larger regional centers, an exceptionally low crime rate, and the ability for residents to work in bigger markets while enjoying a quieter, safer community at home. For years, Trumann has been viewed largely as a bedroom community for major employers in Memphis, Jonesboro, and the nearby steel mills in places like Osceola.The city’s leadership agrees that there is real value in that role, but they are equally clear that a bedroom community cannot thrive on housing alone. A strong tax base, local jobs, and a vibrant commercial offering are just as essential if Trumann is to grow on its own terms.That realization has become the catalyst for a far-reaching program of infrastructure upgrades, real estate development, trail and green space expansion, and industrial support. A PLAN FOR 2040 – AND A VISION FOR NOW Trumann is not proceeding by guesswork. A comprehensive city plan, “What Will Trumann Be in 2040?” sits on the mayor’s desk as a reference point and guide. Introduced under a previous administration, the plan called for positioning the city as a desirable bedroom community. Woods respects that ambition but is quick to point out an important gap in the thinking: people who live in Trumann still need meaningful things to do and places to work locally. In many households, both adults work. They should not have to drive to Memphis or Jonesboro to enjoy a sit-down meal, buy essentials, or find a good job. That philosophy is reshaping how Trumann approaches its future. The goal is to continue welcoming residents who work elsewhere while steadily building the commercial and civic amenities that allow the city to stand on its own. From retail and dining to public services, the city wants everyday life to be as convenient in Trumann as it is in any larger urban center—without sacrificing the feeling of safety and community that residents value. CONNECTIVITY, WALKABILITY, AND THE SUNKEN LANDS TRAIL Part of building a modern small city is making it easier and safer to move around without relying solely on cars.Trumann is investing heavily in exactly that. One of the flagship initiatives is the ST. Francis Sunken Lands Trail, part of the broader “Connect Arkansas” concept. The trail begins at the new Steel Creek development and will eventually run through the city and out toward the St. Francis River and its basin, an area known locally as the Sunken Lands. 187 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01 CITY OF TRUMANN, AR
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