Community Project Fund Award

About the Community Project Fund Award

In March of 2022, President Biden signed H.R. 2471 - Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 into law nearly a year after the bill was originally introduced. Upon passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, the City was notified that it would receive a $3,000,000 Federal Award to support infrastructure for SLS Community and the South Cato Springs project. Congressman Womack published a press release in early March that highlights funding that was secured for third district projects. 

Acceptance of this award will be brought before the Fayetteville City Council for their review and consideration this year. 

A full list of Final Funded Projects for Fiscal Year 2022 can be found by visiting the House Committee on Appropriations website. The City of Fayetteville's award can be found in the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies list.

Current Status

On July 18, 2022 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided their FY2022 Community Project Funding Grant Guide. In August, staff attended a series of grant administration trainings for the program. On September 27, 2022, City staff provided an update on the Community Project Fund Award and SLS Community during the City Council's agenda setting session. 

City Staff's presentation to the Fayetteville City Council on September 27, 2022.

Background

In April of 2021, Mayor Jordan sent a letter to Congressman Womack requesting infrastructure support for SLS Community and the South Cato Springs project, through the Federal Budget process.  After nearly a year, the City received notice that the request would be funded with a $3,000,000 Federal award that will be administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

What is a Community Project Fund Award?

The Community Project Fund is a Federal appropriations program for members of Congress that has been reformed by the Appropriations Committee to enhance accountability and transparency of community funding through a range of new requirements. These new requirements can be found on the House Appropriation Committee's Fiscal Year 2022 web page. 

Information on Appropriations Requests for Federal Fiscal Year 2023 can be found here.

SLS Community and its Impact Partners

About SLS Community

SLS Community is a Fayetteville founded non-profit grounded in the mission of supporting lifelong success for neurodiverse adults and their families by making essential resources accessible to all. It will create opportunities for neurodiverse adults to flourish, interact meaningfully with the broader community and find their own paths to self-actualization. SLS is planning a community in South Fayetteville that provides clinical, educational, residential and employment opportunities for neurodiverse residents and their families. Learn more about SLS Community.

SLS Impact Partners

SLS Community has adopted a collective impact model in order to combine resources from impact partners to solve the complex social problems experienced by neurodiverse adults. Its goal is to orchestrate this effort with its impact partners, including government, private enterprises, universities and philanthropic groups. 

  • The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has partnered with SLS Community develop an on-site Genomic Clinic, including specialty medical services and allied therapeutic services for all residents, with special adaptations for neurodiverse residents. 
  • SLS Community has partnered with South Cato Springs Holdings, LLC who purchased the property in 2019.