More than 1,000 municipal officials, department heads, mayors, council members, and city employees from across Arkansas are attending the 92nd Annual Arkansas Municipal League Convention now underway in North Little Rock.
The convention, themed “Rooted, Resilient and Rising,” continues through June 19 at the Statehouse Convention Center and Little Rock Marriott.
Representatives from more than 200 Arkansas cities and towns are participating in the 3-day event. Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow, president of the Arkansas Municipal League, and Beebe City Clerk-Treasurer Carol Westergren, the organization’s incoming president, are helping lead convention activities.
General sessions are focusing on some of the most important issues facing Arkansas communities, including housing challenges, economic development, municipal waste management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and government transparency.
Municipal leaders are also taking part in certification and professional development programs through the Arkansas Civic Education Program. Additional training sessions are being offered for city treasurers and municipal finance officers.
ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations covered the convention Wednesday, with CEO and General Manager Bob Connell interviewing state and local leaders from communities across Arkansas.
Arkansas Municipal League Executive Director Mark Hayes said the convention provides a unique opportunity for local leaders to learn from one another.
“We do this twice a year, and it’s really the only time that you can have all municipal decision-makers in one place,” Hayes said. “What worked in Monette might work in Black Rock, and it might work in Searcy. When you share those kinds of ideas, cities and towns just get better.”
Incoming Arkansas Municipal League President and Beebe City Clerk-Treasurer Carol Westergren said city clerks and treasurers play a critical role in local government.
“Everything runs through the city clerk’s office,” Westergren said. “We’re responsible for maintaining official documents and preserving the history of our communities. City clerks and treasurers play a vital role in helping move our cities forward.”
Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade encouraged more elected officials to attend future conventions.
“We need more council members and other elected officials to attend because this convention helps you better understand your role and responsibilities and what you’re supposed to be doing for your community,” Kincade said.
Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson praised the convention’s value to local leaders.
“This is one of the best events in the state when it comes to conferences for elected officials,” Anderson said. “Anyone involved in city government, or anyone interested in helping cities and towns be their best, can benefit from attending.”
Clinton Mayor Richard McCormac said the convention provides practical information that city leaders can immediately take home and use.
“It’s one of the greatest opportunities for elected officials,” McCormac said. “If you have a legal question, chances are you’ll find an answer here this week. It’s cutting-edge information, and you can go home feeling a lot smarter than when you arrived.”
Searcy Mayor Mat Faulkner highlighted the spirit of cooperation among Arkansas cities.
“What’s really exciting about the Municipal League is the collaboration among cities,” Faulkner said. “Every mayor, council member, and city attorney I’ve talked with is willing to be an open book and share ideas. Whatever is good for our cities is good for the entire state.”
Author, coach, and motivational speaker Jason Curry is delivering keynote presentations centered on leadership, resilience, and success.
More than 120 vendors and sponsors are exhibiting products, services, technology solutions, and resources designed to help cities and towns better serve their residents.
The convention will conclude Thursday with the adoption of the League’s Policies and Goals statement, recognition of municipal leaders from across Arkansas, and the announcement of officers for the coming year.
Founded in 1934, the Arkansas Municipal League serves as the statewide advocacy organization for Arkansas cities and towns.
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