arkansas - goforwardpinebluff · arti e cr e k cv w saracen st leawood dr indian hills dr w 1 9 t h...

Little Rock

Pine Blu�

A R K AN S A S

Pine Blu�

J E F F E R S ONCOUN T Y

Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,083Median Income per Household . . . . . . . . $30,415Median Income per Family . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,993Per Capita Income for City . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,334

Major area employers include Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Simmons First National Corp ., Tyson Foods, the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Evergreen Packaging, and the Union Pacific Railroad .

Sources: 2010 U .S . Census Bureau, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, and “Pine Bluff .com”, Retrieved 2010-10-04 .

GO FORWARD PINE BLUFF | 3

Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,083Median Income per Household . . . . . . . . $30,415Median Income per Family . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,993Per Capita Income for City . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,334

Major area employers include Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Simmons First National Corp ., Tyson Foods, the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Evergreen Packaging, and the Union Pacific Railroad .

letters from pine bluff

m a y o r sJanuary 5, 2017

Go Forward Pine BluffGreetings to all:

Go Forward Pine Bluff is a well-orchestrated plan and a once in a life time opportunity!

I applaud Tommy May for his love, passion and vision for our great city . For the 100+ enthusiastic volunteers who stepped up to the task and selflessly dedicated countless hours towards this plan, I say to each of you… Thank You!

I know of no other city within our state that has been privileged to this type of opportunity . This plan created by a talented and diverse group of citizens has identified where our city is today and is bringing us measurable solutions for our tomorrow .

The plan addresses four critical areas:• Economic Development – job creation

and retention which equates to increasing our overall tax base

• Government and Infrastructure - providing a sustainable foundation for future growth

• Quality of Life – creating healthy neighborhoods/communities for families

• Education – is the component which affects all facets of our city, the barometer of a healthy community .

Pine Bluffians, we are at a pivotal point, yesterday reveals how great we once were, the present offers opportunity to set the stage for our tomorrow which offers, jobs, healthy communities, and quality education . I encourage each of you to embrace this once in a life time opportunity, let’s seize the moment and all work towards setting the stage for our tomorrow… Go Forward Pine Bluff !As always, I am Pine Bluff Proud,Debe HollingsworthFormer Pine Bluff Mayor

January 4, 2017

Go Forward Pine BluffGreetings:

I believe that Go Forward Pine Bluff is an opportunity for citizens to envision the possibilities of our community . I was a part of the diverse group off approximately 100 citizens who met for over a year to develop this plan . The primary components of this initiative are parallel with my vision for a better Pine Bluff .

The initiative encompasses plans to improve quality of life, develop economic opportunities, improve infrastructure, support entrepreneurship, and includes measures to strengthen our public schools so that our young people have the resources they need to succeed in life .

I hope you will support the vision of Go Forward Pine Bluff . Working together, we can build a vibrant and resilient community that we will be proud to call home .

Sincerely,Shirley M . WashingtonPine Bluff Mayor

PawneeAve

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Culp

eppe

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KingR

ichard Rd

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Mor

ris St

Korte

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Avalon Dr

BurnellSt

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Cromwell Cv

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Cir

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HillcroftSt

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illow

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S Fig St

Monticello Ct

E 33rdAve

S Rockwood Dr

Alexander Dr

Doctors Dr

StarliteD

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Almetta

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FoxcroftLn

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herry

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Rutherford Pl

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AntelopeD

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W 43rdAve

Con

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ter D

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olly

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N Rockwood Dr

Cypress

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GloverDr W 45thAve

Shad

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ClementDr

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Iris St

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WhiteOak Cv

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ParkPl

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Civitan Dr

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E Piney Rd

Pitts Dr

W RooseveltAve

GwenBuckingham Dr

Aud Rd

WestgateLn

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Opal

Lake

Dr

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ShortReeker St

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Talbot St

BlackhawkRidge

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ThousandOaks Dr

N Iris St

Avondale

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Nell Dr

Belm

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Rabb

it Dr

S M

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St

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S La

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SherwoodForest

LakeshoreDr

W 31st Ave

CimarronDr

S Richard Dr

S Be

ech

St

Cre

stw

ood St

S Fo

x St

W 22ndAve

S Fi

r St

Kim

berly

Dr

Woodgate Dr

WatsonBlvd

AuburnDr

Silv

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Cv

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AmericanLegion Rd

Mar

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Dr

S G

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W 33rdAve

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Betty

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NallLake Dr

S Washington St

Chickasaw Dr

Gle

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dD

r

Col

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Dr

Cockri

ll Ave

E 34thAve

Ston

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E La

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r

May

field

Dr

S Ba

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W Hill Ave

E G

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way

Dr

Bailey Dr

S El

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t

SummersetPl

N Juniper St

S Ap

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St

S M

aple

St

Robinhood Ln

Tow

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dD

r

Portea Dr

Roy

alFo

rest

Dr

W 25thAve

Berkshire Dr

E 27th Ave

Unnamed

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r

Tow

nsen

dPa

rk D

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Town AndCountry Ln

RosswoodColony Dr

Longmeadow

Peggy

Ann Dr

Nel

son

Ln

S Am

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t

W 23rdAve

S Pl

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t

Oden Dr

Riv

erPi

nes

Dr

S Fr

ankl

in S

t

Brown Rd

Richmond St

JeffersonPl

N H

umac

St

W 48th Ave

Con

stitu

tion

Cv

Jeffcoat Rd

S Indiana St

Chapel

Pines D

r

ByronAve

N T

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o St

W 32nd Ave

N Neely Dr

Lone

Oak

Dr

Ever

gree

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RunningBrooke Ln

Doc

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Dr

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ssip

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Silver

Leaf Cv

E 28thAve

BelleMeade Dr

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ulbe

rry

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Front St

W 20thAve

S Neely Dr

Brierwood Dr

Edw

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St

S H

utch

inso

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Fluker St

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Sidn

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t

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Dr

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Kenw

ood

Rd

Vern

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Cen

ter

Plaz

a

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kesh

ore

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W 8th Ave

W Flipper Ave

Cot

tonw

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St

Cul

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W Carbon St

W Short3rd St

W 12thAve

Shamrock Dr

W Wormack St

Colonial Ave

W 11thAve

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S Fl

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a St

W 9th Ave

ScottAve

E 21st Ave

Coa

chlig

ht D

r

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W Short4th St

Lucia Ln

W Hoover St

N H

azel

St

Oliver Rd

W 5th Ave

Kendyl Dr

N S

choo

l St

WindsorColony Dr

Nottingham Ln

E 10thAve

SouthernPines Dr

S Vi

rgin

ia S

t

Pape

rMill

Rd

Chapel

Village

E 47thAve

E 46thAve

E Barraque St

E 3rdAve

Parker St

Ros

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ChapelGardens Dr

HiddenLake Dr

E 45thAve

Kiwanis Dr

W 42ndAve

E 4th Ave

S Utah St

WestridgeDr

S M

ichi

gan

St

Whiteside Ave

Stump Rd

Sailor Rd

Bost

on D

r

S Te

nnes

see

St

N DeerRun

N Belair Dr

Jack

son

Rd

Steve Dr

Haw

thor

ne L

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Bloo

mfie

ld D

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Phyl

lis S

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W 16thAve

Edm

ar D

r

Tim

ber

Lake

Dr

Cha

pel L

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W 4th Ave

Allister D

r

Tim

ber

Rid

ge D

r

Oakland Dr

Miramar D

r

Claremont Ave

FoxboroughCv

Hul

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S H

icko

ry S

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Cou

ntry

Ln

Champio

nRidg

e Dr

S Myrtle St

Greenlee St

Car

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t

W Malcomb St

Edge

woo

d D

r

Spainhour Rd

Viole

t Dr

Joneswood Dr

Oakridge Dr

W RemmelAve

S Nebraska St

S Ar

lingt

on S

t

Hillcrest St

Law R

d

W Pullen St

W O

rland

o St

N Blake St

Commerce Cir

N B

irch

St

Skyline Dr

W 41stAve

MockingbirdLn

Bugle Dr

W 2nd Ave

W 38thAve

Mar

jon

Dr

Harrod Rd

Granada Trl

Har

tsfie

ld R

d

Win

ters

Pl

N H

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St

Southwood Dr

Com

mer

ce R

d

Cambridge Dr

Faucett Rd

Thompson Dr

S G

rant

St

Wellington Dr

La P

rexy

Dav

is D

r

Calloway Hill Dr

Mal

lard

Loop

Tulip St

Wood Ave

Dogwood Ave

S Ta

ft St

S Dakota St

Augusta Dr

Daffodil Dr

Sheffield Dr

W 21st Ave

W 39th Ave

Rike Dr

W L

ake

Dr

W 15th Ave

Golf View Dr

E 26thAve

Auto Dr

ForestKnoll Dr

E 41st Ave

S Lo

uisi

ana

St

S M

isso

uri S

t

W 27th Ave

W 40th Ave

Woo

dsco

tt R

d

Pine Hill Dr

W 26th Ave

S O

hio

St

Honeycomb St

Leslie Leas Dr

Union Ave

Hudson Ave

W Jones Ave

Chipmunk Dr

W 28th Ave

W BullockAve

W 30th Ave

W 6th Ave

W 36th Ave

W 17th Ave

W Knight Ave

Chamberwood Dr

E 25thAve

Cow

boy

Dr

JohnKennedy Dr

N H

aver

ty S

t

S Pe

rsim

mon

St

Roane

W R

ockw

ood

Dr

W Jeffcoat Rd

Vontungeln Rd

Brin

ey R

d

Ridgway Rd

W Smart Ave

Fairway Dr

FreeLine D

r

W 37th Ave

Thrasher St

S Belair Dr

Cardinal St

Sunset Rd

Sheridan Rd

W 35th Ave

W Calhoun St

BeauMonde Ave

S C

edar

St

S G

eorg

ia S

t

Twin

Oak

s Ln

Belmoor Dr

Village Dr

S University D

r

W Scull St

E 42nd Ave

W 46th Ave

W 34th Ave

Rosebud St

Timber Ln

Rose St

Cottonwood Cir

Dusty Lake Dr

W 29thAve

S M

ain

St

Kayd

on R

d

N M

yrtle

St

Wingard Rd

Jonquil St

Stew

art G

ates

Rd

Cherokee Ln

S Midland Park Dr

Market St

N Universit

y Dr

Dollarway Rd

E 43rd Ave

Lilac St

Oxford Dr

Shannon Rd

ForrestOak Dr

N Midland

Park Dr

S Camden Rd

Cha

pel

Hei

ghts

Dr

Uapb Farm Rd

Stone Ridge Dr

N B

ryan

t St

Hyl

a D

r

Ray RdPort

Rd

Flash Dr

Mayberry Rd

Industrial Dr

Goodfaith Rd

Dix

ie W

ood

Dr

Rhinehart Rd

N H

utch

inso

n S

t

Thomas R

d

LakeSaracen Dr

E Harding Ave

Mcrae Cir

Jaycee Dr

Sulphur Springs Rd

Elm

woo

d C

ir

W 7th Ave

Mcfadden Rd

S H

azel

St

W 73rd Ave

Nevins Rd

Hig

hway

79

W Rosswood Rd

W Barraque St

GreenfieldTr Park

Highway 63

Ramp

Black Dog Dr

Riverside Dr

Sorrells Rd

N Frontage Rd

Sturgis Rd

Princeton Pike

Regional Park

W 13th Ave

Mar

y D

r

Brin

kley

Rd

Har

bor

Oak

s D

r

Highway 65

Beac

hfro

nt D

r

Bobo Rd

E 52nd Ave

S Olive St

Correction Cir

Pine

s M

all D

r

Reg

iona

l Par

k D

r

Ryb

urn

Rd

Oak

woo

d R

d

Middle Warren Rd

Wilbur West Rd

Old

War

ren

Rd

Highway 65b

Phillips Rd

E 38

th Av

e

Jefferson Parkway

Highway 530

2604WHITESIDEST (1)

(2)

4222 SOHIOST (3)

405 E 52NDAVE (4)

2202RICHMOND

DR (5)

301 E 52NDAVE (6)

1504 HUMACST (7)

219W BARRAQUE

ST (8)

305 E52NDAVE (9)

2309 N SHERATONDR (10)

2209 W 40THAVE (11)

311 W 2NDAVE (12)

2404 W 47THAVE (13)

3201 SWILLOW ST (14)

5302 WBURNETTST (15)

5612 W 10THAVE (16)

5524 W HEPBURNST (17)

5408SMARTST (18)

2301 NSPEARS ST (19)

105 DISMUKE ST(20)

6619SHERIDAN RD(21)

3001 SDAKOTAST (22)

1521 E 32NDAVE (23)

3106 SDAKOTA ST

(24)

3211S NEBRASKA ST(25)

1017 E30TH AVE (26)

618OAKWOOD

RD (27) 5305W 6THAVE (28)

6006 W SHORT4TH AVE (29)

6224 W5TH AVE (30)

3105 W 11THAVE (31)

3310 W 11THAVE (32)

3207 WHEPBURN

ST (33)

3216 W 11THAVE(34)

1714 FLUKER ST(35)907 N HICKORYST (36)

815 NCYPRESSST (37)

1720REED

ST (38)

716 NLOCUSTST (39)1820 W

HAVISST (40)

1123 W PULLENST (41)

1124 WPULLEN

ST (42)

1108 W2ND

AVE (43)

218 SLAURELST (44) 512 W 2ND

AVE (45)

915 WBARRAQUE

ST (46)

108 SELMST (47)

809 W 3RDAVE (48)

217 SLAURELST (49)

4602W SHORT2ND AVE (50)

1119 E6TH AVE(51)

501 S PEAR ST(52)

908 W 5THAVE (53)

1710OAKWOOD RD (54)

1614 S LEEST (55)

4305 W 14THAVE (56)

4402 W14TH

AVE (57) 4404 W 14THAVE (58)4408 W 14TH

AVE (59) 4216 W 15THAVE (60)4408 W

15THAVE (61)

4104 W 15THAVE (62)

4028 W 16THAVE (63)

4319 W BURNETTST (64)

4306W 6THAVE (65)

4311 W 10THAVE (66)

4319 W 11THAVE(67)

1101 SPERSIMMONST (68)

4120 W 7THAVE (69)

4005 WBURNETTST (70)

1006 SBLAKEST (71)

3801 WHEPBURNST (72)

1116 SBOIS DARC ST (73)

3500 W 11THAVE(74)

3109 W 7THAVE (75)3719 W

BURNETTST (76)

1204 SMYRTLE ST (77)

906 SHOLLY ST(78)

2614 W 8THAVE (79)

2506 W11TH AVE(80)

2500 W 12THAVE (81)

2202 W11THAVE (82)

2805 W 12THAVE (83)

2619 W11TH AVE

(84)

2802 W 12THAVE (85)

1421 SMYRTLE

ST (86) 3104 W 15THAVE (87)

1618 S CATALPAST (88)

3502 W 14THAVE (89)

3310 W15THAVE (90) 3008 W

16THAVE (91)

3610 W 16THAVE (92)

1701 EDMARDR (93)

902 E 38THAVE (94)

3419 S TENNESSEEST (95)3415 S TENNESSEE

ST (96)

3403 SLOUISIANA ST(97)

3711 S TENNESSEEST (98)

3911 SBEECHST (99)

703 E SHORT24TH AVE (100)

619 ESHORT 24TH

AVE (101)

611 E21ST AVE

(102)317 E 21STAVE (103)316 E

21ST AVE (104)

612 E 21STAVE (105)

601 E 23RDAVE (106)

518 E23RD AVE (107)

2107 SCHESTNUT

ST (108)

2006 SGEORGIA

ST (109)

207 E25TH AVE(110)

204 E 25THAVE (111)

204 E 26THAVE (112)

318 E26THAVE (113)

316 E26TH AVE (114)

4206FAUCETT RD(115)

5104BULLOCK

ST (116)5010 HOOVER

ST (117)

3404 LILACST (118)

3505 LILACST (119)

3400 SIRIS ST

(120)

3207 S IRIS ST(121)

2013 HOWARDDR (122)

2605 HOWARDDR (123)

2700 W 25THAVE (124)

3005 S CATALPAST (125)

801 W22ND AVE(126)

2107 S OAKST (127)

2219 SLINDENST (128)

806 W24TH AVE(129)

916 W 25THAVE (130)

1308 W 24THAVE (131)

1412 W 24THAVE (132)

1518 W 24THAVE (133)

1520 W 26THAVE (134)

1605 W 28THAVE (135)

1800 W 27THAVE (136)

1700 W24TH

AVE (137)

1713 W 25THAVE (138)2100 W 25TH

AVE (139)2410 S

LOCUSTST (140)

2808 SPOPLARST (141)

3006 SPOPLARST (142)

2013 W 30THAVE (143)

1802 W 29THAVE (144)1802 W 30THAVE (145)

2109 SMAPLE ST (146)

2213 S CYPRESSST (147)

2204 SMAPLE ST

(148)1903 W 24TH

AVE (149)

1402 SPALM ST(150)

1815 WCIRCLE DR

(151)

1814 SHICKORY

ST (152)

1705 WCIRCLE

DR (153) 64 CYPRESSDR (154)

49 CYPRESS DR(155)

1701 SCYPRESS ST

(156)1806 W 17THAVE (157)

76 CYPRESSDR (158) 1901 S

HICKORYST (159)

1418 W 14THAVE (160)

1512 W16TH AVE (161)

1601 W15TH AVE

(162)1608 W15TH AVE

(163)

2009 WSHORT 14TH

AVE (164)

1315 SOAK ST(165)

807 W 14THAVE (166)

1305 S ELMST (167)

1302 SOAK

ST (168)

1715 SMULBERRYST (169)

1220 W 17THAVE (170)

1312 SMULBERRYST (171)

1907 SLINDENST (172)

1720 SOLIVE ST(173)

1810 S LAURELST (174)

701 SBEECH ST(175)

1215 W 9THAVE (176)

1107 W 11THAVE (177)

1206 SLINDEN ST(178)

804 W12THAVE (179)

1915 W12TH AVE(180)

1002 S HICKORYST (181)

810 S CYPRESSST (182)

611 SCYPRESS ST(183)

1600 W 11THAVE (184)

1622 W 11THAVE (185)

907 S HICKORYST (186)

1600 W 8THAVE (187)

1601 W 9THAVE (188)

1620 W 8THAVE (189)

1405 W 9THAVE (190)

1018 E7TH AVE

(191)

712 S OHIOST (192)

1203 E 9THAVE (193)

905 SPENNSYLVANIA

ST (194)

1122 E12TH AVE(195)

617S TENNESSEE

ST (196)

1104 SLOUISIANAST (197)1203 STENNESSEEST (198)615 E

13TH AVE(199)

407 E13TH AVE

(200)1219 SOLIVE ST(201)

1510 SMAIN ST

(202)

414 E 15THAVE (203)

1308 SSTATE ST

(204)

209 TALBOTST (205) 1918 S

INDIANAST (206)

700E 17TH AVE

(207)

706 E 17THAVE (208)

614 E 13TH AVE(209)

611 E 16THAVE (210)

713E 17TH AVE(211)

901 E 15TH AVE(212)

900 BARROWDR (213)

1418E 7TH

AVE (214)

1001 SNEBRASKAST (215)

1012 SDAKOTAST (216)

1012 SDAKOTA ST

(217)

1904 E8TH AVE

(218) 1907 E 8THAVE (219)

1921 E 7THAVE(220)

1904E 6TH

AVE (221)

5712SMART ST(222)

5916 COBBST (223)

5814 COBBST (224)

2120 N SPEARSST (225)

5710 WLATTINGST (226)

5612 WORMACKST (227)

5600 CARBONST (228)

5708WINDHAM

ST (229)

5621WORMACK

ST (230)

5420WINDHAM ST(231)

5117BULLOCKST (232)

1205 NTUPELOST (233)

13 NRICHARD DR(234)

6712 NEVINSRD (235)

1200 E 34THAVE (236)

1602 SMAGNOLIA

ST (237)

2115 W 16THAVE (238)

712 SNEBRASKAST (239)

2108 E2nd(240)

1406W 2nd(241)

1600 W2nd (242)

2518W 2nd(243) 2917 E

2nd(245)

3715W 3rd(246)

3705 W3rd (249)

913 E 7th(250)

3602 WBarraque

(251)

3607 WBarraque (252)

200 NCatalpa(255)

1601 SGeorgia(256)

2407 WHavis(257)

1100 NHazel(258)

2502 WHigh W(259)

2504 W High W(260)

308 SLarch(262)

308 SLaurel

(263)

1701 NLindell

(265)

1708 NLindell

(266)

616 NMagnolia

(267)

209 SMissouri(268)

224 SMyrtle (269)

805 NPalm(270)

1123 NPalm(271)

2324 PortRoad (272)

3213 PortRoad (273)

2206 PortRoad (274)

2904 Port Road(275)

2103E Pullen(277)

2109 EPullen

(278)2314E Pullen(279)

2617 WPullen(280)

2800 WPullen(281)

2905 WPullen

(282) 1920 WPullen

(283)

2705Roane

(287)

4611 RyburnRd (288)

2105 WSaracen

(289)3624 W

Scull (290)

305 SSycamore(291)

120 SSycamore(292)

3705Vaugine

(293)

3605Vaugine(294)3725 Vaugine

(295)

2703Whiteside

(297)

2804Whiteside

(298)

2813Whiteside (299)

0 1 20.5 Miles Pine Bluff Condemned Propertiesµ

GO FORWARD PINE BLUFF | I

table of

contentsintroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

a strategic plan and future Direction for the city of pine bluff . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

the case statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

the process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

the mission statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

the Vision statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

the Government infrastructure pillar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

recommendations/implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

the education pillar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

recommendations/implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

the economic Development pillar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

recommendations/implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

the Quality of life pillar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

recommendations/implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

concluding statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .a-1

i n t r o D u c t i o nOur community has been the talk of Arkansas

and the conversation is not flattering . The media have used words and phrases to

describe Pine Bluff such as a “war zone,” “a town full of crumbling buildings,” “the worst place in America to live,” and identifying towns or cities facing years of neglect, despair, and desolation as the “Pine Bluff Syndrome.” To borrow from one of their phrases, “ it’s time to put up or shut up.”

We are too often our own worst enemy when commenting about our community . While we have chosen to live in Pine Bluff, others have left Pine Bluff because of the challenges mentioned above and their belief that nothing will be done to change our community . We truly believe that change is not only essential; we believe immediate action is our last real chance to turn things around and to begin recovering from two decades or longer of a downward spiral . While we too are frustrated with the constant negative publicity, we believe that our community has perpetuated that reputation by giving more lip service than meaningful actions .

“More of the same will produce more of the same.” If you agree, support this initiative . This is not an issue of can we do it; it is a question of WILL WE do it or will we be satisfied with more of the same? We, the members of Go Forward Pine Bluff (GFPB), have delivered an action plan that gives us the best chance of stopping the decline in our city .

Have a great day and God bless .

J . Thomas May, Chairman Mary Pringos, Chairman Carla M . Martin, Pillar Chairman Simmons First Foundation Go Forward Pine Bluff Go Forward Pine Bluff

i n t r o D u c t i o nThe following pages express our vision, case statement, planning process, the strategic plan and the future direction for Pine Bluff . The Go Forward Pine Bluff Strategic Plan is the product of Pine Bluff citizens, not professionals from outside of Arkansas . We have used the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Institute for Economic Advancement to facilitate the work accomplished by your fellow citizens . The following represents our collective opinions on what needs to be done to revitalize our community . The opinions are based on information from three sets of surveys, meetings with experts and leaders in other communities, and nine months of analysis by Pine Bluffians . While most plans require tweaking the GFPB plan is a huge undertaking with many unknowns, so we should expect changes as we move through the process .

Our plan is divided into four major areas of focus: Economic Development, Education, Government and Infrastructure, and Quality of Life . While two areas may be considered our biggest challenge, blight (poor living conditions) and education, it will take considerable work in all areas to bring our plan to fruition . Likewise, we as a team, fully realize that none of the plan can be accomplished without a commitment from all of our citizens . The question is, are we ready to make the commitment to this MAJOR undertaking?

If we are united and support the work done by Pine Bluff citizens in our community, we believe

the Go Forward Pine Bluff Strategic Plan will work . Our community will see the “ fruits of our labor” and progress will be reported on a quarterly basis in the Pine Bluff Commercial . The timeline for implementation, while somewhat fluid, will become more specific as we begin to roll out the plan .

To accomplish this very aggressive plan, it will require a considerable amount of money! It will need to be funded through a combination of grants, business investments, public/private partnerships and a new sales tax . None of us want another tax, but our challenge is too great to repair overnight and donations and grants will not fund it alone . Think of our effort as “an investment in the future of our families.” If we are successful, we will look back on our investment as the best we’ve ever made .

Thank you for being willing to make a difference in the lives of your families, fellow citizens, and the new citizens we hope to attract .

Also, we want to close by thanking all the volunteers who invested over 8,000 hours of work, which was time away from their primary jobs and families, in order to bring the Go Forward Pine Bluff Strategic Plan to the stage of implementation . We hope you will share our enthusiasm and optimism and wholeheartedly support this very aggressive Strategic Plan in order to make some much needed change in our community .

GO FORWARD PINE BLUFF | III

The Go Forward Pine Bluff Strategic Plan is a conclusive blueprint for addressing the systemic problems facing the City of Pine Bluff. The yearlong effort involved a broad cross-section of the community’s citizens from all areas of the city with a significant number of participants under 40 years of age.

Implementing the recommendations found in this report address a number of Pine Bluff ’s greatest challenges and will “move the needle” in the struggle to revitalize the city and ensure its future prosperity.

a strateGic plan anD future Direction for the

city of pine bluff

the case statement

Simmons Bank, its Foundation, Pine Bluff citizens, its businesses and educators recognized the challenges facing Pine Bluff had to be confronted before progress was possible . Some of the significant facts the Foundation cited in support of the Go Forward Pine Bluff initiative include:

• A 16% drop in Pine Bluff’s population since 1970 . According to 2010 census, the city is projected to lose another 6,000 residents by 2020 . Pine Bluff’s current population is 49,083 .

• Generally speaking, Pine Bluff has the worst unemployment rates in Arkansas and the highest among the state’s metropolitan areas .

• Only 10% of the revenues earned by the Pine Bluff Convention Center coming from events held at the facility . The remaining money it needs to operate comes from the city’s hamburger tax . A 200-room hotel, attached to the convention center, has closed .

• A significant deterioration in the city’s residential and commercial buildings compounded by property neglect and absentee ownership .

• Pine Bluff ’s three school districts (Watson Chapel, Pine Bluff, and Dollarway) in academic distress . Dollarway School District, currently operated by the State Board of Education, is also in fiscal distress, and has remained on the academic distress list for five years in a row .

• Multiple vacant stores and several unoccupied food court businesses at The Pines Mall . The loss of major retailers is particularly damaging .

• An ongoing problem with neglected properties . The city and its neighborhoods now contend with over 450 condemned, abandoned, or torn down residential properties .

• The state’s overall negative perception of Pine Bluff, largely shared by city residents, who cite commercial and residential decline and education as their two top concerns followed by crime and a lack of activities for adults and children .


2 | GO FORWARD PINE BLUFF

the process

George Makris, CEO of Simmons First, approached the Simmons First Foundation about facilitating an effort to address the

challenges facing Pine Bluff . The bank provided a gift of $300,000 to fund the development of a strategic plan .

Go Forward Pine Bluff (GFPB) was created and an Executive Committee was established that included Mary Pringos, Agribusiness leader, Chair; Carla M . Martin, Vice Chancellor-Finance and Administration, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB); and Tommy May, CEO, Simmons First Foundation .

A Task Force was appointed by the Executive Committee to assist with the project and oversee the work of the committee . Task Force members represented prominent stakeholders: Irene Holcomb, Community; George Stepps, Government; Byron Tate, Media; UAPB Chancellor Laurence B . Alexander, Education; Glenn Barnes, Religion; Chuck Morgan, Business; Lou Ann Nisbett, Economic Development; Catherine Smart, Youth; Walter Johnson, Healthcare; and Martie North, Ex Officio .

m i s s i o nA mission statement for the project was written and the Executive Committee developed the parameters for the strategic planning process.Utilizing the work of the 20/20 Commission1 as a baseline and working with a broad representation of our community, citizens and businesses, establish a strategic plan that will result in a growing tax base for our community.

1 In 2007, the city of Pine Bluff and its residents, collectively called 20/20 Commission, drafted a strategic plan called Pine Bluff 20/20.

Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism


V i s i o nTo make Pine Bluff a city its residents are proud to call home.

To create a public/private partnership that engages all residents in reimagining the city through targeted projects, grants and initiatives aimed at transforming Pine Bluff into a regional center and point of destination for cultural activities, sporting events, educational opportunities, dining and historical museums, characterized by robust and sustainable economic growth, educational opportunity, responsive leadership and an attractive quality of life.

To make the city “grow and go,” GFPB will focus on:

• stimulating economic development through capital investment in revitalizing downtown and encouraging quality affordable housing;

• revitalizing city governance and promoting a positive image for Pine Bluff;

• creating a skilled workforce and raising academic standards and student performance; and,

• building a metropolitan community that offers residents an attractive, safe and healthy environment with a wealth of cultural, social and entertainment options .

A vision statement was created to help guide the organization through its task.


The effort to address the systemic problems confronting the city was divided into four focus areas or Pillars and the Executive Committee assigned a chair to each group.

• Government/Infrastructure Rosalind Mouser

• Education Scott Pittillo

• Economic Development Nick Makris

• Quality of Life Kaleybra Morehead

A timeline for planning and implementation was created and the criteria for volunteers interested in working on GFPB was established . To ensure broad representation from the community, applications for volunteers

were made available through the Simmons First Foundation . A press conference was held to announce the GFPB project and encourage public participation .

The Institute for Economic Advancement (IEA) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock was contracted to facilitate the process and an orientation session was held in January of 2016 . All participants were assigned to a Pillar and each group met monthly, from January through July, to gather information relating to their focus areas including hosting guest speakers and taking field trips to understand best practices and successful rebuilding efforts in other towns and cities . The Pillar participants also worked in sub-committees that met outside of the monthly, general Go Forward Pine Bluff meeting .

Beginning in July and continuing through October, the Pillar groups worked diligently to develop realistic recommendations/strategies that could really make a difference . During October and November, the Pillar Chairs and their IEA/UALR facilitators worked with the Executive Committee to draft the plan .

The following pages are the product of each of the four Pillar work groups and include an overview of their efforts .

the plan


overview of process, research, and information Gathering phase

infrastructure/ GoVernment pillar

The 20 members who serve the Government/Infrastructure Pillar of the GFPB Initiative reflect the city’s demographic makeup . Participants ranged in age from millennials to senior citizens

and included residents working in both the public and private sectors .

Deliberations began on January 20, 2016, using as a starting point, Pine Bluff ’s 20/20 Strategic Plan (began in 2007) and several concepts, issues, and challenges identified by the Simmons First Foundation . Two goals from the 20/20 Strategic Plan that had not been addressed were:

Goal #7: implementing and supporting transportation improvements throughout Pine Bluff and Jefferson County to draw more economic activity in to the area.

Goal #8: studying the feasibility of a city planning department complete with a city planner and grant writer/researcher.

The early guidance by the Executive Committee for the Government & Infrastructure pillar was to study the feasibility of changes to the form of government in Pine Bluff including: replacing at-large positions with positions elected by school zone or other geographic designation; shrinking city borders to maximize city services: improving law enforcement services and infrastructure; addressing the decay of residential and commercial properties throughout the city particularly in the central city area; creating a land bank; and, revising and more effectively enforcing building codes .

Pillar participants determined that creating an effective city government and addressing the state of downtown were the two most critical challenges facing the city . Other issues investigated by the group served to support and develop its focus on these two topics .

During the research and information gathering phase of the process a number of speakers from the community as well as from outside of Pine Bluff and Arkansas addressed topics applicable to the group’s area of interest .

Development of Recommendation/StrategiesAfter thoughtful research and deliberation, the group developed a series of recommendations focused on three areas of concern: downtown Pine Bluff, city government, and repurposing.


recommendations/implementation matrix infrastructure/Government pillar

Municipal Master Plan

STRATEGY Update and Develop a Municipal Master Plan for Pine Bluff that Includes Land Use, City Codes, Planning, Zoning, Enforcement, Elimination of One Way Streets, and Reviewing and Updating Existing Rules and Regulations .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY The Last Master Plan for the City of Pine Bluff was Adopted in 1976 and is Woefully Out Dated and Ineffective . In Order to Move the City Forward the Master Plan must be Updated, Enforced and Kept Current .

ACTION STEPS • Obtain funding for the Update and Development of the Master Plan .

• Establish a Public/Private Group to Meet with the Mayor and Planning Commission to Determine the Process for Modernizing the Master Plan and Developing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ .)2

• Mayor Submits the Group’s Proposal for Developing a Revised Master Plan and a RFQ to the City Council for Consideration and Approval .

• City Council Awards Bid to Appropriate Entity to Undertake the Process .

• Master Plan is Developed, Adopted, and Enforced .

RESPONSIBLE PARTY • Go Forward Pine Bluff Corporation

IMPLEMENTATION • Phase I

2 Request for Qualif ications is the formal step required by cities and governmental agencies who are seeking vendors to provide a service.

Did You Know…

• It has been over 40 years since a code enforcement procedures of regulations and a comprehensive land use plan haven been updated to today’s standards and regulations.

“ “

Photo Courtesy

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism



Strategy for Downtown Pine Bluff

STRATEGY Create a Strategy for Redeveloping, Repurposing, and Revitalizing Downtown Pine Bluff (Barraque to 8Th Streets)

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY A Focused Effort to Rebuild the City of Pine Bluff . Additionally, Repurposing Abandoned Land for Housing, Recreation, Commercial and Public Use is Key to the City’s Rebirth .

ACTION STEPS • Engage University of Arkansas

Center for Community Design to Establish a Strategic Vision for Revitalizing Downtown .

• Conduct a Report Review Session for the Community .

• Meet with Applicable Leadership and Current Property Owners

• Develop, Submit, and Adopt a Set of Criteria for Repurposing Initiatives .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • University of Arkansas Center for Community Design

• Mayor and Applicable City Department Heads

IMPLEMENTATION • Phase II

Did You Know…

• The St. Louis Southwestern Railway completed in 1883, (better known as the “Cotton Belt”) was a crucial economic engine for Pine Bluff. The Railway operated 712 miles of track in Arkansas. The Cotton Belt reached its peak mileage in the early 1930s. Southern Pacif ic Railroad gained control of the Cotton Belt in 1932 in an effort to gain connections to eastern markets at St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee. The Cotton Belt stops in Pine Bluff (Jefferson County) were the railroad ’s primary repair and construction facility for freight cars, passenger cars, and locomotives.

““

Aerial Map Courtesy University of Arkansas Community Design Center



Land Bank STRATEGY Establish a Self-Funding Land Bank in Pine Bluff and/or Jefferson County

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY A Land Bank can Undertake the Acquisition, Holding, and Management of Foreclosed and Abandoned Properties

ACTION STEPS • Establish a Group to Study

the Process for Managing Extensive Foreclosed and Abandoned Properties .

• Establish Network of Partners Including Delta Regional Authority (DRA), Arkansas Municipal League (AML), and Other Cities in the Delta .

• Consult with Experts; the City of Little Rock and Lynn Foster at UALR Bowen Law School .

• Retain a Lobbyist Familiar with the Little Rock Bill and Other Legislation .

• Pass State Legislation .

• Pass City Ordinance .


SUPPORTING PARTY • Non-profit Group Identified or Established .


Photo Courtesy Arkansas Democrat-Gazette



Pines Hotel/Downtown

Square

STRATEGY Repurpose Pines Hotel Block (Pines Hotel and Buildings on Same Block) .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY A Revitalized Downtown Pine Bluff is Necessary for the Overall Economic Development of the City .

ACTION STEPS • Save Iconic Hotel Pillars

and Stained Glass

• Acquire Property

• Complete Environmental, Structural, and Other Applicable Studies

• Demolish and/or Repurpose

• Engage the Center for Community Design, College of Architecture, University of Arkansas .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • TBD



Pine Bluff Multi-purpose

Center

STRATEGY To Identify Options for a the Multi-purpose Center that Best Meet the Needs of the City and are Economically Feasible .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY A Multi-purpose Center with Meeting Rooms, Classrooms, and Recreational Areas is Essential to the City’s Quality of Life and Economic Competitiveness .

ACTION STEPS • Establish a Group of

Interested Community Members to Decide What Options Should be Considered .

• Assess Other Efforts to Provide the Community with Multi-purpose Facilities .

• Review Plans to Build and Renovation Options and

make a Recommendation to the Mayor and City Council .

• Determine What Existing Structures could be Converted to a Multi-purpose Facility and the Renovation Cost Associated with Each .

• Provide Matching Funds Equal to ½ of Cost up to $4M .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • Mayor and City Council

• Community Interest Groups




Candidates Institute

STRATEGY Establish a Candidates Institute to Recruit and Train Citizens from Pine Bluff to Run for Public Office and Serve on City Municipal Commissions and Boards .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Encouraging Residents Interested in Public Office to Undergo Training will Help Potential Candidates Learn about Local Government and their Responsibilities as Public Officials .

ACTION STEPS • Ask the UAPB School of

Education and the UALR School of Public Affairs, with Support from Local and State Offices and Associations, to Profile each Elected Public Office, Board, and Commission and Develop and Provide Appropriate Training .

• Identify the Elected Public Offices, Commissions and Boards in Pine Bluff .


SUPPORTING PARTY • Chamber of Commerce




Civil Service Commission

STRATEGY Establish a Civil Service Commission Governance System .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY By Providing an Independent Body to Hear Complaints and Make Personnel Decisions, a Civil Service Commission will Protect Police and Fire Personnel from Undue Influence by Elected Officials . Police and Fire Chiefs will be Chosen and Accountable to the Mayor .

ACTION STEPS • Establish Application

and Selection Process for Commission Members that Includes Specific Qualifications .

• Provide Mandatory Annual Training for All Commission Members .

• Develop and Enforce Commission Guidelines and Procedures that Include Staggered Terms of Service .

• Insure an Independent Attorney is Assigned to the Commission .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • Mayor

• City Council

• Public Safety Committee

IMPLEMENTATION • Phase III



First Responders STRATEGY To Retain the Quality and Professionalism of the Pine Bluff First Responder Force through Effective Recruiting, Continuing Education and Competitive Salaries .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY A Highly Trained and Well Paid Professional First Responder Force for the City will Enhance Safety, Reduce Social Tension, Lower Insurance Rates, Help Attract New Businesses and Improve Pine Bluff’s Public Image .

ACTION STEPS • Work with the Criminal

Justice Program at UAPB, Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK), and the University of Arkansas System’s Criminal Justice Institute to Support Professional Law Enforcement Training for the Pine Bluff Police Department .

• Increase Tax Revenue to Provide Competitive Wages for First Responders .

• Work with Police and Fire Departments to Ensure Adequate Recruitment and Training .

• Require Candidates tor First Responder Positions to Sign Agreements to Remain on the Force Long Enough to “Recoup” the Investment Made in Their Training .

• Develop Incentive Programs to Support Retention .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • Mayor and City Council • Police Chief

• Fire Chief




the eDucation pillar

Tasked with improving Pine Bluff ’s education system, the 22 members of the Education Pillar completed over 1400 individual hours of study and research relying primarily on

previous work completed for the 20/20 Strategic Plan and input from 16 eminent educational authorities .

Beginning in January, 2016, discussions focused on the important contribution education plays in the life of a community and the obstacles a substandard education system poses to regional economic development . Inspired by the educational goals created by the 20/20 Strategic Plan, the Education Pillar began with two clear objectives:

• Developing primary and secondary educational institutions that are academically and financially sound .

• Improving the educational options provided by our high schools and institutions of higher education to meet the specific needs of the employers of Pine Bluff and surrounding areas .

The Pillar then identif ied the following areas of concern listed below in order of priority:

• Leadership• Partnerships• Consolidation• Parents• Social Services• Marketing Campaign

• Academics• Financial Assistance• Workforce, Department of

Education/Higher Education• Juvenile Courts

During the research and information gathering phase of the process, sub-committees were appointed by the Chair of the Task Force . Special speakers and subject matter experts were invited to address topics applicable to the group’s area of interest .

The pillar determined its goal was to provide the best possible education for our children, whether it was a public education or a private school option . Just as we strive in higher education, we need to be the best we can be at all levels of learning .

We have Ridgway Christian School which is a highly successful private institution . Also, we may have other private schools formed in the future . However, our public schools are extremely challenged . Therefore, the group felt the public schools were where they needed to focus their total attention .

After thorough deliberation and acknowledging the group’s inability to directly influence the city schools under the control of the State Department of Education, the Pillar decided to focus on the four aspects of Leadership, Education, Accountability, Pipeline (LEAP) .


Educational Alliance

The successful implementation of the LEAP strategy to focus on Leadership, Education, Accountability, and a sustainable Pipeline of new, qualified teachers will require the full funding of an Educational Alliance, along with staff to support its activities . This Alliance will be comprised of the school Superintendents and respective Board Chairs, other academicians, and community representatives . The role of the Education Alliance will be responsible for improving student success in Pine Bluff ’s three public school districts through the coordination, communication and alignment of educational resources and providing incentives to the city’s public schools . Initially funded by the business community, the staff will locate additional funding from public-private groups, foundations, and other state or national entities . Additionally, the reporting of operational and financial aspects of the Education Alliance will be accountable and transparent .

KNOWN CONSTRAINTS Securing Buy-in from City Residents and Initial Funding from the Business Community . Finding Staff with the Appropriate Set of Skills Including Fund Raising, Working Effectively with Superintendents, Principals, and Teachers and Communicating with the General Public . Sustaining the Organization’s General Expenses .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Increased Student Success and Improved Economic Viability and Quality of Life .

ACTION STEPS (1) Determine Structure

and Governance of the Educational Alliance .

(2) Procure Initial Funding .

(3) Secure a Recurring Revenue Stream .

(4) Communicate and Promote the Benefits of the Educational Alliance and the LEAP Strategies to School Districts and the Community .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • Action Step 1:

Go Forward Pine Bluff Steering Committee (GFPB)

• Action Step 2: Business Community Led By Business Leaders

• Action Step 3: Education Pillar Steering Committee

• Action Step 4: The Educational Alliance


Each of the Four LE AP Action Steps will Implemented Through the Educational Alliance.

Did You Know…

• The Richard Allen Institute, founded in Pine Bluff in 1886, was one of the earliest Presbyterian schools for African Americans in Arkansas. It operated until 1932.

• One of its graduates – George Edmund Haynes – was the f irst African American to earn a Ph.D. from Columbia University.

• The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, known familiarly as the “Flagship of the Delta”, was founded in 1873 as “Branch Normal College.”

• UAPB is the second oldest public university in Arkansas.

• Its f irst founder and f irst president was Joseph Carter Corbin who later served as Arkansas state superintendent of public education, the f irst African American to serve in such a position.

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recommendations/implementation matrix education pillar

STRATEGY Create Able and Committed District Leaders and Assist them with Establishing Plans that Meet the Immediate Expectations of Staff, Students, and Community Stakeholders and Communicates their Vision for Improving their Schools .

KNOWN CONSTRAINTS Unstable School Leadership, Shrinking Finances, and Declining Academic Achievement in Many City Schools . Resistance to Change, Apathy, and Lack of Accountability .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY An Increase in the Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Development, Improved Quality of Life And a Decrease in Poverty and Crime .

POSSIBLE ACTION STEPS • Support Programs which Address Alternative

Learners and Special Needs Funding .

• Mobilize All Appropriate Resources (e .g . Afterschool Programs, the Judicial System, Faith-Based Entities, the Business Community, UAPB And SEARK) to Assist with the Effort to Make Pine Bluff Schools Successful .

• Create a Formal Administrator Leadership Training Program for Superintendents, School Boards, and Relevant Stakeholders .

• Create a Financially Sustainable Plan that Ensures Student Success and is Transparent and Accessible to the Community .

STRATEGY Maximize Available Funding, Technology, Local Business Assets to Expand and Improve Opportunities tor Closing the Skills Gaps that Impede Students from Seeking Employment or Continuing their Education at a 2 or 4-Year College .

KNOWN CONSTRAINTS Resistance to Change and Limited Desire for Cooperation Between Schools and Districts . Time, Commitment and Financial Resources Needed to Improve Teacher Quality and Secure Updated Technology .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Improvements in ACT Scores and Graduation and Retention Rates . An Increase in the Quality of the Workforce and the Number of College Bound Students with a Corresponding Decrease in the Need for Post-Secondary Remedial Education .

POSSIBLE ACTION STEPS • Utilize Mechanism to Audit District Budgets

and Identify Current Spending Patterns .

• Maximize Educational Opportunities by Accessing Existing Entities and New and Untapped Resources in and Outside Arkansas .

• Create a Sustainable Organizational Structure that Follows Appropriate Policies and Incorporates Systematic Review and Approval of Best Practices .

• Create a Process that Enables the Three Districts to Share Teachers who Specialize in Highly Specialized Academic Courses (e .g . Stem Classes) that are Often Under Enrolled .

• Create a Career Pathway for All Students From Pre-K to High School that Culminates in College and Technical Training Provided through UAPB and SEARK .

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STRATEGY Hold Educational Stakeholders Responsible for Policies, Actions, and Outcomes within the Scope of their Employment and Instill a Mindset of Accountability Among the Staff and Student Body .

KNOWN CONSTRAINTS No Direct Control Over School Governance or Staff and Little Influence Over Social Factors (e .g . Poverty, Crime, Family Issues) and State and Federal Regulations Affecting Education .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Improvements in Student Performance and in Parent and Community Involvement .

POSSIBLE ACTION STEPS • Require Each District to Have a Publicly

Available Strategic Plan with Measurable Goals and a Plan for Student Success .

• Require Each Strategic Plan to be Transparent, Comprehensible, and Communicated Widely to the Community .

• Require All Districts to Have a Working Evaluation System of All Teachers, Staff, and Administrators that Uses the Current State Mandated Tools and Includes Measurable Student Performance Outcomes .

• Ensure that All State Mandated Planning is Implemented and Communicated to the Community .

• Ensure that Each Teacher has an Approved Professional Growth Plan with Measurable Outcomes .

• Require Each District to Develop a Mentorship Program for New and Underperforming Teachers .

STRATEGY Create a Series of Incentives to Attract Newly Graduated Educators to the City’s Three Districts to Address the Annual Loss of Between 45–65 Teachers Due to Retirement, Death, and Attrition .

KNOWN CONSTRAINTS Pine Bluff ’s Reputation Makes Recruiting Teachers Problematic and UAPB has had Difficulty Graduating a Sufficient Number of Qualified and Skilled Teachers for the Region . Salaries are Low and the Academic Quality of Students Graduating from Schools of Education is an On-Going Problem .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Improved Student Performance and a More Academically Sound Environment that Increases Chances for Success in the Workplace or in College

POSSIBLE ACTION STEPS • Establish Relationships with Education

Programs throughout Arkansas and Neighboring States .

• Provide Incentives to Teachers who Agree to Long Term Teaching Contracts in Pine Bluff .

• Encourage the UAPB Teacher Education Program to Provide 25 Career Ready Teachers per Year to Teach in the City Districts .

recommendations/implementation matrix education pillar

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economic DeVelopment pillar

The 20 members who served on the Economic Development Pillar of the Go Forward Pine Bluff Initiative were hardworking, committed and represented a good cross section of

individuals and groups concerned with economic progress .

A significant period of time was spent by this pillar educating themselves on the fundamentals of economic development . Although no single strategy, policy, or program can assure a community’s economic success all approaches should include five fundamental concepts .

• Organizational Development – Creating and Maintaining a Recognized and Legitimate Forum for Exchanging Ideas and Addressing the Needs of the Community .

• Product Development – Investments that are Maintained, Upgraded, or Developed by Labor and Capital to Improve the Community .

• Market Development – Activities that Focus on Recruiting Individuals who would Enhance the Economy and Enlarge the Market Area in Which they Could Receive Products and Services .

• Business Development – Programs that Nurture Businesses Growth and Investment .

• Workforce Development – Policies and Programs that Build the Skills of the Local Workforce .

During this research and information gathering phase of the process data was collected and analyzed and presentations were provided by both internal and external experts on a broad range of topics . The Economic Development Pillar also determined that the ⅜ cent sales tax that currently funds the activities of the Jefferson County Alliance Pine Bluff must be renewed .

Development of Recommendation/StrategiesThe Group Decided that Each of its Recommendations must:

• Offer an Activity or Service Not Currently Provided;

• Address an Issue Widely Acknowledged as Significant to the Economic Viability of Pine Bluff and Jefferson County;

• Address the Stated Issue in a Manner that is Achievable with Available Resources or Resources that Can be Procured;

• Be Sustainable Over the Long Term; and,

• Be Workable within the City and the County’s Existing Legal and Political Framework .


recommendations/implementation matrix economic Development pillar

INNOVATION HUB

STRATEGY Establish an Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub in Pine Bluff and Make the City and the Region an Economic Engine for Southeast Arkansas .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY An Innovation Hub will Mean Significant and Sustainable Economic Growth . Because it will be a Partnership that Includes the Local College and University, Communication will Improve Enabling them to Better Target and Stabilize their Certification and Associate Degree Programs and Expand their Privately Funded Research . Entrepreneurs, Artists, Retirees, Unemployed, Underemployed – All Individuals will Have Access to the Latest in Equipment, Product Marketing, and Business Startup Assistance . Employers and Manufacturers will Have Greater Access to Skilled Workers from the Area . Space and Opportunities will be Available for Individuals to Share Ideas and Solutions . Speakers will be Scheduled Periodically to Provide Information, Motivation, and Training . Activities to Engage Children of All Ages will Take Place Routinely in an Effort to Increase their Interest, Participation, and Use of the Facilities . Additionally, the Hub Facilities will Serve as an Anchor to Create a “Model Block” to Help Return the Downtown Area to Economic Viability .

ACTION STEPS • Acquire Commitments

for Initial Funding to Cover the Hub’s Two-Year Planning Phase .

• Acquire Funding for the Renovation of 623–625 Main Street, Located Between the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC) and UAPB’S Economic Research and Development Center (ERDC) which is Currently Owned by The Arts & Science Center Endowment .

• Pursue Funding Sources to Support Ongoing Operations in Year Three and Beyond .

• Nurture Ongoing Relationship with Winrock International as a Source of Foundation and Grant Funding .

• Establish the Generator Entity .

• Pursue a Commitment from the City of Pine Bluff, Regarding 600–800 Block to:

(1) Open Main Street;(2) Put in New Sidewalks;(3) Install New Street Lights;(4) Address Associated

Utilities; and,(5) Establish a Police Substation

to Include Bike Patrols .

• Develop an Ongoing Relationship with All Local and Regional Economic and Community Development Partners i .e . Business and Industry to Encourage Engagement in the Hub .

• Develop Partners, Businesses, and Industry to Encourage Engagement in the HUB .

• Create the HUB Partnership .

Did You Know…

Innovation Hubs:

• Create a collaborative environment where members share a certain identity and have a sense of belonging and/or participation.

• Adapt and emerge from the “Grassroots” initiative of innovators and entrepreneurs.

• Enable innovators and entrepreneurs to bring their ideas and designs to life.

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INNOVATION HUB

continued


SUPPORTING PARTIES • Arts & Science Center for

Southeast Arkansas

• Southeast Arkansas College

• University of Arkansas

at Pine Bluff

GFPB Will Form a New Organization Called the Generator that will Have its Own Board of Directors .

Its Purpose is to Generate Skilled Workers, New Products and New Businesses . To More Effectively Achieve this Purpose, the Generator will Form a Partnership With ASC, UAPB-ERDC, and SEARK to Utilize and Enhance Each One’s Existing Expertise and Resources . This Partnership will Become the Innovation Hub of Southeast Arkansas .

There will be a Two Year Planning and Development Phase for the Generator and to Create the Hub Partnership . It is Anticipated when Fully Operational, in Approximately Year Three, the Generator will Require the Following Staffing:

• The Executive Director will Oversee Daily Operations of the Generator .

• The Public Programs Coordinator will Schedule and Implement Activities According to Tour and Workshop Schedules .

• Administrative Support Responsible for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Facility, and Maintenance Coordination .

• The Technology Specialist for Programming, Gaming and Animation .

• Communications/Marketing Coordinator Responsible for Memberships and Implementing Standards and Social Media in Concert With the Graphic Designer(s), the Coordinator will Also Teach and Mentor in the Product Development Facet of the Hub .

The Hub Partnership Places the Creative Studios and Labs Under Direction of the ASC; the Vocational Skills Certification Under SEARK; the Maker’s Space, Think Tank Area, Equipment Training and Use Responsibility of the Generator; and the Marketing and Business Development Aspects Under the Direction of UAPB . All Entities will Jointly Program to Create An Environment that Seamlessly Rolls Creative Enterprise into Entrepreneurship .

The Generator will be the Point of Contact for the Hub . All Communication for the Hub will Go to and from the Generator . The Generator Leadership will Hold Regular Meetings of Hub Partner Leaders . These Sessions will Provide Updates on All Hub Activities and New Endeavors; Determine Which Partner Should Assume Responsibility for Those New Functions; Discuss Issues; Problem Solve, etc .



EMPLOYABILITY TRAINING


STRATEGY Make Targeted Employability Training, Offered by the Department of Labor, Widely Available to Pine Bluff Residents and Employers .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Increased Job Prospects for Area Residents, Lower Employee Turnover, and Better Prospects for Business Expansion .

ACTION STEPS • Identify Curriculum to Focus

on Soft Skills in Order to Make Employees More Desirable to Employers, Coworkers, and Customers .

• Present Curriculum as a Pilot Program .

• Survey Participants .

• Hire Contractor to Manage Program for First 24 Months

• Develop a “Train the Trainer” Program .

• Identify and Train Instructor Force . it is Important that Instructors Have No Affiliation with Those Business Participating in the Program to Ensure Free and Open Student Participation .

• Collect and Track Data From Participants to Assess How Effectively the Training Addresses Problems Associated with Dismissal .

• Encourage Major Employers Within the County to Participate .

• Develop a Staggered Implementation Plan Beginning with Temp Employment Agencies Within Pine Bluff .

• Ensure a Cultural Competency Piece is Included in the Curriculum .

• Contact Local Educational Institutions —

High School (Career Tech Programing in Secondary Education),

SEARK (Embed in Current Programing), and

UAPB (Present to Each Incoming Freshman as Part of a Freshman Orientation Program),

to Encourage their Participation .

• Encourage the Local Workforce Center to Promote the Program .

• Ask Jefferson County Alliance to Market the Training to its Membership and Coordinate the Developing Instructor Force .


Did You Know…

• Employers in Pine Bluff claim their greatest needs are employees who are f lexible, have interpersonal skills, are problem solvers with internal communication abilities.

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EMPLOYABILITY TRAINING

continued

SUPPORTING PARTIES • Private Consultant (to be Identified and Hired) . Additional

Support Will be Provided by the Following:

(1) Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County – Marketing the Product to their Membership

(2) UAPB – Incorporate Curriculum into Each Program of Study .

(3) SEARK (Include Outreach to Local High Schools) – Incorporate Curriculum into Each Program of Study .

(4) Workforce Centers – Include Curriculum as Part of Services Provided Each Customer .


Photo Courtesy

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Photo Courtesy Southeast Arkansas College


Endorse the Renewal of

the Economic Development

Alliance for Jefferson County ⅜ Cent Sales Tax


STRATEGY Support the Renewal of the ⅜ Cent Economic Development Sales Tax to Ensure the Stability of the Jefferson County Alliance and Expand its Capabilities .

BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY An Effective and Organized Approach to Economic Development that Provides Data Driven Approaches to the Management of Industrial Property, Recruitment of New Businesses and Manufacturers, Business Retention and Growth and Marketing .

RESPONSIBLE PARTY • Economic Development Corporation


Did You Know…

As a result of the ⅜ cent economic development sales tax…

• 1,165 jobs were created, retained or announced in Jefferson County.

• Pine Bluff attracted eight major projects and companies.

• Capital investments totaling $10.3 billion were or will be spent by these companies.

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Quality of life pillar

Q uality of Life is defined simply as the standard of well-being for individuals and societies and includes education, entertainment, environment, health, diversity and employment .

The 20 individuals of the Quality of Life Pillar took two proposals from Pine Bluff’s 20/20 Strategic Plan - constructing a multi-purpose center and improving public safety – as a starting point . The group noted that the Government/Infrastructure Pillar was already focused on a multi-purpose center and concluded that it would reexamine the issue of public safety to determine the link between improved safety and better living standards .

The Quality of Life pillar examined a variety of research materials to understand the components that make for a high quality of life and how these factors generate economic development . One of the benchmark studies reviewed by the group was the Knight Foundation’s “Soul of the Community” which profiled over 25 cities, many with strong similarities to Pine Bluff .

The pillar also relied on economic research from sources such as “Economic Development and SMART Growth” by the International Economic Development Council and interviews with other notable persons involved with economic development in the area .

Development of Recommendation/StrategiesAfter thoughtful research and deliberation, the QOL pillar developed a series of recommendations focused on five areas of concern

(1) Things to do

(2) Marketing of Pine Bluff

(3) Public Safety

(4) Beautification/Community Gardens

(5) Fitness, Health and Sports


DOWNTOWN HISTORICAL

DISTRICT

STRATEGY Make Pine Bluff a “Point of Destination” by establishing a Designated Downtown Historical District that Highlights Places of Historic and Cultural Significance to Pine Bluff (e .g . Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Museum, Masonic Temple, Saenger Theatre, and Community Theatre) .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Accelerated Economic Growth and a Revived Downtown that Features a Walkable Area with Historic Sites .

ACTION STEPS • Collaborate with the

University of Arkansas Center for Community Design in Order to Determine which Historical Buildings can be Repurposed and Possible Uses .

• Seek Assistance from the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District with Securing Grants to Help Fund the District .

• Design a Master Plan that Establishes the District Within a Two-Year Timeline .

• Involve Collaborative Partners Including the Downtown Special Events Organization .

• Conduct an Asset Inventory to Ascertain Building Ownership and Determine Which Buildings Should be Restored or Demolished .

• Define the Area by Identifying the Pillars and Boundaries that would Make Up the Proposed District .

• Invite Local Artists (and those who Formally Resided in the City) to Create Historically and Culturally Relevant Murals for the Downtown District .

• Conduct Living History Training for Volunteers and Employees .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • University of Arkansas Center

for Community Design

• Pine Bluff Downtown Development District

• City of Pine Bluff .

• Other Community Development Entities in Pine Bluff .

• Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District .


recommendations/implementation matrix Quality of life pillar

Did You Know…

• Paducah’s ARP has Dramatically Revitalized the Lower Town Area into a Thriving Artist’s Colony - Over Forty Artists have Relocated to the Lower Town Area; They have Invested $12-15 Million Dollars into the Local Economy.

• The Knight Foundation “Soul of the Community” Report Found a Positive Correlation Between GDP Growth and Population Increases and a Community’s Offering of Attachment Attributes such as Social Offerings, Aesthetics and a Sense of Openness.

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INCENTIVE PROGRAM

STRATEGY Create an Incentive Relocation Program to Attract Restaurants, Young Professionals, Retirees and Commercial Vendors to the Renovated Downtown District .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Accelerated Economic Growth and a More Diverse Retail Base .

ACTION STEPS • Establish an Implementation

Committee that Conducts Research and Reaches Out to Investors .

• Create Mixed Use Zoning that Allows for Retail Businesses and Residential Living Space Under One Roof .

• Create an Incentive Package that Uses Tax Exemptions, Loan Packages and Discounted Rent to Attract Investors and New Residents, Boost New Construction, and Encourage the Purchase and Rehabilitation of Existing Structures .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • Local Financial Institutions .

• Pine Bluff Downtown Development

• Pine Bluff City Government

• Community Planning and Development Coordinator

IMPLEMENTATION • Phase IV


PERMANENT FOOD COURT

PAVILION

STRATEGY Make the Existing Food Court Area In Pine Bluff on Barraque Street a Permanent, Safe and Attractive Area Where Area Food Trucks Can Set Up Daily and Where Performers Could Entertain .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Increased Tax Revenue; a New Venue for Events and for Local Musicians; and, Diverse Food Choices Accessible to Downtown Employees .

ACTION STEPS • Request Pine Bluff Community

Development Office to Oversee Development of the Project .

• Determine an Investor/Coordinator for the Project .

• Invite Current Area Food Trucks to “Set Up Shop” at the Food Court Pavilion .

• Name and Prepare the Site to Include Permanent Covered Seating Areas .

• Recruit Non Local Food Trucks Or Area Restaurants to Participate .

• Market the Availability of the Area and Food Trucks .

• Ask the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development Office to Assist with Securing Funding Grants .

RESPONSIBLE PARTY • Go Forward Pine

Bluff Corporation

SUPPORTING PARTIES • Pine Bluff Community

Development Office

• Southeast Arkansas Economic Development Office

• City of Pine Bluff Marketing Director .

• Downtown Development District



Did You Know…

• 2.5 billon people eat on the “street” everyday.

• Annual revenue for food trucks is $1.2 billion annually.

• There are approximately 4,130 food trucks in the U.S.

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“CELEBRATE THE DELTA FESTIVAL”

STRATEGY Establish a Yearly Festival that Celebrates Pine Bluff ’s Heritage with Cultural, Musical and Historical Events that Focus on the Entire Delta Region .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Increased Tourism and a New Opportunity for Residents to Celebrate the History of their City .

ACTION STEPS • Form a “Celebrate the Delta

Festival ” Planning Committee Under the Auspices of the Downtown Special Events Organization .

• Secure Funding from Grants, Sponsorships and Donors .

• Identify and Recruit Artists, Vendors, Events, etc .

• Secure Sponsors, Space, Donors, and Volunteers .

• Establish an Annual Festival that Celebrates Delta Foods and Eventually Becomes Part of the Delta Cultural Festival .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • Festival Committee

and Harold Terry

• City Marketing Director

• City of Pine Bluff (for Security, Setup, etc .)

• Volunteers Celebrate the Delta



Did You Know…

• Blues Hall of Famer “Big Bill ” Bloonzy and Grammy Lifetime Achievement recipient jazz Trumpeter Clark Terry both called Pine Bluff home.

• “Big Bill ” was recognized by Guitar World Magazine as one of the 100 greatest guitarists ever.

• Terry was an Inspiration for countless musicians, taught jazz at UAPB and played with jazz greats such as Duke Ellington and Miles Davis.

• Pine Bluff ’s Historic Masonic Temple not only was a famous meeting hall for local African Americans, but was also a dance hall where jazz, jive and blues was performed. notable entertainers such as Cab Calloway, John Lee Hooker and Count Basie were known to frequent.

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Photo Courtesy



BRIDGE THE GAP LAW

ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

MARKETING PUBLIC SAFETY

STRATEGY Create a Program that Will Bridge the Gap Between the Community and Local Law Enforcement Agencies .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Increase in Public Safety, Reduction in Crime and Enhanced Citizen Involvement in Community Policing .

ACTION STEPS • Schedule a Meeting with

the Stakeholders — UAPB, SEARK, Pine Bluff Police Department (PBPD), Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office (JCSO), and Other Relevant Community Organizations — to Define the Program .

• Creating an Oversight “Board ” from the Stakeholder Groups that Will Decide on Projects and Supervise Implementation .

• Recruit Student Volunteers (Through the Respective Educational Institutions) to Assist with the Program .

• Develop a Training Curriculum for Community and Law Enforcement Personnel .

• Measure Progress of the Program Through Surveys and Interviews .

• Establish a Series of Mini-Police and Fire Academies to be Held Quarterly .

• Market the Police Department Through the “Coffee with a Cop” Program, Increased Law Enforcement Presence At Public Events, and Public Meeting that Focus on Community Issues .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • PBPD, JCSO, Other Law

Enforcement Organizations

• UAPB/SEARK Leadership, Professors, Department Chairs, Advisors, Security, Students


• Oversight Board

• Pine Bluff Volunteer Fire Departments

• Marketing/Messaging Material

• Personnel to Oversee Students

• Student Volunteers





NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS/

WATCH PROGRAMS

STRATEGY Establish a Coalition of Realtors, Civic Groups, Community Leaders and Others with a Stake in the Success of Pine Bluff ’s Neighborhoods .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Improved Public Safety, Increased Property Values, and Cleaner Streets

ACTION STEPS • Establish the Coalition .

• Develop a Plan for Defining Neighborhoods and Creating New Associations .

• Create a Structure for Zones and Zone Identity .

• Define Neighborhood Zones .

• Create New Associations and Provide Guidance for Neighborhood Association Governance Structures .

• Support Existing Effective Neighborhood Associations with Training, Guidance and Marketing .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • Community Residents

• Existing Neighborhood Associations

• City Government

• Realtors, Community Leaders, and Civic Leaders


Did You Know…

• In 2015 statistics proved a 1% decline in crime against property in Pine Bluff.

• A 1.4% decline in crime against a person(s).

• There were 7,475 crimes in 2012 and 5,076 in 2015.

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COMMUNITY GARDENS/

BEAUTIFICATIONPROJECT

STRATEGY Establish a Public Garden in Central Park, Support Existing Garden Programs and Create Community Gardens for Neighborhoods and Each of the Newly Formed Neighborhood Associations . Create Attractive Signage and Landscaping at City Entrances as well as Major Thoroughfares .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Crime Prevention and Increased Property Values .

ACTION STEPS • Identify a Project Coordinator

(Possibly a Cooperative Extension Employee .)

• Establish a Community Garden Board .

• Seek Funding Grants from the City and/or Private Funding for Startup and Continuing Operations .

• Select Three Initial Spots for Community Gardens Using Newly Created Neighborhood Zones Referenced in the Recommendation for Neighborhood Associations .

• Design and Create a Public Garden in Central Park .

• Set Up a Process for Selecting Managers and Assistant Mangers for Each Garden .

• Assemble a Team of Volunteer Workers to Care for the Gardens .

• Create a Marketing Plan .

• Follow Approach Outlined in North Little Rock’s Fit2Live Program for Financing Garden Upkeep and Resolving Property Issues .

• Determine and create enhancements for city entrances and major thoroughfares .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • City Parks and Recreations

Department

• Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office

• Community Volunteers

• City Marketing Director (for Advertising), and Other Promotions

• Local Master Gardeners

• Community Landscaping Experts


Did You Know…

• Reports show crime reduction ranging from 30% to 50% over a 3 year period specif ically in the areas where community gardens had been created.

• Community Gardening is recognized by many police departments as an effective community crime prevention strategy. In Philadelphia, burglaries and thefts in 1 precinct dropped by 90 percent after police helped residents clean up vacant lots and plant gardens. (“Healing America’s Cities” p. 5–6, as cited in Englander, 2001)

• 41% of children and adults in America’s Southern Delta are overweight.

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COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

STRATEGY Hire a Community Planning and Development Coordinator to Implement Various Projects Set Forth by Go Forward Pine Bluff and Other Economic Development Organizations .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Accelerated Economic Growth and Improvements in the Quality of Life .

ACTION STEPS • Create a Hiring Committee

(Possible Members Could Include the Pine Bluff Marketing Director, Members of the Downtown Development, Inc ., and GFPB)

• Actively Recruit Candidates .

• Create a Job Description (this was Completed .)

• Research Comparable Positions and Staff Requirements .

• Hire Planning and Development Coordinator .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • Hiring Committee • City of Pine Bluff




MARKETING PLAN FOR

PINE BLUFF

STRATEGY Develop an Official Marketing Plan for the City of Pine Bluff .

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY Increased Economic Growth .

ACTION STEPS • Research Marketing Plans

for Similarly Sized Cities .

• Estimate a Reasonable Budget and Determine to What Extent Resources from the Private Sector Would Be Required to Implement a Comprehensive Plan .

• Secure Necessary Services and Expertise from Private Sector Firm .

• Develop a State of the Art Digital Marketing Campaign (i .e .Choose 901 .)

• Create a Singular Brand, Logo, and Motto for Pine Bluff .

• Implement a City Wide Marketing Campaign Extending to All Areas of City Government .

• Secure Buy-In from Private Citizens, Business Owners, Government Agencies, and Community Development Organizations .

• Establish a Media Relations Approach that Highlights the Good Things Happening in Pine Bluff .

• Workshops and Meetings to Ensure All Responsible Parties are on the Same Page .


Bluff Corporation

SUPPORTING PARTIES • City of Pine Bluff


• Digital Solutions Firm

• Citizens of Pine Bluff




WALKING/JOGGING/

BIKING TRAILS

STRATEGY Construct a Biking/Trail System Through Pine Bluff that will Link Regional Park, Saracen Landing and the Proposed Downtown District, Create Biking Paths Through Downtown; and Include a Walking/Biking Path Around Central Park that Connects to SEARK .

Benefit to the Community Promotes Health, Economic Development, and Space for Outdoor Activities

ACTION STEPS • Work with University

of Arkansas Center for Community Design to Include Trail System in their Master Strategy .

• Assure Plan Includes a Foot Bridge over the Martha Mitchell Expressway .

• Begin Construction of the Biking/Trail System .

• Create a Foundation to Help Secure Funds and Develop a Membership . Driven Support Structure to Maintain the Trail System .

• Promote Pine Bluff as a Great Place to have 5K’s, Marathons and Other Exercise Activities .

• Plan for maintenance of trail system once created .


Bluff Corporation

SUPPORTING PARTIES • Parks and Recreation

Department

• Pine Bluff Development Organizations

• Marketing Director

• University of Arkansas Center for Community Design

IMPLEMENTATION IV • Phase IV

Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism



“DELTA CLASSIC” CHRISTMAS

INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL

TOURNAMENT

STRATEGY Establish an Annual Delta Classic Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament .

Benefit to the Community Increased Tourism and Opportunities for Area Colleges to Recruit Athletes . Raises Pine Bluff ’s Profile as a Sports Town .

ACTION STEPS • Secure UAPB Court Availability

for Winter Tournament .

• Invite High School Teams from TN, AR and MS (4 Teams from TN & MS; 2 Teams from Pine Bluff; 2 from AR)

• Recruit Local Businesses to Provide Sponsorships, Volunteers (Grounds Crew, Umpires, Concessions, Crew, Scorekeepers, etc .) and T-Shirts .

• Create a Marketing and Fundraising Plan .

• Contact Coaches, Recruiters from Surrounding Areas .

• Obtain Vendors and Recruiters from UAPB, SEARK and Other Schools to Promote College Life to Participants .

• Coordinate Campus Tours and Other Activities for Participating Student Athletes .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • UAPB and SEARK

• City Marketing Director (For Advertising), and Other Promotions

• Volunteers

• Local Businesses for Sponsorships

• Teams and Coaches

• Parks and Recreation Department

IMPLEMENTATION • Phase IV



TORII HUNTER BASEBALL

TOURNAMENT of CHAMPIONS

STRATEGY Establish a Torii Hunter Baseball Tournament of Champions .

BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY Increased Tourism and Restoring Pine Bluff ’s Image as the State’s Leading Baseball Community .

ACTION STEPS • Reach Out to Pine Bluff

and Recreation Department and UAPB to Pitch the Idea and Make Sure Taylor and Torii Hunter Fields Meet the Standards Necessary to Support the Tournament .

• Enlist Divisional High School State Champions and One At Large Team to Comprise the 8 Teams for the Double Elimination Tournament .

• Vendors and Concessions .

• Develop a Regionally Focused Marketing Plan .

• Reach Out to Local Businesses for Sponsorships, Volunteers (Grounds Crew, Umpires, Concessions, Crew, Scorekeepers, etc .), and T-Shirts .

• Obtain Celebrities, Professional Players and Others for Promotional Appearances .

• Fundraising and Other Activities TBD .


SUPPORTING PARTIES • Torii Hunter and Friends

• City Parks and Recreations Department


• Local Businesses for Sponsorships

• Volunteers

• Camp Coaches (Sponsored by Torii Hunter – Coaching by UAPB Teams)

• UAPB Staff

• Vendors


Did You Know…

• The Pine Bluff Zebras baseball team is the one of the nation’s and state’s most successful programs with a state-record ten state baseball championship titles from 1959 through 1995, including four consecutive titles - “Dynasty Years” (1983–86).

• Coach Billy Bock, a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, coached the Zebras in their heyday, winning six state championships from 1983–1995.

““


Our HOPE is for a more vibrant downtown, more job opportunities, good things being reported about our community, and our children and

grandchildren wanting to return to Pine Bluff to live and “make a difference.”

concluDinGstatement

Photo Courtesy Arkansas Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Photo Courtesy



notes

GO FORWARD PINE BLUFF | A-1

a p p e n D i x

Government/Infrastructure Pillar and Speakers . . . . . A-2

Economic Development Pillar and Speakers . . . . . . . . A-3

Education Pillar and Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Quality of Life Pillar and Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

A-2 | GO FORWARD PINE BLUFF

Go Forward Pine BluffGovernment/Infrastructure Pillar

Rosalind Mouser, Chair

Kevin ArcherMelvin ClaytonNick CoxJimmy DillCooter FaillaReneta HarperEric Hobbs

Irene HolcombFredrick JacksonChuck MorganKirby MouserBob PurvisLarry ReynoldsJanice Roberts

Harold TerryEric Walden, Jr .Shirley WashingtonJerry WilliamsJessica Yarborough

Jim Youngquist, Staff

Go Forward Pine BluffGovernment/Infrastructure Speakers

• “Forms of Municipal Government in Arkansas” Mark Hayes, Arkansas Municipal League

• “Downtown Revitalization” Jimmy Moses, Moses-Tucker Real Estate

• “Downtown Revitalization” Greg Nabholz, Nabholz Development

• “Status of Historic Preservation in Pine Bluff ” Dee Herring Gatlin, Pine Bluff Historic District Commission

• “Downtown Main Street” Joy Blankenship, Pine Bluff Downtown Master Plan Development

• “Downtown Design Guidelines” Mitch Rose, McClelland Consulting Engineers

• “What Business, Industry, and Companies are looking for in a Community” and “What they think about Pine Bluff ” Lou Ann Nisbett, The Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County

• “Best Practices in Affordable Housing and Downtown Redevelopment” Kemp Morgan, Delta Regional Authority

• “Affordable Single Housing as a Redevelopment Tool” Clarence Chapman and Roscoe Word, Chartre Companies

• “Revitalization and Prosperity of a Decayed Community” Monica Bilak, Paducah Lower Arts District

• “Downtown Redevelopment and Development Renaissance” Steve Doolittle, City of Paducah Planning

• “City of Little Rock Land Bank Housing and Neighborhood Programs” Andre Bernard, City of Little Rock

• “City’s Private Water Company” Dan Hilton, Liberty Utilities

• “City Issues” Debe Hollingsworth, Pine Bluff Mayor

• “Fire Department Overview” Shauwn Howell, Pine Bluff Fire Chief

• “Police Department Overview” Jeff Hubanks, Pine Bluff Police Chief

• “Street Overview” Rick Rhoden, Pine Bluff Street Department

• “Led Pillar Tour of Downtown” Irene Holcomb, Former City Council Member

• “Pine Bluff Masonic Temple” Cooter Failla, Former PSC Member

• “Community Theater” Cooter Failla, Former PSC Member

• “Jefferson County Historical Museum and the Pine Bluff Convention Center” Bob Purvis, Executive Director, Pine Bluff Convention Center


Go Forward Pine BluffEconomic Development Pillar

Nick Makris, Chair

Pat AndersonDrew AtkinsonJeffrey BillingsleyCharles Boyd Sr .Julie BridgeforthSteven S . BrownKendra Burrell

Vivian ButlerChristopher DoolittleDane DuffieldTracy V . DunbarDee Herring GatlinJohn LawsonKristin McCool

Lou Ann NisbettRon PowellJoseph RayfusChris RittenhouseJeffery ShortsMonica SmithRyan Watley

Mike Gerfen, Staff

Go Forward Pine BluffEconomic Development Pillar Speakers

• “Business Retention/Expansion” Lou Ann Nisbett, President/CEO of the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County

•Basic Occupational Data Collection and Analysis” Dr . Watley, Chemistry Professor UAPB

• “Department of Career Education” Ray Henson, Arkansas Dept of Career Ed

• “Programs and Services” Janel Cotter, Arkansas State University Employability Training Programs


Go Forward Pine BluffEducation Pillar

Scott Pittillo, Chair

Barbara AbrahamLaurence AlexanderStephen BronskillDavid R BrownManda BurnettEarlean CollinsMattie Collins

Adrian DhanarajWillie FultonEarnest IngramJuawana JacksonCalvin JohnsonAlexandra KosmitisSederick Rice

Samarra SpearsByron TateMalinda TraweekJohn WallShirley WashingtonKurwin WhiteLaTasha Woods

Jane Wayland and Michael Collins, Staff

Go Forward Pine BluffEducation Pillar Speakers

• “Workforce Consortiums with Education” Ray Henson, Dept . of Career Education Business and Industry

• “Framework for Teaching and Administration” Dr . Charlotte Danielson, The Danielson Group Leadership .

• “How The Learning Institute Tracks Progress in Districts” Dr . Richard Wilde, Dept . of Education

• “Implementation in Pine Bluff of the University of Virginia Program” William Robinson, Pine Bluff School Dist .

• “Expert in school Finance, Shared PBSD Audit Experience” Doug Brown, Retired State Auditor

• “Addressing Financial and Academic Challenges in the District” Andrew Talbot, Dept . of Education

• “As Executive Director, He Shared What TFA Provides” Jerad Henderson, Teach for America

• “The Innovation Hub and Entrepreneurship” Warwick Sabin, The Innovation Hub

• “UAPB’s Engagement with K-12 and Greater Community” Dr . George Herts, Ed . Dept ., UAPB

• “Student Placement Options within Distressed Schools” Ms . Willie Mae Hobbs, UAPB

• “Graduate programs and Teacher Continuing Education” Ms . Bonita Corbin, UAPB

• “Local Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Options” Dr . Todd Gardner, UAPB

• “Remedial Education in Post-High School Settings” Dr . Stephen Hilterbran, SEARK

• “Forward Arkansas Partnership for K-12 Public Schools” Cory Anderson, Walton Foundation

• “School Improvement and Professional Development” LaDonna Spain Dept . of Education

• “Team Building, Leadership, and Strategic Planning” Dr . Michael Robinson, PBSD


Go Forward Pine BluffQuality of Life Pillar

Kaleybra Morehead, Chair

Joy BlankenshipTavante CalhounLeigh CockrumKimberly FoxCynthia HinesCardell MeadowsRebecca Pittillo

Freddye PetettLynda PicklerFloretta ScottRoderick ShelbyLenore ShoultsCatherine SmartBrian Thomas

Jestin ThomasJames WalkerGene White, Jr .Jason WilliamsBrenna Woodruff

Randall Wright and April Campbell, Staff

Go Forward Pine BluffQuality of Life Pillar Speakers

• “State of the Tourism Industry in Pine Bluff ” Greg Gustek, Pine Bluff Convention and Visitors Bureau

• “Innovation Hub Mr . Warwick Sabin, State Representative and executive director of The Innovation Hub

• “Pine Bluff Positive Youth Development Program” Attorney Alexandra Kosmitis and Nick Makris

• “Safety Issues, Community Involvement with Police and Marketing Needs for Successful Police Programs” Deputy Chief Keith Sergeant, Pine Bluff Police Department

• “Community Gardens and their Relationship to Safety and the NLR Fit2Live Program” Mike Collins, former employee of AEDC and employee of IEA

• “Aquatic/Multi-purpose Center” Mayor Deborah Hollingsworth

• “Streetscape” Joy Blankenship, Pine Bluff Development Director and Mitch Rose, VP of McClellen Consulting

• “Current State of Pine Bluff Economic Development” Lori Walker, Pine Bluff Economic Developer

• “Revitalization of the Paducah Downtown Area” Steve Doolittle and Monica Bilak, Paducah, KY

• “Marketing Plan for Pine Bluff ” Cynthia Hines, City of Pine Bluff Marketing Director

• “Community Gardens” Lee Anderson andMary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service

• “The Fifty for the Future” Dr . Dean Kumpuris, Chair The Fifty for the Future

• “Food Truck Pavilion” Susie Powell, City of Pine Bluff Quality of Life Director

A special acknowledgement to the Watson Chapel and Dollarway High Schools and Southeast Arkansas College for participating in a restaurant interest survey.


acKnoWleDGementsCory AndersonRockefeller Foundation

Sherece Y . West-ScantleburyRockefeller Foundation

Susan Bonesteel HarrimanForward Arkansas

Steve LuoniDirector University of Arkansas Architecture & Community Design

Phil TappeDean of Forestry at University of Arkansas Monticello

Ed GravesPublisher, Pine Bluff Commercial

Chief Jeff HubanksPine Bluff Police Department

Debe HollingsworthMayor, City of Pine Bluff

Shirley WashingtonMayor Elect, City of Pine Bluff

Henry WilkinsCounty Judge Elect

Cynthia HinesCity of Pine Bluff Marketing Director

Steve MillerCity of Pine Bluff Chief Financial Officer

Joe ChildersAssistant City Attorney, City of Pine Bluff

Bill BridgforthRamsay Bridgforth Attorneys at Law

J Shepherd RussellFriday Eldredge Russell

Warwick SabinNorth Little Rock Hub

Harold Perrin and TeamMayor of Jonesboro

Lee AndersonJefferson County Extension Service

Six Guests from IMPACT Independence County

Simmons First FoundationP: (870) 541 .1196 F: (870) 541-1045

501 S . Main Street | Pine Bluff, AR 71601

arkansas - goforwardpinebluff · arti e cr e k cv w saracen st leawood dr indian hills dr w 1 9 t h...

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