City of Arkansas City Reorganizes Neighborhood Services Division

The City of Arkansas City has reorganized its Neighborhood Services Division, creating a newly structured Community Development Division. The change is designed to bring all development-related services under one coordinated division to improve efficiency, customer service, and long-term planning.
 

The reorganization aligns planning, zoning, permitting, building inspections, and code enforcement within a single division focused on growth, redevelopment, and neighborhood revitalization. The new structure supports the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Commission goals by improving coordination and strategic oversight.

As part of this reorganization, the City has authorized the Community Development Director position. Josh White will transition from his current role as Principal Planner into the Community Development Director position, providing continuity and leadership as the division takes shape. In this role, White will oversee Planning and Zoning, Building Inspections, and Code Enforcement, ensuring consistent decision-making and streamlined processes for residents, businesses, and developers.

In addition, the Municipal Project Manager position will be transferred from the City Manager’s Office to the Community Development Division. This move integrates project management and capital improvement coordination with planning and redevelopment efforts, strengthening collaboration across departments and improving project delivery.

The City Commission approved the reorganization at its December 16, 2025, meeting.

The Community Development Division will include:

• Community Development Director (reporting to the City Manager)

• Municipal Project Manager

• Planning and Zoning Coordinator / GIS Technician (position will remain unfilled in 2026)

• Chief Building Official

• Code Enforcement Officer / Building Inspector

• Administrative Assistant / Permit Technician
 

All positions within the division are budgeted and included in the City’s adopted Pay Ordinance. The reorganization does not create additional full-time positions but aligns existing roles within a more cohesive and accountable management structure.