In 2002 the City of Fort Smith recognized a problem with property maintenance code enforcement.  Understanding that many of the code violators had physical disabilities or financial problems, the city worked with residents to help them understand that new laws were not focused on punishment but on fixing the problem.

In 2010 a partnership was formed with a group of religious volunteers who would come yearly and help fix and maintain the properties of homeowners.  

The program has only expanded since beginning and helps more and more homeowners each year.

This case study was nominated for ICMA's Annual Awards Program.