LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock city leaders got together Friday to relaunch a program focused on improving underserved parts of the city.
It's called "Project Impact," and Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said the whole focus is on beautifying neighborhoods, reducing crime and connecting neighbors to resources.
Scott said they're focusing extra attention on historically forgotten areas, especially south of Interstate 630 and Interstate 30.
"We've done a good job," Scott said. "However, we want to do greater."
Little Rock first launched Project Impact in 2022, and now they're bringing it back and focusing on Wards 1, 2, 6 and 7.
"Particularly in the neighborhoods of Stevens, Goodwill, Faith, Hope and Love," Scott said.
Several city departments are involved in the project.
"You're going to see more work in addition to what already goes on from our parks department, code enforcement department, public works department and public safety," Scott said.
Terahn Cooney with the city said Project Impact will further enhance what the 12th Street Corridor Project started several years ago.
"We have the police department going out and not only patrolling, but also with abandoned cars that are on the street," Cooney said. "The police department handles that. We have [the] fire department going out checking smoke detectors. We're checking on our elderly. We're getting lots cleaned up."
William Graves works in the area and said it needs love and attention.
"It's a whole lot of areas that we need help," Graves said.
Graves said he hopes this project will bring more of the community together to accomplish the same goal.
"It shouldn't be a competition thing," Graves said. "We need to band together as one community and clean up each community as we go back."
Cooney said Project Impact would provide the communities with resources and urged them to take advantage of them.
"As the constituents, please use these resources," Cooney said. "We're here to show you what else the city does because we do care. We do want you to have the same quality of life as somewhere else."
Once they feel they've helped people in one spot, they will move on to the next.
"There's no community without unity, but more importantly, there's no unity without intentionality," Scott said.
The city is looking for volunteers to help out with project impact. Click here if you'd like to help.