Over the past 25 years, Northwest Arkansas has seen its population more than double, presenting both opportunities and challenges in urban planning and development. Despite this rapid growth, many cities in the region with populations under 10,000 lack the necessary resources and capacity for effective land-use and growth management planning. With limited permanent planning staff and constrained budgets, these cities struggle to address the demands of their expanding populations, often competing for the title of the fastest-growing cities in the state. 

In response to these challenges, the ULI NWA Small Cities Grant is dedicated to ensuring that all residents, present and future, enjoy a superior quality of life fostered by well-designed built environments. Through the promotion of best practices in land-use planning and growth management, this grant aims to support these communities to create environments that enhance the well-being and satisfaction of their inhabitants.