AAC
FEATURE
Hot Spring County presents its 10-year strategic plan for growth and development Citizens cite broadband access, job creation, housing, more as needs. Story and Photos by Christy L. Smith AAC Communications Director
H
ot Spring County Judge Dennis Thornton welcomed about 200 guests to the unveiling of Hot Spring County Conversations (HSCC) 10-year strategic plan on Aug. 20, at the College of the Ouachitas in Malvern. HSCC “is a future-focused, positive community development initiative” that began in Fall 2017, according to the narrative in the strategic plan. It began as an effort to discover the needs of Hot Spring County residents and to identify community leaders able to take action to meet those needs. HSCC leaders worked with the University of Central Arkansas’ Center for Community and Economic Development, and with Newport Economic Development Commission Executive Director Jon Chadwell on the project. Two countywide meetings were held, and a countywide survey was distributed. The success of those meetings and survey led Judge Thornton and the HSCC executive commit30
tee to hold two meetings at each of the five school districts (Bismarck, Glen Rose, Ouachita, Magnet Cove, and Malvern) in the county. Residents in each community were invited to attend and provide their feedback on how to improve life in Hot Spring County, as well as in their particular community. “When Hot Spring County Conversations began its very purpose was to set vision and goals by community and county,” Judge Thornton said during the unveiling ceremony. “Goals that were set by you — the citizens of Hot Spring County. Through this we have action groups throughout the county working together.” The executive committee identified five areas to improve upon by 2030. For instance, by 2030 Hot Spring County will have a skilled workforce that meets the needs of current and future businesses and industries. Other goals were established in the areas of job creation; family recreation and youth activities; health and public safety; and housing, real estate and downtown development. Residents of Bismarck named entrepreneurship and small business development as their first priority. The Glen Rose COUNTY LINES, SUMMER 2019
