The fourth quarter of 2025 saw a decline, or moderation, in economic activity in the four Arkansas metro areas covered in The Compass Report. Higher unemployment numbers and less construction activity were common areas of decline in the metros.
The Compass Report is a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) and Talk Business & Politics. First National Bank of Fort Smith is a sponsor of the statewide report.
Kendall Ross, UAFS associate vice chancellor of Economic and Workforce Development, and Kaitlyn Cavaness, an intern in the UAFS Center for Economic Development who helps compile, manage and review the data, are responsible for data collection and written analysis for the report…