Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed a new executive order designed to streamline permitting and licensing across Arkansas. The action is part of her broader Arkansas Forward initiative, a government efficiency effort focused on saving money, cutting delays, and improving service delivery.
The Executive Order seeks to make Arkansas the best state in the nation to do business by simplifying regulatory approvals while maintaining protections for public health and natural resources. State leaders say the changes will reduce unnecessary delays, improve transparency, and ensure economic development projects are not slowed by red tape.
“Arkansas is one of the best states in the nation to start, build, and grow a business – but we have to do better to compete across the country and globe,” said Governor Sanders. “This Executive Order puts people before paperwork, adding transparency and speed to our permitting process to ensure major economic development projects aren’t held up by unnecessary red tape. Whether it’s for a barber getting a license, a city building new water lines, or an international corporation setting up a new supply chain, we want Arkansas to be the best place in America to do business.”
Agencies Ordered to Review and Improve Permits
Under the order, every Cabinet-level agency, board, and commission that issues permits, licenses, certifications, or regulatory approvals must complete a full review of their processes within 120 days. Agencies specifically named include the Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy and Environment, Department of Labor and Licensing, and the Department of Health.
Within 180 days, agencies must submit written improvement plans to the Governor. These plans must outline performance metrics and recommend process improvements. Agencies are directed to establish clear public timelines for major permits, create “one-stop” online application portals, expand concurrent agency reviews, and provide real-time application status updates along with a single point of contact for applicants.
The order reflects a cross-agency coordination effort that has been central to Arkansas Forward since its launch in 2024. A progress report issued in December 2024 identified at least $300 million in potential cost savings and cost avoidance across areas such as technology, procurement, fleet management, personnel, and real estate.
State Leaders and Industry Groups Support Reforms
Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald emphasized that faster permitting reduces risk and encourages investment.
“Reducing risk and removing uncertainty is an essential part of winning in business, and one of the key ways that we can derisk projects is through speedy and efficient permitting in the State of Arkansas,” McDonald said.
Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward noted that predictable licensing and permitting is especially important for the state’s largest industry.
“Licensing, permitting, and registration from the Department of Agriculture should never be one of those unpredictable challenges,” Ward said.
Energy and Environment Secretary Shane Khoury said improvements can be made without weakening environmental safeguards.
“Our goals of issuing valid, timely, and defensible permits while promoting economic development are not competing interests, but shared values,” Khoury said.
Health Secretary Renee Mallory emphasized that efficiency will not come at the expense of safety standards, while Labor and Licensing Secretary Daryl Bassett said the department plans to expand its online licensing platform to better serve businesses and professionals.
Strong Business Climate and National Rankings
Arkansas already ranks highly in national business metrics. The state is ranked:
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#1 for affordability by U.S. News & World Report
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#1 for inbound movers by Atlas Van Lines
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#1 for workforce development in the South Central region by Site Selection Magazine
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#1 for opportunity share for entrepreneurs by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
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#2 for construction environment by the Associated Builders and Contractors
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#3 best state to start a new business by Forbes Advisors
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#3 least expensive state to start a business by SimplifyLLC
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#7 for micropolitan projects by Site Selection Magazine
Supporters say improving permitting efficiency will help Arkansas remain competitive in a global marketplace.
Water infrastructure advocates also praised the effort. Jerry Martin of the Arkansas Water Environment Association said streamlined reviews help communities respond more quickly to aging systems and growth demands. Lance McAvoy of the Arkansas Water & Wastewater Managers Association added that reducing delays can accelerate critical health and safety improvements.
Industry leaders echoed similar support. Arkansas Environmental Federation Executive Director Ava Roberts said predictable timelines and better coordination will help businesses expand while maintaining environmental protections.
State officials believe the executive order represents a significant step toward making government more responsive while strengthening economic growth. By simplifying regulatory processes and improving transparency, leaders say Arkansas can better serve citizens, attract investment, and ensure communities remain protected as development continues.
