8/18/2026 Board of Directors - Regular Meeting

The City of Fort Smith Board of Directors held a regular meeting on August 18, 2026, addressing several key issues including a petition for a special election on changing the city's form of government, homelessness policies, and a resolution for financial assistance related to public street and stormwater improvements for the Bailey Hill redevelopment project. The board approved placing the government form change petition on the November ballot after verifying over 2,600 valid signatures. Extensive public comments were made on homelessness, with calls for a task force and collaborative solutions rather than punitive ordinances. The board also approved a $1 million funding agreement with the Fort Smith Housing Authority for infrastructure improvements tied to the Bailey Hill project, including a 10-year clawback provision to prevent property flipping. Additionally, the board discussed and approved consent agenda items including capital projects and procurement matters, and addressed concerns about a pump house construction impacting a historical monument, approving a $55,000 modification to lower its height. The meeting included discussions on transparency, community engagement, and future study sessions on homelessness and drainage issues.