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10 Arkansas laws taking effect in August

Nearly 900 acts passed by the Arkansas Legislature earlier this year are set to become law on Tuesday.

News

Mapped: Arkansas' Alzheimer's rates

Caring for those with the disease cost an estimated $321 billion nationwide last year.

Health

Northwest Arkansas Council jumpstarts attainable housing project

At its annual meeting Tuesday, the NWA Council revealed its collaboration on a 77-unit apartment project that will permanently earmark 30 units for families earning below the area median income

Attainable housing project set for Bentonville

Excellerate Housing, a part of the Excellerate Foundation, plans to build 200 housing units to rent between $450 and $800 in Bentonville.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Excellerate Housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/08/08/nonprofit-adds-affordable-housing-division" data-vars-content-id="4684fa08-f92e-4d72-8962-8a68ac3de5a9" data-vars-headline="Attainable housing project set for Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/08/08/nonprofit-adds-affordable-housing-division" target="_self">Excellerate Housing</a>, a part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Excellerate Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.excelleratefoundation.com/" data-vars-content-id="4684fa08-f92e-4d72-8962-8a68ac3de5a9" data-vars-headline="Attainable housing project set for Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.excelleratefoundation.com/" target="_blank">Excellerate Foundation</a>, plans to build 200 housing units in Bentonville that will rent for $450 to $800 monthly.<ul><li>The projected prices are based on ranges from 30%-60% of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="area median income" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/09/18/median-income-pandemic-census" data-vars-content-id="4684fa08-f92e-4d72-8962-8a68ac3de5a9" data-vars-headline="Attainable housing project set for Bentonville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/09/18/median-income-pandemic-census" target="_self">area median income</a>, which is $28,000 to $55,000 for a family of four, according to Excellerate.</li></ul>Why it matters: NWA&#x27;s high cost of housing makes it challenging for lower- and middle-range wage earners — think teachers, police and health care workers — to afford to live in the area.

Illustration of a repeating pattern of houses made out of hundred dollar bills. 

Walton Enterprises: No connection between land purchases and Buffalo River coalition

Tied up with the controversy of the Buffalo National River is speculation that the Walton family wants to capitalize on a national park.

Tied up with the controversy of the Buffalo National River is speculation that the Walton family wants to capitalize on a national park and preserve designation. Driving the news: The Madison County Record <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first reported" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2023/10/16/arkansas-group-floats-idea-of-buffalo-national-river-into-national-park-preserve/" data-vars-content-id="7528fbde-270f-4519-af09-df658928cf9c" data-vars-headline="Walton Enterprises: No connection between land purchases and Buffalo River coalition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2023/10/16/arkansas-group-floats-idea-of-buffalo-national-river-into-national-park-preserve/" target="_blank">first reported</a> that limited liability company Kings Creek has been buying land near the headwaters of the Buffalo River, south of Kingston.<ul><li>Kings Creek is controlled by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walton Enterprises" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/company/walton-enterprises-llc/" data-vars-content-id="7528fbde-270f-4519-af09-df658928cf9c" data-vars-headline="Walton Enterprises: No connection between land purchases and Buffalo River coalition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/walton-enterprises-llc/" target="_blank">Walton Enterprises</a> Inc., a business and philanthropic office of the Walton family.</li></ul>

Gen Z'ers, Baby Boomers spend most on rent in Northwest Arkansas

43% of Northwest Arkansas' youngest renters spend at least 30% of their income on rent.

Real Estate

43% of Northwest Arkansas&#x27; youngest renters spent at least 30% of their income on rent last year — above the national average. <ul><li>Of renters 65 and older, the stat jumped to 58%, according to the latest U.S. Census data.</li></ul>Driving the news: Average NWA rent prices were $952 this summer, up more than 10% from a year earlier, according to the Arvest Skyline Report.

A chart showing data sets of renters and owners who spent 30 percent of their income on housing in Northwest Arkansas with the highest percents being in the 15 to 24 age groups — 43% of renters and 39% among owners.

Skyline Report: NWA's commercial real estate market is hot

Northwest Arkansas' commercial real estate market is strong, according to data from the biannual commercial Arvest Skyline Report released Tuesday.

Northwest Arkansas&#x27; commercial real estate market is strong, according to the biannual commercial Arvest Skyline Report released Tuesday.The big picture: The area&#x27;s overall commercial vacancy rate was 6.4% as of June 30, up from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="5.6% last Dec. 31" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/04/05/northwest-arkansas-low-commercial-vacancy-rate" data-vars-content-id="449334bd-bad5-46e9-93b3-3afb96759397" data-vars-headline="Skyline Report: NWA&#x27;s commercial real estate market is hot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/04/05/northwest-arkansas-low-commercial-vacancy-rate" target="_self">5.6% last Dec. 31</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="5.8% in June 2022" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2022/10/05/northwest-arkansas-low-commercial-space" data-vars-content-id="449334bd-bad5-46e9-93b3-3afb96759397" data-vars-headline="Skyline Report: NWA&#x27;s commercial real estate market is hot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2022/10/05/northwest-arkansas-low-commercial-space" target="_self">5.8% in June 2022</a>.

Urbanist Richard Florida last year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warned members" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2022/07/15/urbanist-nwa-development-economy-commmunity" data-vars-content-id="aa38c7db-2529-4db0-a634-593f766e813d" data-vars-headline="Northwest Arkansas Council jumpstarts attainable housing project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2022/07/15/urbanist-nwa-development-economy-commmunity" target="_self">warned members</a> of the Northwest Arkansas Council that the area could be a victim of its own economic success, noting skyrocketing housing prices.<ul><li>The group recently took a step toward solving the problem.</li></ul>

Low rates are keeping Arkansas homeowners locked in place

Roughly 37% of homeowners with mortgages in Arkansas have a rate below 4%, per Redfin data shared with Axios.

Roughly 37% of homeowners with mortgages in Arkansas have a rate below 4%, per Redfin data shared with Axios. That&#x27;s locking homeowners in place and leaving buyers with few homes to choose from.Why it matters: Mortgage holders are experiencing the &quot;golden handcuffs&quot; phenomenon: They might have a great rate now but likely can&#x27;t move without spending a lot more cash, explains Daryl Fairweather, chief economist for Redfin.

Northwest Arkansas' new-home permits more than double national average

Nearly 109 new home building permits per capita were issued in the Northwest Arkansas metro area in May 2023, up from 76.2 in May 2020 .

Nearly 109 building permits for new homes per capita were issued in the Northwest Arkansas metro area in May 2023, up from 76.2 in May 2020 — the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Built-to-rent homes are trending in Arkansas

In Arkansas, there are nearly 210 built-to-rent homes planned or under construction per million residents.

In Arkansas, nearly 210 built-to-rent homes are planned or under construction per million residents, according to the National Rental Home Council.<ul><li>Nationwide, the average is 345.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Built-to-rent housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/20/us-rental-home-housing-shortage-america?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sanfrancisco&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="cd0ba206-4e57-49a8-873d-f12cf5144a41" data-vars-headline="Built-to-rent homes are trending in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/20/us-rental-home-housing-shortage-america?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sanfrancisco&amp;stream=top" target="_self">Built-to-rent housing</a> offers a new home with property management perks, and without the need for a down payment or long-term commitment, Axios&#x27; Felix Salmon reports.What&#x27;s happening: These houses are in growing demand among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would-be buyers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/20/housing-shortage-prices-high" data-vars-content-id="cd0ba206-4e57-49a8-873d-f12cf5144a41" data-vars-headline="Built-to-rent homes are trending in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/20/housing-shortage-prices-high" target="_self">would-be buyers</a> who can&#x27;t afford — or find — a single-family home, and those opting not to buy for lifestyle reasons, Doug Ressler of the real estate research firm Yardi Matrix tells Axios.By the numbers: Northwest Arkansas&#x27; single-family rental supply ranked No. 21 among the top 100 in the U.S. during the last five years, per a recent report from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="listing service RentCafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/build-to-rent-single-family-homes-construction/" data-vars-content-id="cd0ba206-4e57-49a8-873d-f12cf5144a41" data-vars-headline="Built-to-rent homes are trending in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/build-to-rent-single-family-homes-construction/" target="_blank">listing service RentCafe</a>.<ul><li>538 homes were built in NWA and 457 in the Little Rock area.</li><li>National construction of new build-to-rent homes hit a record high last year, with more than 14,500 houses completed and three times as many under construction, per RentCafe.</li></ul>Between the lines: The Arvest Skyline Report doesn&#x27;t specifically track single-home rentals, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data show NWA home sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/03/15/northwest-arkansas-home-sales-slowed-2022" data-vars-content-id="cd0ba206-4e57-49a8-873d-f12cf5144a41" data-vars-headline="Built-to-rent homes are trending in Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/03/15/northwest-arkansas-home-sales-slowed-2022" target="_self">data show NWA home sales</a> slowed in the second half of 2022, while prices climbed to an all-time high.<ul><li>Average rent for multifamily units also reached a record $926, up 7.6% from June 2022.</li></ul>Be smart: Single-family rentals are nothing new. Like multifamily housing, the market has developed over many decades, per commercial real estate company CBRE.The bottom line: Building more single-family rentals isn&#x27;t going to solve the housing crisis, but it could ease the supply crunch.

Northwest Arkansas' hottest housing's topic: Attainability

Actively engaging the people most impacted by ballooning home prices helps unlock affordability, panelists told a crowd Wednesday.

Actively engaging the people most impacted by ballooning home prices helps unlock affordability, panelists told a crowd gathered to discuss the topic Wednesday.Why it matters: Housing prices and rents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continue to soar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/03/15/northwest-arkansas-home-sales-slowed-2022" data-vars-content-id="38921b99-024f-408c-a781-d981105785a4" data-vars-headline="Northwest Arkansas&#x27; hottest housing&#x27;s topic: Attainability" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/03/15/northwest-arkansas-home-sales-slowed-2022" target="_self">continue to soar</a> in NWA, making it harder for lower- and middle-range wage earners — nurses, teachers, police, firefighters and restaurant workers — to afford living in the area, economic experts tell Axios.

Illustration of a dollar sign made out of house keys.

The most expensive ZIP codes in Northwest Arkansas

In 2020, buyers left cities in search of cheaper housing. Since then, prices have gone up in the suburbs and rural areas like NWA.

In 2020, buyers left cities in search of cheaper housing. Since then, prices have gone up in the suburbs and rural areas like NWA.Why it matters: Low inventory and strong demand are driving home prices.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Politics & Policy

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers

Rep. Robert Garcia encouraged fellow Democrats to support Republicans' expulsion measure.

House Democrats and Republicans finally have something they agree on: booting Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" data-vars-content-id="4eec0a24-5338-46c4-8b6e-5526cda73c0f" data-vars-headline="George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) from Congress.Driving the news: In an email sent to Democratic congressional offices on Thursday, Rep. Robert Garcia&#x27;s (D-Calif.) office advocated for Republicans&#x27; resolution to expel the embattled Long Islander.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote

Santos is the first Republican to be expelled from the House.

The House on Friday voted to expel Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) over his many fabrications on the 2022 campaign trail and his two federal indictments.Why it matters: The vote makes Santos just the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth lawmaker" data-vars-click-url="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" target="_blank">sixth lawmaker</a> – and first Republican – to be expelled from the House in U.S. history.

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