A Guiding Principle
Compassion.
Compassion is my favorite word. I believe it should help guide every decision we make for Bella Vista.
Every ordinance, budget, road project, and city policy affects real people. We should listen carefully, act responsibly, and never lose sight of the people behind our decisions.
Before we make a decision, we should ask not only whether it works — but how it affects the people who call Bella Vista home.
About Me
My name is Zachary Bell.
I grew up in Idaho, where I had the opportunity to serve as a Student Body Officer, a member of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Board, and in Key Club. I also earned my Eagle Scout and spent time assisting with campaigns, caucuses, volunteer projects, and community service.
After graduating from college, I moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2019 to work as a software engineer for Corporate Walmart at the DGTC, then known as Walmart Labs. In 2021, I was honored to receive Walmart Global Tech’s Bravo Award from Srinivasan Venkatesan, Executive Vice President of Walmart Core Services, Item and Supply Chain Technology. The award recognized going above and beyond in supporting others and the work around me. Technology has been a major part of my professional life, and I believe it can help local government become more open, efficient, and responsive.
What I Want to Focus On
Safety. Especially when it comes to anything traveling on two, three, or four wheels. If Bella Vista invents a five-wheel transportation problem, I promise to look into that too.
Financial responsibility. We need a clear understanding of the city's financial position, our deficit, and how every major decision affects the long-term stability of Bella Vista.
Better visibility. Residents deserve a clearer view into important processes involving the POA, short-term rentals, city policies, and decisions that directly affect their neighborhoods.
Data-driven decisions. I want major decisions to be informed by public input, subject-matter expertise, good data, and careful analysis — including a thorough review of the hundreds of pages of ordinances that govern our city.
I want our decisions to be driven by compassion, supported by good information, and strengthened by the area I know best: technology.
Thank you, Bella Vista.
I'm here to listen. I'm here to help.