Expert Weighs in on Rogers' Unified Development Code and Its Role in Housing Development

In his presentation to the Rogers Planning Commission, Mervin Jebaraj, Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas, discussed the City of Rogers' recently adopted Unified Development Code (UDC) and its potential to shape the future of housing development. Jebaraj highlighted that the UDC is designed to guide sustainable growth within the city by regulating land use and development.

According to Jebaraj, the UDC has the potential to create more mixed-use developments, which can foster walkable communities and combine residential and commercial spaces. He explained that these types of developments could help address some of the region’s housing challenges by providing a variety of housing options and densities.

However, Jebaraj also pointed out that the success of the UDC will depend on how well it is implemented and whether it can adapt to the region’s evolving housing needs, particularly the increasing demand for affordable housing. He suggested that prioritizing housing affordability within the framework of the UDC would allow Rogers to lead in smart and inclusive growth for the benefit of all residents.