Residents, officials and industry leaders explore policy tools to guide Northwest Arkansas’ future. The Growing Home roadshow concluded Wednesday, Sept. 17 with a public presentation at The Medium in Springdale. The event capped a week of focus groups, community meetings and pop-ups across Northwest Arkansas, where residents and leaders shared concerns about growth and ideas for the future. The evening featured displays highlighting both earlier findings and new proposals shaped by roadshow input. Project lead Matt Lambert of DPZ CoDesign delivered a 45-minute presentation outlining the region’s challenges and presenting policy strategies and tools aimed at managing growth more effectively. Some examples drew from local efforts already underway, showing how communities can expand housing choices, align infrastructure and preserve valued open space. Areas of focus included housing cost, transportation and congestion, infrastructure and utilities, community character and impact, and collaboration and regional tools. Following the presentation, attendees reviewed displays and spoke with the project team about strategies that could help balance rapid growth with affordability, sustainability and community character. With the roadshow now complete, the project team will begin assembling the comprehensive Regional Strategy. That work will synthesize the data, ideas and feedback gathered over the past week into a framework for future growth, expected to be released in early 2026. The complete presentation slides and a closing interview with Matt Lambert are available below.

Team engages hundreds of stakeholders across the region. As the Growing Home roadshow moves through its final stops, the conversations have widened. Over the past two days, discussions ranged from county-scale infrastructure and growth management to how individual city visions align with a regional plan. Together, these perspectives are shaping a clearer picture of Northwest Arkansas’ future. Review our previous road reports here  and here . Stop 10: Northwest Arkansas Council’s Infrastructure Work Group The roadshow gathered 46 members of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s long-standing Infrastructure Work Group, including mayors, utility directors and business leaders. Created in 2011, the group guides regional strategy on roads, water, wastewater and other systems that carry growth. Participants emphasized the challenge of coordinating development across city lines. While no region in the country has true regional zoning authority, examples from Alabama and New England show how local governments can align codes and plans with outside support. Similar approaches could strengthen consistency in Northwest Arkansas as extraterritorial jurisdiction policies evolve. Job centers emerged as a priority. Identifying and planning for employment hubs in future land use maps can guide infrastructure investments and build the tax base needed to support utilities. Leaders also noted that most major roads depend on state and federal funding, and current five-year highway plans will not meet long-term needs. Water and wastewater concerns drew attention as well. Unregulated development around key watersheds threatens drinking water quality, and regional service models can be less costly than siloed systems. Housing pressures remain. Vacancy rates are low, and much of the new supply is priced out of reach for many families. Where and how growth occurs, whether in centers, along corridors or in new subdivisions, directly affects the cost to build and maintain infrastructure. Bottom line: fast‑growing regions must compress centuries of system building into a few decades. It will take new partnerships, new tools and planning together. Stop 11: More Elected Officials Leaders from Lowell, Springdale, Tontitown and Elm Springs, which sit along the I-49 and AR 112 corridor, took part in the discussion. The corridor connects the region’s cultural and corporate north with its university south and is home to major employers in manufacturing, logistics and poultry processing. Conversation turned quickly to fiscal pressures. Springdale officials noted gaps in sales tax revenue compared to neighboring cities, even with the recent boost from online sales tax collections. Leaders said clearer visuals and examples of current collaborations could help cities identify overlaps and gaps, particularly around zoning reforms designed to encourage sustainable development. Capacity was another concern. Smaller cities want to avoid repeating suburban patterns. Officials discussed model zoning codes for cities with limited staff capacity and stressed policies that make new development fiscally sustainable. The role of the state legislature was also front of mind. Some expressed frustration at preemptive housing legislation and the difficulties it creates for local planning. Participants discussed strategies for working with state representatives ahead of the next legislative session to find common ground on housing and land use. Other issues included fire codes that shape building design, the need for clear annexation policies, and the importance of county governments as partners in managing development. Leaders agreed that long-term solutions will require cooperation across jurisdictions and levels of government. Takeaway: the central corridor is pivotal. Cities need tools, policy and partnership so growth strengthens, not strains, community resources. Stop 12: Dual Quorum Court For the first time, the quorum courts of Benton and Washington counties met in a joint session that drew a standing-room audience of nearly 100. Leaders framed the evening as a chance to move beyond reactive cooperation and start addressing growth together. Public comment opened with strong community voices. Speakers raised concerns about immigrant communities facing hardship, waste management impacts and the broader need for empathy in local policy. Matt Lambert of DPZ CoDesign outlined the challenges of accommodating a population near one million by 2050. He noted that dispersed growth strains infrastructure and budgets, while compact patterns support services, protect rural land and create places where communities thrive. Revenue‑per‑acre data showed which areas pay for themselves, underscoring the financial stakes of land use choices. Questions from Justices focused on housing variety, annexation pressures, watershed management and tax base stability. Several noted that downtowns and townhomes often generate more revenue than they consume, while subdivisions and sprawl can leave counties with long‑term liabilities. Others pressed on preserving agriculture, managing septic systems and protecting green space while offering housing choices at different price points. The theme was clear: growth crosses boundaries, and neither county can solve the challenge alone. Officials expressed interest in more joint sessions and requested updates as strategies take shape. Stop 13: More Homebuilding Industry Homebuilding professionals examined practical barriers that slow or complicate growth. While zoning codes often take the blame, participants pointed to fire codes and engineering standards that can make walkable, denser development more difficult to deliver. Funding and finance were another theme. Builders said capital markets are beginning to catch up with urban forms, and recent federal moves to ease financing for accessory dwelling units will help. Locally, a 2026 vote on creating an economic development district could expand housing tools. Predictability dominated the discussion. Participants called for more consistency across communities on stormwater, building and engineering standards. Different rules city to city raise costs and uncertainty. Several suggested regional baseline codes, especially for stormwater, as a foundation cities could build upon. Message: the development community is ready to do its part. Standardization and collaboration across jurisdictions will lower costs, reduce delays and support a wider range of housing choices. Stop 14: More Elected Officials The roadshow gathered 36 local leaders from Avoca, Rogers, Bentonville, Pea Ridge, Bella Vista, Garfield, Gateway and Little Flock, representing the central corridor that anchors Northwest Arkansas’ industrial and civic midsection. Infrastructure dominated the conversation. Smaller cities are working together on regional water and sewer solutions, while leaders stressed the need for stronger coordination between municipalities, utilities and schools. Several noted that school siting often dictates growth but occurs without city input, creating long-term costs when facilities are built far from existing infrastructure. Transportation was another theme. Officials voiced support for stable funding for Ozark Regional Transit and discussed strengthening the Regional Mobility Authority into a broader transportation authority. Leaders pointed to national examples where coordinated planning around transit produced both public funding and private investment. Other priorities included preserving farmland, adopting more context-sensitive design standards, and improving connectivity with smaller blocks, trails and sidewalks. Participants emphasized the value of planning with reliable data to guide strategic infrastructure investments and build public trust. Next Steps The Northwest Arkansas community is invited to join us for tonight’s final public meeting at The Medium, 214 S. Main St., Springdale. The roadshow will conclude with some informational displays, a presentation and public Q&A. Follow Growing Home for project updates and share your perspective through the community survey . Your voice, and that of your neighbors throughout the region, is helping shape a more connected and opportunity-filled future.

In just a few minutes you can help shape the future of Northwest Arkansas. Northwest Arkansas is growing fast, and that growth comes with both opportunities and challenges. The Growing Home project is working to create a strategy that protects what people love about the region — its natural beauty, vibrant communities and quality of life — while finding smarter ways to handle issues like traffic, housing costs and infrastructure. Your perspective is an essential part of that process. Please take a few minutes to share your experiences and priorities through our community survey. Every response helps shape a future that reflects the needs and values of all who call Northwest Arkansas home.

Diverse groups across Northwest Arkansas share priorities and concerns. The Growing Home roadshow continued Sept. 19-20, with a full slate of conversations on Northwest Arkansas’ future. Each stop brought new perspectives, adding depth to the region’s growth story. Updates from the road will keep sharing insights as the tour progresses. Need to get caught up? Read about the first four stops here . Stop Five: Homebuilding Industry Thursday morning opened with a packed session of real estate professionals, who outlined the hurdles in meeting Northwest Arkansas’ housing needs. The discussion echoed earlier themes, while adding the perspective of those tasked with turning plans into projects. Participants pointed to complicated zoning, codes and approvals that slow progress, calling for simpler processes, clearer communication and better public education to support a wider range of housing options. They expressed frustration at the slow emergence of "missing middle" options such as cottages, townhomes and small apartments despite demand. Rising land costs, financing structures and regulatory hurdles were cited as barriers.  Some raised concerns that recent legislation weakened local control, while others saw potential in public-private partnerships and regional tools to unlock underutilized city- and university-owned land. Despite frustrations, participants agreed that overcoming resistance to gentle density will require education that connects to daily life: affordability, access to the outdoors and overall quality of life are what is at stake. Stop Six: More Elected Officials The roadshow’s next stop gathered elected officials from southern Washington County, with Fayetteville as the hub. From Lincoln in the west to Elkins in the east, these communities share both the opportunities and struggles of being near a growing university town while retaining small-town identities. Much of the discussion centered on development at city edges, where municipalities have little control but still bear the costs of traffic, emergency response and infrastructure. Leaders noted that recent legislation has further limited their ability to manage growth outside city borders, leaving long-term service costs tied to low-yield development. Housing affordability and community identity were recurring themes. Leaders described the challenges of balancing growth with public resistance, especially around affordable housing or denser development. Past projects that faced years of pushback underscored the need to build trust through communication and education. Green space preservation was another concern. Several warned that unchecked sprawl could erode the outdoor assets that draw people to the region. Others noted a jobs-housing mismatch that pushes residents farther out, leading to longer commutes. Transportation and transit also surfaced, with agreement that stronger connections between Fayetteville, Bentonville and everywhere in between will be essential as the region grows. Public support for transit is growing, development patterns will need to adapt to make systems viable. The conversation reflected both frustration and resolve. For these leaders, growth shows up in strained budgets, crowded schools and rising costs. They see collaboration, clearer communication and context-sensitive planning as key to preserving community character while meeting future needs. Stop Seven: Marshallese Community A special roadshow session brought together members of the Marshallese community, one of Northwest Arkansas’ largest immigrant groups. Participants spoke candidly about what they value and the challenges they face as the region grows. Family, neighbors and walkable access to schools were highlighted as priorities. But much of the discussion focused on barriers to stability and opportunity. Many described difficulties navigating the U.S. financial system, where credit scores, application fees and unfamiliar banking practices make housing and business ownership difficult. With most families renting, concerns about rising rents, weak tenant protections and overcrowding were common. Transportation is another need. Public transit often does not reach the apartment complexes where many Marshallese families live, leaving elders without reliable ways to reach medical care or services. Jobs with long commutes add pressure to already strained household budgets. Other challenges included limited access to culturally competent health care, underrepresentation in schools and local government, and lack of Marshallese-speaking liaisons in institutions. Community leaders called for more educational resources, translation services and support for churches and cultural organizations that anchor community life. While many of these issues fall outside the scope of regional land use planning, participants emphasized that being included in the conversation matters. Their perspectives highlight the importance of ensuring that all communities feel heard and supported as Northwest Arkansas grows. Stop Eight: Hispanic Community Two sessions with members of the Hispanic community affirmed what residents value in Northwest Arkansas while candidly addressing challenges as the region grows. Participants praised the area’s green landscapes, parks, trails and welcoming culture, noting the importance of preserving safety, tranquility and family-friendly environments as cities like Springdale and Rogers become more cosmopolitan. Housing was the most pressing concern. Rising rents, displacement and lack of affordable options weigh heavily on families, seniors and service workers. Leaders also pointed to the strain on nonprofits and Latino-led organizations that bridge families and schools but lack stable funding. Infrastructure and transportation were recurring themes. Residents cited unsafe or missing sidewalks, poor lighting, potholes, long and unreliable bus routes, and limited transit service to where people live and work. Some expressed frustration that decades of investment in transit have brought little visible change. Other concerns included overcrowded schools, long bus rides, and safety issues in public spaces and on trails. Fear tied to immigration enforcement was also noted, discouraging some families from gathering in parks. Across all discussions, participants emphasized inclusion and representation, calling for growth strategies that protect affordability, improve accessibility and advance equity while preserving the qualities that make Northwest Arkansas a welcoming place to call home. Stop Nine: Fayetteville Farmers Market Saturday morning brought shifting weather but steady engagement as the Growing Home team set up at the Fayetteville Farmers Market. Over the course of 486 one-to-one interactions, residents shared their thoughts on growth while picking up flyers and scanning survey QR codes. Public transportation drew strong support, with calls for more routes and more frequent service. Concerns about traffic, rising housing costs and the overall cost of living were consistent themes. Some criticized sprawling subdivisions pushing into the county and raised stormwater issues, noting runoff from new developments often creates flooding that crosses city lines. The crowd reflected the market’s mix of locals and visitors across all ages. Several participants pointed to the region’s growing cosmopolitan character, crediting newcomers with adding diversity and energy. Alongside casual exchanges were targeted conversations with developers, Strong Towns advocates and transportation activists. Together, these interactions underscored both the enthusiasm and the concerns shaping how people in Northwest Arkansas experience growth. Next Steps As the roadshow continues, the voices we are hearing from real estate professionals, community leaders and neighbors across the region highlight both the complexity and urgency of growth. Each story behind the numbers reflects real challenges and aspirations, underscoring what is at stake for Northwest Arkansas.  Stay engaged by joining us at upcoming events , and sharing your perspective through the community survey . Together, these conversations will help shape a future that reflects the needs and values of all who call Northwest Arkansas home.

Residents and leaders weigh in on the challenges and choices facing the region. The Growing Home roadshow opened Wednesday, Sept. 17 with the first in a weeklong series of community conversations on how Northwest Arkansas should grow. Updates will be posted throughout the tour to highlight the voices of residents and ideas shaping the region’s future. Stop One: Rotary Club of Bentonville First on the agenda was the Rotary Club of Bentonville, where the discussion centered on how rapid growth is reshaping daily life and weakening the sense of community.  Participants said too many new developments lack places for neighbors to gather. Spontaneous interactions that help build community, such as walking to a park or passing a neighbor’s porch, are harder to find without mixed uses, shared spaces or pedestrian connections. One participant noted: “I’ve been to new places that have spaces to gather, like a pocket park or a tennis court. There’s a sense of community there that I’m not seeing here in Northwest Arkansas.” Another added: “They’re building new communities with no amenities. No opportunities for neighbors to come together.” Housing affordability emerged as a key concern. Younger residents may want to stay in the region, but many are pushed to the edges where homes cost less but lack amenities or connections. That creates a commuter culture, where driving for nearly every need fuels congestion people hope to avoid. These early conversations underscore why the Growing Home process matters: growth is accelerating, and with it comes a choice between stretching people and communities thin or building models that foster connection, affordability and belonging. Stop Two: Elected Officials The roadshow’s second stop brought together city leaders from western Benton County for the first of four focus groups on the realities of managing municipal growth. For them, growth is both a source of opportunity and a constant challenge of budgets, infrastructure and constituent concerns. Leaders spoke about the strain of unfunded mandates from the state, where infrastructure decisions are made outside local control but fall on city governments to implement and maintain. They pointed to state highways that run through city limits — vital corridors that local road budgets can’t support. Smaller cities emphasized their desire to be seen as full partners in regional planning, not as afterthoughts to the I-49 corridor. With limited staff and resources, they often struggle to secure grants or meet expectations set for larger neighbors. One participant put it this way: “We are the sleeping giants getting ready to wake up. We’re just trying to get ready for it.” Others reflected on the pace of change, noting Centerton’s rise from a small town to one of the region’s fastest-growing cities and Gentry’s 200% growth rate in recent years. They see parallels to how Bentonville looked 30 years ago and want to prepare for the similar trajectory. The conversation also touched on housing and economic development pressures, where companies seeking larger-lot housing for employees sometimes clash with efforts to diversify housing choices. Leaders said tools such as property value mapping and zoning analysis could help them balance growth with local capacity. The discussion underscored both the urgency and the complexity of planning at the local level. Cities are eager for strategies that address today’s pressures while helping smaller and fast-growing communities prepare for what lies ahead. Stop Three: Public Meeting The roadshow’s first day ended at Centerton City Hall with the first of several planned public meetings . Displays around the room highlighted the challenges of growth and the complexity of planning across the region, showing how many moving parts must be considered in shaping Northwest Arkansas’ future. Matt Lambert of DPZ CoDesign opened the evening with a message that resonated: “For most of us, growth and its impacts can make you feel powerless. What can one person do to affect growth in an entire region? What can one person do to fix congestion?” he asked. He then offered the counterpoint: “My goal tonight is to help you feel empowered, that there are things you can do to be part of the solution. And that starts with understanding the issues so you can hold community leaders accountable.” Residents took that charge seriously. They studied the displays, spoke with the project team, and shared their opinions through interactive exercises designed to capture a range of perspectives. The energy in the room reflected both curiosity and concern as people connected their daily experiences with the larger forces shaping the region. It was a strong start and a reminder that while regional planning may be complex, the willingness of residents to engage is the foundation on which any strategy must be built. Stop Four: Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning began at the newly reconstructed Walmart Museum in Bentonville, where nearly 30 members from five regional chambers of commerce gathered for a conversation on growth. Housing affordability surfaced early, with a representative of one local corporation noting its new recruitment campaign, designed to counter perceptions that the region is becoming too expensive. Others raised questions about the impact of short-term rentals, pointing out that most cities lack the data to measure it. Education leaders highlighted pressures on schools, with one noting, “Growth is not paying for itself.” Discussion also turned to funding tools, from tax-increment financing on the November ballot to future opportunity zones. Participants pointed to successes in places like downtown Springdale while urging stronger regional collaboration to align resources. The conversation reinforced a common theme: growth brings opportunity but also strain, and success will depend on new partnerships and practical tools to manage it. Next Steps As the roadshow continues, these conversations will stay with us. They remind us that growth isn’t just about numbers but about people and the daily experiences that make a place feel like home. Review the presentation slides , join us at the remaining events and share your perspective by taking the community survey , which will help shape the region’s future.

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.

As part of its Northwest Arkansas Regional Growth Strategy initiative, the Northwest Arkansas Council and its project team completed a series of in-depth conversations with community stakeholders from across the region, an important step in crafting a growth strategy grounded in local experience, shared values and community-driven solutions. Representatives from 28 organizations participated in one-on-one interviews, offering insights drawn from daily work with residents in sectors such as housing, transportation, education, public health, food access, the arts and advocacy. The resulting feedback provides a clearer picture of how people across the region are experiencing growth and where they believe Northwest Arkansas should go next. “This region was built by working together across communities, and that kind of collaboration is just as important now,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. “These conversations highlight both the opportunities people see and the challenges they face. It’s clear that local perspectives must guide the region’s next chapter.”  The interviews are part of a broader strategy being led by global planning firm DPZ CoDesign. The goal: to equip communities of all sizes with the tools, data and coordination needed to respond to rapid population growth while preserving the character, affordability and natural beauty that make Northwest Arkansas special. A Regional Portrait Takes Shape Interviewees described a region with deep civic pride and a spirit of collaboration. Residents, they said, look out for one another and want to protect that sense of neighborliness even as the population expands. Many voiced appreciation for the region’s blend of big-city amenities and small-town feel and want to see that balance preserved. The conversations also spotlighted consistent concerns: Housing increasingly out of reach for working families Traffic congestion that affects quality of life and business operations Limited transportation options and lack of child and elder care access Uneven infrastructure, especially in rural or fast-growing areas Desire for more inclusive community spaces, trail access and civic gathering places Several interviewees raised the need for smarter land use planning, stronger coordination between local governments and more support for smaller cities that may lack the capacity to plan or develop effectively on their own. “There’s a clear interest in working together across city lines, but also a desire to make sure local identities and priorities are respected,” said Matthew Lambert, partner at DPZ CoDesign. “ These interviews have revealed not only the challenges of growth, but also the shared commitment to finding practical, region-wide solutions that keep Northwest Arkansas livable and affordable. ” What Comes Next The findings from these discussions will help guide the next round of public engagement and scenario development. The wide range of voices consulted underscores the importance of continuing to engage communities throughout the planning process. This fall, the project team will launch a multi-day roadshow to meet with residents directly and gather feedback on future growth scenarios. Additional input opportunities will also take place to ensure broad and inclusive participation. To learn more about the Regional Growth Strategy and how to get involved, stay tuned to www.growinghomenwa.com .

Northwest Arkansas is growing fast—with roughly 38 new residents every day. That kind of growth brings energy and opportunity, but it’s starting to strain the things people rely on. Roads are more crowded. Housing costs are rising, Access to health care is failing to keep up. It’s easy to feel like everything’s changing too fast, and that can be frustrating. Maybe it’s even a little scary. But here’s the truth: Change is inevitable. What matters now is whether we shape Northwest Arkansas into a great place that works for all of us—or let it happen in ways that compromise the things we care most about. Presenting ‘Growing Home’ More than 100 business and community leaders came together on April 16 at a meeting hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Council to hear about efforts to better manage growth in the region. The goal is to make sure everyday people—people like you who love their lives here—don’t get stuck with longer commutes, rising home prices, loss of our natural landscapes, and health care resources stretched to their limits. In response, and together with the people of the region, the Council, its Groundwork team, and a group of experts led by planning and design firm DPZ CoDesign will be developing ‘Growing Home,’ a regional strategy tailored to the needs of all people who live and work in Northwest Arkansas. It’s not just to accommodate the inevitable influx of new people, but to protect what makes our cities and towns worth living in — whether it’s open space, local businesses, or just the sense that you and your neighbors still look out for each other. The resulting strategy will reflect perspectives gathered from across the region. “There’ll be a lot of community engagement, public input into how we want to grow, and the people’s thoughts about this,” said Nelson Peacock, the NWA Council’s president and CEO. A Strategy for All Despite the bigger Northwest Arkansas cities’ higher profiles, ‘Growing Home’ will give significant attention to both the big and small cities of Northwest Arkansas. That’s especially important because the rates of growth across Northwest Arkansas are actually the highest in the smallest cities. Yes, just about every city is growing, but it’s Cave Springs, Pea Ridge, Centerton, and other smaller places that are leading the way. That’s why every city must remain part of the growth conversation. The Council is offering strategies and tools to help all regional communities make smart choices, not just quick ones. One example of a regional issue affecting everyone is housing. As the year-long process begins, the project team is conducting a regional housing market analysis to better understand the dynamics influencing the availability and cost of housing. Are builders producing enough? Are they creating a variety of options to suit different needs? When buyers can't find housing that fits their preferences, they often settle for options that aren't ideal for them. This creates market imbalances and restricts opportunities for people to live in ways that best suit their lifestyles. Get Involved Throughout 2025, you’ll have a chance to weigh in. The Council has launched a website ( growinghomenwa.org ) where the full story of the ‘Growing Home’ process will be documented and, in the coming months, will be hosting online and local input opportunities where everyone will have an opportunity to weigh in about what’s most important to them. Even if you don’t love change, you should at least have a say in how it occurs and what it looks like. “A lot of people may see [accelerated growth] as a bad thing, but it doesn’t have to be,” said DPZ CoDesign’s Matt Lambert. “A lot of what we’ll be talking about is how to shape growth to achieve outcomes that benefit the community broadly.” In short, growth is inevitable. But how we grow — that’s up to us.