ULI Northwest Arkansas stepped into spring with a season full of progress, collaboration, and celebration. From thought-provoking conversations to major program milestones and first-time events, this spring was a powerful reflection of our region’s energy and potential.

Here’s a look back at what we accomplished together throughout this spring:

Ladies Who Lunch: March 11th & April 16th

This spring, the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) completed their Ladies Who Lunch series, bringing together women from across the real estate and land use sectors for connection, conversation, and inspiration. Over lunch, attendees shared insights, built new relationships, and explored how to support and elevate women leaders in our region. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and momentum behind ULI NWA’s WLI network.

Coffee & Connect: March 12th

Women’s Leadership Initiative hosted a coffee & connect at The Railyard in Rogers. Tela Webb toured attendees through the project and gave a behind-the-scenes look at the making.

NWA Amp Tour: March 27th

Young Leaders Group brought perfect weather for their exclusive tour of the Walmart AMP. Attendees took a walk through the entire grounds, from attendee areas to backstage band spaces for a behind-the-scenes look at the construction process and expansion efforts.

Experts & Ale: March 20th

We had an incredible time at rethinking parking policy with Tony Jordan! Tony, co-founder and president of the Parking Reform Network, shared his insights on how rethinking parking policies and zoning restrictions can address urban challenges like housing affordability, traffic congestion, and climate change.

UrbanPlan: April 7th-11th

We hosted a 3-day UrbanPlan program for Haas Hall April 7th-11th. High school students were immersed in the complex and rewarding world of urban planning and development. Throughout the program, students explored the importance of community engagement, land use trade-offs, and financial feasibility in shaping the built environment. The experience culminated in final development proposals, which were presented to a mock city council, featuring none other than Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn!

Curated Conversations: April 10th

Young Leaders Group brought together over 20 young professionals and industry leaders for an evening of meaningful connection and conversation. After a networking session, participants broke into rotating pairs, offering each young leader the chance to engage with multiple mentors and gain valuable insights throughout the night.

Spring Symposium: April 25th

The ULI NWA Spring Symposium brought together a diverse group of leaders for a full day of conversation around one of Northwest Arkansas’s most pressing challenges: wastewater infrastructure. Through panel discussions, expert insights, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the NACA wastewater plant, attendees explored the current capacity constraints, regional growth pressures, and the need for long-term, collaborative planning. The event highlighted the importance of working across jurisdictions and sectors to ensure the region can continue to grow sustainably and resiliently.

REDI Graduation: April 28th

We celebrated the graduation of our latest cohort of the Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI) this spring. Over 14 weeks, this cohort dove deep into every stage of the development process, guided by expert mentors and industry leaders. Their journey culminates in final pitches, applying their knowledge to a real-world case study here in NWA.

Faithful Foundations: May 1st

Spring also marked the official kickoff of Faithful Foundations, a new ULI NWA pilot program exploring the intersection of land use and faith-based property stewardship. In partnership with local congregations and civic leaders, this initiative is creating space for visionary conversations about how faith communities can steward their land in ways that align with their missions and serve broader community needs.

Inaugural Golf Tournament: May 8th

The inaugural ULI NWA Golf Tournament was a huge success, bringing together industry leaders, members, and supporters for a day of connection, competition, and community. Held under perfect spring skies, the event featured a full roster of teams, engaging sponsor activations, and wrapped up with a 19th Hole Happy Hour. The tournament not only showcased the strong network behind ULI Northwest Arkansas but also set the stage for an exciting new annual tradition.

UrbanPlan: May 22nd

The Young Leaders Group hosted an UrbanPlan workshop at Olsson, offering an opportunity for emerging professionals and curious minds to experience this dynamic, hands-on planning simulation. Open to anyone interested in learning more about the UrbanPlan program, the event provided a collaborative space to explore real-world urban development challenges.