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623 Garrison Ave
Room 331
Fax: 479-784-2462

Community Development

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Fort Smith’s Community Development Department seeks to:

Deliver services to low-income citizens in a timely manner; and
Administer the costs and charges related to the planning and implementation of community development projects which are funded, in part or whole, by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investments Partnership Act.

CDBG and HOME Programs

Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD).
In order to qualify for these funds, the City must complete a 5-Year Consolidated Plan that prioritizes projects based on analysis of data and surveys completed by citizens and agencies that serve low-income citizens.
The process is guided by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) using a Citizen Participation Plan. The CDAC provides recommendations to the Fort Smith Board of Directors on plans, projects and programs.
Each year of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan, the City must submit an Annual Action Plan (AAP) for approval by HUD.

Community Development Block Grant and HOME Program

The City must also conduct an Analysis of Housing Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI). It examines state and local laws, private, public and non-profit sector regulations, administrative policies, procedures and practices in the location, availability and accessibility of housing in Fort Smith. The AI identifies specific barriers that need to be addressed if future fair housing initiatives are to be successful.

Find more information and resources related to housing.

Homelessness Fair Housing Housing Assistance Program