncheon
View the photo gallery from the Summer Youth Employment Opportunities Supervisor’s Appreciation Luncheon.
Career Climb Graduation Ceremony
View the photo gallery from the DCP Career Climb graduation ceremony at Pulaski Technical College.
City of Little Rock Amazon Groundbreaking Event
View the photo gallery from the groundbreaking ceremony of the newest Amazon distribution center, housed at the Little Rock Port.
Technology:
Best Buy – Save up to $500 off laptops, plus deep discounts on tablets, headphones, and accessories for students and professionals alike
Apple Education Store – Buy a qualifying Mac or iPad and get free AirPods, plus exclusive student pricing on hardware and AppleCare.
Apparel:
Old Navy - Up to 60% off jeans, uniforms, graphic tees, and basics for kids and teens
H&M - Deals starting at $4.99 includes joggers, hoodies, and trendy school fits.
B’gosh - Up to 50% off mix-and-match sets, shoes, and outerwear.
KEEP IN MIND. KEEPINMIND.
NEW HIRE HEADSHOT SESSION
Calling all new City of Little Rock Team Members! You are invited to a special professional headshot session with the Marketing and Comms team. Each session is held in the Boardroom Chamber on the second floor at City Hall
To sign-up for the upcoming session on Wednesday, August 27, please fill out the form linked below
Note: While these sessions are primarily for new hires (as they will receive priority when selecting time slots), all city team members are welcomed to participate!
SIGN UP HERE 14 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BODY IMAGE
14 Ways to Improve Your Body Image Right Now!
A healthy body image means you’re confident in how you look and feel comfortable in your body See just what it takes to improve your body image by viewing the flyer catalog attached to the announcement email!
ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS DISCOUNT
AR Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) is offering 50% off their annual membership for City of Little Rock employees! If interested see below for the link to join.
AMFA MEMBERSHIP INTEREST FORM
TIPS TO REDUCE STRESS
It's no surprise that work can be stressful. From managing deadlines to dealing with demanding bosses, your work day can create anxiety and frustrations that can be hard to manage In this video, you'll learn simple ways to deal with stress at work before it evolves into burnout.
LINK TO VIDEO 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
LITTLE ROCK MARATHON IMPORTANT DATES
September 2 - Little Rockers & All Abilities Race registration opens
September 20 - Logan's Run/All Abilities Kick Off @ Murray Park
October 18 - Creep 'n Crawl @ Two Rivers Park
December 8 - Marathon Weekend 10k training begins
December 20 - Ugly Sweater Race @ Two Rivers Park
January 5, 2026 - Marathon Weekend 5k training begins
For more information on the Little Rock Marathon, including important registration details, race details, and other events, follow the link below!
LITTLE ROCK MARATHON INFORMATION
Wiggie, Male Dachshund Age: 14. “Wiggie has been the King of Dogs at our home through the years With all of the other dogs, he rules! Wiggie travels well. Great guard dog and great with children He consistently makes us laugh with his selfish behavior, especially when it comes to sharing food with the other dogs. He will always be special for the constant joy that he brings to me every single day.” - Lee Church Public Works
- Ken Wade Emergency Communications
is named
the
“This is Princess Penelope of Little Rock or you can call her Penny for short and she is 1 year old. She is a bold, intelligent, friendly, playful, quirky little thing with a splash of stubbornness. She loves all the attention and doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. She is 100% Pembroke Welsh Corgi and her lineage goes back to Queen Elizabeth’s male Corgi. Penny loves long walks, pup cups, stuffies and squeaky balls. She has been a joy in our lives and we love her so much!”
- Christina Goss LRPD
NAME: Rue GENDER: F BREED: Rottweiler AGE: 2 1/2 FUN FACT: Rue
after
character in Euphoria.
WIGGIE
RUE
Dog Month
“Junior is a male dachshund mix and Serena is a female Welsh Pembroke Corgi mix. They just turned 7 on August 1! They both make each day happy and fun. Junior is the sweetest mama's boy while Serena looks sweet, but my husband has nicknamed her Lucifena She is as cute as she can be mean. Once they both get to know someone, they will love them forever. Each have their own goofball tendencies. We wouldn't trade them for the world. Their special personalities make them special So much so, that I don't think I have enough space to share here! They are our wonderful fur babies.”
- Catherine Miller Finance
Pixie, female, Pomeranian, 10 yrs “Everyday is a new day for Pixie She is fiercely loyal, up for anything as long as she can be with us, and always smiling She was our late aunt's pup that we brought into our family, and it was the best decision we could have made. She constantly makes me giggle with her antics”
- Lauren Baird Information Technology
“Roco is about 12 inches high and full to the brim with attitude He enjoys being buried under blankets, chewing on sticks, and long walks to anywhere He's a natural protector, and eager to please, except for when he doesn't really want to. He's disturbingly smart, perfectly silly, and entirely obsessed with snuggles His fun fact is that he only speaks Spanish –he is from Chile! My girlfriend moved to the US with him 5 years ago, and he's been bringing love and happiness into my life ever since.”
- Ray Partridge Sustainability
SERENA
JUNIOR
PIXIE
ROCO
“Phoebe is our 5 year old female Boxer that entered our lives about a year ago She came into our lives after my wife received a phone call to help foster a dog whose previous family was in a crisis. She agreed without asking what kind of dog When she picked up Phoebe, she was very surprised at her large size of 113 lbs, considering all the dogs we ever owned were in the below 20lb size range Through exercise and diet, she is now a trim 83 lbs. and very fit We have formally adopted her and now she is an integral part of our family. She is loyal, intelligent, playful, and has been a wonderful addition to our family”
- Walter Ederle Fleet
“Yaya is a 6 year old female Samoyed and was gifted to me from my son when he went abroad. She was just 10 weeks old. She loves running –especially running when it snows –and traveling over the road. One weekend, my family was raking leaves in the front yard, and she saw a familiar couple jogging by and decided to join them –placing herself between them and setting the pace! They loved it and let her join them for part of their run She is a beautiful girl that listens to commands and is very gentle, especially with young children and elderly people She’s my four-legged best friend and sidekick It doesn’t matter how I feel (sad, angry, etc.), she never fails to bring out a smile when I walk through the door she’s a pro at it My ‘ride-or-die’”
- Myra Finance
YAYA
PHOEBE
“Joe is a journey A journey of abandonment, prejudice, and joy This mixed breed Pibble was dumped on my street in rural Saline County with 5 littermates at only 6 weeks old in June of 2023. Neighbors and I could hear them but could not find them We left food and water, finally catching 4 of 6 The last two followed overnight and hid under my car. Thus began the journey to find them a home. Rejected from every shelter and rescue, too full to help, we set up a makeshift kennel in our chicken coop. Friends came to help when we had to leave for a family emergency and one puppy came down with parvo. After two rounds of puppy shots, emergency vet visits, meds/food/supplies and even paid transport to Oregon, we'd spent over $3,000 on random puppies that someone discarded to die All but one had a home –a generic brown lab/pit puppy we gave the simple name of JOE. We already had two dogs, but he needed to stay. He's quiet, shy, and SQUISHY! He's a weighted blanket, a heating pad, a comedian, and likely to be our very last dog We've already had to reconsider travel plans due to "breed bans", he just can't pass for a plain "lab mix". It's a first for us, since our past 6 dogs have all been mutts, but the stigma of a bully breed is far reaching, even to our own city shelter. He's the best surprise we’ve had, gives love and happiness without any expectations, and I wish everyone could have a Joe My life’s dream is to see our to have a home. No animal deserves to be dumped nz Zoo
Mickey, Shih Tzu, 3 yrs “There is an irreplaceable love a dog brings not just as pets, but as family members, travel buddies, cuddle buddies, tiny comedians, and pillars of unconditional devotion Whether they’re wrestling with a bedsheet, stealing my socks, or standing by your side in a photo. Dogs make life richer if not absolutely unpredictable in the best ways. I would not want to be in this world without one” - Angela Nelson Parks and Recreation
JOE
MICKEY
“Her name is Lucy McGoosey. She’s over 5 and a half years old. As for breed, I call her an Australian Shephard, but I have no idea I met Lucy one freezing night in December when she was about 6 months old. It was literally freezing, it had been snowing. The tenants in the rental next door had a barking dog outside at 10:30 PM Not only was this annoying, but I didn’t feel any dog should be out in those conditions. I went and knocked on the door and the tenant said that a family had dumped this unwanted dog with them and they had her tied up in the basement and she must’ve gotten out The basement was only partially sheltered from the elements. I was mortified this little puppy was going to be tied up under the house but it was not my call About 20 minutes later she was outside the neighbors door barking to be let in again. This time I went outside with my housemate, picked her up, looked at him and said “she’s coming inside with me” We’ve been together ever since. The neighbor agreed I could take her from them and she’s just been so amazing. Always up for a game and full of energy. We walk every evening and I melt inside every time I see her smile” -
Trey Willis Housing and Neighborhood Programs
“Coddiwomple is a 10+ year old rescue beagle who was dumped by his previous owner at Burns Park. His name is an old English word which means, "to travel with purpose toward a vague destination" He follows his nose blindly so the name really fits He loves to meet new people and enjoys all the cuddle time he can get. He arrived in my life right after I lost my last dog, filling a hole I didn't think could be filled. He is sweet and calm and only gets a little pushy when he wants your hands” - Kellie Johnson Zoo
LUCY
CODDIWOMPLE
“This is Sadie Rose, my sweet girl She's 4 years old She is half black and tan coonhound, and half poodle. We call her a "coonadoodle". She is my other half and I often refer to her as my co-parent She is one of three doodles and she keeps everyone in line She has such a spirit about her and she loves everyone She's the only dog I've ever had that absolutely loves going to the vet because she knows she's going to get so much attention She stares at the door and whines just waiting for them to call her name She brings us so much joy and is definitely one of a kind. She's so much like a person we just swear she's going to start talking one day She has been a blessing to me through grief and trials, and is my biggest source of comfort. I even named my Jeep after her, "Sadie's Crush". - Sherrie Shinn Parks and Recreation
“This is Nova, she is an American Staffordshire Terrier Nova is hands down the most loving dog I've ever had. I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in 2023, and Nova refused to leave my side through my entire battle. She would “stand guard” at my chair and make sure I was “protected” She seemed to know when I was in pain or tired, and would curl up beside me, quietly keeping watch. To me, she’s more than just a pet she’s my guardian, my best friend, and my constant source of comfort” - Chris Ketterman
SADIE ROSE
Featured Resources Financial Wellness
what is a 401k and how does it work?
Get a 401(k) started, spread out your investments into different areas (stocks, bonds, money markets), set your level of risk, and then let it grow.
A 401(k) is a retirement savings account that is offered through employers to their employees. It is called a 401(k) because it is named for the Internal Revenue Code Chapter 401 Section K.
One of the reasons that 401(k) accounts are so appealing is that they allow you to delay paying taxes on the money that you deposit. In other words, when you deposit money into the 401(k), it lowers your federal income taxes for that income year.
In this article, you will learn how a 401(k) works, contribution limits, different types of 401(k)s, Roth IRA’s vs 401(k), what happens when you make withdrawals, and what happens to your 401(k) when you leave your job.
To read the full article, Click Here
Check back later for any upcoming ribbon cuttings!
Check back later for any upcoming press opportunities!
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, August 19, 6:00 PM
City Hall Board Chambers
Civil Service Commission Meeting
Thursday, August 21, 8:30 AM
City Hall Board Chambers
Board of Adjustment Meeting
Thursday, August 21, 4:00 PM
City Hall Board Chambers
Board of Directors Agenda Meeting
Tuesday, August 26, 4:00 PM
City Hall Board Chambers
City Beautiful Commission
Thursday, August 28, 4:00 PM
City Hall Board Chambers
