Let’s talk 2024 elections…

All candidates running for partisan positions which will be elected in November 2024 will have to file to run in November 2023. Essentially, potential candidates have six months to decide to run for office in 2024.

Positions which will require a November 2023 filing include:

If you or someone you know would like to have a discussion about the process for running for any of the positions listed above, please reach out to me via email.

from NWA Dem Gazz reporting:

Benton County has received $2.4 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury to boost the supply of affordable housing under the American Rescue Plan Act as part of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Organizations may apply if they can demonstrate they can meet core requirements for federal housing programs and a project completion date of Dec. 31, 2025, according to the release. Applicants can download a copy of the Request for Proposal packet HERE.

Upcoming Meetings (215 E Central Ave):

NWACC Board of Trustees

from NWA Dem Gazz reporting:

The Board of Trustees met on Monday and unanimously approved giving the city of Bentonville an easement to support building a paved multiuse trail on campus. The trail will go along the west side of the campus, running north to south, and connect to the trail that runs behind the nearby Sam's Club. No start date yet for the project, which is expected to take two to three months to complete once planning as been finalized.

Session reviews:

The Arkansas Public Policy Panel will host a webinar this Friday, April 14th covering the 2023 Legislative Priority Recap. During this webinar, the team will be focusing on the legislation around eliminating juvenile fines and fees as well as the Healthy Food Retail Act. Tune in to hear insight from and ask questions of the Policy Director Kymara Seals, Racial Equity Coordinator Osyrus Bolly and Citizens First Congress Steering Committee member Scharmel Roussel.

Opposition to the LEARNS Act:

from the Arkansas Advocate:

Citizens for Arkansas Public Education and Students (CAPES) filed a statement of organization with the Arkansas Ethics Commission on Monday and submitted their ballot title to the Attorney General’s office. If it’s approved, the group will start gathering signatures to get their referendum to repeal the LEARNS Act on the ballot.

For more information about Arkansas CAPES, visit their website HERE.

On the petty front…

Read this from the Arkansas Times: “Gov. Sanders wants to know how much you like her before you can be on a state board or commission”

For information on the upcoming May 9th election, check out the Voting tab on the Democratic Party of Benton County’s website. The site contains links to the items on your ballot and a list of when/where to either early or day-of vote.

Run Now - Training Series from IGNITE

Register for IGNITE’s cohort-based training for young women and expedite your path to political leadership. You'll learn every aspect of running a campaign - articulating your personal call to service, fundraising, endorsements, field, and opportunities to meet with political professionals who will guide you with your bids. Virtual Series occurs on Monday nights from April 24 - May 22. Register by April 17th HERE.

Emerge National Boot Camp

If you missed out on the Arkansas training, you can still apply for this virtual candidate boot camp geared towards equipping Democratic women with the knowledge, skills, and network they need to run for public office in 2024. Applications close on May 14th. Application starts HERE.

National Democratic Training Committee