Urban Development

Last fall, Randy attended the 2024 Urban Land Institute NWA Place Summit, a gathering dedicated to preserving a sense of place in northwest Arkansas. Randy talked with several attendees and shares those discussions on this week’s episode.

A proposed zoning ordinance has sparked a heated debate over the future of Washington County’s rural lands. While County Judge Patrick Deakins argues it will streamline development, some residents fear it could forever alter their way of life. Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis has more.

In this excerpt of "I Am Northwest Arkansas", host Randy Wilburn welcomes Alison Sant and Megan Brown to discuss the upcoming ULI NWA Place Summit. The summit is a crucial event emphasizing placemaking and sustainable urban development in Northwest Arkansas. Alison Sant, a prominent author and urbanist, outlines her journey through art and design, emphasizing the role of cities in combating climate change.

Fayetteville High School has a parking problem, but it is also running out of space. Last month, the district was able to vacate a tree preservation easement along Stadium Drive to clear the land and build a parking garage. Many Fayetteville residents have voiced opposition to this move. Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis spoke with both the district and environmentalists to investigate this issue further.

We give plenty of attention to cities and regions identified as metropolitan, but micropolitan areas—labor market and statistical areas with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 people—are also worth our scrutiny. Bentonville-based Heartland Forward took note of micropolitan areas and published the report “Most Dynamic Micropolitans." Dave Shideler, chief research officer at Heartland Forward, spoke with Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams about their findings.

On today's show, Arkansas is the most food-insecure state in the nation. Groups are working on solutions to combat those statistics. Also, the challenges and futures of micropolitan areas. Plus, a quick history of Arkansas political ads.

Next week, on Sept. 9, the Fayetteville Planning Commission will consider rezoning Highway 71b, which includes College Avenue and South School Avenue. Fayetteville’s Long-Range city planner and special projects manager, Britin Bostick, recently spoke with Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis about the new plan and what changes come with it.

On today's show, how the city of Fayetteville is implementing its Climate Action Plan on College Avenue. Also, Alice Driver discusses her new book "Life and Death of the American Worker." Plus, our host, Kyle Kellams, talks with the team behind the podcast "How To Do Everything."

While Northwest Arkansas is steadily expanding, the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is working to ensure the metro doesn’t outgrow its natural surroundings. The trust recently announced an initiative called #10k4NWA. Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis sat down with the Trust's executive director, Grady Spann, to learn more.

The Quonset Huts are located off of Center Street and Gregg Avenue in Fayetteville. The area is being refitted for a large-scale student housing complex. If approved by the City Council, pre-existing businesses on the premises will have to vacate before the end of next year. Ozark at Large’s Sophia Nourani reports.