Springdale, Arkansas

The City of Legacy and Economic Vision

 

Exploring rapid city development supported by powerful public services in Arkansas

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, the city of Springdale stands as a testament to strategic growth, community engagement, and robust local partnerships. Known for its diverse economy, Springdale has long been a driving force in the region.

The city’s leadership consistently prioritizes initiatives that support economic development, infrastructure improvements, and community well-being.

Springdale also focuses on infrastructure improvements, ensuring that its roads, utilities, and public services can accommodate both current demands and future expansions.

Leadership has made efforts to enhance transportation networks and capitalize on Opportunity Zones to draw investment into underutilized areas.

Collaboration with state and federal agencies, such as the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, has been especially critical for Springdale’s continued economic expansion.

The city also fosters strong community relationships and frequently engages with local businesses, from corporate giants to local startups to ensure that the local economy remains diverse and resilient.

Citizen involvement is a cornerstone of Springdale’s success.

Continued community support for bond initiatives and public projects has enabled the city to meet the needs of its growing population while maintaining the small-town charm that residents cherish.

The alignment of city leadership, business partnerships, and community participation drives Springdale toward a future of sustainable growth.

For Springdale, that means continued success with its thriving, diverse economy, world-class healthcare, and infrastructure that supports long-term prosperity while preserving the city’s unique character.

 

A City Embracing Its Community

Over the years, Springdale has evolved into a regional hub, combining the charm of a tight-knit community with the economic prowess of a city that draws businesses, both large and small.

“Springdale is a city with a reputation for being working class. We have a strong entrepreneurial community and, historically, have strong support for entrepreneurs,” says Mayor Doug Sprouse.

The city has seen significant success in the business community particularly through startups. This success has brought significant change to Springdale’s population especially.

“There are a lot more people who didn’t grow up here than those who did as residents of Springdale… many of us who were born and raised in Springdale are in the minority now,” Mayor Sprouse says.

The city’s population was  diversified over the years and with a large Hispanic and Marshallese residents.  With this population diversity the City, hosts consistent celebrations on holidays that honored that heritage, like Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead and

celebrates Constitution Day for its Marshallese population and the establishment of the Marshall Islands’ constitution in the 70s.

The Springdale Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Springdale Alliance, work to promote and sponsor many local events in the community.

There is also the Razoback Greenway Alliance that works to market the Razorback Greenway, a 40-mile multi-use trail that connects four major cities in Northwest Arkansas.

Developments in Infrastructure and the Local Economy

At the heart of Springdale’s success is a clear focus on infrastructure development. With the efforts in the past being focused on new roads and connections, as it grows outward, the city is focusing more on infill and its surplus of developable land.

“We’ve got several projects this year in and around our downtown… not only for traffic and transportation but also with water infrastructure,” Mayor Sprouse says, highlighting the recent stormwater detention facility, located in the city’s airport, which is also located downtown.

The goal is to increase density, providing a variety of housing choices, including multi-family units,  creating more opportunities for residents to live,  work,  and play closer to the downtown area.

In this regard, the city’s stormwater facility has been crucial for planning, as it allows the city to develop with more land out of the predicted storm floodplain, thus giving back more viable land to build on.

“Workforce housing is something we’re very conscious about, so we’re making sure we have that available and providing incentives to developers in the future to guarantee workforce housing downtown,” says Director of Planning & Development Patsy Christie.

Springdale’s economic landscape is anchored by several key industries, most notably in poultry and manufacturing.

At the top of this list is Tyson Foods, the city’s largest employer and a globally recognized brand in protein production.  Another significant player is George’s Inc., a poultry company that also ranks as one of the city’s largest employers.

Springdale’s economic engine also benefits from a host of other companies across sectors such as manufacturing and engineering.

Companies like Multi-Craft Contractors and JV Manufacturing have not only created jobs locally but also established Springdale as a competitive player in national and global markets.

The city is also home to some of the region’s largest employers in education, with the Springdale School District playing a central role in the community.

This wide-ranging employer base has helped Springdale cultivate a resilient economy, better positioning the city to weather economic fluctuations and downturns.

As it develops its infrastructure, supporting and attracting more of the same kind of business in its economy remains the goal.

 

Citizen Support and Opportunity-Driven Business Initiatives

Through the implementation of bond initiatives, partnerships with key stakeholders, and capitalizing on opportunities provided by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), the city has built a strong foundation for sustained growth.

The AEDC has been vital in helping Springdale take advantage of federal and state funding to bolster its position in the regional economy.

One such initiative is the city’s participation in Opportunity Zones, which has unlocked a range of funding mechanisms for projects that may not have otherwise been feasible.

Thanks to strong local leadership and partnerships, Springdale’s downtown area is now largely situated within an Opportunity Zone, allowing local developers to access deferred tax benefits through investment in underutilized areas.

As a result, local developers have worked with Opportunity Zone funds,  provided  funding capabilities that were not available to them in the past.

The success of these programs speaks to the city’s careful planning and the trust that its citizens have in the leadership.

The ongoing revitalization of downtown has drawn investment from both local and regional developers, helping to address long-standing challenges in some of the city’s more economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

“We try to apply for and use as many grant funds as we can to help address those issues. We’re applying for a Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program – Community Planning Grant to look at creative ways to lessen barriers,” Christie says, emphasizing the importance of securing grant funds to tackle persistent areas of poverty in the downtown area.

Over the last few decades, the city has seen the successful passage of three bond issues, allowing for significant community enhancements.

These funds have enabled the city to build much-needed public infrastructure, including a brand-new senior center, fire stations, and a $40 million city hall.

Mayor Sprouse attributes this support to the city’s commitment to transparency and results. Residents trust Springdale leaders simply because they do what they say will do with their money.

The success of these bond initiatives is particularly impressive given the scale of the projects, with some passing with more than 75% voter approval.

This level of support underscores the community’s faith in the city’s leadership and their shared vision for Springdale’s future.

Looking ahead, the city’s leadership is focused on future growth through targeted initiatives such as the “Care Corridor,” a healthcare-focused area along Highway 49.

This corridor is home to Arkansas Children’s Northwest, Highlands Oncology Group, and a new orthopedic clinic from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), all contributing to Springdale’s growing reputation as a healthcare destination.

The development of the Care Corridor is expected to serve not only Springdale residents but also the broader Northwest Arkansas region.

As the area’s population grows, so does the need for specialized healthcare services, and the Care Corridor is set to meet this demand. The expectation is for that area around the Springdale ballpark and Children’s Hospital to be a major healthcare destination.

The region’s projected population growth—expected to hit one million by 2040—will continue to drive the need for more healthcare services.

This growth will also create opportunities for further development in the region, including the extension of the 612 bypass, which will increase access and improve the flow of goods and services through the city.

As Springdale continues to grow, its leadership is acutely aware of the need for strategic planning to ensure the city’s infrastructure and services can keep pace.

The future looks bright as Springdale positions itself as a key player in both the economic and healthcare landscapes of Northwest Arkansas. Mayor Sprouse and his team are committed to preserving the city’s legacy while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow.

With a focus on infrastructure, healthcare, and continued business partnerships, Springdale’s future is firmly rooted in both its history and its vision for a thriving, dynamic community.

AT A GLANCE

The City of Springdale

What: A thriving city known for its dynamic growth, diverse community, and thriving economy.

Where: Located in the heart of Northwest Arkansas

Website: https://www.springdalear.gov