May 6, 2021
Springfield-Greene County eligible for $100 million in federal funding
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has hired former City of Springfield and Greene County leader Tim Smith to help coordinate pandemic recovery and rebuilding resources available through the federal American Rescue Plan.
Smith will work part-time for the next several months as the American Rescue Plan Recovery Funds Coordinator. His role includes reviewing the earlier stimulus bills and the American Rescue Plan Act approved by Congress this year; researching programs, rules, eligibility criteria for funding opportunities; coordinating communication among various recipient groups or institutions; and cataloging funds received.
“In just the most recent plan, Springfield and Greene County will be eligible for about $100 million in federal funding,” CFO President Brian Fogle said. “Additional funding resources will be available for other programs, including the nonprofit sector. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Springfield-Greene County and being prepared with the best information and coordination will allow us to take full advantage of the funding.”
Fogle said he vetted the idea of a temporary coordinator position with other civic leaders who agreed it’s in the community’s best interests to avoid duplication of effort and work toward the most effective use of the federal funds to meet local needs. It aligns with Springfield-Greene County’s long record of collaborative public leadership, he said.
“Tim Smith was the first person who came to mind as an ideal candidate for this role,” Fogle said.
Smith retired as the Greene County Administrator in 2014 after having worked at the County since 1992. He joined the City of Springfield as Deputy City Manager from 2014 to 2017. He also served as interim Executive Director for the James River Basin Partnership while that nonprofit searched for a new director for its work in protecting and preserving the water quality in the James River watershed. Smith’s educational background is in civil engineering.
“I completely agree with Brian that this is a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ for our community,” Smith said. “Because of Springfield's unique collaborative culture, we will be in a position to maximize the benefits to the community.”
