Little Rock leaders tout record 380,000 jobs, Port of Little Rock eyes larger projects after mega-site certification

At a Little Rock Regional Chamber event, city and county officials said the Little Rock metropolitan area now counts 380,000 jobs and highlighted recent Port of Little Rock growth, including certification of a 900-plus-acre mega site they said will help attract large industrial projects. Speakers described infrastructure investments and public‑private partnerships as central to sustaining the region’s momentum.

"Today, we celebrate a remarkable moment for our city and region," Nat Lee, 2025 chairman of the Little Rock Regional Chamber and president and CEO of the Arkansas Democrat‑Gazette, said at the event, framing the announcements as the result of coordinated efforts across government and business.

The milestone matters because local leaders said it signals both current strength and potential for more growth. Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said the city and regional partners have invested in infrastructure and workforce supports that make Little Rock competitive when companies evaluate sites. "This milestone is about innovation. It's about investment and intentionality," the mayor said, noting the city board of directors has invested in the Port of Little Rock.

Jay Cheshire, president and CEO…