Downtown Action Alliance Forms
In early September 2009, Robert Smith joined GFDA as a VISTA volunteer. One of the tasks that Robert has been assigned is working to facilitate the formation of a Downtwon Action Alliance. That group has been formed with membership from the private and public sectors and meets on a monthly basis.
As part of his work thus far, Robert has put together Downtown Underway and will be working with the City of Great Falls on a grant application to fund a Master Planning Process. Please watch here for more information on the project as it moves forward and for updates on the Downtown Action Alliance.
GFDA is excited that Robert has chosen to spend his VISTA service in Great Falls. Robert is a native of Saint Cloud, Minnesota. He is a recent graduate of North Dakota State University holding a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and a master’s degree in Architecture. Robert currently spends seventy-five percent of his time employed under the Great Falls Development Authority working on preliminary grant writing, design work, and overall communication practices with those involved with downtown Great Falls. The other twenty-five percent of his time is spent aiding and supporting those involved with NeighborWorks and their Mutual Self Help Program. Robert has committed a year of his life to Great Falls, MT and to AmeriCorps*VISTA (volunteers in service to America) and will be working with us until August of 2010. Robert and his girlfriend, Katrina, live just north of downtown with their young and anxious Small Munsterlander puppy, who loves to point and chase birds across Montana’s various and beautiful landscapes.
For more information on this exciting Downtwon effort, please contact Robert Smith or call him at (406) 771-9031.
