Roadshow launches to shape region's growth plan
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
A series of community engagement events to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the region's rapid population growth, dubbed the Growing Home NWA Roadshow, kicks off Wednesday in Centerton.
Why it matters: NWA is on pace to hit 1 million residents by 2050, up from an estimated 600,000 this year.
- Regional planners and civic leaders are working to prepare infrastructure — roads, utilities, emergency services — for that massive surge.
State of play: Events held throughout Benton and Washington counties for the next week are open to the public.
- Wednesday — A kickoff meeting at Centerton City Hall from 5:30-7:30pm will feature displays, an opening presentation and Q&A with project leaders.
- Sept. 18 — An Onward Ozarks virtual session called "Regional Growth and the Future of NWA" will be on Zoom from 9-10am. Register here.
- Sept. 20 — A pop-up at the Fayetteville Farmers Market will provide an informal opportunity to ask questions and share feedback from 7am-1pm.
- Sept. 22 — There will be a historic joint meeting of Benton and Washington County quorum courts at Springdale City Hall at 6pm. It will be livestreamed.
- Sept. 24 — A final public meeting will be held from 5:30-7pm at The Medium in downtown Springdale with an opportunity to talk with project leaders.
Residents are encouraged to complete the Growing Home NWA community survey to share input and ensure every voice is represented in shaping the region's growth strategy.
Context: The roadshow is organized by the Northwest Arkansas Council and its workforce housing division, Groundwork.
What we're watching: We want to see how engaged the community is at these sessions.
My thought bubble: It's easy to complain about traffic and the other woes we face, but providing constructive thought takes effort. NWA's future quality of life could be shaped by people living here now.