Nearly 40 participants gathered in Russellville on March 5–6 for ACCRTA’s first workshop of 2026. Workshop host Gina Skelton organized a warm welcome, an excellent networking dinner, and secured the beautiful historic meeting space at Russellville City Hall. Mayor Fred Teague greeted attendees and even pitched in to help resolve a few a/v challenges.

Training opened with ACCRTA President Stacey Bennett’s session, *Refit Your CRT Toolbox for the New Year*, followed by *Ordinances & Resolutions* taught by Lanny Richmond, now the city attorney for Austin, Arkansas.

After lunch and a stretch break, representatives from the DIG Russellville project shared the initiative’s background and progress, highlighting the extensive collaboration among contractors, local businesses, community organizations, and residents. The project represents a major infrastructure upgrade –  improving sewer and water services, undergrounding electrical lines, and installing high-speed fiber-optic communication cables. It will culminate in a revitalized downtown streetscape featuring improved roads, sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping.

Senator Breanne Davis of Russellville stopped in to share how state government works from an inside perspective and how CRTs can be active in the process.The day concluded with another *Heart of City Administration* panel, where experienced professionals offered insights and practical wisdom.

Workshop hosts work incredibly hard, and it was no different for Gina. Thank you, Gina, for going out of your way to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensure easy access to workshop locations, make extra trips to create a memorable experience for everyone, and arranging for two very pertinent classes.

If you’re interested in hosting a workshop to showcase your community, strengthen ACCRTA’s culture of relationship-building, and support the education of CRTs from across Arkansas, reach out to any officer—we’d love to work with you.