Arkansas’ housing shortage is squeezing families, stalling growth, and straining communities from Fayetteville to Columbia County. The Arkansas Pro-Housing Policy Forum convenes leaders from government, business, finance, and advocacy to cut through political gridlock, harness bipartisan federal momentum, and deliver bold, practical solutions that match homes to the needs of Arkansas’ people, unlocking housing abundance and economic vitality statewide.
Featured speakers:
Secretary Hugh McDonald
Arkansas Department of Commerce
The Honorable Frank Scott Jr.
Mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas
Representative Steve Womack (R-AR-03)
United States House of Representatives
Mike Kingsella
CEO and Founder, Up for Growth
Dr. Michael Wilkerson
Director of Economic Research, Econorthwest; Policy Fellow, Up for Growth
Research Briefing
This data-driven briefing on housing supply, affordability, and market conditions in Arkansas and nationwide, provides a shared foundation for policy and implementation conversations. This session is best suited for anyone interested in housing data, research, and market analysis.
1:30pm
Doors Open
Check-in and enjoy informal networking.
2:00pm
Housing Market Dynamics: A Research Briefing
This session will use local data to highlight why solving Arkansas' housing shortage demands smarter solutions than just zoning reform and building more. The discussion will connect Arkansas' challenges to Up for Growth Action’s federal agenda,
Dr. Michael Wilkerson
Director of Economic Research, Econorthwest; Policy Fellow, Up for Growth
3:00pm
Break
Enjoy informal networking and a break if you are joining us for the flagship program at 3:30pm.
Pro-Housing Policy Forum
This mission-driven conversation features cross-sector perspectives on how federal, state, and local actions can work together to expand housing supply and improve economic vitality in Arkansas.
3:30pm
Opening Remarks
Mike Kingsella will frame the forum’s purpose and set context for a bipartisan leadership discussion focused on housing supply and affordability.
Mike Kingsella
CEO and Founder, Up for Growth
3:45pm
Housing as Economic Infrastructure: A State Perspective
Secretary Hugh McDonald will provide a state-level perspective on housing as economic infrastructure, workforce strategy, and a priority for long-term competitiveness.
Secretary Hugh McDonald
Arkansas Department of Commerce
4:00pm
Local Barriers, Local Solutions: Expanding Housing Supply
The Mayor of Little Rock, Frank Scott Jr., will discuss the barriers and successes involved in increasing housing supply at the local level.
The Honorable Frank Scott Jr.
Mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas
4:15pm
Fireside Chat with Representative Steve Womack (R-AR-03)
This moderated discussion will focus on federal policy tools, state-federal coordination, and practical pathways to expand housing supply in Arkansas.
Representative Steve Womack (R-AR-03)
United States House of Representatives
Moderator announced soon
4:55pm
Closing Remarks
Mike Kingsella
CEO and Founder, Up for Growth
5:00-6:00pm
Reception
Light refreshments will be served.
