LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – City officials from across the state gathered in Little Rock this week for the Arkansas Municipal League’s annual summer conference, where the focus ranged from infrastructure and cybersecurity to what leaders are calling the “Three D’s”: Drugs, Dogs, and Drainage.
The event brought together hundreds of mayors, city council members, and municipal workers from towns, large and small. While every city faces its own unique challenges, Arkansas Municipal League Executive Director Mark Hayes said there are some problems that unite them all.
“Those three D’s—drainage, dogs, and drugs—may sound small until they land in your lap,” Hayes said. “That’s when they become the big things people call city hall about.”
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The issues may sound basic, but city leaders say they’re anything but simple. Drainage concerns are growing amid heavy rains and aging infrastructure. In Bono, Mayor Danny Shaw says flat terrain and stormwater buildup have become a constant struggle.
“We just had 3.5 inches of rain back home last night,” Shaw said. “We have to keep our drainage channels cleared out and clean so they can be flowing at 100%.”
Shaw also stressed the need for reliable funding to maintain water, sewer, and street systems. “Having the financial means to do the projects that need to be done—that’s the big challenge,” he said.
Drug issues also dominated discussion, particularly with the rise of fentanyl-related overdoses and the strain on local resources. Dardanelle City Councilman Rashad Woods said the epidemic is hitting every community.
“Drugs right now are the biggest thing we’re seeing—whether it’s in our cities or our hospitals, they’re all being affected,” Woods said. “Our police departments are amazing across the state, and we want to help support them in their initiatives.”
The last D being dog-related issues. Those ranging from animal control to overcrowded shelters remain a common challenge for municipalities working to balance public safety and community concerns.
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While the topics were serious, the conference also provided a sense of camaraderie and encouragement for those serving in public office.
“I think the biggest thing I see today is that I am not alone—we’re in a building full of me’s,” Woods added. “It’s good to collaborate, sit and eat together, and share ideas.”
Hayes said sessions also included resources for improving cybersecurity, addressing water and wastewater issues, and learning about available state and federal funding programs, and engaging the media.
“A lot of our infrastructure has really suffered over the past 50 years,” Hayes said. “Without good water, an economy dies—so it’s a huge issue for us.”
Beyond the breakout sessions and policy talks, Hayes said the most powerful part of the conference was the energy in the room.
“Nobody is doing this because they make a lot of money—they do it because they love their cities and towns and they want them to be better,” he said. “To soak that energy up—it’s an incredible feeling.”
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The Arkansas Municipal League holds its conference annually, with the goal of helping local officials connect, learn, and return home with new tools to strengthen their communities.
