The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Partners With Neighbors to Improve the District

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), located approximately 3 miles west of the state capital's downtown, is surrounded by postwar neighborhoods that were among the city's most desirable housing and commercial areas in the 1970s and 1980s. At the beginning of that period, in 1969, Little Rock University merged with the state university system to become UALR. As public investment and private development focused in the city's western suburbs and, later, in the downtown business district, the once-vibrant University District experienced years of decline and was no longer considered a desirable place to live or an important part of the city's economic vitality. By the early 2000s, UALR was preparing a three-part growth plan, including a master plan for the campus and an initiative to enhance its teaching, research, and public service programs. Those plans acknowledged that a third component was necessary to sustain the university's growth: the revitalization of the surrounding neighborhoods through committed efforts to engage area residents and businesses.

In 2004, the university convened an array of stakeholders, including neighborhood associations, private companies, nonprofit organizations, the city, and the school district, and provided funding and staff for the cooperative planning effort. Three years later, this effort generated a revitalization strategy to improve housing and neighborhood infrastructure, support cultural diversity, and improve the natural environment and residents' quality of life. The newly created University District Partnership would oversee the implementation of revitalization efforts that focus on three priority programs: developing affordable housing for renters and owners, raising the quality of the area's public schools, and improving public safety.

The partnership established the University District Development Corporation (UDDC) in 2008 as a separate nonprofit to facilitate affordable housing and neighborhood improvements. The university provided office space on its campus for UDDC, which both deepened UALR's role as a University District anchor institution and offered the nonprofit ready access to the university's colleges, departments, and other resources. However, two major downturns in the national economy slowed UDDC's planned housing developments. UDDC was created as the deepening Great Recession made financing for housing development scarce and expensive. Nevertheless, UDDC survived these lean years, using the time to continue planning and strengthening its community relationships. UDDC also conducted a capital campaign, hired staff, and built its internal capacity as well as that of the neighborhood associations within the University District. Although supply chain disruptions, worker shortages, and increased material costs during the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its developments, UDDC was able to adapt to the changing circumstances. For example, as both the developer and contractor for its projects, UDDC could order materials months before construction crews needed them.

Despite these challenges, UDDC has made progress on multiple housing programs. UDDC has constructed seven houses and renovated four others under its First-Time Homebuyer program, which attracts new homeowners to the University District and helps them secure a financial asset. These houses are available for purchase by households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income who have not financed another home within the previous 3 years. The program offers closing cost and downpayment assistance of up to $20,000 and reduces the purchase price. The city of Little Rock finances the program with funds from HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships Program. UDDC also funds improvements for homeowners who are over age 55 or are living with a disability and earn no more than 80 percent of the area median income. This assistance, funded through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas' Special Needs Assistance Program, has supported more than 30 homeowners with accessibility improvements, heating and ventilation repairs, and roof replacements. UDDC also offers houses for sale at affordable prices without income restrictions to attract middle-income residents to the University District. Other UDDC housing programs address rental housing. Preparatory work began during the COVID pandemic, when UDDC received several grants from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas' Partnership Grant Program to help cover operational and administrative expenses and predevelopment costs. UDDC began renovating the first four houses in its rental program in 2023.

UDDC also has participated in other neighborhood projects to improve University District residents' quality of life and sense of place, such as the Healthy Initiative program. UDDC supports the Oak Forest Community Garden, which was established on city-owned land in 1994 using a portion of a $1 million HUD grant to UALR for neighborhood revitalization. Beginning in 2016, UDDC secured funds to refurbish the garden and add a pavilion, raised garden beds, and tools. The garden employs organic growing methods and offers communal rows, a youth section, and a greenhouse. Fruit and nut trees provide additional healthy food options for the gardeners, community food banks, and farmers' markets. A rose arbor beautifies the green space that has become a gathering place for the community. Colocated with the garden is the University District Farmers' Market, which operates through the summer offering locally and regionally grown vegetables and fruits as well as advice on purchasing and cooking healthy food. Healthy cooking is also a focus of UDDC's Garden to Grill Health Awareness Class, which addresses increasing physical activity, managing mental and emotional stresses, and developing healthier habits as well. In addition, UDDC's Healthy Initiative program includes the annual University District Health/Wellness Fair, where residents learn to identify health risks and develop habits to improve health. Fair attendees can complete health assessments and receive a 1-year gym membership to promote healthy activities.