Fayetteville named 2025 Trendsetter City for The Ramble

Dec. 16, 2025

Fayetteville named 2025 Trendsetter City for The Ramble
Fleet Operations lands honorable mention

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The City of Fayetteville was named a 2025 Trendsetter City by Arkansas Business this week, winning a category of the statewide publication's annual awards, as well as an honorable mention in another.

The Trendsetter City program "recognizes municipalities across Arkansas which demonstrate forward-thinking through initiatives and programs designed to improve the local quality of life and encourage sustainable economic development," according to Arkansas Business.

Fayetteville was named winner of the Tourism Development/Creative Culture category for cities with a population of 20,000 or more for The Ramble, a vibrant gathering space where community, culture and nature come together organically and through programming.

The 50-acre park was completed in Dec. 2024 and is made up of two main sections: the Upper Ramble, located between Dickson and Center streets, and Lower Ramble between Center and Prairie Street, just west of the Fayetteville Public Library. Throughout the year, The Ramble is host to a diverse lineup of events that offer something for everyone: live performances, pop-up art exhibitions, community celebrations and outdoor activities.

Also, the City earned an honorable mention in the Technology and Security category for its integration of telematics into the City's fleet, which has saved the City hundreds of thousands of dollars since installations began in 2023, and it's improved real-time monitoring and management of vehicles, assets and equipment. As a result, the City's Fleet Operations Division was named the No. 1 Mid-Sized Fleet in the nation for a second in a row at the Government Fleet Expo and Conference.

"Recognition for both of these projects highlights the many ways Fayetteville is thinking ahead, from how we design public spaces like The Ramble to how we manage City operations every day," Mayor Molly Rawn said. "I'm proud that our staff is committed to building a city that works better for residents today while planning responsibly for the future."

Fayetteville will be recognized and receive its awards during the Arkansas Municipal League's 2026 Winter Conference, which will be held Jan. 14-16 in Little Rock.

"Fayetteville's designation as a Trendsetter City reflects its role in advancing regional prosperity with creative strategies and community collaboration. This award is a powerful testament to the city's strong position for future growth in business and development," according to Arkansas Business.

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Media contact: Gracie Ziegler
Chief Communications Officer
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas
479-575-8303
[email protected]