MTP Chapter 3: Core Policy 9

A collaborative spirit has helped other regions become nationally competitive, leading to more opportunities for residents and attracting newcomers. Central Arkansas benefits when we coordinate efforts to enact improvements regionally. Metroplan will continue to strengthen bonds between its jurisdictions, residents, and organizations both public and private, to aid in policy development and infrastructure investments.

Metroplan plays a crucial role speaking for the Central Arkansas region, and acting for its overall interest. Metroplan has convened bodies for local planning issues in the past. Some have become separate entities. Rock Region METRO, Central Arkansas Risk Management Association (CARMA), and Mid-Arkansas Water Alliance (MAWA) are three examples of these efforts. Another potential collaboration is a regional mobility authority (RMA) that can finance, acquire, design, construct, operate, maintain, expand or extend transportation projects. Metroplan should remain at the forefront of regional planning issues.

Metroplan should reach further into the community to drive engagement in planning. Organizations that work with area jurisdictions, like the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, Municipal League, and local chambers of commerce can help promote a shared vision and advocate for implementation of regional plans. Organizations that serve a freight function, such as the Arkansas Trucking Association, The Port of Little Rock, and Clinton National Airport, can help Metroplan plan for moving people and goods more efficiently through our region.

With its unique advantage as a consortium of community leaders, Metroplan initiatives can spur extensive collaboration. Partnerships may come in many forms as we take action to advance Central Arkansas.