The Walton Family Foundation has been committed to improving livability in Northwest Arkansas for nearly three decades. As we continue to implement our 2020 strategic plan, we knew it was important to take a moment to track our progress and ask the question: “Are we moving the needle?”
To help us find the answer, we conducted a quality of life survey. The first one was completed in 2012 and served as a benchmark for these new findings. We discovered overall satisfaction is remarkably high with 95% of residents reporting feeling “very happy” or “fairly happy.”
The results of this study also help us assess the impact of foundation-supported programs. The survey findings indicate 69% of Northwest Arkansas residents have used a local trail in the last 12 months. The percentage of residents who report visiting Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art increased by 21 points. The museum also diversified its audience by closing the attendance gap from key demographics such as the region’s growing Hispanic population between 2012 and 2015. When it comes to education, from elementary school to college, our educational institutions were consistently rated favorably.
The findings also suggest opportunities we need to consider. There’s a clear desire to expand our transportation options. We need to have conversations about mass transit and cycling as an active transportation alternative. Downtown experiences and cultural amenities are affected by income barriers. Access to affordable quality Pre-K options continues to be a concern.
I encourage you to review the full results of the study. Sharing this information is an important step as we work to improve our community. The broad levels of satisfaction with the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas are encouraging, but the findings also present new opportunities. Let’s celebrate our achievements and embrace areas of improvement as we work together to make our community a wonderful place to live.
