Fayetteville mayor says 2025 laid foundation for city's future work

Mayor Molly Rawn said 2025 focused on building foundations and trust through work on housing, infrastructure, economic development, sustainability and culture. The 2026 budget increases public transit funding by 40% and the city plans to add a shelter and bench to every bus stop by 2028.

Mayor Molly Rawn said the past year was about building foundations and trust for Fayetteville. She described visiting homes, job sites and city facilities and listening to residents as part of planning. Her State of the City address highlighted work in housing, infrastructure, economic development, sustainability and community culture. Rawn said those efforts were meant to create steady, shared progress. Key developments: - City actions on housing included reestablishing a relationship with the Fayetteville Housing Authority and adding a chief housing officer. - The city required conditional use permits for student-purpose housing developments and added engineering and development staff. - Rawn said residential building, apartment and grading permits were issued faster in 2025, allowing construction to finish earlier. - Cultural items noted included returning the Veterans Day Parade and renewing the NWA Pride contract for five years, along with support for public arts and acknowledgement of the city's history. - The 2026 budget increased funds for public transit by 40%, and the city has begun adding a shelter and bench at every bus stop with a goal to finish by the end of 2028. Summary: Rawn described 2025 as a year of laying foundations and building momentum across several city priorities, which city leaders say can produce changes over time. Transportation is a primary focus for 2026, with increased transit funding and a program to add shelters and benches to bus stops; other specific 2026 plans were described only briefly.