Andrew Brink, a local banker and current Planning Commission member, has officially filed to run for the Ward 3, Position 1 seat on the Fayetteville City Council.
Brink, 34, brings a background in financial services and municipal advisory work to the race. He’s worked in commercial banking for several years and currently serves as a senior vice president at a regional bank in Benton County. His experience also includes a stint on the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board before joining the Planning Commission in 2022.
The Ward 3 seat has been held by Scott Berna since 2023. Berna announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election. Brink will face at least one opponent in the race: Hayley Hall, a nonprofit social worker, has also filed for the position.
What’s at stake in Ward 3
Ward 3 covers Fayetteville’s northeast side, an area that includes major landmarks like Washington Regional Medical Center, the Northwest Arkansas Mall, and Gull Bay Golf Course. The ward also includes neighborhoods such as College Heights and parts of the rapidly growing area near Razorback Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Brink says one of his top priorities is addressing infrastructure needs in older parts of the ward, particularly around street resurfacing and stormwater management. He also wants to see continued investment in public safety and more thoughtful development as the city grows.
“We’ve made progress on a lot of fronts, but we still have neighborhoods where sidewalks are missing or roads are in rough shape,” Brink said. “I want to make sure we’re being intentional about where and how we grow, especially in Ward 3.”
During his time on the Planning Commission, Brink has supported several rezoning efforts and updates to the city’s comprehensive plan. He’s also been involved in discussions around housing policy and transportation planning, areas he says will be critical for Fayetteville’s future.
From finance to public service
Brink’s interest in public service began during his time at the University of Arkansas, where he studied business and volunteered with local nonprofits. After college, he joined the banking industry and worked in various roles focused on small business lending and commercial real estate finance.
His banking background, he says, gives him a practical understanding of how city decisions affect local businesses and economic development. “You see firsthand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to things like permitting, zoning, and access to capital,” he explained.
Brink’s campaign platform centers on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community engagement. He supports regular town halls and wants to see more detailed budget breakdowns for major city projects. “People should know exactly where their tax dollars are going,” he said.
Brink and his wife, Sarah, live in College Heights with their two young children. He coaches youth baseball in the area and volunteers with local civic organizations.
Next steps
The race for Ward 3, Position 1 will appear on the November 2026 general election ballot. Early voting is expected to begin in mid-October, with candidate forums and community meetings likely to take place throughout the summer and fall.
Brink says he plans to campaign door-to-door in neighborhoods across the ward and will focus on issues that directly impact residents’ daily lives. “This isn’t about slogans or sound bites,” he said. “It’s about showing up, listening, and doing the work.”
Source: Fayetteville Flyer
