From the Hill to the Heartland: Womack Hosts HUD Secretary Turner in Arkansas
Washington, D.C. – ICYMI, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (R-AR) this week brought U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner to the Third District of Arkansas to highlight how HUD’s core mission translates into effective local impact. The leaders visited opportunity zones, discussed affordable housing solutions, and spoke with elected officials, including Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, education leaders, and business stakeholders about economic growth and community initiatives yielding results in the region.
THUD Subcommittee Chairman Womack said, “It was an honor to host Secretary Turner in 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.”
HUD 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 that 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:
- Engaging the next generation of leaders by speaking with students attending Bentonville High School and Bentonville West High School about urban development and affordable housing issues.
- Attending a presentation on McAuley Place, an innovative workforce housing concept. The 160-unit affordable housing development is designed to accommodate teachers, staff, and other residents of the Bentonville school district.
- Participating 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 affordable housing and community infrastructure improvements.
- Joining a driving tour of Opportunity Zone projects in Springdale and discussing the impacts of Opportunity Zone redevelopment. Established under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Opportunity Zones incentivize investment and development in traditionally underserved areas, including four designated areas in Springdale.
- Hosting a forum with community, state, and business leaders to discuss localized solutions to the affordable housing challenges in Northwest Arkansas and how HUD is implementing the President’s Executive Order to expand housing supply while bringing costs down for the American people.
- Touring Fayetteville Housing Authority’s Hillcrest Towers, a 120-unit complex offering accessible apartments for individuals aged 55+ or those with disabilities.
- Visiting 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.
As the Fiscal Year 2026 process moves forward, insights from this visit will help guide responsible federal investments that reflect local needs and deliver measurable results. In tandem with the Trump Administration, THUD Subcommittee Chairman Womack remains focused on ensuring HUD programs are accountable, efficient, and aligned with proven strategies that empower communities across the nation while safeguarding taxpayer dollars.
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