Economics

Michael Tilley of Talk Business & Politics discusses a proposed joint-use agreement at Fort Smith Regional Airport, the city’s draft 2026 budget and plans for a new RV park on Towson Avenue.

A Native-owned farm, local food hubs and new conservation programs show how Arkansas growers navigate rising costs and limited land access while working to sustain small-scale agriculture.

Talk Business & Politics’ Michael Tilley discusses rising Fort Smith airport enplanements, new sewer improvement funding, stronger building permit numbers and a slight statewide tourism slowdown.

State revenues topped $2.3 billion in October, about 4% above projections, though individual and corporate income tax collections fell compared to last year.

Talk Business & Politics’ Michael Tilley spoke with Ozarks at Large’s Matthew Moore about a new possible ordinance to require public review and cost estimates for large capital projects, the financial outlook for Parrot Island Waterpark, local sales tax trends and new manufacturing equipment at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith.

A new Annie E. Casey Foundation report shows child poverty in the U.S. has nearly tripled since 2021. Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families’ Pete Gess explains how the loss of pandemic-era tax credits and SNAP funding cuts are driving hardship across the state.

On today's show, we learn that child poverty in the U.S. has nearly tripled since 2021, and Arkansas’ rate is above the national average. Also, the grand opening of two new spaces in Northwest Arkansas. Plus, a new edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.

Saunders Real Estate held its annual Lay of the Land Conference in Fayetteville last week. The Lay of the Land report informs landowners and prospective buyers about current market values and ownership.

Talk Business & Politics’ Michael Tilley joins Ozarks at Large to discuss the ballooning cost of Parrot Island Water Park slides, Fort Smith’s search for a new city administrator and possible elementary school closures tied to enrollment decline.

City leaders in Fort Smith face mounting budget deficits, a contentious administrator search, scrutiny over lobbying expenses and ongoing contamination tied to the former Whirlpool plant.