Projects and Programs

At the DRDC, we are dedicated to encouraging social and economic growth through three interrelated and interdisciplinary projects/programs:

Summer Workshops

In collaboration with UACDC staff/faculty and UA architecture and public policy students, the DRDC conducts a summer workshop in a selected Arkansas Delta community every summer. UA staff and students live in the selected community for an eight-week period during the summer semester. In these workshops, students, staff and community members work together in creating and preparing community-wide development and revitalization plans including phased development and design recommendations as well as analyses of many of the policy issues involved in such projects.

Marianna, 2001

In the summer of 2001, Marianna was selected for a workshop because the community has an active community spirit and the physical character of the city offered the promise of civic regeneration over time. The summer workshop team (students, staff, and Marianna community members) created three phased (5, 15 and 25 year plans) master plan recommendations. These plans included downtown preservation and development, greenway and park enhancements, infill buildings, and more. In addition, each plan was supported by policy recommendations including tourism and hotel development, L’Anguille River restoration, and improved zoning regulations.

Clarendon, 2002

As the current home of the DRDC, Clarendon was committed to the development of a comprehensive planning effort. The summer workshop team (students, staff, and Clarendon community members) developed such a comprehensive plan after studying the historical, legal, social and cultural aspects of Clarendon as well as existing physical and economic conditions. Plan recommendations included city entry (gateway) enhancement and proposals, sidewalk and street improvements, improved drainage, park enhancement, trail and bikeway proposals, infill building, downtown enhancements, and riverfront concepts.

Lake Village, 2003

Will be developed in August 2003.

Economic Development Seminar

Through the annual Economic Development Seminar, the DRDC brings together state and local governmental officials, community and civic groups, and concerned citizens in an effort to provide Arkansas Delta communities with research and economic development ideas and practices.

Delta Research Bulletin

With contributions from DRDC staff, Winthrop Rockefeller Fellowship recipients, state agencies, and local business, industry, and education personnel, the annual Delta Research Bulletin will provide a collection of relevant research essays and articles regarding policy issues in Arkansas Delta communities.

Click here for a PDF version of the Delta Research Bulletin. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDF.