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Development Projects

Jasper Featured Community

Jasper Strategic Community Plan

Jasper, Arkansas

The Jasper, Arkansas Future Strategic Community Plan is a conclusive blueprint for addressing the land use challenges facing the city of Jasper and implementing a series of practical and commonsense recommendations designed to improve economic viability and advance the quality of life for residents.

ArkLaMec Resiliency Project

Arkansas-Louisiana Multimodal Economic Corridor

The ArkLaMec region (five counties in Southeast Arkansas and five parishes in Northeast Louisiana) received three Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Declarations for severe storms and flooding from late 2015 through early 2016. The severe weather brought about a break in the economic supply chain in some portions of the region exceeding 45 days. Our effort was not only to historically document the events, but to also develop individual community and regional strategies to aid in community recovery; resulting in raising the level of readiness for the communities and region to respond to the next disaster.

Thrive Hempstead Co. Five‑Year Strategic Plan

Hempstead County, Arkansas

Nearly one hundred civic-minded citizens from the county gathered once a month over a six-month period to develop goals to revitalize their community. Armed with the slogan “Thrive Hempstead,” committees proposed over 20 recommendations to address systemic challenges facing the county. These recommendations were designed to create sustainable economic growth, stronger tourism offerings, a higher and more attractive quality of life standard, and a better education system.

 

Building for a Better Tomorrow

Mayflower, Arkansas

A community recovery plan was developed with citizen input and the support from state and federal agencies in response to the April 2014 tornado that tore through the city The UA Community Design Center worked with the community to design a rebuild plan.

Planning for a More Resilient City

Vilonia, Arkansas

A community recovery plan was developed with citizen input and the support of state and federal agencies, as well as AEDI staff and the UA Community Design Center. This was done in response to the destruction from the April 2014 tornado that ripped through the city.

Go Forward Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

A cross-section of local citizens came together through “Go Forward Pine Bluff” to create over 20 implementable recommendations that address Pine Bluff’s greatest challenges and “move the needle” on ongoing efforts to make the city vibrant again.

GFPB became a 501(c)(3) that continues to implement sustainable strategies and a transparent and accountable structure for keeping citizens informed.

Southwest Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas

Perceptions that the southwest section of the capitol city is a dirty and dangerous part of town is a false narrative which local residences, property owners’ associations, and the Southwest Little Rock Business Alliance decided to address. This was accomplished by joining forces with AEDI and applying data to show that SWLR is a place to “Live, Work, Play, and Invest.”

 

Think Big Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas

TBLR was a project aimed at identifying challenges and opportunities to attract and retain young professionals in Little Rock. Participants tackled key urban issues, like arts and cultural opportunities viewed as crucial to attracting and retaining young professionals. Members invested more than 5,000 hours and developed 28 recommendations supporting its vision.

 

Yellville Strategic Plan

Yellville, Arkansas

This small town is like no other with a unique quality of life that offers a safe and secure environment, great schools and beautiful, well-protected natural assets. Collaborating with the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District allowed us to work with Yellville on an action plan for the future.