Fort Smith, Arkansas
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, plant closings and an increasing number of layoffs resulted in some homeowners being unable to maintain their properties. Their homes began to fall into disrepair and many became dilapidated, causing a decline in property values and increased threats to public health and safety.
Concerned about the impact of this escalating problem on their quality of life, the Fort Smith Board of Directors decided to adopt minimum property maintenance codes.
Together, elected and appointed officials created a pathway to compliance by developing the City of Good Neighborhoods Program to help homeowners meet the requirements of the new codes.
The program is a collaborative effort among volunteers, churches, private businesses, students, city staff, and use Community Development Block Grant funds to assist homeowners to bring their property to minimum maintenance standards, and also to enrich the lives of Fort Smith citizens.
The program helps residents overcome the financial or physical hardships that prevent them from maintaining their homes, so they can comply with the new law.
The program started in 2005 as a one-day event, but since then, it has expanded to a year-round, need-based assistance program to help homeowners complete needed repairs and bring their properties up to code. The city also hosts 350 members of World Changers who donate their time and labor to make repairs to 25 owner-occupied homes.
According to City Administrator Ray Gosack, the program has improved the health and safety of neighborhoods and citizens. Homeowners have better living conditions, and neighborhood property values and aesthetics have been enhanced.
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