Home Education AR Forms 1st Sustainable Communities Steering Committee AR Forms 1st Sustainable Communities Steering Committee Arkansas Department of Higher Education Director Jim Purcell said the concept of sustainable communities is important because the solutions to reducing the consequences of poverty are not short-term.  The Sustainable Communities Steering Committee, an advisory group of statewide agencies, businesses, nonprofits and community-based organizations recognizes that the resources needed by college students cannot be provided solely through colleges.  Read more.