Ready to understand how a fast-growing city plans to add homes, boost infrastructure, and protect the character that makes people stay? We sit down with Fayetteville’s newly elected mayor, Molly Rawn, for a direct look at what’s changing, what’s working, and where the next wave of smart investment will land. From streamlining permitting to locking in water and sewer capacity through a 2026 bond, the roadmap is designed to reduce friction for builders while keeping neighborhoods livable and connected.
We unpack why housing is the first level; attainable options at multiple price points, and how supply growth can lower pressure across the market. Mayor Rawn shares specific steps to improve timelines, push pre-application collaboration, and clarify expectations so developers can plan with confidence. We also dig into the city’s upcoming comprehensive land use plan and unified development code to simplify a crowded menu of zoning districts. The goal: fewer surprises, stronger predictability, and a clear picture of where density belongs.
Place still matters. We explore a refreshed downtown master plan to connect the Square and Dickson Street, new walkable nodes across neighborhoods, and the mixed-use formats that make daily life work without a car. Expect more missing-middle housing and context-sensitive height in the right locations, plus a renewed focus on transit dignity, with covered bus stops, because details shape experience. We highlight target sectors like tech and small manufacturing, the University of Arkansas talent pipeline, and why corridors like College Avenue are primed for reinvention.
If you care about real estate in Northwest Arkansas, developer, investor, or curious resident, this is a playbook for building well in a city that values both momentum and character.
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