Exploring Innovation in Community Development Week Kicks Off in Little Rock

Joel E. Anderson, Chancellor of UALR, Larry Sims, Mayor
of Dyess, Arkansas, and Bob Stobough, Murphy Oil Co.,
accept recognition for their innovative approaches to
community development.

More than 100 community developers, leaders and stakeholders attended Little Rock’s kick-off celebration for the inaugural Exploring Innovation in Community Development Week.  Set among beautiful views of the Arkansas River, participants from across the state gathered at the Peabody Hotel for a networking reception and awards ceremony honoring three examples of innovative community-development initiatives.

The purpose of the week was to draw national attention to innovation in the community-development industry and its important role in American life.  Events set during this week offered opportunities to learn new information, to celebrate successes and to network with other professionals and stakeholders who share a commitment to building thriving communities of all shapes and sizes.

Three innovative approaches to community development in Arkansas were honored at Monday’s event. 

The City of Dyess was recognized for "Innovation in Rural Development" for their work revitalizing public buildings as a part of their heritage-preservation–based community-development plan.  When left with an unused building after a school consolidation, Dyess saw an opportunity to create a performing-art auditorium and capitalize on their unique cultural asset as the boyhood home of Johnny Cash.  

Murphy Oil Company was recognized for "Innovation in Private Sector Involvement" for their development of the El Dorado Promise Scholarship Program, where they pledged to spend $50 million to send El Dorado Public School students to the college of their choice.  The scholarship is a key component of an overall community-development strategy that aims to bolster the local workforce, support business development and improve overall community-development indicators in El Dorado. 

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock was recognized for "Innovation in Partnerships" for their work spearheading the University District Plan and creating the University Community Development Corporation.  Identifying the critical role diverse community partners play in the success of any community-development plan, UALR has spent countless hours hosting roundtable meetings, conducting community-information sessions and fostering relationships to benefit the University corridor. 

UALR Chancellor Joel E. Anderson said the university is “grateful to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis for recognizing all the partners involved in revitalizing the University District.  Collaboration with neighborhood residents, business owners, City of Little Rock officials, legislators, the Little Rock School District and other community leaders is vital in developing this district into a thriving place to raise families, run businesses and get an education.”