Mayor Joe Hurst Named Top Influencer
Every year Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) asks their members to nominate outstanding public servants for the Top Influencers in Local Government list.
The recognition honors people who make a difference in their communities and the larger local government network, and who demonstrate ELGL values of joy, creativity, connection, dependability, and equity through their work and public activities.
In celebration of Public Service Recognition Week, they are announcing 100 honorees for 2025. This year every region of the United States is represented among the influencers, and their local government professions range from administration to communications to IT to parks and rec to public safety.
Click here for the full list of honorees.
Van Buren Mayor Joe Hurst was named among the Top 100 Influencers.
Joe Hurst
Mayor | City of Van Buren, AR | 
Despite facing a historic flood of the Arkansas River, multiple tornadoes, and a global pandemic in his early years as mayor, Joe Hurst has always led with joy, pride, and a deep commitment to the Van Buren, AR, community. No matter the challenge, his enthusiasm for public service never wavers. His creativity has led to innovative solutions that maximize city resources. One of his most impactful projects is a public-private partnership repurposing the former city annex into a business resource center that will provide essential resources, including a training and meeting space for 50-100 people, a board room, conference rooms, co-working spaces for small business owners and entrepreneurs, and more. Whether engaging with city employees, elected officials, strategic partners, or citizens, his leadership is a model of dependability, inclusivity, and service.
