Local Events
Mon., Apr. 13 at 6:30 p.m. - Democratic Party of Benton County (DPBC) Monthly Meeting/ County Convention; Join county party members at the Wal-Mart Auditorium in the Shewmaker Center on the NWACC campus (1 College Dr) to elect the county’s State Committee Representatives for two years and Delegates to the 2026 State Convention. Guests are welcome—and you can even become a member on site— you can submit/renew your membership ahead on the DPBC website. Check out information on the eight candidates for the seven state committee positions HERE.
Tues., Apr. 14 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Coffee with Dems hosted by the DPBC at Third Space Coffee (1312 Melissa Drive) in Bentonville at the Best Friends Animal Society Building; All welcome - pet adoption optional. 😉
Wed., Apr. 15 at 6:30 p.m. - League of Women Voters Benton County Monthly Meeting at the First United Methodist Church in Bentonville (enter through the second street doors); meeting discussion will include information on organizational elections in May.
Thurs., Apr. 16 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. - NWA Press and Community Convening as part of the Winthrop Rockefeller Civic Arkansas program; This free event at the Fayetteville Public Library (Ziegler Reception Room) is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and discuss what’s happening across this area of the state. Whether you’re an active journalist, a local leader, or just someone who cares about the future of news in Arkansas, you are invited to be part of the conversation! Join me in attending by registering HERE.
Sat., Apr. 18 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Holi Festival at The Momentary; Presented in partnership with the Indian Cultural Association of NWA (ICANWA), the Holi Festival, also known as the Festival of Colors and the Festival of Love, marks the start of spring with vibrant colors, food, music, dancing, and more. Open to the community, free, and family friendly, this event is a great way to shake off the stress of a long winter.
Tues., Apr. 21 from 5 - 6 p.m. - Arkansas Democrats Present: The Hub webinar; updating Arkansans on the work Democrats are doing across the state; sign up to attend the zoom HERE.
Tues., Apr. 21 from 6 - 8 p.m. - The Weave Gathering in Springdale at Bloomhouse; join a monthly convening of NWA Weavers who care deeply about community and connection in NWA. The event is free and dinner will be provided. Register to attend HERE.
Municipal Government Awareness
Bella Vista
Next Council Mtng: Monday, Apr. 27 at 6 p.m. (2483 Forest Hills Blvd)
Bentonville
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 14 at 6 p.m. (305 SW A St.)
Items of Note:
The City of Bentonville is inviting Bentonville students entering/exiting 7th or 8th grade to submit their original two-dimensional artwork illustrating what they love about America in celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary. City officials will select 250 of the submitted artworks to be included in a large-scale commemorative mural for display in Bentonville. Deadline for submission is July 15th, read more details HERE.
Coffee with the Mayor will be April 21st at 8 a.m. at U of A Collaborative (700 SE 5th St); register to attend HERE
Cave Springs
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 27 at 6 p.m. (120 S. Main St.)
Items of Note:
Visit with the Mayor from 9 - 11 a.m. on Apr. 27 at the City Community Building (120 S. Main)
Centerton
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 14 at 6 p.m. (210 Municipal Dr.)
Items of Note:
Mayor Bill will NOT be running for reelection as Centerton’s Mayor this year. To date, City Council members Cliff Thompson (ward 1) and Wendy Henson (ward 2) have both announced they will run for the open position. Read more about the Mayor’s retirement in the Bentonville Bulletin HERE.
Gravette
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 28 at 5:30 p.m. (202 Main St. NE)
Items of Note:
Future Land Use Plan public feedback sessions will happen this week:
Apr. 14 from 4 - 5:15 p.m. at Council Chambers (202 Main St. NE)
Apr. 18 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Public Library (119 Main St. SE)
Highfill
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 14 at 6 p.m. (2560 W Hwy 12)
Items of Note:
The City of Highfill is seeking applicants to fill an open seat on the City Council for Ward 3, Position 2. The current term for this position is set to expire on Dec. 31st. Apply by 4:30 p.m. on Tues., Apr. 14th. More information can be found HERE.
Lowell
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (216 N. Lincoln St.)
Items of Note:
From Jada Robison with the NWA Dem Gazz, “Lowell council, mayor debate J.B. Hunt building purchase proposal during special meeting”
Pea Ridge
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 21 at 6 p.m. (911 Weston St.)
Items of Note:
The city’s Shred-it event is on April 18, 2026, where you can safely and securely shred your documents. The event will be held at City Hall and is open to residents until capacity is reached. Don’t forget to bring your ID or proof of residency!
Rogers
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 14 at 6 p.m. (301 W. Chestnut)
Siloam Springs
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (400 N. Broadway)
Items of Note:
From Marc Hayot with the NWA Dem Gazz, “Siloam Springs City Board votes to respond to Rigby’s counter offer”
Springdale
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 14 at 6 p.m. (201 Spring St.)
County Government Awareness
Benton County Quorum Court
A Regional Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is being considered by Benton County Justices of the Peace at the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, April 13th.
Here are some of the key issues with the IDA (thanks to the DPBC for the notes):
An Industrial Development Authority would give immense power to a group of UNELECTED individuals, including power to do things like:
Use eminent domain to seize private property from individuals for the benefit of attracting private businesses
Potentially circumvent local zoning rules and regulations
Issue bonds and enter special tax deals with private businesses that may actually cost tax payers in the long run
The state law that allows for these IDAs to be established does not provide a method for removing members once they are appointed, meaning individuals on these boards do not have to answer to or be held accountable by voters or elected officials once put in their position. Once the IDA is formed, it cannot be dissolved.
We do not know what kind of industry these unelected boards may enter deals with, and if these industries are things residents want in our area. Many people voiced concern that the type of industry attracted could be detrimental to other vital industries such as agriculture, and we would have little to no ability to stop deals that hurt local citizens and businesses.
Additional Resources:
Next Steps if you would like your voice to be heard:
Email your Justice of the Peace representative (contact info HERE)
Attend the meeting on Monday and sign up to speak during the public comment period
Upcoming County Government meetings at the Admin Building in downtown Bentonville:
Committee of the Whole - Apr. 13 at 6 p.m. (THIS IS AN UNUSAL DAY for this meeting!)
Finance Committee Meeting - Apr. 14 at 6 p.m.
Planning Board Meeting - Apr. 15 at 6 p.m.
Development Review Community - Apr. 22 at 10 a.m.
Quorum Court - Apr. 23 at 6 p.m.
State Government Awareness
95th General Legislative Assembly:
The State Legislature’s Fiscal Session started last week. Arkansas Appleseed Legal Justice Center has published an online Legislative Tracker where you can follow the progression of all the bills filed during the session.
Additional Resources about the Fiscal Session:
From Andrew Demillo with the Arkansas Advocate, “Arkansas Explained: Why are Arkansas lawmakers meeting this year?”
From Ainsley Platt with the Arkansas Advocate, “Arkansas’ fiscal session is here. Here are the bills to watch.”
From Alex Golden at Axios NWA, “Arkansas Legislature to decide state budget”
From Scott Perkins and Tracking Arkansas, “LEARNS Act Vouchers: From $47 Million to $370 Million (and Climbing) - The governor's signature program is responsible for unchecked new spending”
Fiscal Session Calendar and Live Stream Links HERE
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders:
From Antoinette Grajeda with the Arkansas Advocate, “Arkansas governor says lawmakers must limit spending for tax cut session to occur - Sanders said she’s open to other ideas for increasing prison capacity “
From Worth Sparkman with Axios NWA, “Gov. Sanders outlines budget agenda for lawmakers”
From Ainsley Platt and Tess Vrbin with the Arkansas Advocate, “Democrats in Arkansas Legislature say governor’s policy priorities are out of touch - Top Republicans say Sanders’ push for tax cuts has support”
Election Information
The signature collection period for municipal positions up for election this November starts May 7th. Each city in Benton County will have non-partisan municipal positions up for election, see list below. For more details on the filing and a copy of the signature collection document can be found HERE.
If you (or someone you know) is interested in learning more, please respond to this email. I’m happy to answer any questions/provide guidance about running for these types of positions. Benton County needs people just like you to step up and become more civically engaged!
Cities/Positions up for election Nov. 3, 2026:
Avoca: Mayor, Recorder/Treasurer, and all five council member positions
Bella Vista: Mayor, City Clerk, and council position 2 for wards 1-3
Bentonville: City Attorney and council position 1 for wards 1-4
Cave Springs: Mayor, Recorder/Treasurer, and all six council member positions
Centerton: Mayor, City Clerk, and council position 2 for wards 1-3
Decatur: Mayor and all six council member positions
Garfield: Mayor and all four council member positions
Gateway: Mayor, Recorder/Treasurer, and all five council member positions
Gentry: Mayor, City Clerk, City Attorney, and all eight council member positions
Gravette: Mayor, Recorder/Treasurer, and all six council member positions
Highfill: Mayor and all six council member positions
Little Flock: Mayor and council position 2 for wards 1-3
Lowell: Mayor, City Clerk and council position 2 for wards 1-4
Pea Ridge: Mayor, City Clerk/Treasurer, and council position 2 for wards 1-3
Rogers: City Attorney and council positions 1 for wards 1-4
Siloam Springs: Director positions 1-4
Springdale: Council position 1 for wards 1-4
Springtown: Mayor, Recorder/Treasurer, and all five council member positions
Sulpher Springs: Mayor and all six council member positions
Local Candidate Events
Please consider attending one or all of the following upcoming event to learn more about and support candidates running for office in Arkansas.
State Legislature: Candidate Fundraiser for Mitchell Smith in House District 13 (south Bentonville and northwest Rogers)
U.S. House of Representatives: Candidate Fundraiser for Robb Ryerse in Congressional District 3 (NWA)
Justices of the Peace: Candidate Kickoffs for Meleah Gretzmier in JP District 13 (South Benton County) and Angelina White JP District 2 (East Rogers)
Facebook event HERE
State Legislature: Candidate Fundraiser for Eduardo Guzman in Senate District 27 (Fort Smith) - with a live musical performance!
U.S. Senate: Candidate Fundraiser for Hallie Shoffner - come eat some of the best food in Bentonville
Tickets can be purchased HERE
In the Ear
“Late last month, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked a requirement that all voter registration forms must be signed in ink. The lawsuit was filed against the state in 2024 by the voter advocacy nonprofit, Get Loud Arkansas, after the State Board of Election Commissioners issued an emergency rule prohibiting digital signatures.” Learn more from Ozarks at Large Matthew Moore’s interview with Interim Director of Get Loud Arkansas, Kathy Webb, HERE.
Odds & Ends
Read more from Tess Vrbin at the Arkansas Advocate about additional women joining the lawsuit challenging Arkansas’ abortion ban HERE
Lastly, I’m thrilled to share my friend Chelsea Miller’s write up for UpSkill America covering the work Excel by Eight is doing in Arkansas; “The Care Catalyst: How Child Care Benefits Make the Difference in Retention for Small Businesses”