Survey launched by Main Street Fort Smith

Amanda Hagar said when being named executive director of Main Street Fort Smith in July 2024 she wanted to learn more about opportunities within the downtown area and what visitors would like to see and do.

Hagar added to that effort on Monday (July 14) by launching a survey to gather public input about what people like, don’t like, want to see more of, or less of in downtown Fort Smith. (Link here to connect to the survey.)

“This is a chance for community voices to directly shape the future of our downtown,” Hagar said in a statement. “We want to know what’s working, what’s missing, and how we can better serve the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.”

The Main Street Fort Smith news release said input will be included in the organization’s long-term planning.

“The 10-minute survey is open to everyone, whether you live, work, own property, or just enjoy spending time in downtown,” noted the news release. “Your answers will help guide the organization’s long-term planning efforts, known as transformational strategies — three- to five-year goals designed to make downtown Fort Smith more vibrant, welcoming and prosperous.

Hagar said the survey, conducted with the national Main Street America framework, will be open through the end of August.

“We’re hoping to do a push with high schoolers and (University of Arkansas at Fort Smith) students,” Hagar said.

She said the goal is to have analysis of the input finished and provided to the public in September or no later than October. She said she is confident the survey will provide “great feedback for businesses that are downtown.”

“When visitors are here (downtown), what hours are they here, and what hours do they expect them (businesses) to be open? That’s an example of what we could learn,” she said.

According to its website, Main Street Fort Smith “is a nonprofit committed to creating vibrant spaces in downtown Fort Smith through business development, arts and culture, special events, and the promotion of attractive amenities to accelerate development of diverse commerce.”

Main Street Arkansas is a program within the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP). It was established in 1984 to help spark life into Arkansas’ traditionally commercial areas. The program works with “community members committed to revitalizing and preserving downtowns across” the state. At the state level, Main Street Arkansas offers consultation services including interior and exterior design help, small business advice and grant opportunities to its members.