The Community’s Next Big Challenge—Part 3

So here we still are…looking at the next big challenges that face our community.  Here’s what we know so far:

1. The list is longer than we’d like for it to be.
2. We haven’t found anything on the list yet that’s cheap and easy.
3. As a community, we’re committed to solving all of them.  How, when and in what order becomes the tough answer.

We’ve already talked about the need for jobs, public safety and roads.  So, let’s look at two more examples of what challenges stand in front of our community waiting for attention and solutions.

Infrastructure…I really don’t like that word. Infrastructure is a code word that we use too often so that we end up losing its meaning.  So let’s get it down to its most basic meaning for most of us: “Fresh water in the faucet and ‘not so fresh’ water in the toilet.”  To make sure we can continue to guarantee the proper handling of those two issues for our community requires some big investments.  In total, more than $200 million is needed to fix those two pieces connected to your home. 

Revitalization…if ever a $2 word existed, there is it.  Just what the heck does that really mean?  It means taking the really great parts of our community and keeping them relevant and active…rather than simply abandoning them and leaving an empty hole in the community.  I am quoted from time to time as saying that a community’s downtown may no longer be its economic heart, but it is and forever shall be the community’s soul.  Wow, we have a phenomenal soul!  It feels good just to say it, because we have something so special that is ours.  However, that soul in on the verge of being lost unless we, as a community, step forward and save it.  To some, that may sound like an altar call…good, it is!  The good news about downtown is that no other place in our valley has seen as much capital investment in the past 10 years as downtown.  The Convention Center, Embassy Suites, Math and Science School, Bathhouse Row renovations, parking garage… all are significant projects that we’ve enjoyed downtown.  The bad news about downtown is that it needs at least that much more money invested in the next few years if we hope to keep it alive, saved and relevant. 

These are just a few examples of the easy things to see out our windows.  As I said, here at The Chamber, our list is several pages long and we are working hard to make sure every challenge is met.  After all, every challenge is simply an opportunity.  Hot Springs is blessed with great opportunities.  There’s no doubt we’ll rise to the challenge as a community.  I can’t imagine a better place to call home. 

So, join the conversation.  Talk to your neighbors, friends and co-workers.  The more we talk about these issues and opportunities, the quicker we’ll be able to find innovative solutions to every one of them. 

“Our community’s next big challenge?”  It just may be getting you involved?  So, welcome to the conversation.  We’re glad you’ve joined us.  Our community’s future and potential start here.  Feel free to jump right in.