Meet a Planner: Eureka Springs

July 16, 2026

Meet Cassie Dishman, the Director of Preservation and Planning for Eureka Springs

Cassie Dishman has spent her career helping communities preserve what makes them special. Originally from Missouri, she came to Arkansas to attend the University of Arkansas. After a few years in Idaho, she returned to Arkansas and now serves as Eureka Springs' Director of Preservation & Planning.

With nine years of experience in historic preservation and two years in planning, Cassie brings a unique perspective to her role. She found that city planning was a natural extension of her passion for protecting community character while preparing for the future.

What is one project you are proud of?

"Last year, the Planning Commission, Building Inspector, & I were able to do some “clean up” of the Municipal Code. This involved writing two ordinances to add to, amend, and clarify existing code – an ordinance regarding fencing and an ordinance regarding metal buildings. The result has been greater clarity for citizens and city staff. In the case of the metal building ordinance, it also resulted in fewer restrictions and great options for potential builders in the area. While not a large project, it is one I am proud of as it shows what can happen when someone cares enough to look at the details."

Photo Credit: Eureka Springs City Advertising & Promotion Commission

What Cassie wants us to know about city planning

"City planning is all about balance. Every issue has many different parties with vested interests and differing viewpoints. The goal of city planning is to take those in and find the best path forward for everyone."

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Eureka Springs in the next 20 years?

"I hope to see more development along the highway corridors outside of the historic district, something that gives visitors more to do and more reason to stay. I also hope, like most planners I’m sure, that we can find solutions to the affordable housing crisis so that we are better able to take care of the industry workers that keep Eureka Springs running."

Photo Credit: Eureka Springs City Advertising & Promotion Commission

Where does Cassie draw inspiration from?

"I take a lot of inspiration from my own city, Eureka Springs. It is an incredibly intriguing place with its Victorian-era buildings clinging to the hills and cliffsides. I also draw inspiration from towns and cities that have large historic districts to manage, such as Savannah, GA, and Ipswich, MA."

Get to Know Cassie Dishman

How did you get into city planning?
"Almost by accident. My degree is in History, and I have worked in Historic Preservation for most of my professional career. When the opportunity came to work in the Planning Department for Eureka Springs, I jumped at the chance. It has been a big learning curve, but one that I find very rewarding."
In your own words, what does being a planner mean?
"A planner is someone who safeguards their community, setting it up for a successful future while handling the issues of today."
What is the biggest challenge you face at your job?
"I think the biggest challenges are communication & patience. I am often faced with the perception that because the city has not stated where a project is at & no work can be seen to be happening on it, that the city must not care about said project. In my experience, that is rarely the case. Usually, the project is simply at a stage where the city cannot yet progress on it and is not ready to make any statements. I wish more people understood that a lack of progress is not the same as a lack of effort and care."
What are some things your department is working on that we should be aware of?
"Currently we are working on getting a more robust GIS system up and running, one that will benefit both city staff & the public. I hope that once complete, it will be one that increasing interactivity can be added to over the years."

Learn More about Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs Planning