Best of Siloam Springs

By Randy Rice o n August 11, 2020, Siloam Springs made history by electing its first woman mayor, Judy Nation. "I looked 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, this felt like a natural progression and an opportunity to continue to serve the residents of Siloam Springs," she noted. Mayor Nation believes Siloam Springs is unique among the other communities in Northwest Arkansas that are experiencing expansive growth. "While we are growing, Siloam Springs retains an inclusive community feel," she said. "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." As for businesses, she has long- admired, and help 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 pointed out. "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." Looking back over her first full year in office, Mayor Nation noted that 2021 continued to be a year of challenges with COVID, budgetary cutbacks, and shiing priorities. "However, we have always kept our residents the number one priority," she said. "I have tried to remain true to myself—giving heartfelt, informed feedback when needed, deferring to subject experts and staff, while still allowing the core of Siloam Springs to retain its own identity." Some of the accomplishments throughout the year include the ADA Fishing Pier and Kayak Launch, the new City Maintenance Building, the development of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and the completion of the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade. "Another very important decision the Board faced was taking the information from the Utility Rate Study and applying those findings to our current rate structure," Mayor Nation said. "is will be an ongoing annual review." Mayor Nation plans to stay on course with the 2021-2022 Board goals. "We know how difficult this year has been on staff, and we want to continue to praise their work and let them know how much they are appreciated," she said. "e City's largest asset is its employees—I would like to focus on retention, internal advancement and finding the best talent for our organization. Additionally, I would like to wrap up some of the larger projects while doing a better job of communicating those accomplishments to our citizens. "I consider it such a privilege to serve the citizens of Siloam Springs," Mayor Nation added. "I am excited to see what great things our future holds. I feel very blessed to live and serve in a community where people care about each other and work very hard to continue making this the best place in the country to live!" Mayor Judy Nation Mayor Nation: looking ahead to more growth 12 • Best of Siloam Springs Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Siloam Springs Herald-Leader Thank you for taking the time to vote for us! www.familyfloristsiloamsprings.com 804 S. Maple Siloam Springs, AR 479-549-3304 888-827-6565 Thanks so much for your business!

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