01 Jun 2025 One of the America’s fastest-growing cities brings talent to 501
By Mayor Bart Castleberry
As mayor of Conway, one of my primary goals is to ensure that our community continues to thrive — not just economically, but as a community where people want to live, work and raise their families. A key part of achieving that goal is recruiting new businesses and industries to our city. Today, that process involves more than offering tax incentives or touting our workforce.
It’s about creating a place where people genuinely want to be. That means focusing on livability. When young professionals, families, and businesses consider where to put down roots, they prioritize overall quality of life.
We live in a time in which cities are competing not just for jobs, but for talent. Companies go where talent goes, and talent gravitates toward communities that offer a high quality of life. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to invest in projects that improve walkability, bikeability, and recreational opportunities throughout Conway. These are not just amenities, they are necessities for today’s workforce and their families. Enhancing the physical and social infrastructure of our city is essential to attracting and retaining the skilled employees who drive innovation and growth.
Our investment in the Connect Conway Greenway Trail is one great example. The trail will do more than simply connect the east with the west. It will serve as a thread that ties together our neighborhoods, schools, universities, and commercial areas, allowing our residents and visitors to connect with Conway in a safe, accessible, and equitable way. Similarly, our focus on adding bike lanes and expanding sidewalks throughout the city shows our commitment to creating a community that supports alternative transportation options and encourages active lifestyles.
We’re also investing in major recreational infrastructure projects that contribute to the vibrancy of our city. The Conway Soccer Complex, Conway Community Center, and upgraded public parks will serve residents of all ages and help foster a sense of belonging and pride in Conway. These projects reflect a clear message that we are invested in the day-to-day lives of our people and are building a city where everyone can live their best life.
Since 2020, Conway has been one of the fastest-growing in the country, ranking No. 74 across the nation. Its rate of growth in that time, 9.87%, represents more than 6,000 new residents and a growth rate 600% faster than the median growth of cities above the 50,000 threshold. Conway was the fastest-growing city in Arkansas in 2022 and 2023.
Of course, these quality-of-place investments aren’t just about today. They’re about the future. As Conway continues to grow, our investments in infrastructure today will sustain our development tomorrow.
At the heart of all this is my belief in community engagement, strategic partnerships, and shared vision. We work closely with residents, local organizations, and business leaders to ensure our projects align with the needs and aspirations of the people who call Conway home. With each new initiative, we take another step toward making Conway not only a great place to do business but an exceptional place to live. As Conway continues to grow, our strategic investments in infrastructure, recreation, and community spaces will enhance livability and economic vitality. With each initiative, the city moves closer to its goal of becoming a model for sustainable urban development and quality-of-life improvements in Arkansas.
