22-03-2025
Fayetteville Mayor Rawn talks housing bill
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Arkansas state lawmakers say their new Senate bill is supposed to help alleviate a housing crisis, but Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn doesn't think so.
Senate Bill 456, or the Home Opportunities Made Easier Act, is a state-wide mandate that would make zoning laws and regulations a moot point.
The bill is an attempt to create more affordable housing throughout the state and allow for property owners to manage their land without local government interference no matter how it was previously zoned.
Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn talks future developments at Washington County Veterans Town Hall
Rawn says limiting local authority can have both positive and negative effects.
'It can be concerning when we start talking about the state limiting local authority to zone,' Rawn said. 'While there are some really well meaning outcomes that people may want to see, that can also lead to some really negative unintended consequences of really hindering local communities to being able to best serve the needs unique to them.'
The bill has seen pushback from local communities despite being returned by the committee with the recommendation that it should pass.
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