About the Plan

Cities and organizations across the country have joined with Welcoming America in an effort to foster more vibrant, diverse communities. In recent decades, Northwest Arkansas's foreign-born population has quickly grown, as seen in a recent study. In 2014, immigrants made up 25 percent of the total population in Springdale, 19.5 percent in Rogers, 13.5 percent in Bentonville, and 7.4 percent in Fayetteville.

We realize the value that new Americans bring to our economy: more jobs, more contributions, more businesses, and a well-educated demographic. The international student population is growing as a result of the University of Arkansas' recruitment efforts and we hope to welcome them and their families to stay as potential workforce in our rapidly growing economy. As a city with a history of supporting diversity, it comes naturally for us to join Welcoming America and dozens of nonprofit and government entities in this effort.

The City will rely on guidance from a group of stakeholders in our target sectors as well as public input to establish its existing conditions and identify focus areas. 

More information about designated welcoming cities can be found on Welcoming America's network map.