LITTLE ROCK – Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. on Thursday announced the creation of two new task forces charged with addressing distinct issues that impact the quality of life and place in the state’s Capital City.

Mayor Scott established the Downtown Density Task Force and the Food Deserts Task Force, each to be led by a member of the Little Rock Board of Directors.

The Downtown Density Task Force, chaired by At-Large Director Antwan Phillips, will convene to offer strategies and goals related to land use issues downtown. The group is expected to evaluate short-term and long-term parking needs as well as residential and commercial development in Little Rock’s urban core.

The Food Deserts Task Force, chaired by Vice Mayor Kathy Webb, has been asked to identify how to eliminate food deserts within Little Rock. Food deserts are neighborhoods or communities that have limited or no access to affordable, fresh food.

“As I begin my second term in office, it’s our priority to make Little Rock a catalyst for the new South and address the issues that affect the quality of life for all our residents,” Mayor Scott said. “First and foremost, our neighborhoods need to be safe. After that, we must adequately and effectively plan for growth and development, and we must ensure that we can meet the most basic of all needs by tending to those who are hungry. These task forces will move us in the right direction.”

In addition to Director Phillips, the Downtown Density Task Force members are:

Gillian Gullett, Clinton School of Public Service

Stephanie Jackson, The Design Group

Hank Kelley, Kelley Commercial Partners

Jimmy Moses, Moses Tucker Partners

Kasey Summerville, Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau

Carol Worley, Downtown Little Rock Partnership

“I’m excited to be a part of the strategic planning for Downtown Little Rock,” Director Phillips said. “Great things are happening downtown and we must continue the effort to create the downtown scene that is fitting for a capital city. Right now, there is potential for more density and activity to make an even-more thriving downtown. To accomplish this change, changes are needed. I’m happy to partner with other dedicated citizens in an effort to create a better downtown Little Rock.”

In addition to Vice Mayor Webb, the Food Deserts Task Force members are:

Barrett Allen, University District Partnership

Kenya Eddings, Arkansas Minority Health Commission

Marq Golden, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Charity Hallman, Hope Credit Union

Rhonda Kimble, resident

Kimberly Lee, resident

Gary Proffitt, Edwards Food Giant

Caleb Walker, Southern Bancorp

“Every Little Rock resident deserves easy and affordable access to fresh and nutritious food, and it’s our goal as a Task Force to identify tangible ways to eliminate food deserts in our city,” Vice Mayor Webb said. “I’m eager to move forward with this work along with other task force members, and, most importantly, residents of affected neighborhoods. We can find comprehensive solutions only with broad community support.”

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