Clinton School student Mark Lienhart spent the last six months researching best practices and conducting a needs assessment on River Market programming and events for the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Lienhart produced a report with recommendations for the direction of future programming and uses of the River Market District in downtown Little Rock.
The report recommended ways to attract a diverse group of individuals to the city’s core for a variety of different community programming and events. The project consisted of traditional best practices research, surveys and other tools to help grow and expand the River Market’s programming.
“The area has tremendous potential for growth and expansion to take our city to the next level, and it is my hope that this study will be a catalyst for this growth to continue to take place,” said Lienhart, a native of North Little Rock.
The recommendations from the collected information come in the form of ideas for growth and cultural events to supplement the already healthy programming of the area, he said.
“We are excited to implement some of the ideas and programs as a result of this research,” said Jim Rice, chief operating officer of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The project is the final component of the fieldwork portion of the Master of Public Service degree program. Lienhart will graduate in May.
Lienhart has previously worked with the Mossy Foot Treatment and Prevention Association in Ethiopia and Arkansas Literacy Councils during his time at the Clinton School.
Responses