In his State of the City Address, Mayor Frank Scott Jr. outlined his vision for Little Rock, focusing on “getting back to the basics.” His key priorities include neighborhood revitalization, economic growth, public safety, infrastructure improvements, housing, financial empowerment, and streamlining city services.
Mayor Scott reaffirmed the city’s commitment to safety through a multi-pronged approach to crime prevention, including expanding community violence intervention programs and restructuring intervention street teams to focus on high-crime areas. He also addressed police staffing, highlighting the city’s efforts to fill all vacancies within the Little Rock Police Department. To further improve safety, the city will continue to use technology such as the Real-Time Crime Center, which leverages public and private security cameras to aid in crime investigations.
The Mayor declared housing a public health crisis in Little Rock. He emphasized that stable and affordable housing is essential for overall community well-being and announced several initiatives to address this issue. The city aims to add 200 affordable housing units within the next two years. In Ward 6, a new subdivision called Zion Square will feature 14 single-family homes. Additionally, a micro-home village for the homeless, is set for completion this year, along with a 75-bed transitional housing facility for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Mayor Scott highlighted the role of technology in modernizing city services. He introduced Roxie, an AI-powered chatbot set to launch this month, which will help residents navigate the city’s website and find answers to common questions. The Mayor also announced the pilot program SmartWaste, which will use GPS tracking to improve trash collection efficiency and prevent service delays.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
At a time when our rights, freedoms, and futures are under threat, Democratic Mayors are showing the nation what real leadership looks like.
