August 2026 Meeting Minutes

General Meeting Minutes – August 8, 2026

Location: The New Deal Studio

Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Committee Reports

Executive Committee

Membership Update

DNA currently has 59 dues-paying members, with nine members required for quorum.

• Business Members: 15 of 25-member goal

• Individual Members: 44 of 50-member goal

Financial Update

Members discussed the Back-to-School Haircuts initiative and whether members would be interested in contributing matching funds.

• Checking Account: $300.96

• PayPal: $870.33

• Total Balance: $1,170.29

Officer Updates

Downtown Master Plan Implementation Group

• Two implementation groups have met since June.

• The Bezos Earth Fund Award was discussed.

• DNA plans to invite Rev. Dr. Couch to speak with members about public engagement. The presentation will also provide information about the Parks Conservancy.

Google Data Center Meeting

• Britney, DNA president, attended a meeting at the Chamber with representatives from Google, including the company's public affairs director.

• Limited information was provided beyond examples from other communities.

• The president will share any relevant information that becomes available.

I-30 Deck Park Community Advisory Board

• No updates have been received.

Downtown Little Rock Partnership Board

• DNA members are volunteering at the Food Truck Festival on Sunday, September 20, from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

National Night Out

• National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6.

• Officers will discuss whether DNA will participate at their next meeting.

Outreach Committee

Fourth of July DNA Potluck Brunch & Children's Parade

Members reviewed the Fourth of July event at The Empress and the Children's Parade to the Governor's Mansion.

The event was considered a great success, with approximately 70–80 participants and many former DNA members attending. There was an abundance of food, and the sprinkler was a successful addition to the event.

The competitive parasol activity was less successful. Members agreed that the brunch should be extended in length for next year's event.

2nd Friday Art Night

The Outreach Committee continues to participate in 2nd Friday Art Night with face painting.

Future of the DNA Facebook Group

Members discussed concerns that the Facebook group is losing focus.

Suggestions included:

• Pinning important posts and reposting key information.

• Creating a more controlled membership process for the existing group.

• Creating a new, more controlled group for DNA members and neighborhood-focused discussion, while transitioning the existing group into a public forum for broader community engagement. 

Historic Preservation Committee

Section 106 Revisions

Kathy Wells, DNA Treasurer and Historic Preservation Committee Chair, proposed members accept the committee’s letter against proposed revisions to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Rachel made a motion to accept the letter. Rip seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Safe & Clean Streets Committee

Beyond the Divide

A financial report was provided. Twenty businesses have been activated as part of the initiative.

A feasibility study is underway to explore a potential Phase 2.

10th Street One-Way Pop-Up

Members reviewed the 10th Street one-way pop-up project.

Next Neighborhood Cleanup

The next cleanup will be held in collaboration with Keep Dunbar Beautiful, with a tentative date in November 2026.

The committee is working to secure a dumpster. The goal is to hold four cleanups each year, covering the four quadrants of DNA's service area.

Halloween Block Party

A Halloween block party is being planned for the Governor's Mansion District on Charles Bussey Avenue from 5–9 p.m.

The event is intended to help alleviate congestion and participation at the existing block party across the street.

By-Laws Review Committee (Ad Hoc)

No report.

Old Business

Data Center Ordinance Proposal

Members continued discussion of the proposed data center ordinance at the City Board and County Council levels.

New Business

Neighborhood Announcements & Upcoming Events

SoMa Infinity Day

SoMa Infinity Day will be held Saturday at The Bernice Garden from 6–9:30 p.m.

A vow renewal/wedding ceremony is scheduled for 8:08 p.m.

Members also noted the need to follow up regarding promotional cards for the event.

Upcoming Meetings

• September 3: General Meeting & Quarterly Potluck

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.