April 11, 2025

Ladies and Gentlemen,

One constitutional amendment which is critically important for the future development of Arkansas is SJR15, sponsored by Senator Dismang, and its companion in the House, HJR1014, sponsored by Representative Beaty. This amendment supports the ability for local communities throughout the state to create local economic development districts. 

Arkansas is one of the few states that does not currently have such a tool, and that has significantly hampered the retail development across the state – in both urban and rural communities. This amendment will help prevent Arkansas from losing projects and jobs to neighboring states that have these incentives. It will help spur development, reduce blight, promote growth in retail, tourism, technology, entertainment and mixed use sectors. SJR15 will enable us to retain Arkansas investment in the state, strengthen our local economies, improve quality of life and help retain and attract the talent we need.

I am including links to talking points (below) that help make the case:

• High Level Talking Points

• Detailed Talking Points

Please contact your representatives and senators and ask them to support this effort.

Thank you for all you do for Arkansas!

Hugh McDonald

Secretary

Department of Commerce

O: 501-682-7351