Cities are where Arkansas actually runs, and Mark Hayes spends his days making sure they can keep running. Mark is the Executive Director of the Arkansas Municipal League, representing 500+ cities and towns, and he joins us to connect the dots between municipal government, economic development, and the talent pipeline coming out of Arkansas State University.
We talk about why convening matters and why Catalyst Northeast Arkansas works when you put city leaders, private industry, and higher education in the same room. Mark shares hard-won advice on planning large conferences, including the simplest truth that saves organizers: something will go wrong, so plan early and keep moving. From there, we dig into Issue 3 and what it could mean for city and county economic development tools, especially as Arkansas competes with surrounding states that already have stronger incentive options.
Regionalism is a major theme, too. Mark breaks down what Northwest Arkansas got right: long-term planning and shared projects without erasing local identity. We also get into how ASU’s growth, including the medical school and the newly accredited veterinary school, can strengthen rural health care, support agriculture, and help small towns with real succession problems. We close with a candid look at civic preparedness, media literacy, basic civility, and Mark’s Leadership 101 takeaway: breathe, toss fear aside, and listen.
Subscribe, share this with someone who cares about Arkansas communities, and leave us a review with your biggest takeaway. Make sure to follow us on socials @arkansasstatemedianetwork.
More About this Episode
The A-State Advantage: Bridging Municipal Leadership and Academic Excellence
In the inaugural episode of The A-State Advantage, host Heather Nelson sat down with Mark Hayes, a distinguished Arkansas State University alumnus and the Executive Director of the Arkansas Municipal League.
Their conversation traversed Hayes' journey from a student leader on the Jonesboro campus to a legal expert managing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, while exploring the vital intersection of city government, economic development, and higher education.
From the Wilson Award to the Supreme Court
Hayes’ connection to Arkansas State is lifelong. As a senior, he was the recipient of the Wilson Award, the university's most prestigious honor for student leadership.
He credits his time at A-State, particularly his involvement in Student Government Association (SGA) and his fraternity, with forcing him out of his comfort zone and building the public speaking and teamwork skills that define his career today.
Hayes’ legal career eventually led him to the pinnacle of the American judicial system, where he successfully helped manage a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. He reflects on his time in Jonesboro as the "hub" of the region, providing the confidence and open-mindedness necessary to advocate for Arkansas’ 500+ municipalities.
The Catalyst for Regional Growth
As an attendee of the Catalyst Northeast Arkansas event, Hayes highlighted the immense value of bringing together three core groups: private business, academia, and local government.
He noted that municipalities provide the essential infrastructure – water, police, fire, and streets – that allows businesses to thrive and the workforce to settle.
Economic Tools and Issue 3
A significant portion of the dialogue focused on Issue 3, a constitutional measure on the 2026 ballot aimed at removing the "handcuffs" from local governments regarding economic development. Hayes explained that current Arkansas law restricts cities from offering certain incentives, such as tax abatements or infrastructure extensions, to entice new businesses.
He argued that passing Issue 3 would bring Arkansas in line with neighboring states, providing a competitive edge for attracting retail and industry to rural areas.
The Workforce Continuum and "Durable Skills"
The conversation delved into the university's role in the "workforce development continuum." Hayes applauded A-State’s focus on durable skills, a term coined by Randy Zook and championed by Chancellor Todd Shields. These include essential life skills like:
- Financial planning and tax management
- Professional attire and time management
- Civility and effective communication
Hayes emphasized the critical need for graduates in municipal roles that are often overlooked, such as water superintendents, city clerks, and traffic engineers. He pointed out that while academic excellence is vital, providing "walk out the door" practical abilities is what truly prepares a student for a life of public service.
The Pride of a Growing Campus
As an alum, Hayes expressed profound pride in the recent milestones at Arkansas State, including the 10th anniversary of the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine and the recent accreditation of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
He highlighted the "Freshman to Physician" and "Freshman to Veterinarian" pathways as key to solving the rural healthcare and agriculture shortages in Arkansas. With nearly 1,100 applicants for the first veterinary class within days of accreditation, the demand for these programs is undeniable.
A Call for Civics and Civility
In a final, poignant reflection, Hayes addressed the current crisis in civic knowledge and public discourse. He advocated for a return to robust Arkansas history and basic civics education to help the next generation understand how their government functions.
He also stressed the importance of civility in an era dominated by digital communication. "It’s easy to hide behind a keyboard," Hayes said. "But energy matters. Person-to-person interaction is a skill set we must help students cultivate."
Leadership Rule 101: Stop, Drop, and Roll
To conclude, Hayes offered a singular piece of advice for future leaders:
- Take a deep breath.
- Toss the fear away.
- Learn to listen.
Through leaders like Hayes and the continued evolution of Arkansas State University, the "A-State Advantage" is becoming the defining factor in the prosperity of Arkansas’ cities and towns.