City hears Main Street Fort Smith report, moves to place renewal agreement on next regular meeting

Amanda Hager, executive director of Main Street Fort Smith, told the Fort Smith City Board of Directors at its Jan. 27 study session that the nonprofit overseeing downtown revitalization recorded $15,000,000 in commercial investment in 2025 and welcomed 19 new businesses to the district.

Hager outlined the organization’s 2025 work, including rebranding from “646 Downtown” to better align with its Main Street America designation, a 7th Street pedestrian‑corridor mural and lighting project funded with an Arkansas Heritage public‑art grant and downtown revitalization dollars, a new mini‑grant program that will award eight façade and safety projects with $16,000 of a $30,000 grant, and a renewed Levitt AMP concert grant that will provide about $28,000 in 2026 with a required local match. She also described a planned pop‑up small business incubator and recent staff expansion that adds a downtown growth and grant specialist.

The board pressed for measurable data. Director Neil Martin asked for an exact vacancy count and ownership information for blocks with clustered storefront vacancies; Hager said she did not have an exact figure on hand but would provide a list of vacant properties and a full list of the 19 new businesses. Board members also requested numbers for how many people live and work in the downtown area to guide housing and activation strategy.

Directors raised public‑safety and homelessness concerns after Hager presented survey results showing more than 1,000 responses and that 87% of respondents visit downtown regularly. Hager and several directors said the perception of unsafety is linked to visible environmental conditions—vacant storefronts, lighting and cleanliness—rather than specific crime statistics. Corporal Julio Solis, the downtown police liaison, described enforcement measures the department has used, including a liaison officer, ambassadors who contact businesses, cameras that have supported warrants, and trespass enforcement at the request of businesses.

Several directors urged a combination of continued placemaking and targeted services. Director Kavan asked whether public restroom facilities or converted vacant spaces might support family‑oriented events; Hager and others said such amenities have been discussed and that some improvements may require partnerships or pilot efforts. On funding, Hager said Main Street’s 2025 grants and matching funds totaled about $127,500 plus roughly $20,000 in programming sponsorships, and she described prior city commitments to Levitt match funding.

After discussion about Main Street’s role and results, Director Kavan moved to place the proposed renewal agreement with Main Street Fort Smith on the board’s next regular meeting agenda; another director seconded and the mayor acknowledged the item would be scheduled for the regular meeting for board action. Hager said Main Street would supply requested data to the board and continue work on the mini‑grant and incubator programs.

The board’s next procedural step is the scheduled placement of the renewal agreement on the regular meeting agenda, where directors may vote on the administration’s proposed contract and any funding allocations.