HOT SPRINGS - The City of Hot Springs is excited to announce the launch of a new Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping layer dedicated to show active City liens on properties. This innovative tool is designed to facilitate property redevelopment by visually highlighting properties with active liens, making the information readily available and enabling developers to quickly assess potential challenges and opportunities.

The City's GIS page offers a collection of dynamic, interactive mapping tools that provide access to extensive property data. Lien information changes daily, so the Lien Layer may not reflect the most current data. Interested parties should verify lien information with the Garland County Circuit Clerk’s Office prior to making any purchases. They can be reached at 501-321- 3630 or https://www.garlandcounty.org/150/Circuit-Clerks-Office/ . The newly introduced GIS lien layer, along with the Cleanup Lien Database, can be accessed at the following links:

• GIS Mapping Tool (Click the link to go to the Planning Map, use the Layers Tool on the top right corner to access the lien layer)
• Cleanup Lien Database

By effectively utilizing this GIS mapping layer, developers can gain a clear understanding of current active City liens on surrounding properties. This knowledge allows them to identify promising opportunities for affordable housing and in-fill redevelopment, contributing to the overall revitalization of the City. Once a property is identified on the map, developers can cross-reference it with the City's Cleanup Lien Database, which lists all properties by parcel number and shows the lien amount.

The release of the GIS Lien Layer comes just ahead of the annual Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands auction of tax-delinquent properties. The Garland County public auction is set to take place on August 8 at the Hotel Hot Springs Ballroom C, starting at 10 AM.

With over 950 properties and a total lien amount exceeding $6 million, there is significant potential to impact affordable housing opportunities. Given the increasing demand for affordable housing and the challenges of housing shortages, it is crucial for cities to make the redevelopment process more efficient and accessible.