Rogers' approach is worth applauding.
This summer, the city of Rogers approved a complete overhaul of its Unified Development Code -- the rulebook that dictates where houses, parks, stores and other structures can be built, and how they should look.
The newly updated UDC is a bold, strategic move designed to help the city manage growth and encourage the development of diverse housing options. As Northwest Arkansas continues to face housing affordability and production shortages, Rogers' proactive approach stands out as a model for sustainable growth and increased housing production.
One key aspect of the new UDC is its emphasis on streamlined processes and clearer guidelines. The updated zoning code and regulations provide a predictable, efficient framework for real estate development. By reducing bureaucratic procedures, the city will speed up project approvals, leading to quicker housing development.
Additionally, the UDC introduces flexible zoning practices that adapt to the community's changing needs. Historically, Northwest Arkansas has followed rigid, one-size-fits-all zoning codes that limit innovation and restrict the types of housing that can be built. Rogers' new code breaks that mold, allowing for mixed use developments and residential housing on land previously reserved for businesses. These areas already have key infrastructure like roads, sewage and water, which reduces financial burdens on the city and taxpayers. This flexibility maximizes land use while promoting diverse housing options, from single-family homes to apartments, that ensure housing for a variety of demographics and income levels across the city.
The updated UDC also emphasizes planned, sustainable development. By encouraging walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods, Rogers is fostering a more livable and resilient urban environment while preserving green, agricultural and natural spaces.
Focusing development in areas already served by essential infrastructure helps limit sprawl, reduce commute times and transportation costs and build stronger, more connected communities. Residents will have more opportunities to live near where they work and play, further enhancing quality of life.
The city of Rogers deserves significant credit for its outreach efforts, listening to residents, and making generational changes to its development code. These changes will ensure that Rogers in 2050 is even more livable and vibrant than it is in 2024. The city's UDC is a forward-thinking initiative that sets the stage for growth and housing production. As other cities seek solutions to housing challenges, Rogers serves as a blueprint for creating a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable future.
Written by: Duke McLarty, Executive Director of Groundwork