Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed an executive order aimed at accelerating permitting and licensing for economic development projects across Arkansas as part of her Arkansas Forward initiative.
The order directs cabinet-level agencies, boards and commissions that issue permits or licenses to review their processes within 120 days. Within 180 days, those agencies must submit improvement plans focused on efficiency, transparency and performance.
The directive calls for clear public timelines for major permits, creation of “one-stop” online application portals, expanded concurrent agency reviews, real-time status updates for applicants and designated points of contact.
Sanders said the move is intended to reduce delays and make Arkansas more competitive for business investment while maintaining protections for natural resources and public health.
State officials from the departments of Commerce, Agriculture, Energy and Environment, Health, and Labor and Licensing expressed support, saying faster and more predictable permitting will reduce uncertainty for businesses, farmers and infrastructure projects.
The governors Arkansas Forward initiative, launched in 2024, has identified roughly $300 million in potential cost savings and efficiencies across state government operations.
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