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Economic Development
Northwest Arkansas is continuing its boom, and Siloam Springs ranks high among the State’s fastest-growing communities, experiencing 28.4 % growth over the five-year period 4/1/2000 to 7/1/2006. That growth represents a strong local economy, benefitting from proximity to the larger cities along the I540 corridor, but at a manageable rate, allowing city government to keep pace with infrastructure upgrades and additions.
Broad growth, encompassing new banks, retail stores, a hotel, a six-screen theater, and a major expansion of the nearby Cherokee Casino, is contributing to the tax base and enhancing quality of life for our citizens and businesses. Negligible so far are the increases in crime and traffic gridlock usually found in areas with such high growth rates.
While our city government continues to provide high-quality services, including its own electricity, and utilities boast of continuous service loops for needed redundancy, the Chamber of Commerce looks toward increased emphasis on tourism as a clean, low-investment industry that can take advantage of existing amenities such as Sager Creek, walking/jogging trails, fountains and gazebos.
Siloam Springs has a good reputation as a clean, friendly, moral and industrious community, prepared for continued economic development.
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