FayetteForward

09/23/2025

This is great!

09/07/2025

Did you know that we have 35 episodes with a ton of great guests? Check out the full list below. You can listen to them on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or through our web player at https://episodes.fayetteforward.show!

035: The City We Build Together: A Conversation with Mayor Molly Rawn
034: Passive House Series #3: Bringing Magnolia House to Life with Alex Munson
033: Passive House Series #2: Systems Thinking and Human-Centered Design with Cameron Caja
032: Passive House Series #1: Designing Arkansas’s First Certified Passive House with Michael Cockram
031: Beyond Playgrounds: Parks as Infrastructure with Alison Jumper
030: Building a More Connected Northwest Arkansas with Meredith Bergstrom
029: Strong Downtowns and Portfolios of Passions with Ezequiel Tovar
028: Travel, Growth, and Giving Back with Fred Gulley
027: Small Developers, Big Impacts: Creating Vibrant Communities with Alli Thurmond Quinlan
026: ULI NWA Place Summit 2024 feat. Wes Marshall & Alison Sant
025: A Student’s Voice in Local Politics with Natalie Nohinek
024: Connecting Design, Faith, and Advocacy: Shaping Fayetteville with Jessica Lewallen
023: Sculpting Fayetteville’s Artistic Identity with Eugene Sargent
022: Planning for People: Transforming Northwest Arkansas with Wes Craiglow
021: From Galleries to Greenways: Art and Placemaking with Dayton Castleman
020: Urbanism and Integrity: Navigating Change with Chris Allcorn
019: Bike Commuting and Urbanist Dreams with Isaac Stevens
018: Roller Skating as Transportation with Fredwyn Story
017: Talkin’ Regional Transit with Joel Gardner
016: It’s Been Veloway Too Long
015: Insights From an Urbanist Developer with Ward Davis
014: The 2023 Fayetteville Housing Assessment with Britin Bostick
013: A Vision for a Vibrant Fayetteville with Alex Howland
012: An International Perspective with Clark Eckels
011: Maximizing the Impact of Art in Fayetteville with Joanna Bell
010: Arts and Culture with Brittany Johnson
009: Fayetteville Strong with DeLani Bartlette
008: The Future of Downtown and Events Galore with Kelly Rich
007: Trails and Active Transportation Equity with Prentis Grayson and David Criswell
006: Active Transportation with Matt Mihalevich and Dane Eifling
005: Fayetteville Past, Present, and Future with Britin Bostick (Part 2 of 2)
004: Fayetteville Past, Present, and Future with Britin Bostick (Part 1 of 2)
003: Accessibility and Community with Hershel Hartford
002: Everything Is (And Should Be) Connected with Randy Wilburn
001: Our Favoriteville

09/01/2025

The City We Build Together: A Conversation with Mayor Molly Rawn

FayetteForward has brought you conversations with incredible guests from across Fayetteville’s creative, planning, and community worlds. In Episode 35, we’re especially thrilled to sit down with someone whose role touches every corner of our city: Fayetteville’s Mayor, Molly Rawn!

Together, we explore what it means to build Fayetteville’s future. From housing affordability and trails to climate resilience, public transit, and the power of local culture, Mayor Rawn shares both the challenges and opportunities of guiding a growing community. Grounded in optimism and collaboration, this episode highlights what it takes to build a city that works for everyone.

08/10/2025

034: Passive House Series #3: Bringing Magnolia House to Life with Alex Munson

In this final episode of our Passive House series, builder and general contractor Alex Munson takes us behind the scenes of the Magnolia House—the first certified Passive House in Arkansas. Alex shares how her background, hands-on building style, and deep-rooted love for construction shaped the project, and she reflects on what it means to collaborate closely with architects and consultants to meet the strict Passive House standards. She also talks shop on airtightness tests, ductwork challenges, and the art of mentoring other builders—while staying grounded in community, craftsmanship, and a genuine love of swinging a hammer.

07/27/2025

033: Passive House Series #2: Systems Thinking and Human-Centered Design with Cameron Caja

Cameron Caja joins us to explore the world of Passive House design—what it is, how it works, and why it matters for Northwest Arkansas. From energy modeling and airtight membranes to long-term resilience and community health, Cameron unpacks the systems thinking behind better buildings. He also shares insights on affordability, incremental change, and his work with Habitat for Humanity to make high-performance housing more accessible.

07/15/2025

032: Passive House Series #1: Designing Arkansas’s First Certified Passive House with Michael Cockram

In this launch of our Passive House Series, architectural designer Michael Cockram walks us through the vision and process behind Arkansas’s first certified Passive House—the Magnolia House. Built on a tandem lot in his former backyard, Michael’s project showcases the power of high-performance design, strong collaboration, and ecological mindfulness. It’s an inspiring start to a series focused on how we can build smarter, healthier homes.

06/10/2025

In episode 31, Alison Jumper, Fayetteville's Director of Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs, shares her journey from landscape architect to city leader. We explore how parks can drive public health, sustainability, and social connection, all while aiming for the bold vision of high-quality green spaces within a 10-minute walk for everyone. From dog parks and drum circles to tubing streams and aquatic dreams, this episode dives into how Fayetteville is redefining what public space can be.

04/28/2025

In episode 30, Meredith Bergstrom, Senior Program Officer at the Walton Family Foundation, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of Northwest Arkansas. We discuss housing affordability, transportation options, community engagement, and how thoughtful land use can shape stronger communities. Meredith shares insights into the Razorback Regional Greenway Corridor Plan, an ambitious effort to encourage a transportation mode shift and strategic development along the Greenway. Throughout the episode, she highlights the power of regional collaboration and dreaming big for a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant region.

03/12/2025

Please take this survey!

The Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission is asking residents to take a survey, as part of its Forward 2050 plan, to gather thoughts on regional transportation needs and priorities.

You can take it online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Forward2050

To learn more about the Forward 2050 plan, you can attend an open-house meeting Wednesday, April 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Fayetteville Public Library. Or, go to: https://www.nwarpc.org/transportation/mtp/

02/08/2025

In episode 29, lifelong Northwest Arkansas resident, Rogers Planning Commissioner, and passionate urbanist Ezequiel Tovar joins us to discuss the power of strong downtowns and people-centered planning. Drawing from his background in finance and consulting, Ezequiel shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of urban development in a rapidly growing region. We also explore how investing in walkability, public spaces, and thriving local businesses creates more vibrant, resilient communities.

01/05/2025

In episode 28, Fayetteville Planning Commissioner Fred Gulley reflects on his journey from growing up in Fayetteville to exploring the world and returning to shape his hometown’s future. He offers compelling insights into smart growth, community engagement, and how global experiences fuel his vision for Fayetteville. Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation on planning, progress, and the power of public participation!

12/31/2024

The Upper Ramble / Civic Plaza is officially open!