HomeMy WebLinkAbout16999 1 RESOLUTION NO. 16,999
2
3 A RESOLUTION TO DECLARE A HOUSING CRISIS IN THE CITY OF
4 LITTLE ROCK,ARKANSAS; AFFIRMING THE CITY'S COMMITMENT
5 TO EXPANDING ACCESS TO SAFE, QUALITY, AND ATTAINABLE
6 HOUSING; TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LITTLE
7 ROCK HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUND; AND FOR OTHER
8 PURPOSES.
9
10 WHEREAS,access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential to the health, safety,economic
11 mobility,and overall well-being of residents of the City of Little Rock,Arkansas("City");and
12 WHEREAS, rising housing costs, limited housing supply,and aging housing stock continue to create
13 barriers for individuals and families seeking stable housing opportunities; and
14 WHEREAS,many households in Little Rock are cost-burdened and spend a disproportionate share of
15 their income on housing,which limits their ability to meet other basic needs and achieve financial stability;
16 and
17 WHEREAS,there have been approximately 730 evictions in Pulaski County from January 1,2026,to
18 February 21,2026,with many of them originating in Little Rock; and
19 WHEREAS,there is a shortage of affordable housing and rental assistance that has forced many
20 residents into the streets and out of the city of Little Rock;and
21 WHEREAS, the availability of affordable and workforce housing is critical to workforce attraction
22 and retention,neighborhood stability,economic growth,and long-term community resilience;and
23 WHEREAS, housing instability contributes to increase the risks related to homelessness, health
24 disparities,educational disruptions,and public safety challenges; and
25 WHEREAS, City's Board of Directors approved of the establishment of the Little Rock Housing
26 Assistance Program Fund ("Fund") with Little Rock, Ark. Resolution No. 16,888 (December 2, 2025) in
27 order to leverage public, private, and philanthropic partnerships, increase housing production, preserve
28 existing housing,and expand pathways to homeownership;and
29 WHEREAS, collaboration with nonprofit organizations, developers, financial institutions,
30 community-based organizations, and regional partners is necessary to address the full scope of housing
31 needs; and
32 WHEREAS,local governments across the nation have recognized housing affordability and supply as
33 urgent challenges requiring coordinated policy and investment strategies;and
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1 WHEREAS, the City Board of Directors seeks to take proactive and coordinated action to expand
2 housing opportunities for residents across all income levels and strengthen long-term housing stability.
3 NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY
4 OF LITTLE ROCK,ARKANSAS:
5 Section 1. The City of Little Rock hereby declares that the City is experiencing a housing crisis and
6 recognizes the urgent need for coordinated and sustained action to address housing affordability,
7 availability,and quality.
8 Section 2. The City will prioritize policies and investments that support housing production,
9 preservation,and rehabilitation,including efforts that address workforce housing,affordable rental housing,
10 and pathways to homeownership.
11 Section 3.The City will support the implementation of the Little Rock Housing Trust Fund and related
12 governance structures to leverage public, private,and philanthropic resources.
13 Section 4. Severability. In the event any title, section, paragraph, item, sentence, clause, phrase, or
14 word of this resolution is declared or adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration or
15 adjudication shall not affect the remaining portions of the resolution which shall remain in full force and
16 effect as if the portion so declared or adjudged invalid or unconstitutional were not originally a part of the
17 resolution.
18 Section 5. Repealer. All laws, ordinances,resolutions, or parts of the same that are inconsistent with
19 the provisions of this resolution are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
20 PASSED: March 17,2026
21 ATTEST: APPROVED:
22
23 2La1 At4.4. _�L tip
24 Shaqueena McDowell,Deputy City Clerk Frank Scott,Jr.,Mayor
25 APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
26
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27 lArVLt-eti '"l'
28 Thomas M. Carpenter,City Atto ney
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