Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, Inc.

08/20/2026

There will be a health insurance workshop for small business owners and employees on August 31st in Harrison. Topics covered will be employer-sponsored plans, marketplace coverage, ARHOME, Medicare, and available financial assistance. See flyer for additional details.

08/20/2026

Hiring a transit coordinator! Come join our team!

08/04/2026

Now hiring a Drug Free Communities Coordinator!

NWAEDD is excited to add a new member to the team. If you're ready for a rewarding career where you can create lasting impact, apply today.

For full job details visit: https://www.nwaedd.org/careers

We look forward to hearing from you!

07/28/2026

07/24/2026

07/16/2026

Three Baxter County communities are set to receive a combined $517,620 in state grants, part of a $12.5 million package Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced Monday.

The largest local award goes to the city of Cotter, at $487,620, through the state’s General Assistance Block Grant program. Those grants use federal Community Development Block Grant money to pay for public facilities and infrastructure such as water and sewer lines, streets, drainage and community buildings. The state’s announcement did not say which project Cotter’s grant will fund.

The Cotter Volunteer Fire Department also received $15,000 through the state’s Rural Community Grant program. The department applied for the money to replace its generator, replace 10 oxygen tanks and buy three new sets of turnout gear, according to its request to the state.

The Town of Big Flat received a separate $15,000 Rural Community Grant. That program provides up to $15,000 in 50-50 matching funds to small towns and rural areas for projects such as fire equipment, community centers, storm sirens, parks and walking trails.

https://mhobserver.com/cotter-big-flat-among-baxter-county-recipients-of-state-community-grants/

07/16/2026

Great News for the City of Leslie!

I am proud to announce that the City of Leslie has been awarded a $499,200 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

These funds will be used to rehabilitate two critical lift stations that serve our wastewater treatment system. While lift stations may not be something most people ever see, they are an essential part of our community’s infrastructure. Investing in these improvements will help ensure our wastewater system remains reliable for years to come.

This grant is the result of months of planning, engineering, applications, and coordination. I would like to thank Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Arkansas Grants Division, NWAEDD, our engineering team, and everyone who helped make this project possible.

For a community the size of Leslie, securing nearly half a million dollars in grant funding is a significant accomplishment. Every grant dollar we receive helps us improve our infrastructure while reducing the financial burden on our local taxpayers.

This is another step forward as we continue investing in Leslie’s future. We remain committed to improving our water and wastewater systems, strengthening our infrastructure, and making our community an even better place to live.

Thank you to everyone who has supported these efforts. We’re excited to keep moving Leslie forward!

07/16/2026

07/16/2026

NWAEDD celebrates the communities selected to receive grant funding during the latest grant cycle. Through the General Assistance and Rural Services Block Grant set-asides of the State Small Cities Community Development Block Grant, and State Rural Community Grant programs a total of over $1.1 million was awarded to support projects that strengthen infrastructure, enhance public facilities, and improve quality of life across Northwest Arkansas.

Please join us in recognizing the following grant recipients and their awards:
• City of Diamond City — $15,000
• Cotter Volunteer Fire Department — $15,000
• Harmon Fire Department — $15,000
• Landis Volunteer Fire Department — $15,000
• Marshall Fire Department — $15,000
• Town of Bergman — $15,000
• Town of St. Joe — $7,488.24
• Welcome Home Community — $9,000
• City of Cotter — $487,620
• City of Leslie — $499,200

From wastewater improvements to fire protection equipment, community centers, and parks, these projects represent meaningful investments in the future of our communities.

To read the full press release and learn more about how your community can apply for future funding opportunities, visit https://www.arkansasedc.com/news-events/newsroom/detail/2026/07/13/governor-sanders--aedc-award--12.52m-in-grants-to-rural-arkansas-communities

07/16/2026

Listen up! Hearing testing is a new addition to the lineup of no-cost medical, dental, optometry, and behavioral health service provided by the Buffalo River Wellness Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) at Marshall High School. Hearing testing is available July 22, 2026 from 8:00am-4:00pm.