(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.)
Technology and Security
Winner • 5,000-20,000
Population: 6,559 | Mayor: Nathan See | County: Benton | Region: Northwest
The Challenge
Noticing an increase in after-hours calls and emails regarding public hearings, the city of Pea Ridge knew it had to find a way to keep residents from waiting for answers until the next day. When the community requested more communication for upcoming planning meetings and questioned how to receive information when outside working hours, the city answered the call.
The city streets of Pea Ridge are all named after those who participated in the Battle of Pea Ridge.
The Solution
Pea Ridge used common technology, along with processes already in place, to provide information to the community as quickly as possible. These days, residents can find a QR code next to each public hearing sign, which directs users to a webpage with upcoming meeting agendas. This way, residents can access the information as soon as they need it — no waiting during after-hours.
Easy Peasy
The addition of QR codes has received positive feedback and had over 100 online views within the first day of implementation.
Sign up for Daily E-news
