How do you lead one of the fastest-growing cities in America… without losing the heart of a small town? 

In this episode of The Good Influencers, I sit down with Mayor Bill Edwards of Centerton, Arkansas, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S to hear how he’s managed 15 years of explosive growth while staying rooted in connection, transparency, and community-first leadership. From his early days as a police officer and JB Hunt manager to overseeing a full-time fire department and championing local development projects, Mayor Bill Edwards reveals how he's done exactly that in Centerton, Arkansas—through hands-on leadership, community connection, and an unwavering focus on people over politics.

If you’ve ever wondered what community-driven leadership looks like in action, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why listening is a mayor’s most powerful tool
• The story behind Centerton’s population boom and how it’s being managed
• What it really takes to build a walkable, connected community
• How Mayor Bill helped bring Bentonville West High School to Centerton
• Why small-town values still matter in a fast-growing city
• The health scare that shifted his personal priorities
• How Mayor Bill uses Facebook as a modern-day town square

Key Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro — Meet Mayor Bill Edwards

[01:14] From law enforcement to public service: His path to mayor

[04:00] Why community involvement inspired him to run

[05:28] Lessons from 15 years of leadership

[07:10] Using Facebook to stay connected with residents

[10:55] Centerton’s biggest challenges: roads, growth, and funding

[15:01] Community center plans and vision for city amenities

[17:42] What community really means to Mayor Bill

[20:00] The drive to maintain Centerton’s small-town feel

[28:13] Surviving a major health scare and living with purpose

[30:27] Accomplishments he’s most proud of

[33:33] Reflections on legacy and advice to the next generation of leaders

✦ SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES ✦

📍 City of Centerton Website: https://centertonar.us/

📧 Email Mayor Bill Edwards: [email protected]

📞 Mayor’s Office Phone: (479) 795-2750 ext. 101

💬 Follow Mayor Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063626054653

🏛️ Community Center Plans: Visit the city website to view the schematic designs

✦ LISTEN ON ✦

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cLA6L4hoqFxE21VetsW3P?si=851e12258eba4c28

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-good-influencers/id1822428424

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGoodInfluencersPodcast

✦ CONNECT WITH US ON ✦

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