PINE BLUFF, Ark. — After two failed attempts to convince Pine Bluff voters to contribute to its mission, the local group Go Forward Pine Bluff has found a new funding source.
"We've been existing since 2017, and we've done a fantastic job of bringing more energy to the city," Go Forward Pine Bluff CEO Ryan Watley said.
Watley said Go Forward's Pine Bluff's goal is to make the city "go and grow." His group has helped build a local community center and the Pine Bluff aquatics facility, among other things.
Watley cited government infrastructure, quality of life, economic development, and public education as the areas the organization helps with.
However, the city voted against giving Go Forward Pine Bluff money twice in 2023 to continue their projects.
Watley claims there was confusion about how money raised by a local sales tax would help the group.
"Some of those people who voted no were misled by the opposition to the tax," Watley said. "For whatever reason."
But now the group has new hope, as it was recently awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Delta Regional Authority.
That money, combined with funds from the Walton Family Foundation and Simmons Bank, means Go Forward Pine Bluff has close to $4.5 million to continue its efforts.
"First of all, we're thankful for those individuals who gave us that award," Watley said. "This is for our 6th and Main restaurant and retail district in Pine Bluff."
Watley is referring to what he says is the group’s next project—an area on 6th and Main Street in downtown Pine Bluff that will allow local vendors and small businesses to open brick-and-mortar restaurants and stores.
He said it'll hopefully show residents that the organization is serious about improving the city, with or without taxpayer dollars.
"We will truly have a center for culture and commerce in downtown Pine Bluff,” Watley said.