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Local Events

  • Mon., Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. - Democratic Party of Benton County (DPBC) Monthly Meeting at the NWACC Peterson Auditorium (900 SE Eagle Way, Bentonville); the meeting will feature information from the Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition—a powerhouse organization advocating for smart, compassionate criminal justice reform across our state. Come hear how their work is shaping policy and empowering communities, and learn how you can be part of the movement.

  • Sat., Oct. 18 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Indivisible NWA No Kings protest in Rogers; Meet on the public sidewalks at the intersection of South Promenade Boulevard & Crown Lane, Rogers. Because this is not a march, do not gather beforehand. Ample parking is nearby, and there will be trained marshals (peacekeepers) and volunteers to help you find your way to a spot on the sidewalks. Rally is expected to end in plenty of time for the Arkansas-Texas A&M game. Sign up for updates through Mobilize HERE. For more protest location options go HERE.

  • Tues., Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. - DPBC Social Hour at Ozark Beer Company in Rogers (109 N Arkansas); Join likeminded community members at a family friendly social hour.

  • Wed., Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. - Circles NWA Becoming Visible: Poverty Is _____ event at the First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville; at this event explore the gap between what we assume poverty looks like and the deeper realities of what it means to experience poverty today. Register to attend HERE.

  • Thurs. Oct. 23 at noon - Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families Health Insurance Marketplace Webinar; this webinar will review recent changes in Health Insurance Marketplace eligibility and enrollment policy as a result of the budget reconciliation federal law passed in July. They will cover information individuals and partner orgs need to know before open enrollment begins in Arkansas on Nov. 1st. Register to attend HERE.

  • Thurs., Oct. 23 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. - Citizens’ Climate Lobby discussion Higher Utility Bills: What to Expect? What to Do? at the Fayetteville Public Library; discover how changing utility rates, energy demand, and weather impacts our living costs, and explore actions and technology to maintain or lower your energy costs.

  • Sun., Oct. 26 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. - NWA Transcends Community Conversation Collective Action at the Bentonville Community Center (1101 SW Citizens Circle); This afternoon will bring trans and gender-expansive people, allies, and neighbors together for courageous conversations centering dignity and belonging in our community. The event will include facilitated small and large group discussions, as well as time to contribute to ongoing action projects. Register to attend this free event HERE.

Community Spotlights

Groundwork Housing Summit Follow-Up

Last week, Groundwork hosted their latest Housing Summit. If you were unable to attend but would like to see some of the presentations covered during the event, check out the links below. Full video of the discussions will be on the Groundwork website by the end of the month.

Groundwork is helping to start up a Regional Housing Coalition. If you’re interested in learning more about the coalition, you can register HERE.

TapUStry Collective

Congratulations to Karrié and Brandon Claybrook of Rogers for their new nonprofit, TapUStry Collective. Their documentary, The Paris 3, has been connecting with audiences across the country and abroad, highlighting how individual acts of courage can create lasting change within communities. Through their nonprofit, they recently purchased the original bus station in Paris, Kentucky — the site of the 1961 incident featured in the film — and plan to restore it into The Station: A Living Legacy Museum.

Learn more about their work at https://www.thedifferenceyoucanmake.com/.

Razorback Greenway Corridor Plan Survey Results

Stretching 40 miles through Northwest Arkansas, the Razorback Greenway connects seven cities. In just 15 years, the trail went from vision to reality. The Razorback Greenway Corridor Plan is building on this success to ensure the Greenway catalyzes trail-oriented development, smart growth, and healthy living for the region.

In May, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission (NWARPC) gathered community input to help shape the plan. Click HERE to learn more about the project vision, survey results and regional planning frameworks.

Municipal Government Awareness

Bella Vista

  • Next Council Mtng: Monday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. (2483 Forest Hills Blvd)

  • Items of Note:

    • The Bella Vista City Council, following a two-years long code reform process, adopted new and improved zoning and development regulations at their regular meeting Monday, Sept. 22. The newly adopted rules and more information can be reviewed on the city’s website HERE.

Bentonville

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. (305 SW A St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • If you are interested in serving as a member of the Bentonville Active Transportation Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, or the Public Art Advisory Committee, the deadline to apply is Friday, November 7. Board members must be registered voters, reside in the corporate limits of Bentonville, attend regular monthly meetings, and commit to a full term. Applications are available online HERE.

    • From Sam Hoisington at the Bentonville Bulletin, “Bentonville Schools Considers Dedicated Career Studies Campus”

Cave Springs

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. (134 N. Main St.)

Centerton

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. (210 Municipal Dr.)

Gravette

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. (202 Main St. NE)

Highfill

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 14 at p.m. (2560 W Hwy 12)

  • Items of Note:

    • A member of the Highfill community will be appointed to fill a vacancy on the Parks Advisory Committee during the upcoming city council meeting

    • Fall Tree Giveaway will be held on Fri., Oct. 17th starting at 7 a.m. at the Highfill City Park. Each household can pick up two trees while supplies last. Just remember to bring a copy of your Highfill utility bill.

Lowell

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (216 N. Lincoln St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • Lowell Fall Tree Giveaway will be Saturday, Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. until noon. One tree per household for those that live within Lowell city limits. Bring your utility bill.

Pea Ridge

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. (911 Weston St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • Heads up drivers in Pea Ridge: Lifetime’s Big Sugar Classic bicycle event will take place on Sat., Oct. 18. There are 3 different bike routes that will impact portions of city roads throughout the day. Learn more HERE.

Rogers

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. (301 W. Chestnut)

  • Items of Note:

    • Brian Jackson will be appointed to the Airport Commission (expiring in 2030)

Siloam Springs

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (400 N. Broadway)

Springdale

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. (201 Spring St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • At this week’s meeting, the city council will consider authorizing the Mayor to enter agreements with Garver LLC to update the city’s Land Use Plan and Unified Development Code.

County Government Awareness

Benton County Quorum Court

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

  • Election Commission Meeting - Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. (at Fayetteville Sherriff Annex, joint training with Washington County)

  • Finance Committee Meeting - Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.

  • Planning Board Meeting - Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.

  • Budget Committee Meeting - Oct. 16 at 6 p.m.

  • Budget Committee Meeting - Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.

  • Committee of the Whole - Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.

  • Development Review Committee Meeting - Oct. 22 at 10 a.m.

State Government Awareness

95th General Legislative Assembly:

Some updates on the child care funding issues I highlighted in the last newsletter:

From Alex Golden at Axios NWA, “The Arkansas Department of Education delayed some changes to a federally funded preschool and day care program that were announced Sept. 19 while allowing some changes to take effect Wednesday [Oct.1]… The state went ahead with implementing copayments for families Wednesday but will delay changes to the reimbursement structure for child care providers until Nov. 1, education department spokesperson Rachel Starks told Axios.” Read additional details in the full piece HERE.

Hear more via Matthew Moore’s reporting with KUAF, “AR education officials delay childcare reimbursement changes, raise copays.”

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders:

From Frank E. Lockwood’s reporting in the NWA Dem Gazz, “Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Monday unveiled what her administration has dubbed the 10:33 Initiative, a pilot program connecting people in crisis with the services they need as well as advocates who can help them find appropriate employment, housing, healthcare, rehabilitation and welfare services. The 12-month program will serve roughly 300 to 500 people residing in Pulaski, Union and Pope counties, officials estimate.” Read additional details in the full piece HERE. Additional reporting from Worth Sparkman from Axios NWA can be found HERE.

Election Information

Ready to Run? Democratic Party of Arkansas Webinar

For your information and consideration as you weigh or advance your decision to run for office, the Democratic Party of Arkansas will hold a training and information session by Zoom webinar this Thursday, October 16 at 6:00 PM. Register to attend HERE.

Information about the filing process for any state or federal office in Arkansas can be found HERE. This includes information about the calendar to file, signature collection to waive your filing fee by petition, and the filing fee schedule by office.

2026 Partisan Candidate Filing for County Positions

Candidates wishing to file as a Democrat for county level positions (e.g., County Judge, County Clerk, Justice of the Peace), will need to file with the DPBC during one of the times listed below at the Bentonville County Clerk's Office (215 E. Central Ave.).

  • Monday, Nov. 3rd: noon - 2 p.m. (filing period opens at noon)

  • Tuesday, Nov. 4th: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 5th: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • Thursday, Nov. 6th - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

  • Friday, Nov. 7th - noon - 4 p.m.

  • Tuesday, Nov. 11th - 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 12th - 10 a.m. - noon (filing period closes at noon)

For questions regarding filing or to request an alternative time, email [email protected] and [email protected].

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