City of Conway, Arkansas - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Conway, Arkansas, established in 1872 and incorporated in 1875, is the county seat of Faulkner County and a vital regional hub within Central Arkansas. Known as "The City of Colleges" due to its three post-secondary educational institutions, Conway is committed to fostering a thriving community through smart growth, neighborhood revitalization, and empowerment of residents and local businesses. The City's vision centers on providing excellent schools, safe and clean neighborhoods, affordable housing, and robust business development, significantly enhancing the quality of life through strategic investments in infrastructure and community amenities.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

The City of Conway is focused on building a stronger community. Its main objectives include:

• Supporting Smart Growth: Guiding development in a sustainable and beneficial manner.

• Revitalizing Neighborhoods: Enhancing existing communities to improve living standards.

• Empowering Residents and Businesses: Creating opportunities and fostering a supportive environment for economic activity and community engagement.

• Ensuring Quality of Life: Providing excellent schools, safe environments, affordable housing, and promoting business development.

• Community Development: Administering programs like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to develop viable urban communities, ensuring decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities.

Specialization Areas

The city's key areas of expertise involve:

• Urban Planning and Development: Focused on strategic growth and revitalization projects.

• Community Amenities and Infrastructure: Investing in transformative transportation, recreational, and community developments (e.g., greenway trails, aquatic centers).

• Public Safety and Emergency Services: Consolidating and enhancing services like the 911 Center.

• Higher Education Integration: Capitalizing on its status as "The City of Colleges" to attract and retain talent.

Target Markets

Conway primarily targets:

• Residents and Families: Seeking a high quality of life with strong community services and amenities.

• Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Encouraging economic development and job creation.

• Educational Institutions: Fostering continued growth and collaboration with its universities and colleges.

• Faulkner County: Serving as the regional hub for the county and surrounding areas.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

The City of Conway operates on a fiscal year budget, with sales tax revenue being its primary income source.

• Fiscal Year 2025:

• Budget adopted with a projected 3% increase in sales tax revenue.

• Included a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for full-time employees and elected officials.

• Covered a 14% increase in health insurance premiums.

• Allocated an additional $1.8 million to the 911 Center budget due to state-mandated consolidation, making the city the sole Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) operator for Faulkner County.

• Opened a new Community/Aquatic Center, with its department partially covered by the City's A&P fund (up to $600,000) and the General Fund for any remaining overage. The A&P fund contributed $2 million towards its completion.

• Fiscal Year 2026:

• Budget includes a 1% COLA for employees and elected officials.

• No increase in medical or dental insurance costs.

• Sales tax revenue budgeted for a 2.5% increase over 2025.

• An additional $500,000 from an existing one-quarter cent pay-as-you-go sales tax was reallocated to the General Fund, bringing the cumulative increase for the General Fund closer to 3%.

• New sales taxes of one-quarter cent for Public Safety Capital Improvements and one-eighth cent for Street and Drainage Projects will take effect on April 1, 2026.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

The City of Conway is actively engaged in several development projects:

• Conway Revitalization Project (CRP):

• Description: A multi-phase initiative focused on urban renewal.

• Development Stage: Phase I is underway, focusing on research, housing analysis, drainage analysis, and land acquisitions.

• Target Market/Condition: Enhancing affordable housing, addressing homelessness, and creating a housing rehabilitation program for residents.

• Key Features/Benefits: Aims to improve living conditions and community infrastructure in targeted areas.

• "Connect Conway" Project:

• Description: A $24.6 million federal grant-funded public transportation project, a 15-mile greenway trail.

• Development Stage: Launched in 2022. Property acquisition began in March 2026.

• Target Market/Condition: Improving connectivity and accessibility for residents.

• Expected Timeline: Completion hoped for by the end of September 2026.

• Key Features/Benefits: Links 10 parks, seven schools, three major retail districts, three universities, 14 key employment centers, and 16 neighborhoods, promoting active transportation and recreation.

• New Soccer Complex:

• Description: Development of a new sports facility on 54 acres near Curtis Walker Park.

• Development Stage: Under construction.

• Target Market/Condition: Providing enhanced recreational opportunities for youth and adults.

• Expected Timeline: First soccer season anticipated in Spring 2025.

• Key Features/Benefits: New sports fields and facilities for local leagues and events.

• Roundabout Construction:

• Description: Installation of a roundabout at Salem Rd and Meadowlake Rd.

• Development Stage: Ongoing.

• Target Market/Condition: Improving traffic flow and safety at a key intersection.

• Key Features/Benefits: Enhanced traffic management and reduced congestion.

• Court Street Alleyway Improvement Project:

• Description: Upgrade and revitalization of the Court Street Alleyway.

• Development Stage: Ongoing.

• Target Market/Condition: Enhancing downtown aesthetics and pedestrian experience.

• Key Features/Benefits: Improved public spaces and urban environment.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

The City of Conway leverages technology to enhance public services and engagement:

• METRO Connect Conway: An on-demand microtransit transportation service.

• Core Platforms: Utilizes a ride-booking interface for point-to-point trips within the city.

• Technical Capabilities: Provides flexible, accessible public transportation.

• Transparent Government Database:

• Core Platforms: A curated online database for citizens to access public information.

• Key Features/Benefits: Promotes transparency and public awareness of city operations.

• Online Services Portal:

• Core Platforms: Web-based applications and documents.

• Technical Capabilities: Allows citizens to apply for jobs, obtain building permits, and report issues like potholes and drainage problems online, streamlining service delivery.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

The City of Conway's leadership comprises elected officials and appointed department heads.

• Bart Castleberry: Mayor

• Term Expires: December 31, 2028.

• Professional Background: Committed to building a community with excellent schools, safe and clean neighborhoods, affordable housing, and business development.

• Charles Finkenbinder: City Attorney

• Term Expires: December 31, 2026.

• Denise Hurd: City Clerk

• Term Expires: December 31, 2028.

• Tyler Winningham: CFO

• Professional Background: Responsible for presenting the city's adopted budget.

• Felicia T. Rogers: Chief of Staff

• Adrian Moore: Executive Assistant to the Mayor

• Bobby M. Kelly III: Communications Coordinator

• Robbie Alberson: Grant Administrator

• Shawanna Rodgers: Community Development Director

• Tiffany Maddox: Purchasing Manager

• Troy Rice: Business Services Coordinator

• John Mattox: Safety/Risk Manager

• Marco Yanez: Parking Enforcement Officer

• City Council Aldermen:

• Andy Hawkins (Ward 1, Position 1; Term Expires: December 31, 2028)

• David Grimes (Ward 1, Position 2; Term Expires: December 31, 2026)

• Drew Spurgers (Ward 2, Position 1; Term Expires: December 31, 2028)

• Shelley Mehl (Ward 2, Position 2; Term Expires: December 31, 2026)

• Mark Ledbetter (Ward 3, Position 1; Term Expires: December 31, 2028)

• Spencer Hawks (Ward 3, Position 2; Term Expires: December 31, 2026)

• Theodore Jones Jr. (Ward 4, Position 1; Term Expires: December 31, 2028)

• Shelia Isby (Ward 4, Position 2; Term Expires: December 31, 2026)

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Conway, Arkansas, demonstrates significant growth and corresponding workforce expansion:

• Population Growth:

• Recognized as the fastest-growing city in Arkansas among those over 50,000 residents for two consecutive years (2022 and