The City of Cabot has been recognized with one of the state’s highest planning honors for its vision to restore and reenergize the city’s historic core.
Cabot received the Block, Street & Building Award from the American Planning Association Arkansas Chapter (APA-AR) for its Downtown Revitalization Plan, a long-term initiative aimed at transforming the city’s center into a vibrant hub for business, culture, and community life.
The Block, Street & Building Award celebrates physical projects that demonstrate visionary urbanism and a commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive communities.
For Cabot, the recognition is especially meaningful. Nearly 50 years ago, the 1976 tornado devastated downtown, leaving scars that reshaped the city’s heart. The revitalization plan directly addresses that history by re-establishing downtown as a thriving focal point.
“Our Downtown Revitalization Plan is about more than streets and buildings,” said Alicia Payseno, Director of Economic Development for the City of Cabot. “It’s about restoring the heart of our community, honoring our history, and building a downtown that future generations will be proud of. This award is proof that our vision, hard work, and community spirit are transforming Cabot’s story.”
APA-AR presents its annual awards to communities, planners, students, and organizations that exemplify best practices in planning and development. Other categories include Great Places in Arkansas, Plan of the Year, Outstanding Community Engagement, Outstanding Student Project, Planner of the Year, and the Bill Bonner Award.
Cabot’s award was announced at the APA Arkansas Bi-State Conference on September 16, 2025, where communities across Arkansas and Missouri were honored for excellence in planning.
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