Jonesboro · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Jonesboro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Delta Peanut facility uncertainty
Council asked the mayor about whether the Delta Peanut plant can process this year's crop; the mayor said ownership conversations are ongoing and farmers face a tough situation with hauling distances.
Tax Back incentive for Sany Nutrition at former Butterball plant
The committee endorsed Sany Nutrition Group, which moved into the old Butterball facility, for the state's Tax Back program — the city refunds its roughly 1% sales tax on qualifying renovation purchases, on top of the state's 5.5% refund, to encourage the investment.
Appointments to boards and commissions
Mayor Copenhaver's slate of appointments and reappointments — covering the CDBG Citizens Advisory Committee, Stormwater Management Board, Land Bank Commission, Civil Service Commission, and Municipal Airport Commission — cleared this committee and heads to the city council for final approval. The A&P Commission appointment was pulled out because state law lets that commission nominate its own at-large member.
Tractor Supply store at risk of leaving Jonesboro
Tractor Supply wants to leave its cramped 60-year-old store for a bigger site at 2308 S. Caraway Rd, spending over $600,000 on ditch and sidewalk improvements. Two of its three variances passed, but the cross-access denial is described by the developer as a deal killer that could hold up the move.
Downtown revitalization and Entertainment District success
Downtown Jonesboro saw over $27.5 million in investment in 2025, and the Entertainment District is heading into its third year with zero police reports tied to it. Big projects are coming: a proposed hotel, brewery, pickleball courts, and an amphitheater park targeting spring 2027.
Colson Caster bond defeasance and facility purchase
Colson Caster, the caster manufacturer the city helped attract with incentives, is exercising its option to buy its facility — about 70 jobs and a second shift so far. The escrow agreement lets the company restructure its real estate with no change to operations or city liability.
InnovAsian/Nichirei industrial revenue bonds and PILOT agreement
The city is being asked to issue up to $180 million in industrial revenue bonds that let a food processing company self-finance a new plant at Craighead Technology Park in exchange for a 30-year, 65% property tax abatement. Officials say it costs the city nothing directly, but the abatement means the schools and other taxing units get only 35% of what the improved property would otherwise pay.
InnvoAsian frozen food plant and 200 jobs
A major win for the local economy: InnvoAsian Cuisine will build a 175,000-square-foot frozen food plant in Craighead Technology Park, creating about 200 jobs.