February 2026 Meeting Minutes

Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA)

General Meeting Minutes

Date: February 2026

Location: CALS Williams Library

Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

Call to Order, Introductions & Quorum (6:00 PM)

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM. A quorum was present.

Officers Present:

• Brittany Nichols (President)

• Lindsey Boerner (Vice President)

• Kathy Wells (Treasurer)

• Kristena Merritt (Secretary)

Attendance: Approximately 33 participants

Committee Reports (6:10 PM)

Executive Committee

• Membership Update: 46 current paying members.

• Financial Update: Treasurer’s report to be added.

• Committee Chair Appointments for 2026:

  • Historic Preservation Committee: Kathy Wells, Chair

  • Safe & Clean Streets Committee: Justin, Chair; Crystal, Co‑Chair

  • Outreach Committee (Memberships, Communications, Events): Kristena Merritt, Chair

  • Ad Hoc By‑Laws Review Committee: Lindsey Boerner, Chair

Downtown Master Plan Update (Brittany Nichols)

• Public input meeting announced for February 9 regarding the I‑30 Deck Park.

Historic Preservation Committee

• Ongoing discussions with the Quapaw Quarter Association director regarding demolition‑by‑neglect remedies.

Safe & Clean Streets Committee

• Beyond the Divide Project: Activities underway along Historic 9th Street.

• Broadway West 9th Street Revitalization Project:

  • Partners include Our Little Rock, Studio Main, and Dreamland.

  • Focus on revitalizing public space and beautification.

  • Support from BetterBlock and Stantec.

  • Community input and event organizers are being solicited.

• 9th Street Clean‑Up: Feb. 7th Saturday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM; sidewalk cleanup effort.

• Next Committee Meeting: February 18 at 6:30 PM at Southern Tail (to be shared on Facebook).

Outreach Committee

• New committee established to support memberships, communications, and events.

By‑Laws Review Committee

• Lindsey reported the committee will meet in mid‑March.

Old Business (6:45 PM)

2026 SoMardi Gras Parade

• Event held with a final cost approximately $60 over budget.

New Business (7:00 PM)

Neighborhood Announcements

• SoMa: Friday SoMa After Dark continuation discussed.

• Math on Main: Potential crosswalk art installation prior to the event.

• Dunbar Neighborhood:

  • Lecture on February 11 at Union Church focused on the heritage of the Dunbar Neighborhood.

  • CALS continues to host related programming.

Pick Up for a Pint

• Potential partnerships with Moody Brews and Bark Bar.

• Crystal Boerner highlighted her business, MetroGnome.

  • Crystal is recognized as a certified Community Service Learning partner, so she can provide service learning opportunities for students needing volunteer hours for school.

Downtown Little Rock Partnership (DLRP)

• Second Friday Art Night with approximately 11 participating venues.

• Chloe serves as chair and introduced a new biking/walking map.

• ART BLOCK Party planned; portions of the block will be closed.

• Recommended route along Main Street.

• Scavenger hunt planned for the month.

• Friday, February 13 noted as a particularly active evening downtown.

Additional Announcements

• Early Voting Starts: Feb 17th

• Voter Information: arklect.com; “Let’s Get Digital” materials forthcoming.

• Community Events:

  • Barton Coliseum Big Buck Classic / Shriners Hospital Chili Cook‑Off.

• Downtown Little Rock Projects:

  • Follow‑up requested regarding commitments from Gorman & Company (Paris Towers).

  • City officials encouraged to attend future meetings.

• Transportation & Mobility:

  • Pedal Party planned for Valentine’s Day.

• Health & Research:

  • UAMS focus group held February 12 on grocery store access.

  • Mobile grocery store initiative underway; vehicle currently being retrofitted and viewable near UALR / Big Lots.

• Civic Engagement:

  • Rock Academy returning; Lindsey has signed up.

  
  

Adjournment (7:30 PM)

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM.

Upcoming Meetings

• March 5: Potluck at The Nest (SoMa)

• April 2: CALS Williams Library Meeting Room