88 / Why Bentonville (& NWA) is booming / with Sophie McAdara

Sophie McAdara — Programs and Operations Manager for Bring It Home, and former City of Bentonville urban planner — is in good traffic this week to discuss just what the heck is going on down in Northwest Arkansas. Bentonville, and neighboring towns, have been part of a regional boom in recent years. National attention has followed, and much praise has been given.

From mountain bike lanes alongside local roads, to robust greenway projects, and urban integration with natural surroundings, the area has begun to foster a unique identity.

Walmart, the University of Arkansas, and others have invested significantly in the livability of the region.

Apologies for any subpar audio — we had to use a backup track for a portion of the episode.

Timeline:

00:00 Sophie McAdara is in good traffic.

04:10 Non-profit developers and community land trusts, explained.

13:14 Sophie's journey into urban planning.

24:15 The growth of Northwest Arkansas.

29:32 Local organizations and partnerships.

32:59 Community feedback in urban development.

35:05 Current NWA transit situation.

37:22 Bentonville bike infrastructure.

43:07 Congress for the New Urbanism and Emerging New Urbanists.

48:14 How to get involved with Emerging New Urbanists.

49:47 Wrapping up.

Further context:

Bring it Home (Sophie's organization).

Emerging New Urbanists.

Ex. of Bentonville bike infrastructure.

Follow Sophie.

Support Sophie's art.