Groundwork today announced a statewide expansion of its efforts to help Arkansas communities address housing shortages, modernize local policies, and expand attainable housing options for working families. Launched in Northwest Arkansas as an initiative of the Northwest Arkansas Council, Groundwork has partnered with municipalities, employers, and community leaders to provide housing research, support zoning updates, and advance practical projects that increase supply. In 2025, the organization consulted with local leaders and the Arkansas Legislature on legislation to expand opportunities for accessory dwelling units, helping spark broader conversations about housing reform statewide.
Building on that momentum, Groundwork is now expanding its work across Arkansas by investing in the development of a comprehensive statewide housing strategy to inform policy and advocacy efforts across the state. The strategy will outline practical reforms and implementation tools designed to help communities increase housing supply while reflecting local priorities. This investment is made possible with support from Arnold Ventures.
Over the next year, Groundwork will travel to cities, towns, and rural communities to meet with residents, elected officials, planners, employers, and civic organizations. Insights from these conversations, combined with research and best practices from across the country, will shape a policy framework to guide housing reform and support long-term economic growth. "As Arkansas grows, many communities are facing limited housing inventory, rising costs, and outdated regulations," said Duke McLarty, executive director of Groundwork. "By listening first and developing a statewide strategy grounded in local realities, we can help shape policies that ensure teachers, health care workers, first responders, and young families can afford to live where they work."
To support the expansion, Groundwork has added two staff members. Reid Adkins joins as policy director, bringing nine years of state government experience, including service as a senior assistant attorney general. Based in Little Rock, he will lead policy development and help translate the statewide strategy into actionable reforms. Payton Willhite joins as community outreach manager and will lead engagement with communities across Arkansas, ensuring local voices inform the statewide strategy. A Jonesboro native, Willhite is a communicator and community organizer with experience spanning advertising, public relations, marketing, and higher education.
Groundwork will begin regional meetings in the coming months. Communities interested in participating can learn more at groundworkar.org or contact payton@groundworkar.org
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About Groundwork
Groundwork is an initiative dedicated to expanding housing attainability across Arkansas by supporting the development of a wider range of well-designed homes and mixed-income neighborhoods for working families. Founded in 2021 and incubated at the Northwest Arkansas Council with support from the Walton Family Foundation, Groundwork works through education, policy development and partnership with local and regional leaders to expand housing options near employment centers, essential services and community amenities.
In Northwest Arkansas, Groundwork has worked alongside municipalities, employers and community partners to support updates to local zoning and development policies, provide research and data on housing needs, convene regional leaders and advance demonstration projects that highlight practical approaches to increasing housing supply. The organization's efforts focus on helping communities respond to growth while preserving affordability and quality of life.