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Happy Thanksgiving Community Members!

I hope all of you enjoy the holiday with friends/families and travel safely (or good luck with hosting)! I’m super thankful for your continued engagement in this civic project for our corner of the state.

With all my thanks! - Christine

Local Events

  • Mon., Dec. 8th at 6:30 p.m. - Democratic Party of Benton County Monthly Meeting at the NWACC Peterson Auditorium (900 SE Eagle Way); At this month’s meeting you’ll get to hear from the judicial candidates running in contested races that will appear on every ballot in Benton County on March 3rd - this is a great opportunity to put a face with a name. Meeting is open to all!

  • Tues., Dec. 9th from 5:30 - 7 p.m. - Public Art 101: From Concept to Installation panel discussion demystifying the public art process in Northwest Arkansas - from idea to proposal, selection & installation; reserve a spot for the event in Bentonville HERE.

  • Wed., Dec. 10th at 5:30 p.m. - Arkansas Rising: An Evening with the League of Women Voters at the Ashleigh Lounge in Rogers (5500 W Northgate Rd); Join for for an evening of cocktails, light appetizers, and conversation hosted by the League of Women Voters of Arkansas, together with Benton County and Washington County Leagues. Connect with League members, meet community leaders, and learn how we’re gearing up to register new voters, protect ballot initiatives, strengthen turnout, and hold government accountable. Register to attend HERE.

Community Involvement Opportunities

❄ Free Community Holiday Concerts 🎄

The BHS Chamber Orchestra will be performing holiday music at the following four churches this December. These evening events are open to the public and donations are encouraged, but not required. The kids are fantastic and the atmosphere is festive!

  • Thurs., Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. - Bella Vista Community Church (75 E. Lancashire Blvd)

  • Fri., Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. - First Presbyterian Church (901 NE J St)

  • Tues., Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. - St. Stephen Catholic Church (1300 NE J St.)

  • Thurs., Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. - First United Methodist Church (201 NW 2nd St.)

Join in Democratic Party Holiday Celebrations

The DPBC will be walking in the Bentonville (Dec. 13th) and Rogers (Dec. 5th) Christmas parades. If you are interested in joining in at least one of these fun and heartening events, sign up HERE.

Additionally, the Democratic parties of both Benton and Washington County will be hosting their annual joint holiday party at the Black Apple Cidery in Springdale on Sun., Dec. 14th from 6 - 8 p.m.. Purchase tickets HERE.

Sign up for Action Alerts with Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families (AACF)

AACF just updated their contact tool and if you would like to receive alerts to take action on important bills and laws impacting kids and families in Arkansas, complete this FORM. You will also receive monthly email newsletters and weekly overviews of the state General Assembly during the session.

Forward 2050

Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission (NWARPC) has prepared a draft Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), titled Forward 2050, which establishes a long-range policy framework for the region’s transportation system over the next 25 years. Additional reporting can be found from Doug Thompson and Ron Wood with the NWA Dem Gazz HERE.

A Public Open House event will be held on Mon., Dec. 8th from 4 – 7 p.m., at the Jones Center in Springdale, AR and a Public Comment Period will run from that day through Mon., Jan. 12th. The Draft Forward 2050 MTP will be available for public review at the NWARPC office or at www.nwarpc.org/transportation/mtp/. Written comments are encouraged via the comment tab on the NWARPC website at www.nwarpc.org/contact or sent directly to [email protected].

2025 Groundwork Housing Summit

If you missed the Groundwork Housing Summit last month, the NWA Council released the videos from each session. Links below.

Municipal Government Awareness

Bella Vista

  • Next Council Mtng: Monday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. (2483 Forest Hills Blvd)

  • Items of Note:

    • The city is looking for applicants to fill a board vacancy for the Board of Construction Appeals; app due by Dec. 1st - learn more HERE

    • Bella Vista bond extension overwhelmingly passed - unofficial results posted HERE

    • City is also seeking five residents to serve on the Public Safety Advisory Committee starting in 2026. This is an advisory committee only, meeting quarterly to advise on public safety needs in the city. Deadline to apply is Jan. 12th - application HERE

Bentonville

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. (305 SW A St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • “The Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday [Nov. 11th] teased a new economic development strategy that focuses on improving infrastructure, growing the retail tax base, and maximizing the impact of investments that have already been made in the area.” Read more from Sam Hoisington’s reporting in the Bentonville Bulletin HERE.

    • At this week’s meeting, the City Council will be approving the city’s 2026 Budget, an ordinance amending the Public Art Code, and adopting a Public Art Policy. Read more about these agenda items and the language to be approved HERE.

Cave Springs

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. (134 N. Main St.)

Centerton

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. (210 Municipal Dr.)

  • Items of Note:

    • “The City Council voted 6-0 to acknowledge receipt of the city water and sewer budget for 2026, as well as a water and sewer rate study from Centerton Utilities calling for yearly increases for both rates starting in 2026. The increases would raise the base and usage rates for water and sewer service. Mayor Bill Edwards said Centerton Utilities will bring ordinances setting the rate increases for the City Council to consider at its Dec. 9 meeting.” Read more from Thomas Saccente’s reporting in the NWA Dem Gazz HERE. Review current rates & fees HERE.

Gravette

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m. (202 Main St. NE)

Highfill

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. (2560 W Hwy 12)

Lowell
Pea Ridge

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. (911 Weston St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • Enjoy the Pea Ridge Holiday Market and Tree Lighting on Sat., Dec. 6th at the Downtown District

    • Annual Christmas Parade will start at 5:30 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 6th

Rogers
Siloam Springs

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. (400 N. Broadway)

  • Items of Note:

    • “The Board of Directors voted 6-1 on Nov. 4 to approve a resolution granting a $3.8 million incentive package to developer MG Siloam LLC for bringing an Academy Sports + Outdoors to the city. The city approved a similar measure for development of an Olive Garden that will open Dec. 1… The city [will wave] $8,060 in building permit fees and $21,722 in street impact fees, the letter states. The incentive package will allow Academy Sports to be reimbursed up to $3.5 million of sales tax-generated revenue, according to the resolution.” Read more from Marc Hayot’s reporting in the NWA Dem Gazz HERE.

    • Siloam Schools Board members and staff are asking for the public’s opinion on the proposal to transition to Neighborhood Schools. Check out their website to learn more HERE.

Springdale

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. (201 Spring St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • Read Tom Sissom’s recap in the NWA Dem Gazz of the Springdale City Council meeting from earlier this month - addressing the issuance of Act 9 industrial bonds allowing Tyson to purchase the former Cargill Facility in Springdale HERE, and his follow-up reporting regarding the legality of council approving a freeze or discount for seniors’ water and sewer service rates HERE

County Government Awareness

Benton County Quorum Court

Upcoming County Government meetings at the Admin Building in downtown Bentonville:

  • Election Commission Meeting (1428 W. Walnut St.) - Nov. 25th at 1 p.m.

  • Development Review Committee - Nov. 26th at 10 a.m.

  • Election Commission Meeting (1428 W. Walnut St.) - Dec. 3rd at 4 p.m.

  • Planning Board Meeting - Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.

  • Finance Committee Meeting - Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

State Government Awareness

  • 🥳 GREAT NEWS!!!! From Antoinette Grajeda at the Arkansas Advocate, “Judge issues injunction against Arkansas direct democracy laws” - some of the info: “Brooks’ ruling blocks new state laws, for now, that prohibit ballot titles from being written above an eighth-grade reading level; require canvassers to file a “true affidavit” certifying they complied with the Arkansas Constitution and state laws related to petition signature procurement; and require paid canvassers to be permanent residents of Arkansas. Additional laws subject to the injunction include two that require canvassers to inform potential signers that petition fraud is a criminal offense and request a photo ID from them, and one that requires potential signers to read a petition’s ballot title or have it read to them.”

  • From Tess Vrbin at the Arkansas Advocate, “Arkansas farmers who receive federal financial aid won’t have to pay [state] income taxes”

  • “The Arkansas State Library Board approved disbursing $1.37 million in state aid to local and regional libraries on Friday with little discussion — a change from efforts last year to withhold funds from certain libraries. The payment covers the second quarter of the state's fiscal year.” Read the entire recap from Sonny Albarado in the Arkansas Advocate HERE.

Department of Elementary & Secondary Education

Draft rules have been released for public comment regarding the governing of the Arkansas Children’s Education Freedom Accounts (the tax payer funded VOUCHERS).

EDUCATION ADVOCACY ALERT:

Federal Impacts on Arkansas

The Trump administration & Congress’s decisions/proposals continue to greatly impact Arkansas. Here are a few reports to follow:

Election Information

Candidate Filing Recaps

*An unusual number of candidates filed to run as Independents. They are listed separately as they are not official candidates until they collect the required number of signatures for their position during the signature collection period next year (Jan. 31 - May 1).

Arkansas Block Captain Program

If you’re excited about at least one of the candidates that filed last week, consider becoming a Block Captain to support candidates in your neighborhood for 2026.

The Arkansas Block Captain (ABC) Program is a neighborhood-based effort to strengthen the Arkansas Democratic Party by building real relationships with voters. Block Captains each take responsibility for about 50 nearby households, checking in several times before Election Day to help neighbors stay informed about registration deadlines, when voting begins, and who/what's on the ballot. By keeping communication personal and consistent, the program helps share easy-to-understand information about policies that affect everyday Arkansans while also improving the party's voter data.

Sign up to learn more with the Democratic Party of Arkansas HERE.

Hallie Shoffner Bentonville Fundraiser Invitation

Join me at this great fundraiser next week!

In the Ear

  • From Matthew Moore at KUAF, listen to his interview with Talk Business and Politics Roby Brock recapping the Arkansas candidate filing period HERE.

  • Huckabee in the News (the other one…) - Read the reporting from Worth Sparkman at Axios NWA, “Mike Huckabee confirms he met with convicted spy” and then watch/listen to Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes with Pod Save the World explain why this was a big deal and should not go unnoticed.

  • Earlier this month I was able to go to D.C. to attend Crooked Con. The event was a lot of fun (especially since it was right after the Nov. 4th election). The programs from the event were recorded and are available to watch for FREE HERE. <CEJ side note: It’s a good thing I got to see President Obama at the Pod Save America event, because I, like most of all of you, was not able to get tickets to his Crystal Bridges event next week!>

Odds & Ends

  • From one of my favorite current authors, Clint Smith, in the Atlantic, “Tell Students the Truth About American History - We owe it to Americans of all ages to be honest about the country’s past, including its contradictions.” <gift article>

  • From Gabriella Zutrau in FWIW, “How I helped Zohran Mamdani turn 45,000 social media clicks into a real-life army of volunteers - Social media chatbots are worth the hype (I promise)”

  • In the Nov. 20th Letters From An Arkansan, get a candidate recap from a Washington County Judicial forum held on the 17th. The Court of Appeals Candidates mentioned will appear on the Benton County ballots. I recommend forwarding this along to your Wash. Co. friends.

  • And finally, an opportunity to PROTEST with your wallet: Indivisible has launched their national “We Ain’t Buying It” campaign - take action over Thanksgiving to pressure companies to stop colluding with the Trump administration and enabling their authoritarian overreach. Learn more and join in HERE.

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