Building a Home for Everyone: Tackling Housing Challenges and Smart Growth in Northwest Arkansas
I Am Northwest Arkansas®
Understanding Guide Zoning and Mixed-Use Development
This chapter explores the importance of guide zoning in enhancing housing options within municipalities. It underscores the necessity of revising zoning laws to enable higher density and mixed-use developments, particularly near transit hubs, to reduce car dependence and improve public transit access.
About the Show:
“We're building the 2060, 2070, & 2080 versions of Northwest Arkansas right now. These structures are going to determine how our kids—maybe even our grandkids—live day-to-day. Now is the time to get this right.”
– Duke McLarty, Groundwork
This episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® dives straight into one of our region’s most urgent challenges: housing affordability. Host Randy Wilburn sits down with Duke McLarty, Executive Director of Groundwork at the Northwest Arkansas Council, to explore how a booming population, rising prices, and limited housing stock are reshaping the way we live, work, and connect in NWA.
From breaking down eye-opening statistics—like Benton County home prices being up 72.5% over the last five years—to unpacking the “GROW” framework and real-world policy shifts, this conversation is an open, honest look at what it takes to keep Northwest Arkansas both an economic powerhouse and a welcoming home for all. Whether you’re a lifelong local, a new arrival, or simply curious about the forces shaping our towns and neighborhoods, you’ll walk away informed and inspired to be part of the solution.
If you care about NWA’s future, tune in for perspective, actionable ideas, and real ways to get involved. After all, the choices we make today will determine our region’s character for decades to come.
Key Takeaways:
- Housing Costs Are Rising Fast: Home and rent prices in Northwest Arkansas have soared over the past five years, creating a new reality for families, workers, and businesses.
- It’s a Regional—and National—Challenge: NWA isn’t alone in facing housing shortages, but its rapid growth means local action is critical while there’s still time to shape outcomes.
- Groundwork’s “GROW” Framework Points the Way: By guiding zoning, removing barriers, organizing partnerships, and welcoming advocacy, stakeholders can build more—and more affordable—housing in the places we need it most.
- Your Voice Matters: Change starts locally, whether you’re showing up at a city council meeting, filling out a survey, or simply sharing your story—everyone has a stake and a say.
- The Power of Partnership: Sustainable solutions will require collaboration between municipalities, businesses, state leaders, and everyday residents, using creativity and foresight to protect what makes NWA special.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
- Guest: Duke McLarty, Executive Director of Groundwork at the Northwest Arkansas Council
- Website: https://groundworknwa.org/
- Take the Housing Survey: https://groundworknwa.org/survey
- Learn about the GROW Policy Agenda: https://groundworknwa.org/grow
- Organization: Northwest Arkansas Council
- Life Works Here!: https://nwacouncil.org/
- Sponsor and regional leadership on housing, economic growth, and quality of life
- Related Mentions:
- ULI NWA (Urban Land Institute Northwest Arkansas)
- Montana “ADU” Housing Legislation
- Big Emma Springdale (CDNWA), NWA Land Trust
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
- NWA Council Website
- NWA Council on Instagram
- NWA Council on Facebook
- NWA Council on LinkedIn
- NWA Council on Twitter
- NWA Council Email
This episode is sponsored by*
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:
- Grab our Newsletter
- Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.com
- Connect With Our Facebook Page
- Connect With Us on Threads
- Connect With Our Instagram
- Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
- Join The Facebook Group
- Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn
Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.
Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas
Mentioned in this episode:
FindItNWA.com
🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now.
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
ONBoardNWA.com
Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.
The AI-powered Podcast Player
