Adding an estimated 36 people per day its population, Northwest Arkansas is the 18th fastest-growing metro in the U.S.
And while this growth trajectory is good news for the already booming economy, Northwest Arkansas is already feeling the impacts of rapid population growth. Rising housing costs, traffic and physical infrastructure issues threaten the quality of life for NWA residents.
As the region moves towards 1 million residents, leaders will need to work collaboratively to adopt smart growth policies that will accommodate this growth while preserving the character of the communities that make NWA special. While housing is the most visible challenge, many other issues need special consideration – including water and highway infrastructure, regional transit, along with efforts to reduce urban sprawl and preserve precious green space.
The Northwest Arkansas Council is collaborating with community leaders to develop an intentional strategy to address growth’s many challenges while also preserving and even enhancing what residents love about Northwest Arkansas.
