SoMa 501 Welcomes New Board Members and Adopts Ambitious FY 2026/27 Work Plan

As SoMa 501 prepares for another year of community building, economic development, and placemaking, the organization is pleased to welcome new leadership, recognize outgoing board members, and announce the adoption of its FY 2026/27 Work Plan.

Thank You to Our Outgoing Board Members

First and foremost, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Keri Fishburn and Katherine Snyder as they conclude their service on the SoMa 501 Board of Directors.

Katherine has dedicated many years of service to SoMa 501, serving in numerous leadership and volunteer roles throughout her tenure. Most recently, she served as Secretary of the Board and has been an active member of the STEAM Committee, helping guide the growth of educational programming and partnerships that have become a hallmark of the organization. Katherine's steady leadership, institutional knowledge, and commitment to the district have left a lasting impact on SoMa.

We also want to recognize Keri Fishburn for her tremendous contributions over the past three years. Keri most recently served as Vice President of the Board and previously chaired the Events Committee. During her service, she played a pivotal role in the growth and evolution of some of SoMa's signature events, including SoMardi Gras, SoMa Pride, and Fiesta en SoMa. Keri has dedicated countless volunteer hours to planning, logistics, fundraising, and event execution. Her tireless work ethic and passion for the neighborhood have helped shape many of the experiences residents and visitors enjoy today.

While we will miss their leadership at the board table, we are incredibly grateful for their service and know they will continue to be valued members of the SoMa community.

Welcoming New Board Members

Beginning July 1, SoMa 501 welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors.

Christopher Tyler Burks, Ph.D., MPA is an assistant professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he teaches political science, public administration, and nonprofit management. He is also an instructor in the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium's Certified Public Manager program and the founder of Urban Analysis, a consulting firm focused on policy, planning, and civic innovation. His background in urban policy, nonprofit management, transportation policy, zoning reform, and Complete Streets initiatives will bring valuable perspective to SoMa's work in economic vitality, walkability, public space, and long-term district planning.

Sarah Thomas, MBA, MPH is a wellness leader, author, advocate, and community connector whose work focuses on accessible and inclusive health practices. She is the founder of 365 Yoga Dream and MS Dreams, initiatives focused on making wellness and mobility resources more accessible, particularly for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis. She is also the author of Chair Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Pain, a certified Health and Wellness Lifestyle Coach through Emory University, President of Women+ in Technology of Central Arkansas, and Program Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Programs at The Venture Center. Sarah's experience in public health, inclusive wellness, strategic partnerships, and community leadership will be a meaningful asset to SoMa 501.

They join a dedicated working board that includes Angelia Johnson, Phil Brandon, Juli Brandenberger, Nathan Miller, Tricia Bean, Sarah Ann Bost, Arlton Lowry, Angela Sortor, and Amanda DiPippa.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris and Sarah to the board,” said Elizabeth Michael, Executive Director of SoMa 501. “Both bring unique expertise and a deep commitment that will strengthen our work as we continue to grow SoMa as Little Rock’s most welcoming, walkable, and creative communities.”

2025 highlights

The Annual Meeting also highlighted SoMa’s impact in 2025, including more than 32,000 event attendees and an estimated $3,746,705 in economic impact generated through district programming and events.

Looking Ahead: FY 2026/27

The Board recently adopted an ambitious work plan focused on the Main Street Four Point Approach: Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality.

Organization

The Organization Committee focuses on building a strong and sustainable foundation for the district. Priorities for the coming year include expanding volunteer leadership, strengthening board development and succession planning, increasing sponsorship and fundraising efforts, improving volunteer management systems, maintaining Main Street America accreditation, and growing partnerships throughout the community.

One major focus area will be recruiting additional volunteer leadership, including a volunteer manager, to help support the organization's growing portfolio of projects and events. In 2025 alone, more than 220 volunteers contributed their time and talents to SoMa initiatives.

Promotion

The Promotion Committee is responsible for marketing the district and creating reasons for people to visit SoMa.

In FY 2026/27, the committee will continue producing signature events including SoMardi Gras, SoMa Pride, SoMa After Dark, the Main Street Mile, Small Business Saturday, and other special activations throughout the year. The committee will also oversee expansion of the SoMa Co-Op Advertising Program, management of the SoMa Scene newsletter, public relations efforts, tourism promotion, and district branding initiatives.

The committee will continue building Math on Main, a year-long series that combines math, art, education, and placemaking through community events such as Infinity Day and Fibonacci Day.

Design

The Design Committee focuses on the physical appearance and experience of the district.

Projects planned for FY 2026/27 include beautification efforts, public art installations, wayfinding improvements, maintenance of existing art assets, and implementation of projects designed to improve walkability and encourage slower traffic through the neighborhood.

Highlighted projects include the Infinity Day Crosswalk, the Fibonacci Mural, the "We Are SoMa" mural, the SoMa Bench, public art maintenance, landscaping improvements, and continued collaboration with the Quapaw Quarter Community Improvement District on beautification initiatives.

Economic Vitality

The Economic Vitality Committee focuses on helping businesses start, grow, and thrive in SoMa.

The committee will continue recruiting new businesses, supporting existing merchants, promoting available properties, and strengthening communication through SoMa BAM (Business and Merchants). This year will also see the return of the SoMa Mini-Grant Program, featuring grants for exterior business improvements and community activations.

Additional priorities include entrepreneurship support, economic impact tracking, and exploration of a temporary retail container project that would provide low-cost opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and small businesses to test concepts in SoMa before investing in a permanent storefront.

The committee will also continue advocating for thoughtful development and investment that strengthens the district while preserving the character and creativity that make SoMa unique.

Building SoMa Together

As we look ahead to FY 2026/27, we remain committed to creating a vibrant, welcoming, and economically strong district while preserving the unique character that makes SoMa special.

If you're interested in volunteering, serving on a committee, sponsoring a project, or getting involved in the future of the neighborhood, we'd love to hear from you.

Together, we're building something special.

“SoMa has grown tremendously over the past 20 years, and we’re just getting started,” Michael said. “With strong leadership, community support, and a clear strategic framework, we’re positioned for our most impactful years yet.”