Northwest Arkansas Council
Strengthening Healthcare to Drive Regional Prosperity
The Challenge
The Northwest Arkansas Council (NWA), a private nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic vitality and quality of life, sought to better understand how the region’s healthcare sector could be leveraged as a driver of long-term economic growth. While the area benefits from a strong primary care foundation and high-quality, cost-effective care, its healthcare sector lagged behind peer regions in overall economic impact. The Council needed clear, data-driven guidance to position Northwest Arkansas as a healthcare destination by 2040.
How We Helped
Tripp Umbach partnered with the Northwest Arkansas Council to conduct a comprehensive healthcare sector needs assessment and economic impact study. Over a 10-month period, the team facilitated regional work sessions, one-on-one interviews, and site visits, supported by extensive quantitative data analysis. Tripp Umbach evaluated regional healthcare strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, ultimately developing a strategic roadmap that emphasized collaboration among healthcare providers, universities, researchers, and the business community.
Tripp Umbach’s findings and recommendations provided a foundation for transforming Northwest Arkansas into a thriving healthcare hub. The study identified the potential to add more than $2 billion annually to the region’s healthcare economy by 2040 through expanded specialty services and strategic investment. Beyond economic gains, the plan outlined actions to improve access, coordination, and population health outcomes across the region. By fostering cross-sector collaboration and coordinated leadership, Northwest Arkansas is now positioned to strengthen both its healthcare infrastructure and its long-term economic future.