Chamber committees move from study to action

The Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce is moving from study to action as three of its committees — Economic Development, Advocacy and Tourism — advance initiatives focused on the community’s long-term economic health.

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, representatives of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee met with the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to present the Chamber’s economic development scope of work and discuss opportunities to connect Eureka Springs with state and regional resources.

HOUSING MOVES TO THE FOREFRONT

Housing — particularly housing for middle-income working households — has emerged as one of the Economic Development Committee’s most significant areas of study.

The committee has completed its first employer housing survey, with additional employer surveys underway. Initial results show that fewer than 30 percent of respondents in the middle- to higher-income earning ranges currently live within Eureka Springs city limits. More significantly, 69 percent of those living outside the city indicated they would consider moving into Eureka Springs if suitable housing were available and affordable.

The findings suggest the issue is not simply whether employees want to live in Eureka Springs, but whether attainable housing exists for them to do so.

That work led the committee to explore a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment with Communities Unlimited. Earlier this summer, Audra Butler, Area Director of Rural Housing for Communities Unlimited, met with the committee and community stakeholders to discuss housing, infrastructure, economic development and potential funding resources.

HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION SUBMITTED

The Chamber has now formally applied to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for a Community Assistance Grant to fund the Housing Needs Assessment.

The proposed project has a total cost of $17,000, with the local match supported in part by commitments from all three local banks. The application also includes support from the mayor’s office and the city planning department.

The assessment would establish reliable community-wide data that can be used by employers, the city, developers and other organizations when evaluating future housing initiatives and pursuing funding opportunities.

LMI SURVEY COULD OPEN THE DOOR TO FEDERAL FUNDING

The Economic Development Committee is also working with the city on the distribution and collection of a Low-to-Moderate Income survey, which could help Eureka Springs qualify for Community Development Block Grant funding and other programs.

A significant part of the Chamber’s effort involves reaching residents who may not have been adequately represented in previous population and income data. Committee members are conducting in-person surveys at motel complexes that have converted rooms to 30-day and extended-stay housing. The committee estimates approximately 300 residents are now living in these properties who may not have been accounted for in previous studies or traditional household surveys.

The goal is to make sure these residents have an opportunity to be counted and that the city develops the strongest and most representative survey possible.

The LMI effort was identified as one of the committee’s next steps following its work with Communities Unlimited.

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE FOCUSES ON WATER AND SEWER

The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee is focused on Eureka Springs’ water and sewer infrastructure and its impact on residents, businesses, housing and future economic development.

After reviewing the city’s proposed 1 percent water and sewer sales tax, Chamber Executive Director Devin Henderson presented the Chamber’s support for the initiative to the Eureka Springs City Council, highlighting five primary reasons:

• Direct relief on I&I charge for local utility customers

• Sharing the cost with visitors

• Utility rates are already scheduled to increase

• Bond money is dedicated to water and sewer

• Water and sewer infrastructure is economic infrastructure

The Chamber views reliable water and sewer systems as essential not only to existing hotels, restaurants, shops, attractions and homes, but also to housing development and future investment. The proposed sales-tax revenue would be dedicated specifically to water and sewer infrastructure.

The committee is also laser-focused on reducing Eureka Springs’ water loss through targeted infrastructure investment and will continue tracking the financial impact of that loss on the utility system, businesses and customers. Information reviewed by the committee shows that a substantial portion of water purchased by the city is lost before reaching customer meters. The committee believes tracking that expense and identifying infrastructure investments that produce measurable reductions should remain a priority.

TOURISM COMMITTEE MONITORS SOCIAL DISTRICT

The Chamber’s Tourism Committee continues to monitor implementation of Eureka Springs’ Social District and its effect on pedestrian activity, visitor experience and downtown businesses.

The committee supports responsible programming that adds activity and energy to downtown but has raised concerns about the number, size and placement of some Social District signs. It has recommended modifying what members believe has become an overly aggressive signage approach so regulatory messaging does not unintentionally discourage visitors from walking throughout downtown or patronizing businesses outside the district.

The goal is a Social District that is understandable and responsibly managed while protecting the pedestrian movement that is critical to Eureka Springs’ downtown economy.

MOVING PROJECTS FORWARD

While the three committees have different responsibilities, their work frequently intersects. Housing affects workforce recruitment. Water and sewer capacity affects development. Tourism drives the local economy. And state and federal partnerships can provide resources to address needs that Eureka Springs cannot tackle alone.

The Chamber will continue reporting its findings and progress as the housing assessment, LMI survey, infrastructure work, Social District review and regional economic-development discussions advance.