Meetings Now In-Person and Open to All
Non-Members: $20 Door Charge ~ Members Always Free
You don't need a PhD to know there is a housing crisis in NWA. Yes, there are still 31+ people a day moving to our area - and we have no place to put them.
With 34 municipalities in the region, it's difficult to keep track to what's allowed where. Planning departments and City Councils vary widely in their approach to and tolerance for development, infill projects, even design. What we are building isn't meeting the needs of 25-35% of our population.
There is good news, however. Based on a 2019 report generated from a Walton Foundation study, community leaders and planners have come together to develop practical, hands-on solutions from an integrated, regional perspective. We've brought you three of those leaders to hear your views.
Expect a lively, interactive discussion to explore:
- How do you determine what's Affordable
- Why aren't we building Affordable
- How can we pull together for a regional approach
- Why can't I get permits to build "Infill Lots"
- What is being done to address the NIMBYs
- How are you helping Covid-stressed landlords
Rob Smith is focused on continuing to improve NWA’s infrastructure – from water quality and quantity to highways to public transportation to recycling and waste disposal – frequently partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and the Northwest Arkansas National Airport. Prior to working with the Council, Rob spent almost 12 years working as a columnist/reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Casey Kleinhenz is Director of Community Development Corp of Bentonville/Bella Vista. His current projects include affordable homebuyer new construction, restructuring existing Assisted Living operations, and a Design Excellence demonstration project. He is a certified HOME developer and a Realtor. Casey entered affordable housing development from a property management and maintenance background. He has a Master of Community and Regional Planning degree from University of Oregon.
Tiffany Hudson is Director of Partner for Better Housing. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Tiffany relocated to NW Arkansas in late 2019. She has twenty years of residential real estate experience as a new construction builder and land developer. Tiffany previously worked for the Atlanta Housing Authority on several large-scale innovative, mixed-income properties prior to moving to joining Partners. Tiffany holds Masters in Policy from American University.
