Frank Scott Jr. made history in 2019 when he became Little Rock’s first elected Black mayor. Since then, he’s been working to improve the city and bring the community together.
Little Rock’s Groundbreaking Mayor: Frank Scott Jr.’s Journey
Frank Scott Jr. grew up in Southwest Little Rock. He went to Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School before heading to college. Scott got his business degree from the University of Memphis. Later, he earned an MBA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Scott’s path to becoming mayor started long before the election. He worked for Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe for five years. There, he learned a lot about how government works.
From Banking to City Leadership: Scott’s Diverse Experience
After working for the governor, Scott became a community banker at First Security Bank. But he didn’t stop serving his city and state. He joined the Port of Little Rock Board of Directors and the Arkansas Highway Commission.
These roles helped Scott understand Little Rock’s needs from different angles. This experience would prove valuable in his future role as mayor.
Historic Election: Little Rock Chooses Its First Black Mayor
In 2018, Scott ran for mayor of Little Rock. The race was close. Scott led in the first round but didn’t get enough votes to win outright. In a runoff election on December 4, he beat Baker Kurrus.
This win made Scott the first elected Black mayor of Little Rock. It was a big moment for the city. Scott took office on January 1, 2019, ready to make changes.
“Rebuild the Rock”: Scott’s Vision for Little Rock’s Future
As mayor, Scott proposed a big plan called “Rebuild the Rock.” This plan aimed to improve many parts of Little Rock. It included fixing roads, upgrading parks, and building a new senior center and sports complex.
Scott wanted to pay for these improvements with a new sales tax. However, voters didn’t approve the tax in September 2021. Despite this setback, Scott hasn’t given up. He’s still pushing for the plan.
Reelection and Continued Leadership
In 2022, Scott ran for reelection. He faced a tough challenge from local businessman Steve Landers Sr. In the end, Scott won with 50% of the vote. This showed that many Little Rock residents support his vision for the city.
Scott’s leadership hasn’t been without challenges. In April 2023, he faced criticism for using his city-owned car for campaign events. He paid a fine and moved forward, focusing on his plans for Little Rock’s future.
