‘Growing Home NWA’ Roadshow Seeks Community Voices on Regional Growth

Input will help shape recommendations on housing, infrastructure, transportation and open space

Northwest Arkansas residents are invited to help shape the region’s future through the Growing Home NWA Roadshow, an eight-day series of community meetings and events starting Sept. 17.

The effort is organized by the Northwest Arkansas Council and its workforce housing division, Groundwork, with planning and design firm DPZ CoDesign hired to lead the work. The roadshow will feature 17 meetings and focus groups across Benton and Washington counties from Sept. 17–24. It is part of a regional growth strategy in development to help communities prepare for population growth while protecting the qualities that make Northwest Arkansas special.

The strategy, which will complement existing city and county plans, is expected to be complete with a full set of recommendations in early 2026.

“Regional challenges require regional solutions,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. “Through the Growing Home Roadshow, we’re bringing people together to chart a path of mutual benefit, ensuring communities of all sizes have the tools they need to manage growth while preserving what makes Northwest Arkansas unique.”

Community concerns driving the work

Over the past five months, the project team has conducted 28 stakeholder interviews and dozens of conversations that surfaced consistent concerns tied to rapid growth, including:

• Housing that is increasingly out of reach for working families

• Traffic congestion and limited transportation options

• Uneven infrastructure, especially in rural and fast-growing areas

• The need for more inclusive gathering spaces and trail access

DPZ brings deep local knowledge, having guided planning projects in Bentonville and Rogers and engaged with homebuilders, developers and elected officials across the region.

“While Northwest Arkansas’ growth has brought tremendous opportunity, it has also created challenges that no single city can solve alone,” said Matthew Lambert, partner at DPZ CoDesign. “Our goal with the Growing Home Roadshow is to listen directly to residents and leaders, then translate their priorities into a regional strategy that supports local decision-making while strengthening the region as a whole.”

Opportunities to participate

Residents can take part in a range of public events during the roadshow:

Survey: Community Growth and Development

Online | Take survey here

Available in both English and Spanish

Public Meeting: Benton County

Wednesday, Sept. 17

5:30 to 7:30 pm | Centerton City Hall, 200 Municipal Drive, Centerton

Kickoff meeting featuring informative displays, opening presentation and Q&A with project leaders.

Public Virtual Meeting: Onward Ozarks – Regional Growth and the Future of NWA

Thursday, Sept. 18

9 to 10 a.m. | Zoom – Register here

Early insights from research and community conversations and discussion on how public input is helping set priorities, define a vision and chart strategies for the region’s future.

Pop-Up: Fayetteville

Saturday, Sept. 20

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Fayetteville Farmers Market, Fayetteville Square

Informal opportunity to ask questions and share feedback with the project team.

Public Meeting: Two-County Quorum Courts

Monday, Sept. 22

6 p.m. | Springdale City Hall, 201 Spring Street, Springdale

This rare joint meeting of both quorum courts underscores the importance of regional collaboration in addressing growth. Livestream available on the City of Springdale’s YouTube channel.

Public Meeting: Washington County

Wednesday, Sept. 24

5:30 to 7:30 pm | The Medium, 214 S. Main Street, Springdale

Closing session with informative displays, a presentation and public Q&A.

Northwest Arkansas residents can help shape the region’s future by attending one or more of the public events.

Stay tuned to growinghomenwa.com for ongoing updates and information.