Local Events
Monday, Jan. 20 from 1 - 4 p.m. - MLK day Celebration at Crystal Bridges museum; Dive into artmaking based on the work We The People (black version) by Nari Ward and explore the gallery with a fun scavenger hunt. It’s a day to create, discover, and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.
Monday, Jan. 20 starting at 5:30 p.m. - Democratic Party of Benton County (DPBC) Monthly Happy Hour at the Gusano’s in Bentonville (2905 S Walton Blvd); join for family friendly gathering
Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11:30 - 1 p.m. - DPBC Book Chat at Two Friends Bookstore in Bentonville (801 SE 8th St); DPBC members invite the community to discuss On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder. Even if you haven't read the book, you are still welcome to attend.
Sunday, Jan. 26 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. - Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) chapter meeting via zoom; zoom link HERE; meeting ID: 828 3415 5623; passcode: 170453
Monday, Jan. 27 from 9 - 11 a.m. - Weaving NWA Coffee and Conversations at the Iron Horse Coffee Co. in downtown Rogers (220 S 1st St); Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea on the organization while you engage in uplifting conversations. Whether you stay for a few minutes or a couple of hours, your presence adds to the richness of our community. Learn more and register HERE.
Community Involvement Opportunities
Applications for LeadAR are open
LeadAR is an 18-month intensive hands-on program. Class members participate in six seminars around the state that include tours, guest speakers, and interactive activities. Applications for the 21st class are due Feb. 7th.
Class members participate in the National Study Tour in the first year of the program, where they travel to Washington, D.C. to learn about issues and policy making from a national perspective. At the end of the LeadAR program, participants travel outside the United States for the International Study Tour to learn how international issues and policy impact Arkansas and the U.S. They explore different innovations and approaches used in other countries for their individual learning. Finally, participants are required to complete a Leadership Service Project over the 18-month program. The Leadership Service Project not only makes a positive difference in each community involved, but it provides opportunity for applying their newly acquired skills and newly made connection.
Learn more about the program and the application process HERE.
Arkansas United Rapid Response Network
The following is directly from Arkansas United’s comms team:
“Going into our 15th year, Arkansas United is offering rapid response and community support, and we would deeply appreciate the opportunity of your time to share our lessons learned, introduce you to new resources we have to help all of us meet this moment, and share with you our vision of how we can communicate and work together on behalf of all of our immigrant members, clients, students, families and workers. AU is ready to organize additional trainings and community events in the new year, and need your input in order to build our work plan and calendar. Together we can be responsive to whatever comes in 2025 but also ensure that all the positive, forward-looking work that each of us is committed to can continue to grow. If you hear about a possible immigration activity in your community, please consider helping us circulate these Spanish protocols. Please visit our FB for other downloadable Spanish family preparedness resources.”
To get involved, complete this FORM.
2025 Civic Commitments Guide
The following is directly from Talk Business & Politics staff, “Winthrop Rockefeller Institute debuts 2025 Civic Commitments Guide”:
“The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute launched the 2025 Civic Commitments Guide, a new resource made available through the Institute’s Civic Arkansas program. You can access the guide HERE. Designed to challenge Arkansans to dedicate themselves to meaningful civic activities throughout the year, the 2025 Civic Commitments Guide outlines wide-ranging activities inspired by national observances and special days.
From volunteer opportunities and supporting local festivals to attending community meetings and learning about state governance, the guide provides a unique framework for residents to build stronger, more connected communities across the state.
Survey Time!
Workforce Housing of NWA, part of the NWA Council, is looking for your input on this important topic. Take a few minutes and share your opinion with this survey HERE.
Municipal Government Awareness
Bella Vista
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. (2483 Forest Hills Blvd) - work session
Items of Note:
The mayor is planning to appoint John Nuttall and Rick Head to the Bella Vista Board of Construction Appeals
Get to know Bella Vista City Planner, Taylor Robertson HERE
The city is accepting applications from residents or property owners in Bella Vista city limits to fill vacancies on the boards listed below. Apply HERE by Wed., Jan. 29th.
Active Transportation Advisory Board for a three-year term to begin on Mar. 1st. Responsibilities include advocating for trails and bicycle/ pedestrian infrastructure in Bella Vista, advising on grant applications and trail projects, and striving for equitable active transportation access for all.
There are also two YOUTH positions open on the Active Transportation Advisory Board. Bella Vista students from age 10 - 18 can apply to fill a one-year term.
Planning Commission for a four-year term beginning Mar. 1st. Commissioners will be responsible meeting twice per month at 4:30 p.m. to review development proposals and use sound judgement to make recommendations to the City Council.
Bentonville
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. (305 SW A St.)
Items of Note:
At last week’s meeting the mayor appointed Allan Paulose to the Bentonville Pubic Art Advisory Committee
Coffee with the Bentonville Mayor zoom event will be Tuesday, Jan. 21st from 8 - 9 a.m.; this month’s conversation will highlight the city’s municipal airport and communications department; register to attend HERE.
Read Heather McCombs recap of the Jan. 14th Bentonville City Council meeting in The Bentonville Bulletin HERE
Cave Springs
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. (134 N. Main St.)
Centerton
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. (210 Municipal Dr.)
Items of Note:
At the January meeting, the mayor appointed Rolondo Enriques to the Centerton Advertising and Promotion Commission (term ending Jan. 2029) and T.J. Wells to the Centerton Water and Sewer Commission (term ending Apr. 2031)
Gravette
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. (202 Main St. NE)
Lowell
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (216 N. Lincoln St.)
Items of Note:
Lowell Planning Commission unanimously approved J.B. Hunt’s north side campus expansion project including utility work, parking, and green space development. Read more about the project from Gael Langdon in the NWA Dem Gazz HERE.
Pea Ridge
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. (911 Weston St.)
Items of Note:
Read Annette Beard’s coverage of the recent Pea Ridge Planning Commission meeting in the NWA Dem Gazz, “Pea Ridge rezonings allow residential development plans to move ahead, but not everyone is happy about it - Residents express concerns about some projects”
Rogers
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. (301 W. Chestnut)
Siloam Springs
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (400 N. Broadway)
Springdale
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. (201 Spring St.)
Items of Note:
“The City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing a $60 million bond issue for water and sewer projects that could save the city several million dollars if interest rates are favorable. The council, meeting as a committee, unanimously recommended proceeding with the proposal at its Jan. 6 meeting.” Read more from Tom Sissom’s reporting in the NWA Dem Gazz HERE.
City appointed Captain Derek Wright to be the new Chief of Police for the Springdale Police Department, effective April 1st. Read more from the city’s press release HERE.
County Government Awareness
Benton County Planning Board
“The Benton County Planning Board next month will consider approving a proposed remodel of a building east of Rogers into a craft brewery. The board discussed the site plan for the project -- Arkansas Trails Brewing Co. -- at its meeting Wednesday. It voted 6-0 to not send the plan to Garver -- a North Little Rock-based engineering, planning and environmental services firm with whom the county has a contract -- for further review.” Read more from Thomas Saccente in the NWA Dem Gazz HERE.
Benton County Quorum Court
Committee of the Whole - Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.
Development Review Committee - Jan. 22 at 10 a.m.
Building Safety Board of Appeals - Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.
Quorum Court Meeting - Jan. 30 at 6 p.m.
Northwest Arkansas Government Awareness
Northwest Arkansas Council
From Doug Thompson’s reporting at the NWA Dem Gazz, "Northwest Arkansas' population is growing faster than the capacity of its various city sewer systems, Arkansas Department of Health managers told a meeting of lawmakers, utility managers, city leaders and private engineers Monday [Jan. 6]. More than 20 private development projects in the Highfill and Centerton area of Benton County alone await the expansion of sewer lines, lift stations and other wastewater infrastructure before they can proceed, Senate President Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, told the group of at least 50 attending the 9 a.m. meeting at the Northwest Arkansas Council in Springdale. Hester organized the meeting at the request of the health department. Regional cooperation between cities appears needed to catch up to the growth in demand for wastewater treatment, organizers said.” Read more HERE.
State Government Awareness
95th General Legislative Assembly:
First week of the 95th session began last week. Here are some recaps from the first week in action:
From Antoinette Grajeda at the Arkansas Advocate, “SESSION SNAPSHOT: Arkansas lawmakers commence 2025 legislative session”
From Benjamin Hardy at the Arkansas Times, “Core 2025 legislative agenda still hazy as Arkansas lawmakers open session”
From Roby Brock at Talk Business & Politics, “Speaker of the House: ‘Sacrifice over self’ should be guiding principle”
Here’s some more bills filed in the last few weeks to keep an eye on:
👎 HB1139 from Rep. B. McKenzie (R - Rogers) & Sen. J. Bryant (R - Rogers) - Creates an excused absence for students in public/charter school to miss from 1-5 hours a week of regular course time to receive a course in religious moral instruction that is taught by an independent entity <CEJ commentary: That’s a lot of potential missed class time for a student to receive outside training from an UNDEFINED “independent” entity>
👎 HB1141 from Rep. Scott Richardson (R - Bentonville) & Sen. J. Bryant (R - Rogers) - Creates criminal offenses related to “deceptive and injurious media” in the course of election campaigns <CEJ commentary: Can’t wait for this one to go through committee so we can have a better understanding about what these two lawmakers are so concerned about>
👍 HB1144 from Rep. J. Wooten (R - Beebe) - Requires private schools receiving vouchers to comply with the same statutory and department of education reporting requirements as public schools
👍 SB59 from Senators C. Tucker (D - Little Rock) and J. Dismang (R - Little Rock) - provides all public school students with the ability to request free breakfast regardless of the student’s eligibility for federally funded free or reduced-price meal program
SB57 from Sen. C. Tucker (D - Little Rock) - Increases the annual state tax deduction for political contributions available for single (currently $50, increased to $100) and joint (currently $100, increased to $200) tax returns
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders:
Write up’s about the governor’s address to the State Legislature last Tuesday:
From Tess Vrbin and Antoinette Grajeda at the Arkansas Advocate, “Arkansas governor lays out legislative priorities in State of the State -Higher education, public safety and children’s mental health focus of the legislative session”
From Worth Sparkman at Axios NW Arkansas, “Gov. Sanders prioritizes education, safety and cost of living in annual address”
From Benjamin Hardy at the Arkansas Times, “Sanders’ session agenda includes school phone ban, firing ‘woke’ professors, higher ed funding”
and finally… Rich Shumate’s commentary in the Arkansas Advocate reminds Arkansans to “Beware of legislative ‘Trojan horses’ as Arkansas’ 95th General Assembly begins”
Recent appointments of Benton County residents by the Governor:
Former State Representative for Centerton, Grant Hodges, has been added to the Board of Corrections (term ends in 2031)
Sydney McKenzie, wife of State Representative Brit McKenzie (R - Rogers), has been added to the Arkansas State Library Board (term ends in 2031)
Other State Information:
From the Arkansas Dept. of Human Services (DHS) press release on Jan. 6th: “Arkansas has been awarded a $17 million grant, the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Applying for the TMaH grant was among the recommendations made by the Strategic Committee for Maternal Health established by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Executive Order last year, and the funds will support key efforts to improve the health of pregnant women, new mothers, and babies. This grant will provide the funding over 10 years to several state Medicaid agencies, including Arkansas, with a goal of reducing disparities in access and treatment.” Read the full release and additional details about the grant HERE.
Also, read Tess Vrbin’s reporting in the Arkansas Advocate, “Arkansas nets $17M federal grant to improve maternal health access, outcomes - Grant will specifically serve Medicaid recipients”.
Election Information
DPBC Leadership Elections
Congratulations to the recently elected/re-elected leadership of the Democratic Party of Benton County pictured below.
State Positions - Candidate Announcements
Even though the projected filing period for the state positions isn’t until Feb. 2026, some Republicans have already announced their intentions to run for office:
Governor Sanders has already started her campaign for a second term as governor. Sanders’ campaign announced they raised more than $1 million in contributions from their kickoff fundraisers in Little Rock and Jonesboro this month. Jordan Powell will serve as campaign manager.
Kim Hammer, Republican State Senator from Benton, has announced that he will run for Arkansas Secretary of State in 2026. Current Secretary of State Jester cannot run for the position in 2026 since he was appointed to the role by the governor.
Rodney White, current Republican Saline County Sheriff, has announced that he will run to fill Kim Hammer’s State Senate seat for district 16. Current State Representative, Tuny Furman (R - Benton), is also considering running for the senate seat.
In the Ear
Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation (bringing Indian arts to NWA) had an interview with Bentonville’s Tom Hoehn about strategies for getting the word out about the work of local nonprofits.
Why is this happening? - Strategies for the Resistance 2.0 with Leah Greenberg; Chris Hayes interview the co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, an organization with a mission to organize thousands of local groups to resist the GOPs agenda, elect local champions and fight for progressive policies
Catch up on the last two Arkansas Week in Review podcasts from the Arkansas Times to learn more about the current state legislative session and the personal drama raising eyebrows in the Arkansas Supreme Court
On YouTube, check out Talk Business & Politics Roby Brock’s interview with Bentonville’s Jennifer Martinez Belt, Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Amazeum. They discuss the Amazeum’s capital campaign to raise funds for an expansion.
Odds & Ends
From Keisha Pittman McKinney in Only in Arkansas, learn about Robert Dorough, “The Arkansan Behind Schoolhouse Rock!”
From Alec MacGillis in ProPublica, “On a Mission From God: Inside the Movement to Redirect Billions of Taxpayer Dollars to Private Religious Schools”
From Tom Watson, “Fear Itself: What can you do? Give no quarter and find a way to enjoy the fight. It will be a long one. American democracy itself is at stake.”