NWA Council's 'Growing Home' plan for managed growth
Key Questions
What is the NWA Council's 'Growing Home' plan?
It is a regional strategy to manage growth toward a population of 1 million by 2050, emphasizing urban and walkable design, infrastructure, housing, and cost control. The plan also includes a 130-acre housing development.
Which NWA cities are experiencing the fastest population growth?
Census data shows the fastest growth in Centerton, Tontitown, Highfill, and Pea Ridge. Bentonville ranks among the top areas but is fifth in the listed growth metrics.
What housing and rezoning projects are underway in the region?
Highfill is advancing low-density zoning and a park, while Bentonville Planning Commission approved a duplex subdivision for missing-middle housing. NWACC also approved on-campus housing in Bentonville with 300-400 beds targeted for fall 2031.
How is flooding being addressed in the 'Growing Home' plan?
Recent flooding on Bentonville's 5th Street and in June highlights stormwater challenges. Related articles note Pea Ridge landowners facing flooding linked to the Lexington development, underscoring infrastructure needs.
What economic indicators support the managed growth strategy?
NWA nonfarm jobs reached a record 310,200 in May, up 2.5% year-over-year with 3% unemployment. Additional efforts include a new e-bike voucher program and Bentonville's #1 bike city ranking by PeopleForBikes.
New regional strategy for 1M pop by 2050 prioritizing urban/walkable design, infrastructure, housing and cost control. Includes 130-acre housing development. Census data confirms fastest growth in Centerton, Tontitown, Highfill and Pea Ridge. Bentonville 5th Street flooding and new June 8 flooding underscore stormwater issues. Highfill advancing low-density zoning and park. NWACC board approved on-campus housing in Bentonville: Eighth Street site, 300-400 beds, $35M self-funded model, targeting fall 2031; split vote on RFQs causes month delay. NWA Council hires David Giesige to lead education-to-employment pipeline. NBDA Retailer Summit and Oz Trails Bike Park reinforce cycling hub status. New e-bike voucher program for Benton and Washington counties opens July 6. Bentonville Planning Commission approved duplex subdivision rezoning for missing middle housing. Bella Vista Mayor discusses growth challenges. Benton County Planning Board approved 48-lot subdivision in Centerton. Bentonville ranked #1 bike city by PeopleForBikes. Commercial real estate overview highlights low vacancies and infrastructure concerns. Freeman Health System ribbon cutting in Springdale confirms acquisition of Northwest Health. Lowell joins ULI Plan Local for downtown master plan. Bentonville West High School $10.9M expansion approved. New farm preservation in Berryville counters sprawl. Crenlo moves HQ to Bentonville. New solar rules (Act 278) cause Entegrity to shift growth. MentorCamp returns to NWA. Pediatrics Plus opens farm campus in Springdale. NWA Council and Apprenticely host startup hiring event July 16. Arkansas opens $10M community grant program July 1. Waste district merger discussion highlights governance tensions. Visit Bentonville issues new tourism plan. Three cities to create sub-area plans along Razorback Greenway with $1M Walton Family Foundation grant. NWA nonfarm jobs hit record 310,200 in May, up 2.5% YoY, 3% unemployment. Art on the Square expands with new fine art gallery on Bentonville Square. Arkansas opens new round of opportunity zone nominations — Springdale previously leveraged four zones for downtown growth; could bring investment to eligible NWA tracts. New: Elm Springs rezoning hearing July 9 for two properties on Elm Springs Road, seeking PUD designation — minor development signal in fast-growing town.