The City of Lewisville, Arkansas, will hold a community engagement and investment meeting on March 28, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lewisville Fire Station to develop a vision for revitalizing the town economically. Topics will include housing, job training, neighborhood revitalization, business opportunities, and more.

 The city has partnered with the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana to seek and develop job training opportunities for the numerous jobs needed to construct, operate, and maintain the lithium plant. UAHT will be on hand to support job training and help create pathways and entry points into the workforce based on this unique opportunity. Dr. Christine Holt, UAHT Chancellor, said, "We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Lewisville and Lafayette County to plan for this new enterprise that has the potential to change lives, uplift the community, and enhance the economic vibrancy of Southwest Arkansas.” The Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District will also be on hand to provide insight into these opportunities.

 “Lithium production in Lafayette and Columbia Counties presents a lucrative opportunity for economic development and community improvement,” said Ethan Dunbar, Mayor of Lewisville. “We need to prepare for the economic and community development opportunities this effort will bring.”

 Lewisville sits at the intersection of U.S. Highway 82 and Arkansas State Highway 29 in southwest Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Transportation reports an estimated 8,500 vehicle per day traffic count at this intersection. According to Dunbar, few businesses currently use this traffic volume. “A retail business in Lewisville could potentially exceed the average expected ROI of 8.5% by more than 25% over the first full year of operation,” Dunbar said. According to Dunbar, food service, oil and gas, maintenance and repair, and tourist opportunities are available in Lewisville.

 The public is invited to attend this meeting to help develop a comprehensive plan and strategic vision for the City of Lewisville as we look to the town's future. The Lewisville Fire Department is at 100 W 1st St., Lewisville, Arkansas, 71845.

 For more information, contact the City Administrator at 870-921-4971 or by email at [email protected].