Press Releases

ARKANSAS — April 22, 2025... Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today welcomed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner to Arkansas’s Third Congressional District. Together, they visited key locations that spotlight local affordable housing initiatives and economic development opportunities. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders also joined to discuss several of these efforts, offering insights from a state-level perspective.

Congressman Womack said, “It was an honor to host Secretary Turner to the Third District and showcase how Northwest Arkansas is leading the way with innovative approaches to housing affordability. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, I am committed to further engaging with the Trump administration as we look to fiscal year 2026 to advance these initiatives while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively and responsibly.”

Secretary Turner said, “Thank you to Governor Sanders and Congressman Womack for welcoming me to the great state of Arkansas to witness firsthand the incredible work being done to expand housing opportunities. The federal government does not have all the answers. Through our discussions, it is clear Arkansas is forging public-private partnerships to drive localized solutions to the state’s housing affordability challenges and to spur economic development. I appreciate the partnership and commitment of the Governor and Congressman in stewarding these local solutions to help revitalize Arkansas’ communities”

Governor Sanders said, “It was a pleasure to welcome my good friend Secretary Turner to Arkansas to show off all Northwest Arkansas has to offer. It is no secret that this corner of our state is booming, but with growth comes the need for more affordable housing. I am grateful for the ways that Northwest Arkansas continues to innovate and lead in these initiatives, and my administration looks forward to working with Congressman Womack and Secretary Turner to support those efforts.

Visit Highlights

The day began with Rep. Womack and Sec. Turner speaking to 11th and 12th graders attending Bentonville High School and Bentonville West High School, answering their questions about affordable housing and urban development. 

Rep. Womack and Sec. Turner then attended a presentation on McAuley Place, a 160-unit affordable housing development designed to accommodate teachers, staff, and other residents of the Bentonville school district.

Next, Rep. Womack and Sec. Turner participated in a roundtable discussion with local Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) stakeholders and professionals. The CDBG program, administered by HUD, provides federal grants to support housing affordability and infrastructure improvements.

The visit continued with a driving tour of Opportunity Zone projects in Downtown Springdale, followed by a working lunch with Gov. Sanders to discuss the impacts of the Opportunity Zone program. These zones, established under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to incentivize investment and development, include four designated areas in Springdale.

Later, Rep. Womack, Sec. Turner, and Gov. Sanders joined another insightful roundtable discussion with local elected officials, judges, business owners and community leaders on affordable housing challenges and opportunities in Northwest Arkansas.

Next, Rep. Womack, Sec. Turner, and Gov. Sanders toured Fayetteville Housing Authority’s Hillcrest Towers, a 120-unit complex offering accessible apartments for individuals aged 55+ or those with disabilities. While there, the pair met with residents and saw firsthand the incredible work being done by the complex’s staff.

Rep. Womack and Sec. Turner then visited the Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation at the University of Arkansas, set to open in summer 2025. The center will explore innovative wood product applications in architecture and construction, including affordable housing prototypes.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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