Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1340137
10 | 2021 Siloam Springs community guide O n August 11, 2020, Siloam Springs made history by voting in its first woman mayor, Judy Nation. "I look at it as an honor and a privilege and an opportunity," said Mayor Nation. "I think it's good whenever we have the viewpoints from all sides and this is my opportunity as a woman to be in that role as a leader in Siloam Springs." Mayor Nation came to the position with an impressive resume. She served as a Director on the City Board of Directors for fieen years from 1999 to 2014, then took a position on the Planning and Zoning Commission in 2016. She was nominated to serve as Vice Chair in 2017 and served as Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission in 2018 and 2019. "With a lifetime of service in various organizations and capacities," she said, "this felt like a natural progression and an opportunity to continue to serve the residents of Siloam Springs." Mayor Nation believes Siloam Springs is unique among the other communities in Northwest Arkansas experiencing expansive growth. "While we are growing, Siloam Springs retains an inclusive community feel," she pointed out. "We truly care about our neighbors; we are involved in each other's lives in a supportive and encouraging way. Additionally, there is a dynamic church community in Siloam Springs. It's been said that at one time, Siloam Springs held the record for the most churches per capita. I translate that to mean there's a place for everyone to belong." Like other Northwest Arkansas communities, Mayor Nation believes Siloam Springs has no shortage of breathtaking outdoor scenery and opportunities to enjoy it. "Siloam Springs is a city with small town charm and great outdoor adventure," she said. "You can spend the morning shopping and eating along Sager Creek in our award-winning downtown historical district and in the aernoon enjoy the outdoors with mountain biking trails, fly fishing, bird watching, trail running, and kayaking. e Siloam Springs Kayak Park is a unique amenity with 800 feet of engineered river featuring Class I rapids. e park is set on the Illinois River and features drops for both beginner and skilled kayakers and canoers." And for businesses, she has long-admired, and helped foster, the city's business- friendly philosophy. "Siloam Springs works in a unique way to recruit and foster businesses, both large and small," the mayor noted. "e City has its own electric, water, wastewater, trash and recycling and street crews in house, allowing business incentives to be tailored to the needs of the business. We work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Siloam Springs to assist with training, grants opportunities and more. e Board of Directors and City staff places the utmost importance on fiscal responsibility, running tight budgets, but allowing for spending where it's needed most." Siloam Springs' first woman mayor looks to the future | By Randy Rice 880 S. Lincoln St. Siloam Springs 479-524-3760 A Real Automotive Parts Store Starter, Alternator, Generator Service - Hydraulic Hose Assemblies • Quality Aftermarket Automotive Parts Dr. Brandon DeNike 119 S Broadway St • Siloam Springs 479-373-2343 M-F 8:00am to 12:00pm & 1:00pm-6:00 pm Saturday 10-12 Back Pain Neck Pain Headaches Auto Accidents Sports Injuries Most Insurance and Medicare Accepted While we are growing, Siloam Springs retains an inclusive community feel.