Main Meeting ~ Smart Zoning Changes in Bentonville

[Kathleen E.]

While most municipalities have been stumped by the lack of affordable housing inventory, Bentonville has taken the lead, researched the issue and come up with some common-sense, achievable solutions. This month we'll tell you how that came about and how the changes are being made.

In 2022, Bentonville appointed an Affordable Housing Workgroup made up of boots-on-the-ground stakeholders and asked them to identify underlying causes of the problem and identify practical, achievable solutions. In January, the City Council approved their recommendations and charged the Planning Department with implementing those changes.

We're bringing you the leaders who crafted these game-changing solutions. They'll explore:

• How it came about & why it worked
• Crucial numbers from the problem to the goals
• Recommended changes
• Progress in implementing change
• Hints for other municipalities considering solutions

Jeff Webster is President/CEO at Excellerate Foundation dedicated to Driving Lasting Change through decisive action. His executive experience at Simmons Feeds, Tyson Foods, Kellogg Company, and more make him uniquely qualified to lead NWA through its exploding growth cycle.

Bill Burckart is a second generation builder, Alderman on Bentonville City Council and successful NWA influencer. A long-time advocate for streamlining government processes, helping small businesses be more effective and developing more business focused training programs. Bill's just an all around good guy for small investors to have at our backs.

Tyler Overstreet is Planning and Community Development Director for Bentonville. With nine years experience working in city planning and economic development, Tyler is the person responsible for taking the workgroup's recommendations and successfully implementing them throughout the City's regulations.

Non-Members: $20 Door Charge

Members Always Free