030: Building a More Connected Northwest Arkansas with Meredith Bergstrom

In episode 30, Meredith Bergstrom, Senior Program Officer at the Walton Family Foundation, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of Northwest Arkansas. We discuss housing affordability, transportation options, community engagement, and how thoughtful land use can shape stronger communities. Meredith shares insights into the Razorback Regional Greenway Corridor Plan, an ambitious effort to encourage a transportation mode shift and strategic development along the Greenway. Throughout the episode, she highlights the power of regional collaboration and dreaming big for a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant region.Show Links:Walton Family Foundation – Home Region Program: Supporting vibrant communities in Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta.Razorback Regional Greenway Corridor Plan: Encouraging transportation mode shift and strategic land use along the Greenway.Greenway Alliance: A coalition working to enhance trail connectivity and community engagement along the Razorback Greenway.United Way of Northwest Arkansas: Advancing the common good by mobilizing community resources and support.Main Street Siloam Springs: Preserving and revitalizing historic downtown Siloam Springs.Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission (NWARPC): Regional planning coordination across Northwest Arkansas cities.Atlanta BeltLine: A transformative redevelopment and mobility project in Atlanta.The Roller GayOzark Regional Transit: Public transportation provider for the Northwest Arkansas region.Urban Land Institute Northwest Arkansas: A network promoting responsible land use and sustainable communities.Canopy NWA: Building a welcoming community for refugees in Northwest Arkansas.Pour Jon’s Coffee: A specialty coffeehouse in downtown Siloam Springs.The Café on Broadway: A cozy downtown café offering a variety of food and drinks.Perisseia Coffeehouse: A welcoming space for coffee and community in Siloam Springs.Fratelli’s Pizzeria: Local pizza spot known for classic pies and Italian dishes.Barnett’s Dairyette: Nostalgic drive-in serving classic American comfort food.Pure Joy Ice Cream: Small-batch, handcrafted ice cream made with quality ingredients.