GOVERNMENT // Leadership
Bruce Moore - Little Rock's City Manager
by Dianna Donahue - Jun.1.2021
Father, El Dorado native, Henderson and Arkansas State University graduate, and the 2020 Mark of Excellence Award recipient of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators organization, Bruce Moore is a product and advocate of the public school system with an instinctive desire to help and advocate for the needs of people.
Through mentorship, help from his college professors, and the inquiry of a curious campus security officer, Moore found that he could be most effective with his desire to help on the local level of government, thus pursued a career in public administration. Inspired by the legendary Mahlon Martin – Little Rock's first African-American City Manager – Moore has played an intricate part in the business matters of Little Rock since the 1990s, which includes his current position as the City Manager of Little Rock.
Through mentorship, help from his college professors, and the inquiry of a curious campus security officer, Moore found that he could be most effective with his desire to help on the local level of government, thus pursued a career in public administration. Inspired by the legendary Mahlon Martin – Little Rock's first African-American City Manager – Moore has played an intricate part in the business matters of Little Rock since the 1990s, which includes his current position as the City Manager of Little Rock.
THE BEGINNING
Since childhood, Bruce Moore has been very aware of his passion for helping people, but he did not always know exactly what to do with it. He began to study the different levels of government and nonprofits. Through his studies, he realized that local government would allow him to have the most consistent, positive impact on people's daily lives, which is what he wanted.
Simultaneously, he had become a distant student of Mahlon Martin – Little Rock's first African-American City Manager and City Manager at that time. Moore would see Martin on television and in the newspaper often, so he decided to follow him and grew more inspired. With his new insight into government and inspiration from Martin, Moore chose to pursue a career as a City Manager during his undergraduate years at Henderson State University.
Shortly after shifting to his new focus, a campus security officer named Joshua Ware asked Moore what his plans were for his life. Moore shared his aspirations with Mr. Ware but did not put too much stock into the conversation. However, Mr. Ware thought it to be a good idea for Moore to talk to his son, John Ware, who was the Assistant City Manager of Austin, Texas at the time. John and Moore were able to meet during a Ware family reunion where they spent about 3 hours conversing. The insight enabled Moore to chart a course for his life and career, but his plans were deterred when his Army Reserve unit was called to Desert Storm right after he graduated from undergraduate school.
Upon returning home from the war, Moore decided to stay in Arkadelphia and work. He never lost his career aspirations and eventually enrolled in the graduate program at Arkansas State University. There he worked towards his Master's in Public Administration with an emphasis in City Management and was named the Master of Public Administration "Student of the Year" by the Arkansas City Manager's Association (ACMA). This accomplishment granted him participation in the ACMA Annual Conference and offered him an opportunity to accept an internship in public administration. While at the conference, Moore met the then Little Rock City Manager, Charles Nickerson, and informed him that he wanted to complete his graduate internship in Little Rock. Shortly after, he did.
During his internship, Moore fell in love with the City of Little Rock and its organization. He decided to apply for employment after the internship was complete. He was hired for an administrative position and later became the assistant to former Mayor Jim Dailey. From there, he was hired as the assistant to the City Manager, then became the Assistant City Manager, and finally the City Manager in December of 2002.
Since childhood, Bruce Moore has been very aware of his passion for helping people, but he did not always know exactly what to do with it. He began to study the different levels of government and nonprofits. Through his studies, he realized that local government would allow him to have the most consistent, positive impact on people's daily lives, which is what he wanted.
Simultaneously, he had become a distant student of Mahlon Martin – Little Rock's first African-American City Manager and City Manager at that time. Moore would see Martin on television and in the newspaper often, so he decided to follow him and grew more inspired. With his new insight into government and inspiration from Martin, Moore chose to pursue a career as a City Manager during his undergraduate years at Henderson State University.
Shortly after shifting to his new focus, a campus security officer named Joshua Ware asked Moore what his plans were for his life. Moore shared his aspirations with Mr. Ware but did not put too much stock into the conversation. However, Mr. Ware thought it to be a good idea for Moore to talk to his son, John Ware, who was the Assistant City Manager of Austin, Texas at the time. John and Moore were able to meet during a Ware family reunion where they spent about 3 hours conversing. The insight enabled Moore to chart a course for his life and career, but his plans were deterred when his Army Reserve unit was called to Desert Storm right after he graduated from undergraduate school.
Upon returning home from the war, Moore decided to stay in Arkadelphia and work. He never lost his career aspirations and eventually enrolled in the graduate program at Arkansas State University. There he worked towards his Master's in Public Administration with an emphasis in City Management and was named the Master of Public Administration "Student of the Year" by the Arkansas City Manager's Association (ACMA). This accomplishment granted him participation in the ACMA Annual Conference and offered him an opportunity to accept an internship in public administration. While at the conference, Moore met the then Little Rock City Manager, Charles Nickerson, and informed him that he wanted to complete his graduate internship in Little Rock. Shortly after, he did.
During his internship, Moore fell in love with the City of Little Rock and its organization. He decided to apply for employment after the internship was complete. He was hired for an administrative position and later became the assistant to former Mayor Jim Dailey. From there, he was hired as the assistant to the City Manager, then became the Assistant City Manager, and finally the City Manager in December of 2002.
INFLUENCES & INSPIRATIONS
Moore recognizes three people as the primary sources of his inspiration and influence throughout his journey to City Manager. The first person is his mother, Sarah Moore Evans, who passed two years ago, but remains a tremendous influence on how Moore has developed as a person and parent.
"My mother, Sarah Moore Evans, pretty much raised me as a single mom. She was an O-R (surgery) nurse in El Dorado. She always taught me the value of hard work and building relationships. That's been an inspiration to me to this day."
The second person that he accredits is the former City Manager of Dallas, Texas, John Ware. In a full-circle moment in his life, when Moore was Assistant City Manager, he participated in a panel discussion for the National Forum for Black Public Administrators in Dallas, Texas. The panel participants included John Ware – the man that solidified Moore's career interest. He expressed his appreciation for Ware during the forum stating:
"I shared this story to the panel: 'If it wasn't for John taking three hours out of his day that Saturday morning when he came home for his family reunion, I probably wouldn't be on this panel right now. And it was Mr. Ware, his father – the campus security guard – who started the conversation because he took the time to ask me, 'What are you doing with your life?' I share this story because you just never know!"
Moore recognizes three people as the primary sources of his inspiration and influence throughout his journey to City Manager. The first person is his mother, Sarah Moore Evans, who passed two years ago, but remains a tremendous influence on how Moore has developed as a person and parent.
"My mother, Sarah Moore Evans, pretty much raised me as a single mom. She was an O-R (surgery) nurse in El Dorado. She always taught me the value of hard work and building relationships. That's been an inspiration to me to this day."
The second person that he accredits is the former City Manager of Dallas, Texas, John Ware. In a full-circle moment in his life, when Moore was Assistant City Manager, he participated in a panel discussion for the National Forum for Black Public Administrators in Dallas, Texas. The panel participants included John Ware – the man that solidified Moore's career interest. He expressed his appreciation for Ware during the forum stating:
"I shared this story to the panel: 'If it wasn't for John taking three hours out of his day that Saturday morning when he came home for his family reunion, I probably wouldn't be on this panel right now. And it was Mr. Ware, his father – the campus security guard – who started the conversation because he took the time to ask me, 'What are you doing with your life?' I share this story because you just never know!"
Lastly, Moore acknowledged Mahlon Martin. At the time of their initial encounter during Moore's internship, Martin was the only Black person to serve as City Manager for Little Rock and had moved on to the Executive Director of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. Being members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., they bonded quickly with Moore learning much about managing a city.
"I think about him just about every day and hope I can be half as good as Mahlon was. He was a beloved leader with a great personality. He had that balance of helping people and making sure that we grew as a city and progressive community. He was a terrific man. He died too soon."
The City of Little Rock created the first Employee of the Year award in 2004 of which Moore named in honor of Mahlon Martin for his contribution to the City of Little Rock. The award is given out every April during the Employee Appreciation Luncheon and is often attended by Martin's wife, children, and grandchildren.
"I think about him just about every day and hope I can be half as good as Mahlon was. He was a beloved leader with a great personality. He had that balance of helping people and making sure that we grew as a city and progressive community. He was a terrific man. He died too soon."
The City of Little Rock created the first Employee of the Year award in 2004 of which Moore named in honor of Mahlon Martin for his contribution to the City of Little Rock. The award is given out every April during the Employee Appreciation Luncheon and is often attended by Martin's wife, children, and grandchildren.
CITY MANAGER
Moore's personal, most important goal before he became City Manager was to ensure the organization [Little Rock City Hall] reflected the diversity of the people it served. Once he became City Manager, and over his tenure, Moore aided in the evolving diversity of the organization. He believes that "when you're sitting around a decision-making table, you want diversity of ideas, thoughts, and comments. If we all look alike or think alike, you're not going to get that. […] We [the Little Rock City Hall organization] have made tremendous strides in that area, and we can't lose focus on it. We can't rest on our laurels and say, 'We've [always] done it that way' because things constantly change."
Moore has kept this same perspective during the entirety of his career, especially when approaching and addressing the city's concerns. He understands that the diversity within the organization reflects the levels of diversity within Little Rock and how important it is for its citizens to know of the organization's information and resources. He reflected on the numerous times someone had expressed a need for a resolution that already exists or existed but was not utilized.
"I think that we must be able, as a city, to provide resources to the entire community. Especially those that are underserved. I have learned in my tenure that we might have the resources available, and certain sectors of our community just don't know about it. We have to do a better job of ensuring that not only are we providing resources but that the underserved and underprivileged understand that these resources are available."
Moore's desire to become City Manager was always underlined by his desire to see the city grow, and he understands that starts with the citizens. He believes that public safety, maintaining our neighborhood infrastructure and quality of life, and economic development, are the key components of a growing city. He also believes that growing equitably is an inclusive component, as well.
He observed how other cities have grown and thrived through an equity lens and believes Little Rock's recent and future development agenda reflects upward movement as every ward in Little Rock is represented with a new zoning item. For Moore, this translates as growth for Little Rock, but he acknowledges there is still work to be done.
"If a city is laser-focused and centered on those four critical areas, we're going to grow, but we have to grow equitably. […] Equity is a key component of how this city operates, and it's not easy to get individuals to look through those equity lenses. But we have to stay focused on ensuring that the resources are available and that individuals know that the resources are available. If we are failing at that, it's our responsibility to do a better job. And that's why I continue to do the work."
Moore's personal, most important goal before he became City Manager was to ensure the organization [Little Rock City Hall] reflected the diversity of the people it served. Once he became City Manager, and over his tenure, Moore aided in the evolving diversity of the organization. He believes that "when you're sitting around a decision-making table, you want diversity of ideas, thoughts, and comments. If we all look alike or think alike, you're not going to get that. […] We [the Little Rock City Hall organization] have made tremendous strides in that area, and we can't lose focus on it. We can't rest on our laurels and say, 'We've [always] done it that way' because things constantly change."
Moore has kept this same perspective during the entirety of his career, especially when approaching and addressing the city's concerns. He understands that the diversity within the organization reflects the levels of diversity within Little Rock and how important it is for its citizens to know of the organization's information and resources. He reflected on the numerous times someone had expressed a need for a resolution that already exists or existed but was not utilized.
"I think that we must be able, as a city, to provide resources to the entire community. Especially those that are underserved. I have learned in my tenure that we might have the resources available, and certain sectors of our community just don't know about it. We have to do a better job of ensuring that not only are we providing resources but that the underserved and underprivileged understand that these resources are available."
Moore's desire to become City Manager was always underlined by his desire to see the city grow, and he understands that starts with the citizens. He believes that public safety, maintaining our neighborhood infrastructure and quality of life, and economic development, are the key components of a growing city. He also believes that growing equitably is an inclusive component, as well.
He observed how other cities have grown and thrived through an equity lens and believes Little Rock's recent and future development agenda reflects upward movement as every ward in Little Rock is represented with a new zoning item. For Moore, this translates as growth for Little Rock, but he acknowledges there is still work to be done.
"If a city is laser-focused and centered on those four critical areas, we're going to grow, but we have to grow equitably. […] Equity is a key component of how this city operates, and it's not easy to get individuals to look through those equity lenses. But we have to stay focused on ensuring that the resources are available and that individuals know that the resources are available. If we are failing at that, it's our responsibility to do a better job. And that's why I continue to do the work."
MILESTONES
Little Rock City Manager, Bruce Moore, received the 2020 Mark of Excellence Award from the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA). The award is presented to an African American public administrator who has achieved extraordinary success in public management while demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to the community. He has assisted in several city campaigns and projects over his tenure, including those developments that promote economic growth in all sections of the city.
In 2011, he assisted with the Little Rock Citizen Evaluation of New Tax (LRCent) initiative, a penny sales tax initiative to fund various city programs. The programs included public safety, job and economic development, parks and recreation, public works, and other priorities such as the public transportation route to UA Pulaski Technical College and to John Barrow Road.
In 2012, he assisted with renewing a milage infrastructure bond initiative designed to support infrastructure projects city-wide, stressing that it was essential for the committee to use the bonds evenly across the city's wards by the end of 10 years.
Included with these efforts, Moore participated in producing some of the city’s most priceless and momentous occasions, such as:
Little Rock City Manager, Bruce Moore, received the 2020 Mark of Excellence Award from the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA). The award is presented to an African American public administrator who has achieved extraordinary success in public management while demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to the community. He has assisted in several city campaigns and projects over his tenure, including those developments that promote economic growth in all sections of the city.
In 2011, he assisted with the Little Rock Citizen Evaluation of New Tax (LRCent) initiative, a penny sales tax initiative to fund various city programs. The programs included public safety, job and economic development, parks and recreation, public works, and other priorities such as the public transportation route to UA Pulaski Technical College and to John Barrow Road.
In 2012, he assisted with renewing a milage infrastructure bond initiative designed to support infrastructure projects city-wide, stressing that it was essential for the committee to use the bonds evenly across the city's wards by the end of 10 years.
Included with these efforts, Moore participated in producing some of the city’s most priceless and momentous occasions, such as:
- the dedication of the Clinton Presidential Library. As the lead city staff, he worked on this project with City Director Dean Kumpuris to develop the library’s location.
- assisting with the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Little Rock Central High School Integration
- leading the 50th and the 60th celebrations of the Little Rock Central High School Integration
Moore has held several responsibilities and has several milestones during his career, but he is most proud to have those of a Father. His son, Luke, was born in 2006 – a time of which Moore’s colleagues jokingly say that he "really" changed. However, Moore says it was for his betterment.
"The balance is not easy. I will admit…before Luke, my work [vs.] life balance was not good. So I've done a lot better since he was born, but it's been the best challenge that one can experience. Just watching him evolve into a fine young man – that's the most rewarding. It's been a tremendous joy to have him.”
Luke will attend Little Rock Central High School this fall – an exceptional milestone for Moore because he holds the school's history very dear to him. Luke's 1st birthday fell on the same day as the 50th Anniversary of the Central High integration, and he became very close to the Little Rock Nine from that day.
“They've asked about him ever since, and I'm so glad he decided to attend the historic Central High School because I'd have to answer a lot of questions otherwise."
"The balance is not easy. I will admit…before Luke, my work [vs.] life balance was not good. So I've done a lot better since he was born, but it's been the best challenge that one can experience. Just watching him evolve into a fine young man – that's the most rewarding. It's been a tremendous joy to have him.”
Luke will attend Little Rock Central High School this fall – an exceptional milestone for Moore because he holds the school's history very dear to him. Luke's 1st birthday fell on the same day as the 50th Anniversary of the Central High integration, and he became very close to the Little Rock Nine from that day.
“They've asked about him ever since, and I'm so glad he decided to attend the historic Central High School because I'd have to answer a lot of questions otherwise."
FATHERHOOD
Despite being a city official, Moore has the same concerns for his son as any other father. He and Luke's mother, Lena, felt it was essential to expose their son to all of Little Rock. This included not only allowing him to attend public schools and have memberships at Dunbar, Southwest, and West Central Community Centers but also experience the close-knit neighborhood of the Hillcrest community, as well as all of the amenities Little Rock has to offer. Their goal was to make sure Luke experienced life and lessons that he could not experience at home to help him prepare for people's differences.
"One of the things that I talk to Luke about is that we all have different lenses that we look through. I can't tell someone what their lenses show them, but I can appreciate that their lenses are different from mine. We've tried to teach Luke that we have to treat everybody the same, although we may not think alike. And if you feel like you aren't being treated the same, you need to say something…and there are appropriate ways to say something.”
Moore stated that he and Luke had had more opportunities to discuss how to interact with the police because of the racial tensions and injustices that occurred in 2020. He admits that those are not easy conversations to have, especially considering his role in the City of Little Rock. Nevertheless, he acknowledges it is a conversation that he must have to ensure he's done what he can to make sure his son is safe.
Moore has experienced the highs and lows of fatherhood. He admits that the role sometimes makes him nervous, but he tries to not be overprotective. “You have to let them live their life. But you must also instill in them the ingredients that you think will help them be successful, and also how to react in a situation that is not favorable and pray that it works. I suggest you be sure to focus on your family – at the end of the day, that's the most important thing we have.”
Despite being a city official, Moore has the same concerns for his son as any other father. He and Luke's mother, Lena, felt it was essential to expose their son to all of Little Rock. This included not only allowing him to attend public schools and have memberships at Dunbar, Southwest, and West Central Community Centers but also experience the close-knit neighborhood of the Hillcrest community, as well as all of the amenities Little Rock has to offer. Their goal was to make sure Luke experienced life and lessons that he could not experience at home to help him prepare for people's differences.
"One of the things that I talk to Luke about is that we all have different lenses that we look through. I can't tell someone what their lenses show them, but I can appreciate that their lenses are different from mine. We've tried to teach Luke that we have to treat everybody the same, although we may not think alike. And if you feel like you aren't being treated the same, you need to say something…and there are appropriate ways to say something.”
Moore stated that he and Luke had had more opportunities to discuss how to interact with the police because of the racial tensions and injustices that occurred in 2020. He admits that those are not easy conversations to have, especially considering his role in the City of Little Rock. Nevertheless, he acknowledges it is a conversation that he must have to ensure he's done what he can to make sure his son is safe.
Moore has experienced the highs and lows of fatherhood. He admits that the role sometimes makes him nervous, but he tries to not be overprotective. “You have to let them live their life. But you must also instill in them the ingredients that you think will help them be successful, and also how to react in a situation that is not favorable and pray that it works. I suggest you be sure to focus on your family – at the end of the day, that's the most important thing we have.”
PRESENT DAY
Moore's career as Little Rock's City Manager is approaching a two-decade milestone. His experience, knowledge, and insight are abundant, and he plans to continue serving the city that he loves so much.
"I really love what I do! I love the people of the organization; I love working with the Mayor and the City Board members on accomplishing their goals and objectives, but I also love the people of Little Rock. We're very unique in so many ways, especially given our history. We have acknowledged, as a city, the things we did wrong and the situations we handled wrong, but I do believe we've come together. We still have our challenges, but we are headed in the right direction.”
Moore takes pride on having worked with outstanding former and current city officials and staff. "The caliber and integrity of the team that I have had the honor of working with is unmatched in local government. Every day they come to work to try and make Little Rock a better place to live, work, and play, and for that, I am eternally grateful."
Moore's career as Little Rock's City Manager is approaching a two-decade milestone. His experience, knowledge, and insight are abundant, and he plans to continue serving the city that he loves so much.
"I really love what I do! I love the people of the organization; I love working with the Mayor and the City Board members on accomplishing their goals and objectives, but I also love the people of Little Rock. We're very unique in so many ways, especially given our history. We have acknowledged, as a city, the things we did wrong and the situations we handled wrong, but I do believe we've come together. We still have our challenges, but we are headed in the right direction.”
Moore takes pride on having worked with outstanding former and current city officials and staff. "The caliber and integrity of the team that I have had the honor of working with is unmatched in local government. Every day they come to work to try and make Little Rock a better place to live, work, and play, and for that, I am eternally grateful."
Unless otherwise stated, photos are courtesy of Bruce Moore and/or his staff or shot by Michael Cooney or Dianna Donahue
