THE FUTURE
The future is very bright for Eureka Springs.
Our city financials are in great shape with positive trends in all directions.
With debt reduction policies in place, expenses under control and revenue increasing, we are able to re-build our reserves to reinvest in our town.
Our tourism is strong, diversifying and growing. We are just beginning to see the positive impact of expanding our trails to feature world-class mountain biking and additional outdoor recreation options.
We are growing in population and attracting young residents and entrepreneurs able to choose where to work based on where they want to live and raise a family.
We are diversifying our economy and attracting new non-tourism related businesses offering higher paying wages.
2023-2027
Financial/Economic:
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Continuity of financial stewardship
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Continue to build reserves and pay down debt
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Establish a percentage of surplus revenues to go into a development fund to make future purchases of land and/or buildings for city development
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Mayor's Task Force on Economic Development
Infrastructure:
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Continue to repair water lines and sewers
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Expand sewer system within city limits
Managed Growth
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Expand city limits where water lines and sewers can be installed for commercial and residential development
Low-Impact Development:
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Develop alternative comprehensive approach to storm water management
Environment & Sustainability
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Continue expansion of energy efficiency.
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Continue work with the Arkansas Department of Recreation on conservation and economic development
Energy:
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Continue efforts to develop more solar opportunities and electric vehicle charging stations
Housing:
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Expansion of ECHO Village
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Community Development Corporation of Eureka Springs
Regional:
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C3- Carroll County Collaborative - workforce development and affordable housing
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Continue regional collaborations with Northwest Arkansas and North Center Arkansas
State:
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Continue to increase visibility and stress the importance and value of Eureka Springs to the state at various levels
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Regulary scheduled meetings with legislators
Workforce Development:
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Continue working with North Arkansas College to grow the Carroll County Satellite Campus
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Develop industry-specific training and certification for Eureka Springs adults and youth (already doing with ESSA)
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Eureka Springs Preservation and Construction Tech Center
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Eureka Springs Food Innovation Hub
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Carroll County Career Center (C4)
TOURISM
I am committed to the continued growth and diversification of our tourism industry because:
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It’s our primary economic driver creating revenue and jobs;
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It reminds us to always be an open and welcoming community to everyone;
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It’s the ‘first impression’ inviting families and businesses to live here, retire here or open a new business here.
Eureka Springs is a year-round destination for over a million visitors annually. They don’t just come from all over the U.S. - they come from all over the world!
Visitors and residents recognize and appreciate what a safe place Eureka Springs is to live, work and play.
I will continue to look for new technologies to make our visitor's experience here more convenient and memorable. We recently installed the Passport Parking app on all city spaces. The minute we launched it, our visitors were spending more time downtown relaxed and enjoying our shopping, food, art, architecture, local culture and entertainment.
Through the Eureka Springs Arts Council, in collaboration with the City Advertising and Promotion Commission, we will continue to expand public art, art trails and create new interactive experiences featuring our extremely talented and diversified pool of artists, musicians, performers, writers and culinary professionals.
