“We're building the 2060, 2070, & 2080 versions of Northwest Arkansas right now. These structures are going to determine how our kids—maybe even our grandkids—live day-to-day. Now is the time to get this right.”

       – Duke McLarty, Groundwork

This episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® dives straight into one of our region’s most urgent challenges: housing affordability. Host Randy Wilburn sits down with Duke McLarty, Executive Director of Groundwork at the Northwest Arkansas Council, to explore how a booming population, rising prices, and limited housing stock are reshaping the way we live, work, and connect in NWA.

From breaking down eye-opening statistics—like Benton County home prices being up 72.5% over the last five years—to unpacking the “GROW” framework and real-world policy shifts, this conversation is an open, honest look at what it takes to keep Northwest Arkansas both an economic powerhouse and a welcoming home for all. Whether you’re a lifelong local, a new arrival, or simply curious about the forces shaping our towns and neighborhoods, you’ll walk away informed and inspired to be part of the solution.

If you care about NWA’s future, tune in for perspective, actionable ideas, and real ways to get involved. After all, the choices we make today will determine our region’s character for decades to come.

Key Takeaways:

• Housing Costs Are Rising Fast: Home and rent prices in Northwest Arkansas have soared over the past five years, creating a new reality for families, workers, and businesses.
• It’s a Regional—and National—Challenge: NWA isn’t alone in facing housing shortages, but its rapid growth means local action is critical while there’s still time to shape outcomes.
• Groundwork’s “GROW” Framework Points the Way: By guiding zoning, removing barriers, organizing partnerships, and welcoming advocacy, stakeholders can build more—and more affordable—housing in the places we need it most.
• Your Voice Matters: Change starts locally, whether you’re showing up at a city council meeting, filling out a survey, or simply sharing your story—everyone has a stake and a say.
• The Power of Partnership: Sustainable solutions will require collaboration between municipalities, businesses, state leaders, and everyday residents, using creativity and foresight to protect what makes NWA special.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.

• Guest: Duke McLarty, Executive Director of Groundwork at the Northwest Arkansas Council
• Website: https://groundworknwa.org/
• Take the Housing Survey: https://groundworknwa.org/survey
• Learn about the GROW Policy Agenda: https://groundworknwa.org/grow
• Organization: Northwest Arkansas Council
• Life Works Here!: https://nwacouncil.org/
• Sponsor and regional leadership on housing, economic growth, and quality of life
• Related Mentions:
• ULI NWA (Urban Land Institute Northwest Arkansas)
• Montana “ADU” Housing Legislation
• Big Emma Springdale (CDNWA), NWA Land Trust

Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.

• NWA Council Website
• NWA Council on Instagram
• NWA Council on Facebook
• NWA Council on LinkedIn
• NWA Council on Twitter
• NWA Council Email

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Mentioned in this episode:

NWA Council Commercials Groundwork (revised)

Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"

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