Mayor Stephanie Orman pulls back the curtain on Bentonville's remarkable growth strategy in this candid conversation about the city's future. Drawing from her seven years as mayor and previous terms on city council, Orman reveals how her journey from neighborhood POA involvement to city leadership shaped her collaborative approach to governance.

"We want to grow well," Orman emphasizes repeatedly, detailing how Bentonville balances explosive development with thoughtful planning. With two out of every three new Northwest Arkansas residents choosing Benton County, the pressure to maintain quality of life while accommodating growth is immense. Safety remains the top priority, followed by connectivity and strategic infrastructure development that anticipates future needs rather than merely reacting to them.

What sets Bentonville apart is its uniquely collaborative approach with developers. The city's ownership of water, sewer, and electrical utilities allows for streamlined planning that few municipalities can match. Early conversations with city planners can save developers significant time and resources while ensuring projects align with community needs. Orman's vision includes distributed "city centers" throughout Bentonville, creating multiple nodes of activity that reduce traffic while providing equitable amenities to all residents.

The Walmart campus redevelopment exemplifies this approach, with the Razorback Greenway running through what might traditionally have been a closed corporate environment. This integration of public space with private development characterizes Bentonville's philosophy. As Orman proudly states, "Our downtown is the best trailhead in America," highlighting how outdoor recreation has become fundamental to the city's identity.

For investors considering Bentonville, Orman offers pragmatic advice: engage with the city early, understand infrastructure capabilities, and recognize that all areas of the city are being developed with connectivity and quality of life in mind. Subscribe now to hear more insider perspectives on Northwest Arkansas' most dynamic real estate market.