Little Rock operates under a city manager/board of directors form of government. An 11-member board of directors—elected on a non-partisan basis for staggered four-year terms—employs the manager to supervise the daily operations of the city. In 1995 Little Rock installed its first elected mayor, who also serves on the board of directors. The following year Little Rock decentralized many of its city services in an effort to make them more responsive to residents' needs. A newly formed ward system placed planning and development responsibilities in the hands of neighborhood organizations.
The city appointed its first African American police chief in 2000. Chief Lawrence Johnson had a difficult tenure, however. According to The New York Times, the Fraternal Order of Police accused Johnson of being unresponsive to the needs of officers and of showing favoritism toward African American officers. He, in turn, criticized city leaders for a lack of support for the department and the community. On January 1, 2005, Johnson stepped down from his position, stating that his decision was part of his plan to retire after five years and not an outcome of his frustration with officials.
Head Officials: Mayor Jim Dailey (NP) (since 1995) and City Manager Bruce Moore
Total Number of City Employees: 2,058 (2003)
City Information: Little Rock City Hall, 500 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72201; telephone (501)371-4510; email slangley@littlerock.state.ar.us