CAVE SPRINGS, AR (September 23, 2025) The Cave Springs Downtown Master Plan has been awarded the 2025 Plan of the Year by the Arkansas Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). As the first community to be awarded support through the ULI Northwest Arkansas Small Cities Initiative, Cave Springs selected a consultant team led by The Walker Collaborative to create a plan recognized for its significant contribution to the improvement of an Arkansas community or region.  

Cave Springs is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arkansas, with its population doubling in the last five years. The Downtown Master Plan provides a clear path forward, balancing the need to welcome new residents and businesses while preserving the small-town character and natural features that define the community.   

The plan was shaped by community input through multi-day workshops, stakeholder meetings, and a city steering committee. It introduces new sub-areas that can translate directly into zoning districts, recommends redesigning Main Street to prioritize people as well as traffic, and pairs physical planning with strategies for economic development.   

Sustainability is also central, with recommendations for low-impact development, expanded trails, and conservation improvements.  

Designed for implementation, the plan outlines priorities, funding options, and an implementation committee. Work is already underway on zoning updates, a Main Street redesign, and a market analysis.  

  Consultant Team:  

•  The Walker Collaborative (Nashville, TN) – Philip L. Walker, FAICP, Project Manager 

• Madden Planning (Fayetteville, AR) – Mary Madden, AICP  

• Common Ground Urban Design + Planning (Franklin, TN) – Keith Covington, AIA, AICP