More than 750 mayors, city council members and other officials are planning to attend the Arkansas Municipal League's 2025 winter conference at the Little Rock Marriott and Statehouse Convention Center.
The "Called To Serve: '25" conference, which ends Friday, includes the following speakers and topics:
3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday: Author Doug Griffiths will share insights to help cities thrive. In his book, "13 Ways to Kill Your Community," Griffiths challenges conventional thinking about community growth and success.
4-5 p.m. Thursday: Senate Pro Tempore Bart Hester and Speaker of the House Brian Evans will talk about the partnership between the state Capitol and Arkansas municipalities. Earlier, from 9-10:15 a.m. Thursday, Arkansas Municipal League general counsel and legislative director John Wilkerson will present strategies to help municipal leaders strengthen relationships at the state Capitol.
8 a.m. Friday: Retired Judge Joyce Williams Warren, Arkansas' first Black female judge and a trailblazer in juvenile justice, will share insights from her personal journey in public service.
Topics to be covered in panel and presentation sessions Thursday include disaster preparation and recovery, as well as cybersecurity.
Speakers at the morning disaster preparation and recovery session will highlight the intricacies of disaster preparedness and recovery, provide an overview of the upcoming spring ACE Hub Disaster Preparation and Recovery series, and provide tips and templates necessary to effectively manage disaster-related efforts.
At the Thursday morning cybersecurity session, a panel will explain how large cities can secure funding and strategically allocate resources to mitigate cybersecurity risks and prepare for potential incidents. In the afternoon, speakers will focus on helping smaller cities through resources such as the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Participants will learn about the Cyber Response Board, notification procedures, Beazley insurance coverage, and effective strategies for responding to and recovering from cyber incidents.
Several awards will be presented. The Arkansas Business Publishing Group will present the 2024 Trendsetter City Awards. EngageAR will present the 2024 Volunteer Community of the Year Awards during a luncheon Thursday. The Arkansas Municipal League will present its Life Membership Award during the luncheon.
The Arkansas Municipal League is a service and advocacy organization for the municipalities in the state.