Building a Home for Everyone: Tackling Housing Challenges and Smart Growth in Northwest Arkansas

About the Show:“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, GroundworkThis 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.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Guest: Duke McLarty, Executive Director of Groundwork at the Northwest Arkansas CouncilWebsite: https://groundworknwa.org/Take the Housing Survey: https://groundworknwa.org/surveyLearn about the GROW Policy Agenda: https://groundworknwa.org/growOrganization: Northwest Arkansas CouncilLife Works Here!: https://nwacouncil.org/Sponsor and regional leadership on housing, economic growth, and quality of lifeRelated Mentions:ULI NWA (Urban Land Institute Northwest Arkansas)Montana “ADU” Housing LegislationBig Emma Springdale (CDNWA), NWA Land TrustTune 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 WebsiteNWA Council on InstagramNWA Council on FacebookNWA Council on LinkedInNWA Council on TwitterNWA Council Email This episode is sponsored by*FindItNWA.com HootOwl Legal Ver 2 Try ONBoardNWA.com Today! *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at [email protected] With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:Winetopia 2026Winetopia 2026 Date: Friday, October 16th Time: 7-10pm Place: Stonebreaker Hotel on Markham hill Winetopia is Restore Humanity’s biggest annual fundraiser and brings together the very best of Northwest Arkansas (restaurants, artisans, small businesses, and (community members) to support our work. While the event raises essential funds for children in Kenya, its heartbeat is entirely local. There are over 100 local businesses who contribute auction items, regional chefs and beverage makers who showcase their craft, and the hundreds of residents gathering to celebrate community generosity. Winetopia strengthens local partnerships, elevates homegrown talent, and reinforces Northwest Arkansas's identity as a place where global compassion is fueled by local collaboration. Winetopia is a beautiful demonstration of how a united local community can create life-changing impact for children and families worldwide. Winetopia 2026