Fort Smith Directors Approve $60,000 for Levitt AMP Concert Series

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Fort Smith's Board of Directors has committed $60,000over three years to support Main Street Fort Smith's Levitt AMP free outdoor concert series, ensuring seven shows downtown this cycle. The funding serves as a local match for a national grant, with supporters saying the concerts boost downtown businesses and bring residents together, despite concerns about future budgets and potential conflicts of interest.

Why it matters

The Levitt AMP concert series is a key part of Fort Smith's efforts to revitalize its downtown and support local businesses. The $60,000 in city funding will help sustain this popular community event, which draws residents and visitors alike to the city's core. However, the long-term funding commitment has raised some concerns about budgetary constraints and potential conflicts of interest.

The details

The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted to allocate $60,000 over a three-year period to support the Levitt AMP free outdoor concert series organized by Main Street Fort Smith. This funding will allow the series to continue hosting seven shows annually in downtown Fort Smith. The Levitt AMP concerts are seen as a way to boost foot traffic and economic activity in the city's central business district, though some directors expressed worries about the long-term budget impact and potential conflicts of interest related to the event.

• The Board of Directors approved the $60,000 funding commitment in April 2026.
• The Levitt AMP concert series will continue for the next three years, from 2026 to 2028.

What’s next

The Fort Smith Board of Directors will continue to monitor the budget impact and potential conflicts of interest related to the Levitt AMP concert series as it moves forward over the next three years.