2025 Biannual Report

Executive Summary

The first half of 2025 marked a dynamic period of transition and growth for the Downtown Neighborhood Association (LRDNA). Under new leadership, the Executive Committee reestablished internal systems, expanded membership, and redefined the organization’s role in civic advocacy and neighborhood partnership. Through consistent meetings, advocacy campaigns, and renewed communication practices, LRDNA has become a more visible and credible voice for downtown residents.

• Reinvigorated internal operations and documentation practices

• Strengthened public presence through sustained advocacy and civic engagement

• Achieved a 163% increase in membership since January

• Fostered partnerships across city departments, neighborhood groups, and local businesses

• Created a foundation for sustained participation in the Downtown Master Plan Implementation

Executive Committee Activity

The Executive Committee met monthly from January to May, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and revitalization.

Key accomplishments:

• Clarified officer duties and quorum policies; updated bylaws accessDeveloped and implemented policies for email, minutes, and financial reimbursements

• Established official Google Drive for document storage, agenda templates, and letterhead

• Transitioned from manual payments to digital platforms (Venmo, PayPal) for memberships and donations

• Successfully coordinated all General Meetings, securing speakers from LRPD, Planning, LRFD, and state legislature

Finance & Budget

Account	Amount
PayPal	$139.44
Arvest	$1805.73
LRSD Donations	$50
Outgoing Donations	$200

Membership & Engagement

Membership has grown from 22 members in January to 59 members by June 5, including:

• 40 individual members

• 19 business members, with significant growth in SoMa and Pettaway

Engagement milestones:

• Appointed Membership Chair (Arion Crenshaw)

• Implemented business perks (email and Facebook promotion, website recognition)

• Supported local events through volunteerism, handouts, and sponsorships

Developed membership tracking and benefits fulfillment spreadsheet

Committees & Liaisons

Standing Committees:

• Executive: Led ongoing coordination, strategic planning, and operations.

• Membership: Appointed Chair Arion Crenshaw and initiated presence at local events.

• Communications: Convened three times to align outreach and brand visibility. Implemented a Facebook moderator schedule and cleaned up post approval process. Organized official templates and increased email reach to over 200 subscribers.

• Historic Preservation: 

Emerging Committees:

• Clean & Safe Streets Committee: Forming to address public safety, transportation, and sanitation concerns, particularly in areas like Louisiana Street.

Confirmed Liaisons:

• SoMa Business Association & MacArthur Park Group: John Hedrick

• Coalition of Little Rock Neighborhoods: Rip Weaver

Advocacy & Public Policy Engagement

LRDNA has deepened its role as a voice for neighborhood advocacy, submitting letters and participating in public discussions related to zoning, safety, and development.

Key advocacy actions:

• Submitted official opposition to the redevelopment of 1516 Ringo Street

• Submitted letters addressing fire hazards and nuisance activity at 1310 Louisiana Street

• Endorsed Hillcrest Residents Association’s stance on controversial Special Use Permits

• Active monitoring of new bills and Acts affecting neighborhood integrity (e.g., Act 313 on ADUs)

• Engagement in public safety issues and forming a committee for clean and safe streets

President Nichols and Committee Chairs have facilitated connections with city officials and have kept members informed and equipped to voice their perspectives.

Events, Partnerships & Visibility

LRDNA has shown up for downtown—from streets to parades to preservation tours.

Highlights:

• Float, handouts, and volunteers in the SoMardi Gras Parade

• Citywide Cleanup Day with MetroGnome

• Sponsored MacArthur Park 5K, with members volunteering and participating

• Volunteered as tour guides for the Quapaw Quarter Tour of Homes

• Supported the “Lunch on Us” school lunch debt relief initiative

• Coordinated Civic Engagement calendar shared at meetings and through email

• Partnered with local businesses for refreshments, including Community Bakery and Moody Brews

Digital & Communication Infrastructure

• Cleaned up and actively monitor Facebook group; updated for safety, events, and reach.

• Created consistent branded templates (letterhead, agendas, welcome emails).

• Developed mass email policy: two per month maximum from the President.

• Organized Google Drive to centralize records, contacts, communications.

• Explored Zoom/Google Meet options for remote accessibility.

• Added over 200 email contacts to mailing list (up from ~40).

Downtown Master Plan Implementation

President Nichols appointed to Downtown Master Plan Implementation Group.

Participated in key implementation discussions including:

• Capitol Avenue “road diet” proposal

• River Market RFP for redevelopment

• Sensible infill priorities and heritage preservation

LRDNA advocated for:

• Increased shade and street trees to combat urban heat island effects

• Transportation options that center safety and community use

• Meaningful neighborhood representation in zoning and land use decisions

A future role for a formal LRDNA Transportation Committee is under development.

Looking Ahead: July - December 2025

The next six months will focus on action, connection, and continued growth. We’re launching new committees on Clean & Safe Streets and Transportation to help shape public safety and infrastructure priorities in our neighborhoods.

Our July 3rd meeting will be a celebration of community, and we’re planning fall outreach and a winter social to close the year on a strong note. We’ll continue to expand access to meetings, grow membership, and connect across SoMa, Pettaway, and the downtown core.

Most importantly, we’ll stay engaged in zoning and development decisions and ensure resident voices remain central as the Downtown Master Plan advances. We’re just getting started.