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Meet a Planner: Alma

Meet Cody Schindler, the Planning Director for Alma

Cody is a dedicated civil servant, directly reinvesting in the community where he has spent most of his life. After attending the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and the University of Arkansas, Cody served as a transportation planner for the Frontier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). In this role, he managed regional infrastructure strategies for the Fort Smith urbanized area through initiatives funded by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).

After two years in the role, Cody was offered the opportunity to serve his hometown as Alma’s Planning Director. His drive and passion for the community where he was raised has motivated him to promote positive change across the city.

What is one project you are proud of?

What is one project you are proud of?

“Even though I wasn't directly involved, the downtown streetscape project and the city's commitment to it are easily number one. We've seen several dilapidated buildings restored and refreshed to bring in new businesses, along with an increase in in-fill housing development in the area. It's been a real catalyst for redeveloping our downtown.”

Photo Credit: Home • City of Alma, Arkansas : City of Alma, Arkansas

What Planning means to Cody:

“Being a planner means balancing what the community wants and needs while also protecting it at the same time.“

One thing Cody would like to see happen in Alma in the next 20 years:

One thing Cody would like to see happen in Alma in the next 20 years:

“It's already happening, but we want to keep the steady, manageable growth we've been experiencing. The new I-49 section has everyone in our community excited, as it opens the door to new opportunities for residential and commercial development. I'd love to see a bond issued for the planned trail along Little Frog Bayou, connecting downtown to other commercial areas and Lake Alma.”

Photo Credit: Home • City of Alma, Arkansas : City of Alma, Arkansas

One place where Cody draws inspiration from:

“Greenville, South Carolina. They've grown tremendously since revitalizing their downtown over several decades. Focusing on quality-of-life improvements is what rejuvenates a community. When you love your community, that's how you get other people to love it too.”

Get to Know Cody Schindler