I Am Northwest Arkansas® Investing in Fayetteville’s Future: All About the 2026 Bond Initiative
About the Show:
"This is one of those initiatives that we are going to look back on, I believe, as a turning point for our city."
– Mayor Molly Rawn
In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, I sit down with Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn to talk about the city's $375.5 million bond proposal heading to voters on March 3rd. This episode is specifically for Fayetteville residents—one of the four major cities that make up Northwest Arkansas. As a Fayetteville resident for more than a decade, I wanted to share this conversation because this bond directly affects our community. You might have seen the "One Cent, One City, One Purpose" campaign around town—and here's the good news: it's designed to fund critical infrastructure and quality-of-life projects without raising your taxes.
Mayor Rawn and I talk through what's actually in this bond package—roads, utilities, parks, a new aquatic center, and a much-needed animal shelter upgrade. We also get into her first year as mayor, the realities of managing a fast-growing city, and how Fayetteville residents helped shape what made it onto the ballot. One important note: Question 1 on the ballot refinances the 2019 bonds and keeps that existing one-cent sales tax working for the city, and it needs to pass for the other initiatives to move forward.
Whether you've been here for decades or just moved to Fayetteville, this bond affects your daily life—from the streets you drive on to the parks where your kids play. We'll help you understand what's at stake, why this moment matters for Fayetteville's future, and how you can make an informed decision before March 3rd.
Key Takeaways:
● Fayetteville’s 2026 Bond Proposal: The city is advancing a $375.5M initiative funding essential infrastructure and amenities—from water/sewer upgrades to parks—while keeping taxes steady.
● Quality of Life & Community Growth: Projects like the aquatic center and improved animal shelter directly enhance resident well-being, attract talent, and fuel economic activity.
● Infrastructure Drives Housing: Without water, sewer, and roads funded by this bond, housing development (including affordable units) stalls, impacting everyone from students to seniors.
● Forward-Thinking Planning: Fayetteville’s leaders are focusing on proactive investments, shaped by public feedback, to ensure the city retains its character amid rapid growth.
● How to Get Involved: Residents are urged to get informed, ask questions, connect with city officials, and spread the word to neighbors ahead of the March 3rd bond vote.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
- Guest: Molly Rawn, Mayor of Fayetteville
- Email: mayorsoffice@fayetteville-ar.gov
- City of Fayetteville Official Website
Bond Campaign Info:
- Build Fayetteville’s Future – www.buildfayettevillesfuture.com
- City Resources – www.fayetteville-ar.gov
Important Dates:
- Early Voting Begins: February 17
- Election Day: March 3
Support Local:
- Follow news and updates through Fayetteville city council and social media
This episode is sponsored by*
*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.
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