Jonesboro · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Jonesboro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Private club permits on Southwest Drive and Gilmore Drive
Two residents urged the council to refuse to grant permits for Monarca's and Walk-On's, arguing Jonesboro is saturated with alcohol outlets and that Alexander Drive traffic is already dangerous. The council adopted both permits anyway.
Early Voting
Early voting starts October 19 in Craighead County, giving Jonesboro voters a chance to cast ballots before Election Day and skip the lines. If your schedule is packed or you just don’t want to wait, this is your shortcut to voting.
Trash Pickup Schedule Change
Jonesboro’s trash pickup schedule is shifting around Labor Day. Check the adjusted dates so your bins don’t sit out an extra week.
Airport Road railroad crossing closure
The city agreed to permanently close the Airport Road (Highway 351) at-grade Union Pacific crossing once a grade-separated crossing is finished there.
Paper-bag yard debris ordinance nearly ready
Councilman McClain pushed to finish a rule requiring yard waste in paper bags; the COO said the ordinance is drafted and just needs a start date.
Holiday Trash Pickup Schedule
Jonesboro is shifting trash and recycling pickup days around the Fourth of July. The city is telling residents to check the revised schedule so bins don’t sit out an extra week. If you usually rely on the normal pickup day, this is the week to double-check.
Tornado Siren Expansion
Jonesboro is looking to expand tornado siren coverage so more neighborhoods actually hear warnings when severe weather hits. If you live or work in a current coverage gap, this is a local safety upgrade worth tracking.
State of the City address
The mayor reported strong finances ($28.1M reserves, clean audits), booming growth, and major projects — but warned the city is past due for a new police station and two fire stations, and conservative budgeting won't keep up with rising costs. Growth is coming whether we plan for it or not; the question is whether we invest ahead of it.
City Program Controversy
Jonesboro’s mayor is pushing back against criticism over how the City Stars program has been handled. Details are thin, but it’s a city hall fight worth watching if you care about transparency and public programs.
City Program Oversight Controversy
Jonesboro's City Stars program is under scrutiny after newly surfaced documents show concerns were raised back in early 2023—and the mayor is now responding. If city money or oversight is involved, expect a real accountability fight over who knew what and when. For residents, it's a reminder to watch how public dollars and programs are managed.
Board Statement
Jonesboro's City Stars board just released an official statement, and honestly the details are pretty thin right now. It's a city-affiliated board speaking on the record, so it's worth a quick glance even if there's not much meat on the bone yet.
City Program Administration
Jonesboro is taking over the City Stars program, and federal DOJ activity is raising questions about oversight. If you care about local youth programs or how city government runs things, keep an eye on this.
Business Permit
Jonesboro’s City Council is deciding whether to approve a permit for a new brewery. It could mean more local beer options and new tax revenue, but nearby residents may want to watch for noise, traffic, and parking effects.
Private Club Permit Approval
Jonesboro just approved a private club permit for the ASU Pavilion, so the venue can now serve alcohol and run event service there. If you go to Pavilion events, expect some changes—likely drinks available and possibly updated event rules.
Town Hall Meeting
Two Jonesboro councilmembers are hosting a town hall, which means residents get a direct shot to raise concerns, ask questions, and push priorities before decisions move forward. It’s not a formal vote, so the main impact is civic pressure and visibility—show up if you want your issue on their radar.
Lawsuit Against City
A man is suing Jonesboro and a former police officer, saying an arrest left him seriously injured. The case could hit the city budget and put police conduct under scrutiny—so taxpayers have a reason to watch how it plays out.
Lawsuit Settlement
Jonesboro settled a lawsuit against the city, mayor, and police chief. Details are scarce, but settlements can mean taxpayer money and budget pressure. The upside is the legal fight is over.
Lawsuit Over City Employee Termination
Jonesboro is being sued over the firing of city employee Rachel Anderson. The case could cost the city money in legal fees or a settlement and draw attention to how it makes personnel decisions.