Northwest Arkansas Regional Growth Strategy Survey

Thousands of Northwest Arkansas residents spoke up about the challenges of growth last year in focus group meetings, 1-on-1 interviews, an online survey and through a phone poll. Concerns were expressed about housing costs, traffic, and the loss of open space. This short follow-up builds on what was shared and asks about the trade-offs and choices the region faces next. Growth is moving fast; help identify where the pressure is greatest.

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* 1. As Northwest Arkansas grows, what’s most important to protect for future generations?

Natural beauty and outdoor recreation

Small-town character, neighborliness, and community feel

Arts, culture, and events

Well-supported local schools

Quality public safety services

Job opportunities and economic growth

Other (please specify)

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* 2. If the region keeps spreading out, which of these outcomes is most concerning?

	Not Concerning	Somewhat Concerning	Most Concerning
More farmland and open space lost	More farmland and open space lost Not Concerning	More farmland and open space lost Somewhat Concerning	More farmland and open space lost Most Concerning
Higher taxes and utility bills	Higher taxes and utility bills Not Concerning	Higher taxes and utility bills Somewhat Concerning	Higher taxes and utility bills Most Concerning
Overstretched city services like police or street maintenance	Overstretched city services like police or street maintenance Not Concerning	Overstretched city services like police or street maintenance Somewhat Concerning	Overstretched city services like police or street maintenance Most Concerning
More traffic congestion and longer commute times	More traffic congestion and longer commute times Not Concerning	More traffic congestion and longer commute times Somewhat Concerning	More traffic congestion and longer commute times Most Concerning
Higher prices for homes	Higher prices for homes Not Concerning	Higher prices for homes Somewhat Concerning	Higher prices for homes Most Concerning
Fewer housing options near jobs, schools, and services	Fewer housing options near jobs, schools, and services Not Concerning	Fewer housing options near jobs, schools, and services Somewhat Concerning	Fewer housing options near jobs, schools, and services Most Concerning
Less sense of neighborliness and community	Less sense of neighborliness and community Not Concerning	Less sense of neighborliness and community Somewhat Concerning	Less sense of neighborliness and community Most Concerning

Other (please specify)

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* 3. When you or people you know look for housing, what’s the biggest hurdle?

Unable to afford what’s available

Can’t find the right type or size of home

Homes are too far from daily needs like jobs and schools

Newly built neighborhoods don’t feel like home

Other (please specify)

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* 4. What kinds of new housing in your community would help address these hurdles?

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* 5. If you were looking for a new home, where would you prefer it be?

In the heart of a big or mid-sized city downtown area

In a small city downtown

Within walking distance to jobs, schools, and services but not downtown

In a less busy area, but within a short trip to most daily destinations

Further from destinations but not too far from neighbors

In a rural area

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* 6. How much of a problem are each of these for you when traveling in Northwest Arkansas?

	Not a problem	Minor problem	Moderate problem	Serious problem
Congestion on I-49	Congestion on I-49 Not a problem	Congestion on I-49 Minor problem	Congestion on I-49 Moderate problem	Congestion on I-49 Serious problem
Congestion on major roads	Congestion on major roads Not a problem	Congestion on major roads Minor problem	Congestion on major roads Moderate problem	Congestion on major roads Serious problem
Getting to major roads	Getting to major roads Not a problem	Getting to major roads Minor problem	Getting to major roads Moderate problem	Getting to major roads Serious problem
Long trips to reach work, school, or services	Long trips to reach work, school, or services Not a problem	Long trips to reach work, school, or services Minor problem	Long trips to reach work, school, or services Moderate problem	Long trips to reach work, school, or services Serious problem
Limited travel options besides driving	Limited travel options besides driving Not a problem	Limited travel options besides driving Minor problem	Limited travel options besides driving Moderate problem	Limited travel options besides driving Serious problem

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* 7. Which improvements would help you most in your daily life?

More connections between cities

Smoother flow on major roads

More connected neighborhood streets

More walking or biking options

Better public transportation

Other (please specify)

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* 8. When wastewater and stormwater systems fall behind growth, which outcomes worry you most?

Higher utility bills

Higher taxes to pay for infrastructure

Delays in new housing and development

Increased flooding or property damage

Degraded quality of water in lakes and rivers

Other (please specify)

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* 9. What is one thing you hope your children, grandchildren, or future residents will enjoy about Northwest Arkansas that you enjoy today?

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* 10. How important is it to you that Northwest Arkansas keeps its rural countryside and small-town character as the region grows?

Extremely important

Somewhat important

Not important

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* 11. What’s one change that would make your community a better place to live?

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* 12. What is your age?

Under 18

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+

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* 13. How many people live in your household?

10+

Clear

i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 14. Are there any children in your household?

Yes

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* 15. Where do you live today?

In or near the center of a big or mid-sized city

In or near the center of a small city

Away from the center of a big or mid-sized city

Away from the center of a small city

In a rural area

Other (please specify)

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* 16. What best describes your current housing situation?

Own my home

Rent

Other (please specify)

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* 17. With what racial or ethnic group do you identify mostly?

White or Caucasian

Black or African American

Hispanic or Latino

American Indian or Native American

Asian

Pacific Islander

Multi-racial

Prefer not to say

Another race or ethnicity (please specify)

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* 18. What is your total household income before taxes?

Less than $25,000

$25,000 - $49,999

$50,000 - $74,999

$75,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 or more

Prefer not to say

Thank you for sharing your perspective. Your input will be part of building a regional strategy for how Northwest Arkansas can not just grow, but thrive in the future. For updates as the work continues, visit www.growinghomenwa.com.