In the heart of the Fort Smith metro area, a series of recent developments is shaping the community’s future, touching everything from affordable housing and transportation to youth programming and higher education. These milestones, each significant in its own right, collectively point to a region investing in its people, its infrastructure, and its next generation.
Perhaps the most striking of these initiatives is the progress on affordable housing. According to reporting by Talk Business & Politics, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) has provided a $90,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant through Arvest Bank to the Community Rescue Mission. The grant is earmarked for the construction of the Miller Cottages, a set of three duplexes—six units in total—intended for families in need. The new homes are being built adjacent to the Community Rescue Mission’s existing transitional housing development, which already offers 66 rooms and a central dining hall.
Construction on the Miller Cottages has already begun and is projected to last about nine months. The vision behind the project is to provide families experiencing homelessness a crucial stepping stone. “The AHP grant went a long way for us toward being able to complete the project and enter into it debt free,” said Community Rescue Mission Director Jordan Bone. He added, “We think it will also be a good jumping off point to provide more affordable housing in the future.”
The details of the program are designed with self-sufficiency in mind. Families will pay rent based on their income and are expected to stay in the duplexes for about a year. The goal is for them to transition into permanent housing after this period. Virgil Miller, Arvest Group CRA Director, emphasized the transformative potential, stating, “We think these duplexes will go a long way in helping families who experience homelessness to become self-sufficient.” The AHP funds, as outlined by FHLB Dallas, must benefit households with incomes at or below 80% of the area’s median income, ensuring that the support reaches those who need it most.
Meanwhile, transportation is also getting a boost. The Fort Smith Regional Airport has rolled out TSA PreCheck enrollment through CLEAR, an official TSA PreCheck enrollment provider. The program launched on July 9, 2025, and saw more than 130 people enroll during the kickoff event. With TSA PreCheck, travelers can breeze through security, keeping their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leaving electronics and compliant liquids in their bags. According to Lindsay Conley, airport co-interim director, “We’re proud to bring TSA PreCheck enrollment to Fort Smith Regional Airport in partnership with CLEAR. This service makes trusted traveler enrollment more accessible to our region, helping residents save time and reduce stress when they fly.”
Special attention is being given to military families, who will receive a $25 discount on enrollment for spouses of serving uniformed service members. The enrollment center is conveniently located next to the security checkpoint entrance at FSM, and future enrollment events are scheduled for the first Thursday of each month, with upcoming dates on October 2, November 6, and December 4, 2025. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support the community’s diverse population, making air travel more accessible and less stressful for all.
Youth and education are also at the forefront of recent community investments. The Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs (FSBGC) has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation, receiving $32,000 to support teen programming. The grant will bolster initiatives in academic success, college and career exploration, social and emotional learning, and trauma-informed care. Beth Presley, FSBGC CEO, expressed her gratitude: “This grant allows us to expand opportunities for teens in Fort Smith—providing them with the academic support, career exploration, and emotional tools they need to thrive. We are grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation and the local Taco Bell franchisee, K-MAC Enterprises, for believing in our mission and investing in the bright futures of our community’s youth.”
This funding is especially timely, as the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club’s new teen center, which had faced a pause due to federal budget cuts, saw its funding restored in July 2025. The center is set to open on August 13, 2025, and will offer free educational programs, transportation, and meals for 8th- to 12th-graders. The Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren also benefited, receiving a $15,000 community grant from the Taco Bell Foundation and K-MAC Enterprises for the second consecutive year. The Taco Bell Foundation’s 2025 Community Grants initiative awarded a record $28 million to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide, underlining its commitment to youth empowerment across the country.
Education is also making headlines at the collegiate level. Both Arkansas Tech University (ATU) campuses—in Russellville and Ozark—achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate on the National Council on Licensure Exams (NCLEX) for the 2024-25 academic year. Dr. Shelly Daily, department head and professor in the ATU Department of Nursing at Russellville, credited this success to the students’ dedication and the faculty’s commitment. “This accomplishment reflects the hard work, perseverance and professionalism of our students, who remained focused and committed to their goals throughout their nursing education,” she said. Daily also highlighted the importance of consistent curricular review and strong clinical partnerships in preparing students to be practice-ready.
At ATU-Ozark, the registered nursing program’s 100% pass rate was built on a pipeline of three consecutive practical nursing cohorts that also achieved perfect scores. Lisa Pittman, program chair and instructor, praised the students and faculty, stating, “Our students have grit, dedication and an unwavering work ethic as they pursue their goal of becoming registered nurses.” For Russellville, this marks the second consecutive year of a perfect pass rate, cementing the university’s status as a leader in nursing education in the state.
Infrastructure improvements are also underway, though not without some temporary inconvenience. The bridge across Frog Bayou on Highway 282, west of U.S. 71 between Alma and Mountainburg, is scheduled to close around the clock starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025. The closure, expected to last approximately 120 days, will allow crews to replace the aging structure with a modern box culvert. During the closure, the highway will remain open only to local traffic on either side, and a signed detour will guide northbound and southbound travelers via U.S. 71. Digital message boards, construction barrels, barricades, and signage will be in place to alert motorists and help them navigate the changes.
Each of these projects—whether in housing, transportation, youth programming, education, or infrastructure—reflects a broader commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Fort Smith region. As new homes rise, young people find support, students reach new academic heights, and roads are rebuilt, the community continues to invest in the foundations that matter most. It’s a testament to what can happen when local organizations, national foundations, and community leaders work together toward a common goal.
