Future Forward: Meet our NWA Planners

Get to Know Zachery Birdsong

• Where are you from?

  I am from Horatio, Arkansas.

• Where did you go to school?

  I went to University of Arkansas at Monticello where I received a Bachelors in Psychology and Political Science. I then went to Arkansas State University where I received a Masters in Public Administration.

• How long have you been working in planning?

  I have been in the field for almost two years. In February of 2024 I will hit the two-year mark.

• How did you get into city planning?

  I’ve always wanted my career to be based in work that provides a service to people. After getting my Masters in Public Administration, I started looking for jobs in the Northwest Arkansas area and saw a planner position open here in Rogers. It seemed like a great fit for someone wanting to serve their community and I found the work interesting. It was a great decision.

• What is one project you are proud of?

  It’s difficult to pick out any one particular project. I would say that the projects I am proudest of are those that contain mixed-use elements and/or diverse residential options.

• In your own words, what does being a planner mean?

  Being a planner means taking a multi-faceted approach to improving how people are able to live their lives. Whether it’s about having goods and services available in walking distance of residential areas, building a multi-modal transportation network or catering to the pedestrian landscape.

• Is there a project, city or design that you draw inspiration from?

  Form-based design has probably made the biggest impact on how I look at planning. This focuses more on the relationships between buildings and how they address streets as opposed to focusing on use compatibility.

• What is the biggest challenge you face at your job?

  One of the biggest challenges is the complexity of planning. There are many variables that need to be considered and at times they can conflict with one another. It’s important to find balance and work towards the best solution possible.

• What are some things your department is working on that we should be aware of?

  We are currently undergoing a Future Land Use Map update and code rewrite. These focus on form-based planning and implementation. How we review projects and the regulations that guide development will be altered pending the adoption of these changes.

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

  The NWA region is growing at a rapid pace. I would like to see more diverse housing options and mixed-use developments. Housing and nearby goods and services will be integral to the region’s growth.

• What is one thing you would like everyone to know about city planning?

  There is quite a bit that goes into planning a city. Due to this, public input can be vital. Staying up-to-date on your city’s plans and changes is both valuable to residents and city staff.