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Rock Report v40: April Medley

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BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

JOB CREATION

Board members approved the sale of 107 acres at the Port of Little Rock to Amazon, which plans a major economic development announcement. Stay tuned!

VIOLENCE PREVENTION

The Board renewed a partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medial Sciences to provide violence reduction services as one aspect of the City’s multi-tiered, holistic approach to crime prevention.

EVENT REPLAYS

PROTECTING RESIDENTS

The Board agreed to show support for residents of the Metropolitan Housing Alliance’s Madison Heights 1 and 2 complexes by voting to seek a way to stop a foreclosure action. Board members will reconvene later this month to consider assistance

Watch the latest Little Rock Board of Directors meeting at: youtube.com/citylittlerock

Find press conferences, meetings, and event recordings by LRTV linked here.

Impact The Rock: A Day of Unity and Service

April 26, 2025

Parks Commission Meeting - April 2025

April 16, 2025

Board of Directors Meeting

April 15, 2025

ReLeaf Rock Creek Trail

April 12, 2025

Little Rock Planning Commission Meeting

April 10, 2025

Board Agenda Meeting

April 8, 2025

Board of Directors Meeting

April 1, 2025

Find all streamed and recorded events on CLR YouTube channel and Facebook page youtube.com/littlerock facebook.com/littlerock

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Parks and Recreation

West Central (Chenell Tucker) & Southwest (Lee Couch) Facility Supervisors has taken initiative to offer Pulaski County Youth Services Interns opportunities to work and assist our basketball program, a great help to us with coaching, taken initiative with baseball skills & drills and seem enthusiastic about coaching through the season as well as other areas of their facilities

Human Resources

Congratulations to all the new hires who completed orientation in the month of of April!

Parks and Recreation

David Collins

Alma Gipson

Joe Guzman

Lance Montgomery

Xavier Powell

Christopher Thrower

Thomas Wyatt

LRPD

Charles Easley

Emergency Communication Public Works

Tiana Hervey

Jamecia Howard

Naya Johnson

Francisco Lara

Jessica Yost

City Attorney

Brianna Love

Human Resources

LaTaysha Morgan

Reginald Harris

Andy Herren

Lamarcus Strong

Marcus Wilson

Zoo

William Peterson

Kristin Dunn

Craig Mize

Each April, we recognize Counseling Awareness Month as a time to honor the important work counselors do and to highlight the value of mental health support. It's a reminder that seeking help, talking to a professional, and prioritizing emotional well-being are signs of strength. Counseling can offer support, guidance, and tools for managing life’s challenges, helping individuals grow and thrive both personally and professionally This month and every month let’s continue to promote understanding, compassion, and the importance of mental health care

To learn more about your insurance benefits through the City of Little Rock, reach out to the Human Resource Departments Benefits Manager, Jenny Bradford (jbradford@littlerock.gov).

We are proud to announce the 2025 Department Employee of the Year Nominees

These individuals have been recognized by their departments for their outstanding service, commitment to the City's core values, and dedication to the residents and employees of the City of Little Rock. Please join us in celebrating the following nominees:

• City Attorney's Office – Lynette Perez & Teffiney Greene

• Community Programs – Marcus Montgomery & Keith Saine

• Criminal Court – Clint Jones

• Emergency Communications – Kristin Jackman

• Environmental Court – Tara Brown

• Finance – Tyesha Newby-Heard & Kiana Ward

• Housing & Neighborhood Programs – John Jenkins

• Human Resources – Nina Hopkins

• Information Technology – Christopher King & Patricia Warren

• Little Rock Fire Department – Captain Gary Seibel Jr

• Little Rock Police Department – Jenny Zerbe

• Parks and Recreation – Adam Gadberry & Tyler Bailey

• Planning & Development – Hannah Ratzlaff & Charles Givens

• Public Works – Denaro Cook & Lane New

• Traffic Court – Aisha Cunningham

• Zoo – Kaylah Jackson

These individuals represent the best of what it means to serve our city with excellence and heart On behalf of Honorable Mayor Frank Scott, Jr, and the Office of Executive Administration, thank you for your service. We look forward to celebrating your nomination at the Employee Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Monday, May 5 @ Saint Mark Baptist Church from 5:00 - 7:00 PM th

ur City on the Move Wellness Champions for the April challenges!

Round 1

Tyesha Newby

Matt Rufus

Jenny Bradford

Ana Abarca

Supa Heat

Round 2

Tyesha Newby

Matt Rufus

Jenny Bradford

Jennifer Cummings

Shannon Chase

Round 3

Tyesha Newby

Matt Rufus

Jennifer Cummings

Round 4

Jennifer Cummings

Round 5

Jennifer Cummings Beverly Hartman

WOMEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT MEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT KEEP IT MOVING CHALLENGE

STEPPERS:

Round 1

Jennifer Cummings

Beverly Hartman

Tyesha Newby

Nicholas Sarpy

Ana Abarca

Shannon Chase

Mal’s Brackbuster

Round 2

Jennifer Cummings

Nicholas Sarpy

Ana Abarca

Shannon Chase

Mal’s Brackbuster

Matt Rufus

Kevin Douthard

Round 3

Jennifer Cummings

Nicholas Sarpy

Ana Abarca

Shannon Chase

Mal’s Brackbuster

Matt Rufus

Jenny Bradford

Round 4

Jennifer Cummings

Beverly Hartmna

Ana Abarca

Round 5

Tyesha Newby 1 Place - Terahn Cooney ($400)

Jennifer Cummings

Beverly Hartman

Excel by Eight published an article highlighting a city-led initiative in Little Rock aimed at improving access to high-quality early childhood education in underserved neighborhoods. It focuses on supporting child care providers especially those like Lovely Sunshine Learning Center that serve bilingual communities in improving their quality ratings through business training and administrative support. The effort addresses gaps in data, access, and funding, ultimately benefiting both families and providers You can read the full article by clicking the link below:

LEVELING UP CHILDCARE IN LITTLE ROCK

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!

Each year on May 1st, communities across the country celebrate Law Day—a special time to reflect on how the rule of law shapes our lives, protects our freedoms, and promotes fairness and justice for all.

Law Day was first established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who saw the need for a national day to recognize the critical role that law plays in upholding democracy and safeguarding liberty. Since then, Law Day has become an annual opportunity to honor our legal system and the values it represents.

This year’s theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,” reminds us that though we all come from different walks of life, we are united by a shared foundation in the law It calls on us to continue building a community rooted in fairness, equality, and justice.

At the City Attorney’s Office, we are proud to serve the people of Little Rock by protecting their rights, advising city leaders, and ensuring that the law is applied with integrity and respect We are more than legal advisors we are advocates for justice and stewards of public trust.

Law Day gives us all a chance to pause and reflect on what it means to live in a society where laws matter, voices are heard, and fairness guides decision-making.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Law Day 2025 and to recognize the ongoing importance of the rule of law in building a stronger, more united Little Rock

“Volunteers Make Waves”

Global Volunteer Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the power of people who tackle society's greatest challenges through volunteerism.

Volunteer Opportunities Through The City of Little Rock:

PICK IT UP! LITTLE ROCK

Pick It Up! is Little Rock’s new citywide initiative to encourage and inspire residents, businesses, and visitors to take an active role in picking up litter, preventing pollution, and building pride in our shared community.

ADOPT-A-STREET

The Adopt-A-Street program provides an opportunity for civic engagement in removing litter to keep our City beautiful Individuals, families, businesses, civic groups, and neighborhood associations are invited to "adopt" a city street and pledge to keep their streets clean by picking up litter along their adopted streets at least four (4) times a year

PROJECT IMPACT

The mission and goal of Project Impact is to saturate underserved communities with city services to beautify neighborhoods, reduce crime, and expose residents to the resources the City of Little Rock has to offer beyond the day-to-day city support.

Keep in Keep i

23RD ANNUAL THERAPEUTIC RECREATION ARTS FESTIVAL

23RD ANNUAL THERAPEUTIC RECREATION ARTS FESTIVAL

WE NEED YOUR HELP, join us for a day you won’t forget!!

Join us for the 23rd Annual Therapeutic Recreation Arts Festival! We are looking for helpers for this event!!

Friday, May 2nd at the Hall of Industry- Arkansas State Fairgrounds

Volunteers Needed

We will need assistance to help with set up as early as 7:00 a.m. at the event center. This will include hanging banners, decorations, as well as getting tables and chairs in order.

We will also need help during the event from 9:30 am-1:00 pm to assist with booths, dance contest, selling shirts, sign in tables, etc

If you would like to volunteer and want a specific assignment, please contact Sherri Shinn. sshinn@littlerock.gov

You will be able to park in the vendor parking When you enter the main entrance to the fairgrounds where you will be directed to the left and vendor parking will be at the north end of the building There will be someone directing traffic

If you are available that day please Sherrie know what timeframe you are available to serve, and send your t-shirt size

*If you are not available for the entire length of the event please let the coordinator know so that they can be sure to have coverage in all areas.

CITY ON THE MOVE: IPREVAIL CITY ON THE MOVE: IPREVAIL

For the 2nd quarter of 2025, the City on the Move program will educate employees on maintaining a healthy mind with iPrevail through Cigna. iPrevail is a digital therapeutics platform, designed by experienced clinicians to help you take control of the stresses of everyday life and challenges associated with life’s difficult transitions. Click the video to learn more about iPrevail

n mind n Mind

National Diversity Month

SOUTHERN BANCORP LITTLE ROCK COMMUNITY DAYS

SOUTHERN BANCORP LITTLE ROCK COMMUNITY DAYS

As a mission-focused financial institution and one of the country's oldest and largest community development banks, Southern Bancorp is guided by the belief that everyone in the community should have access to the tools and resources needed to succeed. We are proud to partner with like-minded organizations and programs, like the Little Rock Zoo's "Zoo for All" initiative, to help deliver the opportunity of access to more individuals and families.

Through Southern Bancorp Little Rock Community Days, the Little Rock Zoo is excited to extend special admission discounts exclusively to residents of Little Rock. As a thank-you to the people whose tax dollars help support and improve the Zoo, these special days provide an opportunity for our local community to explore and enjoy the Zoo at a reduced cost. We invite Little Rock residents to take advantage of this offer and experience the incredible wildlife, exhibits, and educational opportunities that make the Zoo a special place for everyone. The following are attributes of the program: A day once per quarter when residents of Little Rock receive a $2 admission per person

Residency proven by driver’s license, ID, or utility bill. Parking will be $1.

The Zoo will be open regular hours from 9 AM to 4 PM, with the final admission at 3:30 PM.

Dates: June 7th, 2025

September 20th, 2025

December 6th, 2025

ZOOFARI DAY CAMP

ZOOFARI DAY CAMP

Join us for a wild and fun-filled summer at Zoofari camp! Campers will experience up-close animal interactions, hands-on activities, and make new friends while learning about wildlife and conservation. Campers will be split into groups based on the following ages: 6-7, 8-9, 10-12 Activities and interactions are tailored to be age-appropriate for your camper. Every topic includes opportunities to engage directly with keepers and Zoo staff, meet animals up close, participate in special experiences not offered to the public, and ride the carousel and train!

LR RECYCLES DAY LR RECYCLES DAY

Bring your clean and dry items, and we’ll help you recycle them responsibly. Here’s what we’re accepting:

�� Documents: Secure shredding for old papers.

�� E-Waste: Anything with a power cord (except fridges and window AC units)

♻ Recyclables: #1 & #2 plastic bottles and jugs, #5 plastic tubs, cardboard, paper, aluminum & steel cans your curbside recycling staples

�� Plastic Bags & Wraps: Grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, and more stretchy plastics.

�� Glass: Clean glass containers

�� Bicycles: Old bikes in any condition.

�� Housewares: Good-condition items you’d donate to Goodwill

Stop by the East Parking Lot at the corner of Zoo Drive and Monroe between 9 AM and 12 PM to drop off your items

For questions about this event, email recycle@littlerock.gov or call (501) 371-4646.

Please Note: We only accept recyclables during designated recycling event hours. Donations left at the gate before or after these events cannot be accepted Please drop off items only during the posted times no early or late drop-offs

More information: Little Rock Recycles Day August | Little Rock Zoo

READING IN THE ROCK BOOK DRIVE

READING IN THE ROCK BOOK DRIVE

Reading in the Rock is a city and school district reading campaign. We want to increase access to books at our community centers. Bring new or gently used children's books to City Hall to be placed in community centers this summer

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the City of Little Rock’s Chief Education Officer, Jennifer Glasgow (jglasgo Books will be collected until May 30.

Follow the link below to donate today!

Donate Today

For more information: Click HERE

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Resources

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to support survivors, raise awareness, and work toward ending sexual violence in all forms. Sexual assault can impact anyone and everyone deserves access to resources, healing, and justice This resource page offers support, education, and services for all survivors. Together, we can create safer, more supportive communities for everyone.

If you have experience sexual violence of any kind in the workplace, you can report it to your supervisor or to Milton Graham, Labor and Employee Relations Manager (mrgraham@littlerock.gov).

National SexualViolence Resource Center

Find Help About Sexual Assault

What You Can Do

After Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault Services That Support Healing For Male Survivors

Connections For AbusedWomen and Children

Domestic Violence Programs

Domestic Violence Services

Ways To Help

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network)

Types of Sexual Violence

Understanding Consent

After Sexual Assault

Statistics

Office For The Prevention

DROP BOX

April ‘25

Mobile City Hall and Involvement Fair

View the photo gallery from the first Mobile City, a mayoral initiative that aims to bring city resources, services, and information to residents after City Hall operating hours

National Crimes Victims Rights Week

View the photo gallery for the press conference held for National Crime Victims Rights Week, hosted by the Center for Healing Hearts and Spirits.

#LRStrong: ReLeaf Rock Creek Trail

View the photo gallery for the April 12 ReLeaf Rock Creek Trail event, where volunteers and city leaders alike gathered to plant new trees along Rock Creek Trail

Earth Day Celebration at The Green Corner Store

View the photo gallery from the Earth Day Celebration at The Green Corner Store Earth Day was recognized on April 22 , 2025, and the celebration was held on April 19 nd th

HNP Affordable Housing Press Conference

View the photo gallery from the press conference held at one of Little Rock’s newest affordable housing units This unit is a partnership between the City of Little Rock, HUD, and AJ’s Construction

Featured Resources Financial Wellness

The downward spiral of predatory lending

Rain’s Earned Wage Access platform aims to eliminate dangerous predatory lending.

For millions of Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck, running short on cash between pay periods is a common struggle. When expenses out-pace income, many feel they have no choice but to turn to predatory payday lenders, starting a vicious cycle of high-interest debt that can be nearly impossible to escape.

At Rain, we aim to eliminate these toxic products and empower employees to thrive Rain’s Earned Wage Access platform provides a solution that allows workers to access their earned pay as they go - with no hidden fees, interest charges, or debt traps

To read the full article, Click Here

Kiwanis Park Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Tuesday, April 29th, 10:30 AM 4100 Holt St

Food Commission Press Conference

Tuesday, April 29th, 2:00 PM City Hall Rotunda

UPCOMING MEETINGS PRESS RIBBON CUTTINGS

Board Agenda Meeting

Tuesday, April 29th, 4:00 PM

City Hall

Civil Service Commission

Thursday, May 1st, 8:30 AM City Hall

Little Rock Historic District Commission May Hearing

Thursday, May 1st, 4:00 PM

City Hall

Board of Directors Meeting

Tuesday, May 6th, 6:00 PM

City Hall

Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission Virtual Meeting

Thursday, May 8th, 12:00 PM

Zoom Link Meeting ID: 225 237 946 60 Passcode: ZGP6eY

Little Rock Planning Commission May Public Hearing

Thursday, May 8th, 4:00 PM

City Hall

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