Strong jobs numbers across the nation and lower than expected unemployment are great for the economy as we continue to recover from the pandemic, but challenges like workforce housing are still facing our ever-growing region. The September 15 Spotlight Series features an expert panel moderated by Paul Gatling, Editor/Associate Publisher at the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal, to tackle the emerging issues around housing affordability for our region’s workforce.

We’re Convening the Community to Collaborate on Strategies and Priorities for Housing Needs

Innovation, ideas & alignment of goals: The Chamber will host its third program in the quarterly Spotlight Series on September 15. The series is known for bringing the right people together at the right time to spark innovation, inspire ideas and align our community around common goals. Workforce housing issues will be center stage.

Why you should be there:  A 2021 Pew Research Center study found that 85% of Americans say availability of affordable housing is a problem in their local community, with 49% saying it is a major problem. Rising housing and rental costs across Northwest Arkansas are putting undue pressure on our local workforce. It is time to shine a light on this issue and discuss what can be done to minimize the impact on our local workforce, businesses, and community.

Hear from the subject matter experts: Moderated by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal's Paul Gatling, the panel will feature Duke McLarty with the NWA Workforce Housing Center and Monique Pierre with Partners for Better Housing as they offer thoughts and perspectives on the housing challenges our region is facing, the unintended consequences to our strong regional economy and growth, and the impact being felt in the business community.

Register here