Groundwork Arkansas

Small towns growing faster than they can plan face real challenges but the solutions are out there. Earlier this month, Groundwork Executive Director Duke McLarty sat down with Mayor Nathan See of Pea Ridge and Audra Butler of Communities Unlimited to talk about what it actually takes to grow well. Here are three takeaways we're still thinking about. Read the webinar recap or watch the recording at the link in comments.

What happens when a historic downtown has high vacancy?
Communities may begin to see fewer jobs, a reduced tax revenue and fewer housing options near main streets. Groundwork’s GROW policy framework highlights practical changes that can help towns respond to these challenges. Thoughtful housing policies can help towns activate downtowns, increase local spending and preserve the town's character through reinvestment. Learn more about the GROW recommendations at the link in comments.

"Development incentives" is a term that gets thrown around in housing and economic development conversations, but it's often misunderstood. They're not giveaways, and they're not offered to every project that asks. They're a tool to close the gap between what it costs to build and what the market can support. Read our development incentives blog at the link in comments.

Join us on May 27th for "Planning for Growth on Your Own Terms" webinar. Mayor Nathan See of Pea Ridge, Arkansas and Audra Butler, Director of Rural Housing at Communities Unlimited will share firsthand insights into leading a periphery town situated next to one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation.

We will explore how to draft flexible housing plans when growth is unpredictable and how to navigate the challenge of funding new services before a stronger tax base arrives. These hard-won lessons will be translated into a practical roadmap for any town in Arkansas. Whether your community is on the edge of a boom or looking to revitalize, you will gain specific strategies to move beyond reactive growing pains toward proactive and resilient community building.

Register for this free webinar at the link in comments

Housing that communities need doesn't always get built and the reason is usually the same. Construction costs are high, financing is expensive, and in many places rents haven't kept pace. Development incentives exist to close that gap. The key is using incentives well. Read our full guide at the link in comments.

When rural towns lose population, the effects stack up fast. Businesses close as the customer base shrinks, schools consolidate, and vacant housing spreads through neighborhoods.
But population decline isn't a verdict. It's a signal. And practical housing policy is one of the most direct ways communities can respond. Groundwork's GROW policy framework highlights strategies that can help rural towns stabilize and attract new residents by expanding housing options and reducing barriers to development. Learn more at the link in comments.

Housing conversations are hard. CHATS makes them easier.
CNU attendees, join us for CHATS! Friday, May 15 · 1:45 - 3:00 · Bentonville First Baptist Church, Studio 2

What happens when there are limited housing options in a tourist town? When housing supply doesn’t keep pace, residents may struggle to find options that fit their needs and communities can face longer commute patterns. Groundwork’s GROW policy framework highlights practical strategies that can help communities continue to benefit from tourism while also meeting the needs of their residents. The result: a town where the people who make tourism work can afford to live there. Learn more about the GROW recommendations at the link in comments.

The H&T Index, developed by the Center for Neighborhood Technology, measures the combined cost of housing and transportation relative to income. When those two costs together exceed 45% of household income, a family is considered cost-burdened. Many towns are navigating this challenge that shows up quietly in longer commutes, tighter budgets, and families stretched thin. Arkansas has comparatively low housing costs but transportation burdens are quietly erasing that advantage for many working families. Understanding the full picture is the first step to protecting it.