Center for Business & Economic Research
Mervin Jebaraj Shares Optimistic Job Growth Projections for Arkansas in 2025
Mervin Jebaraj, blending humor with insight, forecasts continued strong job growth for Arkansas in 2025, drawing optimism from both his economic research and his Razorbacks fandom. read more >
Bentonville’s Mountain Bike Trails Rebuild After Tornado Devastation
Months after a tornado devastated northwest Arkansas’ mountain bike trails, recovery continues with 95% of trails reopened. The Trailblazers work to restore and improve them. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Discovering Arkansas: Census Bureau Estimates Show Rising Population
More than half of Arkansas’ 75 counties have seen their populations grow since 2020, and the state’s population is growing at close to 2%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Rising Interest Rates and Property Costs Slow Lending Momentum
Homebuyers hit the brakes as high-priced properties meet the highest mortgage rates in 14 years. read more >
by Marty Cook -
UA Economist Gives Tepid Forecast for Arkansas
Mervin Jebaraj believes several important industries will have a difficult time reaching pre-pandemic employment levels. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Walmart and ‘Vendorville’ Just Part of Building Boom
While Walmart Inc.’s new headquarters in Bentonville propelled the value of commercial building permits to record highs during the first half of this year, the rest of northwest Arkansas generated its own sizable increases over the previous year. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Commercial Real Estate Absorption in Northwest Arkansas Highest Since 2012, Report Says
One factor was a significant uptick in warehouse leasing. read more >
Housing Trends in Northwest Arkansas Pits Popularity vs. Affordability
Northwest Arkansas leaders are concerned that the region's rising economic tide could leave many in the area vainly searching for an affordable home. read more >
by Marty Cook -
$15 U.S. Wage Plan: How Would Arkansas Fare?
Some in the hospitality industry question the timing of raising the federal minimum to $15, fearing added burdens could halt recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Liquor Store Sales Grow as Bar Drinks Fall
Tax collections show liquor store sales grew, even during the coronavirus pandemic, while mixed-drink sales plummeted. read more >
Northwest Arkansas Council Focuses on Diversity Follow-Through
In 2013, the Northwest Arkansas Council started EngageNWA, its project whose goal was to provide a platform and the tools needed to help the region become more diverse and inclusive. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Can Malls Shake Off the Cobwebs?
A Jonesboro real estate broker is among those who sees a potential for malls transforming after the pandemic, with a silver lining possibly being local stores taking over chain space. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Pandemic Collateral Damage? Small Firms
The COVID-19 pandemic has delivered a wallop to the country’s economy, but experts interviewed by Arkansas Business don’t expect too much lasting damage. There is a caveat, of course. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Jebaraj Gives Passing Grade to CARES Act
Mervin Jebaraj works at the University of Arkansas’ Walton College of Business so it is apropos that he has a grade for the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. read more >
Report: UA’s Economic Impact Grew to $2.2B in 2018
The University of Arkansas’ economic impact grew to $2.2 billion in 2018, which is more than three times the $725 million impact it had in 2009. read more >
Northwest Arkansas’ Task? Working on Good Problems
As the growth spree in northwest Arkansas rolls on, worries like scarce housing and infrastructure arise. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Springdale Hopes to Maintain New Momentum Downtown
Springdale hopes to build on recent efforts to reinvigorate its downtown. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Plains & Eastern Clean Line Appears Doomed In Arkansas
After putting nearly nine years and more than $100 million of investors’ money into a $2.5 billion power transmission project across Oklahoma and Arkansas, the electric dream of Michael Skelly has shorted out. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Hospital Boom Creates Development Ripples Across Northwest Arkansas
Development experts say that hospitals are a great magnet for other retail and residential projects, such as restaurants, service companies and apartments. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Survey: Arkansas Consumers Planning Large Purchases
Arkansas consumers made large household purchases in the past six months and expect to make more, according to the third installment of the fall 2016 Arvest Consumer Sentiment Survey. read more >
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