FayetteForward

042: A City Is a Conversation with Kyle Smith

In episode 42, former Fayetteville city council member Kyle Smith reflects on what makes Fayetteville special and how his path through teaching, advocacy, and local government shaped his deeply practical vision for housing, growth, and community life. He makes the case that protecting the city’s spirit requires more than resisting change. It means staying flexible, supporting local businesses, and allowing neighborhoods to evolve in ways that feel human, incremental, and rooted in place.

Episode 41: Strong Towns National Gathering and Bottom-Up Change with Carlee Alm-LaBar

In episode 41, we talk with Carlee Alm-LaBar, Chief of Staff at Strong Towns, about bottom-up change, local action, and what it takes to build places that are financially resilient, livable, and strong. We also preview the 2026 Strong Towns National Gathering coming to Fayetteville and explore what residents, advocates, and curious newcomers can gain from being part of it.

CNU 34 and Building Places That Love People with Mallory Baches

In episode 40, Mallory Baches, president of the for the New Urbanism, shares the vision behind CNU 34 and why Northwest Arkansas is uniquely positioned to host it right now. From new urbanism to long-term community belonging, she offers a compelling look at how this growing region can build places that love people and become a national model for intentional growth.