Mayor of Conway provided an update on private investment and recruiting activity that city leaders say is bringing new jobs and commercial projects to Conway.

The mayor said Clayton Homes ownership has changed hands and that a new company is preparing to occupy that site, and singled out a project by Central Coast Solutions described by the mayor as a $40,000,000 investment near WestRock Coffee. He also said there is interest from a “bridal entity or individual” in a convention center and hotel at Lewis Crossing and that some prospects discussed in city meetings are considering investments that could reach into the billions, with employment at buildout the mayor said could exceed 800 jobs.

The projects were presented as context for broader planning discussions rather than items requiring immediate council action. The mayor framed the announcements as an explanation for the city’s need to plan for workforce housing, streets, utilities and public amenities as private investment arrives.

Mayor (unnamed in transcript) said the city has “several economic projects in the pipeline” and described the Central Coast Solutions investment and the Lewis Crossing hotel/convention prospect. He thanked a person identified only as “Mister Hawkins” for working with the city on the Lewis Crossing prospect.

City officials did not provide full development agreements, company names in every case or specific timelines beyond general optimism about progress. The mayor repeatedly emphasized that some project details remain in negotiation and that jobs and dollar figures were reported as projections discussed with prospective investors.

The economic update was given as part of a broader “state of the city” presentation and was followed by department briefings on transportation, public safety and parks.

Planning and permit timelines, utility coordination and outside-agency relocations were noted as constraints that commonly slow project starts; officials cited the need to coordinate with utility providers and state transportation timelines.