1. Application Process:
   A competitive application cycle will be opened with up to four cities or counties selected by a jury of ULI NWA member-leaders using an objective scoring rubric.  
2. Local Government Partnership:
   ULI NWA will serve as the project manager, working 1:1 with the senior elected official and relevant department heads from each awarded jurisdiction.  
3. Steering Committee Formation:
   Each jurisdiction will establish a project steering committee comprised of up to 7 key stakeholders to provide local input and guide direction.  
4. Commitment and Cost Share:
   Local governments will be required to adopt a resolution of support for the engagement and agree to a 30% match of third-party consulting fees to reinforce their commitment and shared ownership.  
5. Technical Assistance Panel (TAP):
   ULI NWA will convene a TAP composed of expert ULI members who will conduct a SWOT analysis and produce a formal written report with findings and strategic recommendations.  
6. Consultant Selection:
   Using the TAP report as the foundation, ULI NWA will issue and manage an RFQ process for third-party planning consultants.  Jurisdictions will select the firm that best meets their own criteria; however, ULI NWA will provide support in evaluating proposals.   
7. Plan Development:
   ULI NWA will provide direct project management, ensuring full delivery of the scope of work, coordinating with the consultant team, and participating in public meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement sessions.  
8. Plan Adoption:
   The final deliverable will be a formally adopted plan (by resolution or ordinance), with ULI NWA supporting the jurisdiction through final presentations and staff training as needed.  

The Planning Partnership is an approximately 12 to 15 month program that guides communities from kickoff through final deliverables. 

Phase 1: Startup & Preparation 

• Steering committee formation 
• Introduction of program to city council, planning commission, community staff, etc

Phase 2: Technical Assistance 

• Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) and Design Workshop to help refine the scope of the plan
• TAP report delivered with recommendations 

Phase 3: Consultant Work & Implementation 

• Consultant Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued and team selected 
• Consultant-led planning and design process 
• Final deliverables and implementation tools completed 

This program is open to any Northwest Arkansas municipality or community within Benton and Washington counties serving a population of 30,000 or less. Unincorporated communities may apply under the representation of the county government in which they are located. (Only communities who have not previously participated in the Small Cities Initiative are eligible to apply at this time.)   

Required at application: 

• Application must include a narrative/cover letter of approval from the Mayor on city letterhead, confirming the city’s commitment and support for the application.
• A clear identification of which potential plan option and understanding of the existing plan area.
• A DRAFT City Council Resolution of financial and administrative support must be included in application. Adoption of resolution must be accepted if chosen as a finalist community.
• The ability to provide graphics/maps describing existing conditions of the plan area.

Click here to apply. Applications are due by January 30, 2026.

If you have questions, email Jessica Lewallen at [email protected]