The future of downtown Little Rock with Gabe Holmstrom

In this week's episode, Gabe Holmstrom, Executive Director of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership, joins Rex to provide updates on the implementation of the Downtown Little Rock Master Plan. Rex and Gabe discuss the plan's goal of attracting more residents, businesses, and developments to downtown Little Rock. Gabe highlights the challenges of achieving this, citing high construction and land costs, as well as a lack of state and city incentives for developers. Rex also asks Gabe about the impact of the failed sales tax proposal that would have funded public projects on the master plan. Gabe explains that the city is now focusing on no- or low-cost initiatives and stresses the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. Gabe and Rex agree that downtown Little Rock is undergoing significant changes, with a growing sense of vibrancy and connectivity. The two highlight several key projects, such as the expansion of the Clinton Presidential Center, new office spaces, apartments, and improvements to public areas like the Arkansas River Trail, that are making downtown more walkable and livable.  Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.