Nestled in the foothills of the Boston Mountains along the Arkansas River, Mulberry, Arkansas, sits in Crawford County in the western part of the state. This small town of 1,590 people, located near Fort Smith and the neighboring towns of Alma and Ozark, combines the charm of rural Arkansas with the benefits of its proximity to urban areas. Despite its modest size, Mulberry is positioning itself for a bright future.
Known for its scenic beauty and strong community spirit, Mulberry is transforming into a hub for commerce, industry, and sustainable growth, thanks to visionary leadership and strategic partnerships, including its work with Communities Unlimited (CU).
Since 2011, Mayor Gary Baxter, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, has led the town’s growth and development. His leadership has positioned Mulberry as a gateway for both commerce and recreation, leveraging its location along Interstate 40 and its proximity to the Union Pacific Railroad and Arkansas River. Just west of Mulberry lies Interstate 49, connecting Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, further enhancing its logistics potential.
“Location, location, location,” Mayor Baxter said. “Mulberry qualifies for all three because we’re in a great spot in the United States.”
Mulberry’s industrial park is a testament to its economic potential, housing a 150,000-square-foot Compass Cold Storage facility and the only edamame processing plant in the U.S. With 200 acres still available for development and a $4 million grant to improve infrastructure, Mulberry is ready for more growth.
In 2022, Mulberry completed the Community Sustainability (CS) Program with CU. Over three years, CU’s Area Director of CS, Michelle Viney, provided a comprehensive growth plan, focusing on infrastructure and economic development. This partnership led to the formation of “Friends of Mulberry,” a group that brought local business owners together to support the town’s progress.
CU also referred Mulberry to its Community Infrastructure Team, where Community Environmental Management Specialist Cherub Alford has helped the town with grant writing and infrastructure improvements. Projects include upgrades to the water treatment plant, new fencing, and plans for a secondary access road to prevent flooding.
“(Cherub is an) amazing, hard worker,” said Steve Hurley, Assistant to the Mayor. “What I like best about Cherub, I’ve been here for over two years. I’ve gotten my feet on the ground and can handle things, but she helps me do what I do better and she’s not afraid to offer assistance. It’s been a blessing working with Cherub.”
Mulberry is also pursuing funding to extend sewer lines in support of the new Workman’s Travel Center, which is expected to create 50 jobs and stimulate the local economy. Alford is working closely with Mulberry to secure this financial aid, helping to position the community as one that is growing rather than declining. Mulberry stands as a prime example of a Relocation Rural town.
“The Workman’s Travel Center will have a tremendous economic impact on Mulberry. When there’s 40 to 50 employees, they need a place to live. We’re hoping that they’ll live in Mulberry. That will give us more housing development. With extending the sewer, we’ll be able to add more residents onto the sewer line. It opens some areas to develop for housing that would not be available without the sewer. Workman’s Travel Center here will be a tremendous boom both in economic and community development.”
— Gary Baxter, Mayor of Mulberry
Infrastructure improvements are essential, but Mulberry is also investing in its parks and community services. The town has expanded its parks system, added solar-lit disc golf courses, and built new walking trails. Mulberry is also transforming a former Dollar General into a $3.2 million youth shelter, providing temporary housing for young people in need.
As the town continues to grow, sustainability remains a core value. Through grant assistance and technical expertise, CU is actively working to secure funding for key infrastructure projects for Mulberry, ensuring this community is prepared for long-term success.
“We want to continue our partnership with Communities Unlimited,” Mayor Baxter said. “We want to be a leader in doing things other cities aren’t.”
With a thriving industrial park, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and a strong focus on community and sustainability, Mulberry is poised for continued growth and prosperity. Mayor Baxter and the town’s residents are united in their vision for a vibrant future.
“We are booming,” Hurley said. “A big testament to Mayor Baxter’s vision and our partnership with Communities Unlimited.”
Alford and Viney from CU shared their experiences working with Mulberry.
“It’s always a pleasure to work with a community like Mulberry,” Alford said. “They have their eyes focused on what they want for their community’s future and just need a little help connecting the dots to get there. Mayor Baxter and all his staff know what their goal is and are more than willing to put in the work to reach that goal.”
Added Viney, “Every community has gifts. In Mulberry, their greatest gift is the people. They have dedicated leadership and passionate, involved community members. From day one, they were all willing to roll up their sleeves and focus the conversations on solutions. I am so honored to have shared the experience with them. I look forward to seeing so much more from the Friends of Mulberry.”
