Groundwork NWA

Introducing G.R.O.W.: Groundwork’s Policy Recommendations, a comprehensive roadmap to address housing attainability in our community: Guide Zoning Remove Barriers Organize Partnerships Welcome Advocacy Compiled by an advisory panel of local experts, these principles will serve as a guide for municipalities across NWA. By focusing on these areas, we can deliver more housing options while safeguarding our green spaces and community character. View the full guidelines and action steps here: #GROWHousing #PolicyInnovation #HousingAffordability #GroundworkNWA #HousingForNWA #NWArk

Urban Land Institute Northwest Arkansas 2024 was a success! The Groundwork session "The Montana Miracle" offered a deep dive into how innovative state legislation and coalition-building can drive transformative change in housing policy. Thank you Senator Forrest Mandeville, Nathan Dugan, PT, DPT and Duke McLarty for unpacking how reforms to zoning laws are paving the way for increased housing availability and affordability. Attendees left with valuable insights into the motivations behind these reforms, the collaborative efforts that made them possible, and the remaining challenges Montana faces as it works to address its housing shortage. Thank you, Randy Wilburn for helping kick off the event and keeping everything running smoothly. We’re thrilled to see how these lessons can inspire action here in Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Stay tuned—recordings of the session will be available in the coming weeks!

People want more than just housing; they’re asking for spaces that promote connection, creativity, and affordability. Whether it’s innovative housing models with green spaces or maintaining affordability, these ideas reflect a commitment to inclusive growth. At Groundwork, we believe that by listening to the voices of residents, we can shape a future that works for everyone. Together, we’re building not just homes but thriving communities. #UrbanDevelopment #AffordableHousing #CommunityDriven #InclusiveGrowth #GroundworkNWA

This data demonstrates how increasing housing supply—even at higher price points—improves affordability across all rental levels. It's called "filtering": when higher-income renters move into new Class A apartments, it creates a ripple effect, making Class B and C units more accessible. For Northwest Arkansas, this highlights the importance of embracing new development to address housing elasticity. Building more housing, even luxury apartments, can help stabilize rents and provide options for a broader range of incomes. More supply = Lower rents, even for Class C units. Let’s focus on building smarter to meet demand and create sustainable affordability for our growing community. #HousingSupply #EconomicMobility #HousingforNWA #FutureIsNow

Fayetteville City Council will meet tonight with rezoning changes on the agenda at 5:30pm at 113 W Mountain Street, Room 219.

Trailblazers is redefining active transportation by addressing systemic barriers like restrictive zoning, affordability, and safety concerns in underserved communities. Through initiatives such as "Adult First Rides" and equity analyses, they advocate for inclusive infrastructure and sustainable urban development that benefits everyone. Discover how Trailblazers is fostering a more connected and equitable future for Northwest Arkansas in this article by Bryson Austin, featuring insights from former Trailblazers Director of Outreach and Advocacy Prentis Grayson. #ActiveTransportation #UrbanDevelopment #EquityInAction #NWArk https://lnkd.in/gyYGE95j

True or False: The lack of affordable housing is putting pressure on small towns? It's true—and the impact goes beyond just housing prices. But what exactly does this mean for our small towns in Northwest Arkansas, and how can we address the challenges without losing what makes them unique? Swipe through to learn more about the impact of rising housing costs and how smart development can help preserve the character of both rural and urban areas. #AffordableHousing #SmartGrowth #SustainableDevelopment #GroundworkNWA

As housing costs continue to rise, it’s more critical than ever to expand the conversation around #MissingMiddleHousing. Daniel Parolek of Opticos Design, Inc. addresses the importance of providing diverse housing choices, moving beyond the binary of single-family homes or large apartment complexes. "The real issue is providing the housing choices that many households need." In our region, the majority of housing produced has been either single-family homes or large apartment buildings – but it’s time to expand our thinking. Missing middle housing options are essential for ensuring affordability and meeting the needs of diverse residents.

Big night for City Council meetings! Zoning is on the agenda for Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville tonight. Become an active participant in your community by attending city council meetings! Fayetteville: 5:30pm at 113 W Mountain Street, Room 219 Springdale: 6pm at 201 Spring Street, 2nd Floor Rogers: 6:30pm at 301 West Chestnut Bentonville: 6pm at 305 SW A Street #housingontheagenda #housingfornwa #zoningreform #zoning #community #nwark #ozarks #northwestarkansas #whatshappeningnwa

Join us for The Montana Miracle: Prioritizing Zoning Reforms to Unlocking Housing Opportunities. This session, during the ULI Place Summit, is free and open to the public. ULI attendees do not need to register separately for this session. Seats are limited so register here today: https://bit.ly/4f3Ca0x Our expert panel will delve into groundbreaking reforms, exploring how changes to zoning laws are creating new opportunities for developers, communities, and families across the state. #FutureIsNow #HousingforNWA #ZoningReform #Montana