Local Events
Thurs., Apr. 2 at 6 p.m. - Rescheduled Statewide League of Women Voters Member Online Meeting; The meeting will include a training focused on the upcoming Arkansas fiscal session. This is a great opportunity to get informed and have your questions answered about the state budget. Register to attend HERE.
Tues., Apr. 7 at noon - Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) Virtual Town Hall: Protecting SNAP in the Arkansas Budget; In this town hall, AACF will talk about how the state fiscal session works, the status of the Arkansas state budget, the need to protect state revenue, and changes coming to SNAP and other key programs that support children and families. Register to attend HERE
Mon., Apr. 13 at 6:30 p.m. - Democratic Party of Benton County (DPBC) Monthly Meeting/ County Convention; Join members at NWACC 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.
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.
Community Involvement Opportunities
Congress for New Urbanism is coming to NWA!
The Congress for New Urbanism is hosting the 34th annual Congress in Northwest Arkansas this May 12 - 16, delivering a multi-location (Bentonville & Fayetteville) event that offers nearly 100 sessions, tours, workshops and an unparalleled opportunity to explore the fastest-growing region in the country. To learn more about the event or to sign up to volunteer to support activities in Fayetteville, Rogers, and Bentonville, click HERE.
Public Policy Center Offers Free Arkansas Focused Civic Education
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's Public Policy Center has an Introduction to County Government in Arkansas course. This online experience will help you understand the form and function of county government, the county budgeting process, and the county government resources available through Community and Economic Development.
This is a FREE, self-guided course that consists of four sections:
An Overview of County Government
Mandated & Non-Mandated Services
Roles & Responsibilities of Elected County Officials
How Counties are Funded
To access these, visit the website linked HERE, create a public account, go to Search Courses, and type Introduction to County Government.
Applications Open for DPBC 2026-28 State Committee Members and 2026 State Convention Delegates
2026-28 State Committee Member
State Committee Members represent Benton County in the Democratic Party of Arkansas for a two year term, shaping priorities and voting on key decisions - including the filing fees for candidates running for state-level offices. No political experience is needed, just commitment and a willingness to show up. Benton County will elect seven members to the State Committee.
To learn more and/or to apply to be a State Committee Member, click HERE.
2026 State Convention Delegate
Interested in supporting democratic values, promoting change, and representing Benton County, but want something more short term? Apply now to be a Delegate to the 2026 Democratic Party of Arkansas State Convention, to be held in Little Rock on June 13! Benton County will send 47 Delegates to the State Convention.
To learn more and/or to apply to be a State Convention Delegate, click HERE.
League of Women Voters Benton County Volunteer Opportunities
Our local League is looking for (member or non member) volunteers to help with petition signature collection events this spring. Check out volunteer opportunities via their Sign Up Genius HERE.
Municipal Government Awareness
Bella Vista
Next Council Mtng: Monday, Apr. 27 at 6 p.m. (2483 Forest Hills Blvd)
Items of Note:
From Rachel Dickerson with NWA Dem Gazz, “Grassroots project leads to 5-mile side path along Kingsland Road in Bella Vista”
From Steve Andrews with the NWA Dem Gazz, “Four candidates for Bella Vista association board detail platforms in pitch to POA members”. POA voting starts in April and runs through mid-May.
Coffee with the Mayor will be Mon. Apr. 6th at 9 a.m. (1 Concordia Dr.)
Bentonville
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 14 at 6 p.m. (305 SW A St.)
Items of Note:
The City of Bentonville is participating in Keep Arkansas Beautiful's Great Arkansas Cleanup by organizing a city-wide "Clean the Streets Day" on Saturday, April 11th from 9:00 am to noon. Volunteers are needed to help pick up litter along Bentonville city streets, trails, creek beds, and in drainage ways. All supplies are provided. Sign up HERE.
From Sam Hoisington at The Bentonville Bulletin, “You Can Now Ride a Free Bus Around Downtown Bentonville”
Cave Springs
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 28 at 6 p.m. (134 N. Main St.)
Items of Note:
From Jada Robison with the NWA Dem Gazz, “Cave Springs is a perfect place to create a walkable community, forum told”
Centerton
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 14 at 6 p.m. (210 Municipal Dr.)
Gravette
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 28 at 5:30 p.m. (202 Main St. NE)
Highfill
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 14 at 6 p.m. (2560 W Hwy 12)
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 to get its first Walmart Neighborhood Market after Planning Commission approval - It will be city’s first Walmart of any kind” <Hello sales tax dollars!>
FYI - Scott Mendham, one of the city council members representing Lowell Ward 3, will be resigning due to moving out of his ward. Expect the resignation and appointment process to be announced and discussed at April’s meeting. If you live in the ward and are interested in learning more, you should attend the April 21st meeting in person.
Pea Ridge
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 21 at 6 p.m. (911 Weston St.)
Rogers
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 14 at 6 p.m. (301 W. Chestnut)
Items of Note:
From Jada Robison in the NWA Dem Gazz, “Rogers council OKs annexation of site of spay, neuter clinic offered by Humane Society for Animals - Mayor endorses move, saying it presents unique opportunity” and “Rogers officials hope to improve housing affordability in city through new partnership”
Siloam Springs
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 7 at 6:30 p.m. (400 N. Broadway)
Items of Note:
From Marc Hayot with the NWA Dem Gazz, “Siloam Springs administrator pick was criticized in last job by current, former mayors of Edmond, Oklahoma - Board chooses Rigby for post”
Springdale
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Apr. 14 at 6 p.m. (201 Spring St.)
Items of Note:
From Ron Wood with the NWA Dem Gazz, “Northwest Arkansas law enforcement training center unveiled in Springdale - Arkansas Department of Public Safety shows off Northwest Arkansas center in Springdale”
County Government Awareness
Benton County Quorum Court
From the Benton County Newsletter’s Quorum Court Recap:
“The Benton County Quorum Court unanimously approved a resolution directing the display of the Ten Commandments in all Benton County Government Buildings. During the 2025 Regular Session, the Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 573 which provides a durable poster or framed copy of a historical representation of the Ten Commandments shall be prominently displayed in public buildings if donated by a group or individual. A donation of framed copies of the historical representation of the Ten Commandments has been donated to Benton County. Framed copies will be promptly displayed in county facilities and buildings in accordance with the state law on or by April 26, 2026. You can read the full statement County Judge Barry Moehring made to the Quorum Court HERE.”
Read more about the meeting from Thomas Saccente with the NWA Dem Gazz HERE
From Antoinette Grajeda at the Arkansas Advocate, “Federal judge blocks Arkansas’ Ten Commandments law - The state’s attorney general will appeal the ruling, which applies to six school districts” and “Ten Commandments posters donated to additional Arkansas universities”
For additional context on the latest judicial ruling, check out Ozarks at Large Daniel Caruth’s interview with the University of Arkansas assistant professor at the School Of Law, John Thorlin, “What's next after Arkansas judge blocks Ten Commandments in schools”
Upcoming County Government meetings at the Admin Building in downtown Bentonville:
Planning Board Meeting - Apr. 1 at 6 p.m.
Development Review Committee - Apr. 8 at 10 a.m.
Committee of the Whole - Apr. 13 at 6 p.m.
Finance Committee Meeting - Apr. 14 at 6 p.m.
Arkansas Department of Transportation - Benton County Impacts
From Ron Wood’s reporting in the NWA Dem Gazz, “The Arkansas Department of Transportation is holding two public involvement meetings to get input on plans for a western connector between Interstate 49 in Bella Vista and U.S. 412 west of Arkansas 112 in Benton County. The meetings are set for:
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 7 at First Baptist Church in Highfill, 11912 S. Main St.
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 9 at the Hiwasse First Baptist Church, 13512 Arkansas 72.
The meetings will be used to present and discuss the proposed alternatives for the Western North-South Connector project. Both meetings will present the same information. A website dedicated to the project will be available beginning April 2 on the transportation department's website, ardot.gov/publicmeetings. Comments on the project will be accepted until 4:30 p.m April 24.”
State Government Awareness
95th General Legislative Assembly:
The 2026 legislative fiscal session will begin on April 8th. There is an expectation that the Governor will call a separate special session directly following the end of the fiscal session. In the special session, expect to see another round of income tax cuts…
Read more from Antoinette Grajeda’s interview with Senate Leader Bart Hester in the Arkansas Advocate about the upcoming session HERE
To hear Governor Sanders thoughts on the upcoming session, listen to her interview with Roby Brock via Talk Business and Politics HERE
Additional reference information:
From Antoinette Grajeda with the Arkansas Advocate, “Arkansas Explained: How is the state’s public school funding amount set?”
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders:
Governor Sanders had controversial appointments approved to boards earlier this month. Read more about the appointments and political analysis from the following sources:
From Tess Vrbin at the Arkansas Advocate, “Arkansas Senate narrowly confirms former Sanders staffer to Board of Corrections - Support from two Democrats overpowers GOP opposition to Jamie Barker’s appointment amid debate over Franklin County prison project”
From Austin Gelder with the Arkansas Times, “Arkansas Democrats delivered the Republican governor a win. Why?”
And from Senator Greg Leding (D- Fayetteville) read the top section of his newsletter for his thoughts on some of his colleagues votes HERE
From Antoinette Grajeda at the Arkansas Advocate, “Caldwell appointed to University of Arkansas trustees board”
If you haven’t heard already, the governor will have a new book out later this year, adding to the speculation that she’s likely going to run for president in 2028. Learn more about the book (or get a laugh out of the cover) from Mike Allen’s reporting with Axios, “First look: New book by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, "Unapologetic"“ 🙄
Local Candidate Event
Please consider attending the following upcoming event to learn more about and support a candidate running for office in Arkansas.
State Legislature: Candidate Fundraiser for Mitchell Smith in House District 13 (south Bentonville and northwest Rogers):
In the Ear
Check out Ozarks at Large Casey Mann’s interview with local former Democratic candidate, Kelly Krout last week, “Exploring the causes of Arkansas’ low voter turnout”
From Matthew Moore with Ozarks at Large, “Arkansas women sue state after being denied emergency abortion care” and “New report finds Arkansas K-12 funding 30% below national average”
U.S. Senate Democratic nominee Hallie Shoffner was a guest on last week's Capitol View and Talk Business & Politics television program. She discussed her primary victory over challenger Ethan Dunbar, mayor of Lewisville, and said she's ready to engage incumbent Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark. Listen/watch HERE.
Odds & Ends
From G. Elliott Morris at Strength in Numbers, “Poll: 1 out of 8 Trump voters has buyer’s remorse about 2024 - In our new poll, 13% of Donald Trump's 2024 voters say they regret their vote last cycle. In a hypothetical redo, Kamala Harris wins by nearly 3 points.”
From Judd Legum at Popular Information, “New lawsuit alleges DraftKings and FanDuel are digital heroin - “By coordinating their use of immersive marketing, AI, cloud computing, and algorithms customized for every customer, they hijack customers’ brains”
Enjoy Amanda Litman’s update from Run for Something feel-good update from today, “RFS feel-good update (3/30): Tomorrow is National Run for Office Day!!”