Mark Stodola
Digital Divide Affects City Folks, Too
As the state rushes to address the digital divide separating urban and rural Arkansans by using federal dollars for broadband infrastructure projects, another digital divide exists within urban communities. read more >
Larry Jegley Reflects on Years as Prosecutor
As Prosecuting Attorney Larry Jegley works through a backlog of cases that developed because of COVID-19 restrictions, he’s preparing for his last 18 months in office. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Former Mayor Stodola Joins Barber Firm
This month, former Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola joined the Barber Law Firm as an “of counsel” attorney. read more >
Is Little Rock Losing Its Luster?
Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and Little Rock Regional Chamber CEO Jay Chesshir have binders full of statistics showing that economic development efforts are bearing fruit. Still, they acknowledge that Little Rock has a perception problem. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
In Little Rock, League of Cities, FCC Commissioner Talk Jobs, Broadband
The National League of Cities, meeting in Little Rock this week, releases a report on how automation is changing jobs and how cities can help the workforce adapt and prepare for job displacement. read more >
As Stodola Steps Aside, It’s Time to Rethink Schools, Governance (Blake Rutherford Commentary)
The possibility to become a bourgeoning city of the new and progressive American South rests at Little Rock's feet. It is time for our city to reach beyond its farthest branch. read more >
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Full Text of Mark Stodola’s Letter Saying He Won’t Seek Re-Election
In letter first sent Monday to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Arkansas Times, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola said he won't seek a fourth term in office. read more >
by Lance Turner -
Mark Stodola to Lead National League of Cities (Movers & Shakers)
Mark Stodola, mayor of Little Rock, was elected last month to a one-year term as president of the National League of Cities, the largest advocacy organization for cities and city leaders. read more >
‘Dear Little Rock’ Does City A Disservice (Blake Rutherford Commentary)
"What also confused me about 'Dear Little Rock' was that it professed to be an 'intervention.' Huh?" read more >
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When Little Rock Jilted Amazon: Tale of a Breakup Letter
The whirlwind week of #lovelittlerock started when Millie Ward got a call from Little Rock Regional Chamber's Jay Chesshir, who thought that while 238 cities were pitching to land Amazon, Little Rock could make some noise by saying no. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Rejecting Amazon, Little Rock Launches New Campaign
Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola says the city will not submit a bid to be home to Amazon's second North American headquarters. Instead, it has used the occasion to launch a promotional campaign called "Love, Little Rock." read more >
Stretch, Little Rock, Stretch (Natalie Ghidotti Commentary)
I’m not so bold as to believe that Little Rock will be a top contender for Amazon, even though we are certainly worthy of consideration. It’s only because Amazon was very specific about the needs for its next location — things we don’t have right now. But I get Mayor Mark Stodola’s reasoning. Dreaming big is important. read more >
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Bank of the Ozarks Formally Announces New Headquarters
Bank of the Ozarks Inc. of Little Rock, which has been planning a new headquarters in west Little Rock, joined Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola to formally announce those plans, including a timeline for construction and completion. read more >
Must Be Present to Win (Editorial)
Mayor Mark Stodola wants Little Rock to be a candidate for the location of Amazon’s second headquarters, and assuming the expense isn’t ridiculous, we can’t see the harm. And who knows? Some good might come from it. read more >
Little Rock Mayor Says City Will Vie for Amazon HQ
Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola said the city will submit a bid to be home to Amazon's second North American headquarters. read more >
by Lance Turner -
Little Rock Mayor’s Race to Highlight Rifts with State (Andrew DeMillo Analysis)
Prominent state races could be overshadowed next year by a fight over who will be the top elected official in Arkansas' capital city. read more >
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Municipal League Seeks Special Session to Collect Online Sales Tax
It may be futile, but several Arkansas cities are urging Gov. Asa Hutchinson to hold a special session to pass legislation to force out-of-state online retailers to start collecting sales taxes. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Is LR at Tipping Point After Shooting? PR Voices Weigh In
Arkansas media and public relations professionals fear that negative perceptions of the capital city are reaching a critical mass after the mass shooting at the Power Ultra Lounge downtown. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
UA Little Rock Teams with City, State Parks to Consider Football
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock says it will conduct a feasibility study "to assess whether the university should consider adding a football and marching band program." read more >
Arkansas, Little Rock Grapple for Answers After Shooting (Andrew DeMillo Analysis)
The shooting at a Little Rock nightclub has elevated what had been a local issue into a state concern. But Arkansas' governor and lawmakers are likely to find what City Hall already knew: there's no simple answer. read more >
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