City of Fayetteville launches plan to Reimagine Downtown

Sept. 11, 2025

City of Fayetteville launches plan to Reimagine Downtown
Community visioning process begins with opportunities to engage through 2026

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The City of Fayetteville is launching a resident-driven effort to refresh its long-term plan for the heart of the city. Known as the Downtown Plan, this process will guide the future of development, public spaces, transportation and community life in Fayetteville's historic core.

Originally adopted in 2004 as the Downtown Master Plan, the document has helped shape two decades of growth and transformation. From new housing and businesses to expanded cultural and recreational opportunities, downtown Fayetteville has seen remarkable change. With the city continuing to grow, the time has come to revisit and reimagine the plan to reflect today's priorities and tomorrow's opportunities.

"This is about the people of Fayetteville shaping a downtown that works for everyone. People, residents of Fayetteville, shape every neighborhood in Fayetteville," said Britin Bostick, long range planning/special projects manager. "We are focused on physical infrastructure, of course, and we are layering on an emotional connection."

The Downtown Plan process, branded as Reimagine Downtown, will extend through 2026. Residents will have multiple opportunities to provide input online, at public events and in neighborhood and stakeholder meetings. The Planning and Development team is especially focused on questions that matter to everyday life downtown.

A few examples of these focused questions are:

• Where do you love to meet friends downtown?
• What would make you come downtown more often?
• What makes downtown Fayetteville unique, and what should we protect for the future?

The first chance to engage will be at Sunday on the Square this Sunday, Sept. 14, as part of Welcome Week NWA. The Long Range Planning team will host an interactive booth from noon to 4 p.m. alongside other City departments, giving residents a chance to share ideas in person.

Mayor Molly Rawn said, "The original 2004 plan helped guide two decades of growth. Now it's time to refresh it for today's needs and tomorrow's opportunities. This process will help us balance growth with preservation, manage change thoughtfully and make sure downtown works for all residents."

Residents can also participate by visiting the Downtown Plan webpage or scanning a QR code at events to submit feedback digitally. Feedback stations will be available in the City's Development Services lobby, located at 125 W. Mountain St., as well as at City Hall. Stay tuned for multiple pop-up feedback opportunities!

For more information or to sign up for updates, visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov/downtownplan or contact the City's Long Range Planning team at [email protected] or 479-601-3332.

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Media Contact:
Gracie Ziegler
Chief Communications Officer
City of Fayetteville
479-575 8303
[email protected]