economic development
Little Rock Area Sets Employment Record, Sees Economic Growth
The Little Rock Metropolitan Area has reached unprecedented employment levels, setting a new record for the number of people employed across the region.
by Chloe McGehee -
Investments in roads, bridges and water infrastructure must be a key priority and include developing new and coordinated transit systems.
Alicia Payseno Named Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Hospitality Association of Little Rock (Super Mover)
Former Maumelle Chamber of Commerce executive director Alicia Payseno is set to make waves in her new position with the Arkansas Hospitality Association. read more >
Arkansas Cities See Mixed Results in Local Sales Tax Elections
Arkansas residents typically back local taxes for pressing city needs. As for quality-of-life projects, economic concerns and priorities often determine their fate. read more >
by Griffin Coop -
Two Downtowns, One Opportunity (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
The Arkansas River hub projects in Argenta and Downtown Little Rock is set to bring both cities together. read more >
by Hunter Field -
Kyle Leyenberger and Downtown Little Rock’s Path Forward
The excitement that Kyle Leyenberger feels toward the new developments happening in Downtown Little Rock is palpable in his executive Q & A. read more >
Building a Planet (Editorial)
With the announcement of the new U.S. Steel plant in Osceola, its seems like the momentum for growth in the area is only gaining traction. read more >
Continuity, Vision for the Win (Editorial)
Excitement for the future multi-use development in Argenta has skyrocketed since it was announced that Willy D's would be moving across the river. read more >
Cantex Prepares $120M PVC Plant in Southwest Arkansas
Though it won't start full production until spring 2026, the Cantex PVC plant in Nashville is already making waves within the local economy. read more >
Cycling Innovation in Arkansas: AGCA Boosts Global Startups
Global minds came together in Bentonville to discuss all things cycling and how northwest Arkansas is entering an international market for bike tourism. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Little Rock Metro Sets Employment Record as Officials Eye More Growth
Economic expansion has been fueled by rising construction, strong GDP growth and major Port of Little Rock projects. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
![Danny Games, vice president of business and economic development at Entergy Arkansas: “You need to have something north of 500 acres.” [Jason Burt]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/JBP_4710_opt-300x194.jpg)
Port of Little Rock, Clark County Prep Megasites for Big Employers
Arkansas officials are banking on two massive “megasites” to land billion-dollar projects that could reshape the state’s economy. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Pay-to-Move Programs Deliver Modest but Measurable Growth in Arkansas Communities
Arkansas cities are using cash and perks to lure new workers, with Texarkana and West Memphis offering payouts as others shift strategies. read more >
by Marty Cook -
A Wrestle With Reluctance (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
The concerns are many, but I suppose economic development districts are worth a shot. read more >
by Hunter Field -
Arkansas Business Leaders Push Incentives Plan Ahead of 2026 Ballot Vote
A proposed constitutional amendment would allow Arkansas communities to offer new economic incentives, a move backers say is vital to compete with other states. read more >
by Griffin Coop -
$1B Data Center at Port of Little Rock Edges Forward
Bryan Day says the $1 billion data center at the Port of Little Rock is moving forward, with infrastructure work underway while the company completes due diligence. read more >
Jean Block on Water, Growth and Economic Readiness
She's president of the Arkansas Water & Wastewater Managers Association and CEO of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority. read more >
Ready for Our Closeup (Editorial)
The Legislature should consider creating more effective incentives for the state’s film industry. read more >
The Economic Express (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
FedEx is a reminder of the uncertainty that can surround economic development. read more >
by Hunter Field -
A Little Love for Little Rock (Editorial)
While the growth of northwest Arkansas has deservedly received a lot of attention, the Little Rock metropolitan area hasn’t been doing so badly either.
read more >
Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade on Building a Stronger, More Prosperous Community
He discussed balancing growth, community concerns and the arrival of Lyon College’s veterinary school, which is expected to drive new development. read more >
Trust, but Verify (Editorial)
Much remains to be learned about the $1 billion data center planned for Little Rock. read more >
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