(Editor’s Note: Each year, Arkansas Business partners with the Arkansas Municipal League to present the Trendsetter City awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives underway in municipalities across the state. Large, medium and small-sized cities were honored in six categories: Diversity and Inclusion; Education/Workforce Development; Infrastructure and Water; Public Works/Environmental and Green Management; Technology and Security; and Tourism Development/Creative Culture. Below is one winner’s story. For more, click here.)
Infrastructure and Water
Winner • 5,000-20,000
Population: 6,081 | Mayor: Randall Noblet | County: Benton | Region: Northwest
The Challenge
Cave Springs’ water and sewer systems were struggling to keep up with the demands of its fast-growing population, which increased by 14% between 2020 and 2024, the 11th highest rate in the state. The city’s touch-read water meters were labor-intensive and its outdated septic tank sewer system was near capacity, posing environmental risks. Water loss reached over 70%, threatening the city’s ability to provide reliable service.
The Solution
Cave Springs launched a $20 million Public Works Utility Improvement Program, upgrading to a radio-read meter system and repairing 67 water leaks, reducing water loss to 41%. The comprehensive plan also decommissioned the septic tank pumping system and transitioned to a larger, more efficient regional sewer system. Supported by American Rescue Plan Act funds and local loans, these improvements ensure long-term water and sewer reliability while accommodating future growth.
Big Spenders
The Public Works Utility Improvement Program was the most expensive project the city of Cave Springs had ever taken on, with a price tag exceeding $20 million.
Cave Springs was the only Arkansas city with two land masses separated by a neighboring city, but in 2024, Rogers and Cave Springs swapped pieces of land to make it a contiguous municipality.
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