News Flash

Jan. 12 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

City Clerk announces retirement; assistant to be appointed acting City Clerk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield City Clerk Brenda Cirtin formally announces she will retire in August 2015. She and City Council have agreed upon a transition plan that includes appointing current assistant city clerk Anita Cotter as acting City Clerk, ...

Public Works asks for input on updated design standards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield Public Works is updating the content of the Design Standards, General Conditions and Technical Specifications and Standard Drawing Details for Public Improvements documents, and asks consultants, contractors and other int...

Volunteers needed for local boards and commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield is currently taking applications for a variety of boards and commissions. Current openings include:

• Planning & Zoning Commission,
• Landmarks Board,
• Traffic Advisory Board,
• Art Museum Board,
• Citizens Advisory Boa...

Filing closes for City Council seats

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Filing closed at 5 p.m. Tuesday for those interested in running for a City Council seat or for Springfield mayor. Five of nine council seats are on the ballot. The following seats are up for election:

• Mayor (currently occupied by Bob ...

Today's Route 66 Festival news conference postponed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE In light of the news regarding the shooting of a Springfield police officer, the news conference scheduled at 10 a.m. at the Gillioz Theatre will be postponed. We regret any inconvenience and will send out a new date once it is estab...

Jan. 26 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Springfield-Greene Co. 911 Emergency Communications fields 490,143 total calls in 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE In 2014, the Springfield-Greene County 911 Emergency Communications department averaged more than 20,500 9-1-1 calls per month with nearly 80% from mobile devices, says Director Zim Schwartze. The Springfield-Greene County 911 teleco...

City, County leaders update Council and Commission on urgent stormwater issues

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Manager Greg Burris and Greene County Administrator Chris Coulter dove right into urgent stormwater management issues at a joint meeting of Springfield City Council and the Greene County Commission. The update follows a sobering...

Tickets now on sale for Playin' & Prayin' for 1641 benefit concert for injured police officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tickets are now on sale for the Feb. 27 Prayin' & Prayin' for 1641 benefit concert at the Gillioz Theatre to benefit Officer Aaron Pearson and his family with their long-term expenses. Officer Pearson was shot in the line of duty...

Newly created Springfield Homeless Court Program offers fresh start

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The path out of homelessness is a complicated one, often met with many obstacles. A new program created by Springfield Municipal Court, the Springfield Police Department, the City Prosecutor’s Office, Legal Services of Southwest Miss...

Feb. 9 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Feb. 23 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

UPDATE: Rally to support Officer Aaron Pearson moved to the Historic Fox Theatre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Please join the City of Springfield for a rally in support of Officer Aaron Pearson at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Fox Theatre on Park Central Square. The event will include a welcome by Mayor Bob Stephens; prayer and short service by ...

MoDOT engineer to speak at City Council Lunch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Becky Baltz, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) southwest district engineer, will speak to Springfield City Council at noon, Tuesday, March 3, 2015 in the Busch Municipal Building, 840 N. Boonville. Baltz will provide info...

Public Hearing for Menards West Zoning and Plat Rescheduled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The zoning case and preliminary plat for the Menards West project (3705 W. Sunshine Street) will be tabled at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting Thursday, March 5. The applicant has requested the tabling. The public hearing...

Landmarks Board meeting cancelled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Due to inclement weather, the Landmarks Board meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m. in Historic City Hall is canceled. All agenda items will be forwarded to the next meeting in two weeks on Wednesday, March 18. For more information, contact C...

Public Works crews at work on slick roadways

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield Public Works road crews are at work Wednesday night clearing a light dusting of snow from area roadways. Main arterial routes are currently slick, with center turn lanes and intersection turn lanes covered. A 12-person cr...

No building inspections March 27; inspectors to attend disaster training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Commercial and residential building inspections will not be available from the City’s Building Development Services Friday, March 27 because the department’s inspectors will be participating in training led by the Missouri State Emer...

Bill to repeal pit bull ordinance removed from Monday’s City Council agenda

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE At the request of Councilman Craig Fishel, Mayor Robert Stephens has agreed to postpone the first reading of Council Bill No. 2015-056. The bill, sponsored by Councilman Doug Burlison, would repeal the ordinance outlining regulations...

March 9 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

City of Springfield thanks Convoy of Hope for delivering water to mobile-home park residents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield-based Convoy of Hope delivered much-needed water this morning to a mobile home park in northeast Springfield where more than 30 families have been without access to running water since Monday. 

The City of Springf...

Stationary bike offers exercise, stress relief for Springfield-Greene County 911 telecommunicators

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Studies have shown that 911 telecommunicators have one of the most stressful jobs in the U.S. From long hours and increasing call volumes to fielding calls from distraught citizens, most agree that while the job is rewarding, it can ...

Public Works to rotate the Tumbler on Park Central Square Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE If we can’t see the Tumbler’s shadow after its spring rotation next week, does that mean we won’t have six more weeks of winter? Superintendent of Streets Ron Bailey isn’t sure, but he encourages interested citizens to come down to P...

March 23 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Media Tour of Heer's Luxury Living

What: Media Tour of Heer’s Luxury Living When: 10 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2015 (please arrive 20 minutes prior to sign a liability waiver) Where: 138 Park Central Square West For more information, contact Zachary Nichols at the Dalmark Development Group:...

City Council receives arbitrator’s recommendations for police union

The City of Springfield is one step away from arriving at a mutually agreeable collective bargaining agreement with the Springfield Police Officers’ Association (SPOA), Fraternal Order of the Police Lodge 22, after a meeting on Friday, March 27, 2015. Cou...

Citizen-led Environmental Priorities Task Force to present findings Tuesday

MEDIA ALERT Representatives from a 31-member citizen task force will present the group’s findings to City Council and the Greene County Commission at noon, Tuesday, March 31 at the Public Safety Center, 330 W. Scott Street. The Springfield-Greene County E...

City Council to vote on union contract

MEDIA ALERT Springfield City Council will vote on a collective bargaining agreement with the Springfield Police Officers’ Association (SPOA), Fraternal Order of the Police Lodge 22 (police union) at a special council meeting at noon, March 31, 2015 at the...

City Council approves collective bargaining agreement with police union

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield City Council voted to approve a collective bargaining agreement with the Springfield Police Officers’ Association (SPOA), Fraternal Order of the Police Lodge 22 (police union) at a special council meeting at noon, March 3...

Martin Gugel selected as Springfield Public Works Assistant Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Martin Gugel, P.E., has been selected as the new Public Works Assistant Director, effective April 5. He replaces Jonathan Gano, who moved to Des Moines last year. Gugel will oversee traffic, transportation management, internal servic...

Arbor Day poster contest winner to be honored with tree-dedication ceremony tomorrow

MEDIA ALERT Cowden Elementary fifth-grader Marion Deweerd will be honored with a tree-dedication ceremony for her city-wide and state of Missouri award-winning Arbor Day poster at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 3 at Cowden Elementary School, 2927 S. Kimbrough Av...

Public hearing for Menards zoning case and preliminary plat set for April 9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The zoning case and 39-acre preliminary plat for a Menards home improvement store at the corner of Zimmer Avenue and West Sunshine Street will come before the Planning & Zoning Commission at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9 in Counci...

Jail policy to be discussed at City-County staff meeting Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City of Springfield and Greene County staff will discuss Sheriff Jim Arnott's recent decision to stop taking prisoners booked on municipal-only charges, at tomorrow's regularly scheduled City-County Staff Meeting. The meeting will ta...

City, County leaders to update Council and Commission on urgent law enforcement issues Tuesday

MEDIA ALERT City Manager Greg Burris and Greene County Administrator Chris Coulter will update City Council and the Greene County Commission about urgent law enforcement and criminal justice system issues at a noon meeting Tuesday, April 14 at the Public ...

April 27 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

April 13 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

City, County leaders update Council and Commission on urgent law enforcement issues

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Manager Greg Burris and Greene County Administrator Chris Coulter updated City Council and the Greene County Commission about urgent law enforcement and criminal justice system issues at a noon meeting today at the Public Safety...

Take time to thank a 911 telecommunicator this week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12-18 is set aside in Springfield and across the nation as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week to recognize the outstanding service of 911 dispatchers. The Springfield-Greene County 911 Emergency Communications depar...

New City Council to interview candidates for Zone 1 on Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The 2015 Springfield City Council will interview the five applicants for the Zone 1 seat at its Council Lunch meeting at noon, April 21 at the Busch Municipal Building. Zone 1 is located in the northwest quadrant of the City of Sprin...

Firm issues audit findings for City’s purchasing card program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A certified accounting firm selected to perform the City of Springfield’s internal audit functions, has completed its first audit: a look at the City’s purchasing card (P-card) program. RubinBrown, Certified Accountants and & Bus...

City Council Zone 1 candidate interview schedule

MEDIA ALERT City Council will interview the five applicants for the Zone 1 seat at its Council Lunch meeting at April 21 at the Busch Municipal Building. The interview schedule is:

• 11:50 a.m.-noon: Brent Esch

• Noon-12:10 p.m.: Joseph Ho...

Gift of Time nominations now open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Every day across the Ozarks, hundreds of volunteers lend their time to nonprofit, public and human-service organizations. Since 1991, the Gift of Time Awards Luncheon has recognized volunteers who contribute thousands of hours to mak...

Phyllis Ferguson selected to Zone 1 Council Seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Phyllis Ferguson was selected as the new Zone 1 Councilperson at a special Council meeting April 21. Phyllis is chief operating officer and treasurer for Mexican Villa Food Products, Inc. and has previously worked for Mercy and Heer’...

Hotel/Motel Tax Reallocation Committee announces application process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Hotel/Motel Tax Reallocation Committee, a committee appointed by City Council to manage the grant award process for the returned tax proceeds from Wonders of Wildlife (WOW), will host a mandatory question and answer session at 4:...

Dedication for Fassnight Creek Greenway and Stormwater Project Thursday at 11 a.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Please join the City of Springfield, Ozark Greenways Inc., the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, and Greene County at 11 a.m., Thursday April 30 for the dedication and ribbon cutting for the Fassnight Creek Greenway and Stormwate...

April 27 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

April 13 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

City, County leaders update Council and Commission on urgent law enforcement issues

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Manager Greg Burris and Greene County Administrator Chris Coulter updated City Council and the Greene County Commission about urgent law enforcement and criminal justice system issues at a noon meeting today at the Public Safety...

Take time to thank a 911 telecommunicator this week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12-18 is set aside in Springfield and across the nation as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week to recognize the outstanding service of 911 dispatchers. The Springfield-Greene County 911 Emergency Communications depar...

New City Council to interview candidates for Zone 1 on Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The 2015 Springfield City Council will interview the five applicants for the Zone 1 seat at its Council Lunch meeting at noon, April 21 at the Busch Municipal Building. Zone 1 is located in the northwest quadrant of the City of Sprin...

Firm issues audit findings for City’s purchasing card program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A certified accounting firm selected to perform the City of Springfield’s internal audit functions, has completed its first audit: a look at the City’s purchasing card (P-card) program. RubinBrown, Certified Accountants and & Bus...

City Council Zone 1 candidate interview schedule

MEDIA ALERT City Council will interview the five applicants for the Zone 1 seat at its Council Lunch meeting at April 21 at the Busch Municipal Building. The interview schedule is:

• 11:50 a.m.-noon: Brent Esch

• Noon-12:10 p.m.: Joseph Ho...

Gift of Time nominations now open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Every day across the Ozarks, hundreds of volunteers lend their time to nonprofit, public and human-service organizations. Since 1991, the Gift of Time Awards Luncheon has recognized volunteers who contribute thousands of hours to mak...

Phyllis Ferguson selected to Zone 1 Council Seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Phyllis Ferguson was selected as the new Zone 1 Councilperson at a special Council meeting April 21. Phyllis is chief operating officer and treasurer for Mexican Villa Food Products, Inc. and has previously worked for Mercy and Heer’...

Hotel/Motel Tax Reallocation Committee announces application process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Hotel/Motel Tax Reallocation Committee, a committee appointed by City Council to manage the grant award process for the returned tax proceeds from Wonders of Wildlife (WOW), will host a mandatory question and answer session at 4:...

Dedication for Fassnight Creek Greenway and Stormwater Project Thursday at 11 a.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Please join the City of Springfield, Ozark Greenways Inc., the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, and Greene County at 11 a.m., Thursday April 30 for the dedication and ribbon cutting for the Fassnight Creek Greenway and Stormwate...

April 27 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

City’s budget highlights: Public safety, environmental stewardship and employee pay

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Council began budget discussions Tuesday at a lunch workshop facilitated by Finance Director Mary Mannix Decker. The workshop follows City Manager Greg Burris submitting the fiscal year 2016 City of Springfield Budget to City Co...

Municipal Court, SMBA and partners to host seminar featuring founder of first homeless court program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield and partners Legal Services of Southern Missouri, Drury Enactus, The Kitchen Inc., Burrell Behavioral Health, I Pour Life, Missouri Career Center-Ozark Region and Springfield Metropolitan Bar Foundation will h...

City of Springfield, community partners to host 9 events in May to listen to neighborhood concerns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Community leaders will be “all ears” at a series of nine meetings in Springfield neighborhoods starting Monday. “We have studied multi-year trends in our community, and in your neighborhood, and while there have been tremendous strid...

1,000 runners expected in downtown Springfield Sunday morning for run

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE About 1,000 participants are expected for the Missouri State University ROTC third annual Springfield Urban Warrior Challenge 12K beginning at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, May 3 in downtown Springfield. Off-duty Springfield Police Department o...

Series of neighborhood meetings starts tonight at 6 p.m. at Bissett Elementary School

MEDIA ALERT Community leaders will be “all ears” at a series of nine meetings in Springfield neighborhoods starting tonight at 6 p.m. at Bissett Elementary School, 3014 W. Calhoun. Food and childcare will be provided for those who wish to attend. The meet...

Be part of the Route 66 SGF legacy by participating in Give Ozarks tomorrow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nearly 150 nonprofit agencies will participate in the region’s first-ever 24-hour online giving day during the Community Foundation of the Ozarks' Give Ozarks event May 5. The City of Springfield, with its Birthplace of Route 66 Road...

City to issue $41 million of bonds for sewer system improvements May 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield plans to issue approximately $41 million of bonds for sewer system improvements, which have been rated Aa2 by Moody’s Investor’s Service. Moody’s also affirmed the Aa1rating on the City’s outstanding general o...

Two-part dedication for new Link crossings, HAWK signal Friday at 3 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Please join the City of Springfield, Ozark Greenways Inc. and Ozarks Technical Community College at 3 p.m. Friday, May 8 for a two-part dedication and ribbon cutting for the The Link crossings at Sunset Street (which includes the Hig...

May sales tax revenue down 4% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's May 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 4% compared to what was budgeted, however, receipts are still strong on a year-to-date basis, according to City Finance Director...

Neighbors in Tom Watkins, West Central and Woodland Heights to share concerns this week

MEDIA ALERT Community leaders will listen to the concerns of residents of the Tom Watkins, West Central and Woodland Heights neighborhoods this week. • Tom Watkins: 5 p.m. tonight, Williams Elementary, 2205 W. Kearney.

• West Central: 5:30 p.m., M...

May 11 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

City mobile app GoSpringfieldMO now available for download

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield has launched its first mobile app, GoSpringfieldMO. The app is available for free download via iTunes (for Apple devices) and the Google Play store (for Android devices) by searching “GoSpringfieldMO.” App use...

Gift of Time nomination deadline Sunday at 5 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Every day across the Ozarks, hundreds of volunteers lend their time to nonprofit, public and human-service organizations. Since 1991, the Gift of Time Awards Luncheon has recognized volunteers who contribute thousands of hours to mak...

Anita Cotter named Springfield City Clerk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Acting City Clerk Anita Cotter has been appointed by Springfield City Council as the new City Clerk. She has served as Assistant City Clerk since 1996 and replaces Brenda Cirtin, who transitioned to City Clerk Emeritus in March. Cirt...

Neighbors in Midtown, Grant Beach and Heart of the Westside to share concerns this week

MEDIA ALERT Community leaders will listen to the concerns of residents of the Midtown, Grant Beach and Heart of the Westside neighborhoods this week. Results from the six previous meetings are available at springfieldmo.gov/communitylisten. • Midtown: 7 p...

BDS asks building and development community to review proposed amendments to adopted building codes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield’s Building Development Services department has prepared a series of proposed amendments to the building codes that were adopted by the City in 2012. The draft language of these proposed changes can be found at...

Gift of Time nomination deadline extended to Thursday at midnight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Every day across the Ozarks, hundreds of volunteers lend their time to nonprofit, public and human-service organizations. Since 1991, the Gift of Time Awards Luncheon has recognized volunteers who contribute thousands of hours to mak...

Budget Discussions to continue Tuesday, May 26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Council will have a budget workshop at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 in the Fire Department 1st floor conference room in Historic City Hall. The meeting is open to the public, however, this meeting is not a public hearing. The publi...

May 26 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Municipal Court Chief Judge Todd Thornhill selected for Missouri Supreme Court working group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Supreme Court of Missouri May 14 announced the formation of the Supreme Court Municipal Division Work Group, which it has charged with reviewing all matters relevant to practice in the municipal divisions throughout the state, wi...

International Institute of Municipal Clerks recognizes Brenda Cirtin with Honorary Membership award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The International Institute of Municipal Clerks recognized City Clerk Emeritus Brenda Cirtin with its Honorary Membership award on May 18 at its annual conference in Hartford, Connecticut. This class of membership is reserved for per...

City staff recommends group home ordinance be tabled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City staff are recommending that the Planning & Zoning Commission table group home text amendments and the reasonable accommodation text amendment at tonight's meeting. If the Commission decides to table, it will likely be brough...

American Legion post to host traveling Vietnam memorial wall in July

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Everyone should have an opportunity to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, but most Americans, especially those living outside of the Washington, D.C., area may never get the opportunity. Thanks to the American Legion Post 639, a...

June sales tax revenue up 3% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's June 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 3% compared to what was budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in May from transactions made primarily in Apri...

June 8 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

911 director to participate in Special Olympics torch relay through eight states to World Games

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield-Greene County 911 Emergency Communications Director Zim Schwartze is an avid runner and fitness aficionado. But running with an Olympic torch through eight of the United States next week will be a first for her. Schwartze...

Celebrate National Home Ownership Month by touring Community Land Trust home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEA previous version of this release included information about touring a Habitat for Humanity home in Legacy Pines. While Habitat for Humanity will still be part of this event, the tour of the home has been canceled. The City of Sprin...

Several community events downtown Saturday, June 20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Downtown Springfield is the place to be on Saturday, June 20, with a wide variety of community events for all ages. Greater Ozarks Pridefest

• Walk: 11 a.m.-noon, Boonville Avenue from Chestnut Expressway to the Square).

• Festival: No...

Gift of Time awards luncheon tomorrow at Ramada Oasis Convention Center

MEDIA ALERT The City of Springfield and Council of Churches of the Ozarks will host the annual Gift of Time Awards luncheon noon-1 p.m. tomorrow at the Ramada Inn Oasis Convention Center, 2456 N. Glenstone. The Gift of Time Awards has the distinction of b...

24th annual Gift of Time Awards Luncheon honors 37, awards 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ten local citizens were honored by the Council of Churches of the Ozarks and City of Springfield as the Volunteers of the Year at the annual Gift of Time Awards Luncheon today at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center. Nominated by vario...

Great Race festivities to begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday

MEDIA ALERT The first day of the Hemmings Motor News Great Race along historic Route 66 will kick off in Kirkwood tomorrow and will wind up in Springfield Saturday afternoon. The Great Race will feature more than 100 classic cars competing on their way to...

June 22 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Springfield Homeless Court Program's first success stories to graduate tomorrow evening

MEDIA ALERT The path out of homelessness is a complicated one, often met with many obstacles. A program created by Springfield Municipal Court, the Springfield Police Department, the City Prosecutor’s Office, Legal Services of Southwest Missouri and commu...

Mayor: future for Springfield continues to be bright

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE More than 300 attendees gathered to hear Mayor Bob Stephens share his views this morning about the state of Springfield during the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Springfield! at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and E...

City staff to ask P&Z Commission, Council for more time regarding group home ordinance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City staff are recommending to the Planning & Zoning Commission to table the group home text amendments and the reasonable accommodation text amendment at Thursday’s meeting. If the commission grants the request, the amendments w...

July sales tax revenue up 9% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's July 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 9% compared to what was budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in June from transactions made primarily in May...

Mayor's State of the City address tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. at e-Plex

MEDIA ALERT Mayor Bob Stephens will share his views about the state of Springfield during the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Springfield! at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center (e-Plex) tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. Those wh...

MEDIA ALERT: Mayor to host news conference at 2 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield Mayor Bob Stephens, along with other Greene County municipal officials, will hold a news conference at Friday, July 10, 2015, in the Busch Municipal Building lobby to discuss the situation with the City-County consolidate...

Joint City-County Task Force to present 6-month update tomorrow

MEDIA ALERT Members of the Joint City-County Planning Task Force will present a six-month update to Springfield City Council and the Greene County Commission at noon tomorrow (Tuesday, July 14) in the Busch Municipal Building fourth-floor conference room....

July 13 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

MEDIA ALERT: City-County Study Session to take place at noon, Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Another look at the justice system is on tap tomorrow, noon, as members of the Joint City-County Planning Task Force present a six-month update to Springfield City Council and the Greene County Commission. The study session will take...

Judge Becky Borthwick appointed to Missouri Supreme Court municipal judge education committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE According to Missouri Supreme Court Justice Patricia Breckenridge, Springfield Municipal Court Judge Becky Borthwick was appointed on July 8 to the 13-member Missouri Supreme Court’s Municipal Judge Education Committee for a term end...

City confirms petition seeking judgment on sheriff's contractual requirement regarding jail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield confirms filing a petition today in Greene County Circuit Court seeking a declaratory judgment on Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott’s contractual requirement to accept municipal prisoners. Other counts include ...

City to transition to new phone system tomorrow; brief outages may occur in morning hours

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Beginning at 6 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, July 21) the City of Springfield with will begin a transition to a new phone system. The move is expected to be completed by 9 a.m. During this time, there may be some brief phone outages when c...

Nuisance properties bill to help City improve housing conditions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Council at its Monday night meeting will hear a second reading and vote on a bill that City staff think is the next step in addressing chronic nuisance properties in Springfield. At a series of nine listening meetings in Springf...

July 27 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Council Lunch at 11:30 a.m. today at Transportation Management Center

MEDIA ALERT Please note that the City Council lunch meeting will take place at 11:30 a.m. today at the Transportation Management Center, 1107 W. Chestnut Expressway.

One of Springfield’s first female police officers to retire from the City after 41 years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ever since the first police departments in the U.S. were formed in the mid-19th century, policing has been viewed by most as a traditionally male career path. In 1970, only about 2 percent of all police officers in the United States ...

August sales tax revenue up 11% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's August 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 11% compared to what was budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in July from transactions made primarily in ...

Aug. 10 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Heer's Luxury Living hosts grand-opening celebration, announces ground-floor tenant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESent on behalf of Heer's Luxury Living LLC Heer’s Luxury Living, LLC (138 Park Central Square announced its grand opening of 80 units of luxury rental housing and 18,000 square feet of commercial space in downtown Springfield. The rib...

Historic week for downtown Springfield to culminate with Route 66 Festival this weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The second week of August 2015 is already proving to be a banner week for the economic revitalization of downtown Springfield. With the grand opening celebration for the Heer’s building, another grand opening celebration on Thursday ...

Route 66 Festival to include memorabilia and musings with Mother Road aficionados at Old Glass Place

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A gathering of authors, artists, collectors and associations affiliated with Route 66 will be at the Old Glass Place, 501 E. St. Louis 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16. These folks will have displays with informa...

23,000 pack downtown for Birthplace of Route 66 Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Approximately 23,000 people visited downtown Springfield Aug. 14-16 for the 5th Annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, presented by KY3/KSPR/CW and Aaron Sachs & Associates. City of Springfield Director of Public Information &am...

Route 66 Parade: tips for navigating through Springfield Friday evening

MEDIA ALERTAttention motorists: Expect delays at locations intersecting with St. Louis Street between Glenstone and Campbell Friday evening from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. due to the Birthplace of Route 66 Parade. The parade kicks off at St. Louis and Glenstone at...

City staff, neighborhood to build Route 66 pop-up plaza tonight at College and Broadway

MEDIA ALERT Route 66 Festival attendees are invited to come out to the corner of College Street and Broadway Avenue at 7 p.m. tonight to see what the new Route 66 streetscape will look like when it's built. The City of Springfield's Public Works and Plann...

City responds to Sheriff's Counterclaim

MEDIA ALERT We have received a notice of the Sheriff's counterclaim and news release. Due to ongoing litigation, we are unable to comment further at this time. ###

Enhancement of Springfield’s indecent exposure ordinance to come before Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A proposal to enhance the city’s indecent exposure ordinance is scheduled for a first reading at the regular City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 24. Councilman Justin Burnett asked the City’s law department to draft langu...

Aug. 24 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

CreAsian restaurant to donate half of Sept. 9 gross sales to Springfield Police and Fire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CreAsian restaurant, at the northwest corner of Chestnut and Campbell in Springfield, will again donate half of its gross sales Wednesday, Sept. 9, to the City's Police and Fire departments. Last year's donation netted nearly $1,200 ...

Planning & Zoning Commission meeting moved to Historic City Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission meeting has been moved to City Council Chambers in Historic City Hall. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. # # # For more information, contact: Cora Scott, Director of Public Informa...

Public Works to rotate the Tumbler on Park Central Square Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The changing of the seasons signals a new look for a downtown Springfield landmark. Superintendent of Streets Ron Bailey encourages citizens to come down to Park Central Square at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15 to watch a Public Works ...

Sept. 14 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Mayor Bob Stephens to host news conference tomorrow at 1:30 at the Busch Municipal Building

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Bob Stephens will host a news conference at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16 in the Busch Municipal Building's main lobby, 840 N. Boonville. He will announce a planned response to a pressing issue in the Springfield community. # ...

September sales tax revenue up 1% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's September 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 1% compared to what was budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in August from transactions made primarily...

Mayor Stephens announces formation of task force on crisis sheltering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Bob Stephens announced Wednesday, Sept. 16, the formation of a task force on crisis sheltering. Describing the numbers of people in need of immediate shelter, as “mind boggling,” Stephens said the lack of crisis shelter facilit...

MEDIA ALERT: Nearly 100 partner organizations join City's "Zone Blitz!"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE About 175 individuals representing 95 organizations have joined the City of Springfield in a "Zone Blitz!" to follow last May's "Community Listening" initiative, which focused on addressing issues in City Council ...

City to receive federal grant to help hire 11 additional police officers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield was notified Monday by the U.S. Department of Justice that the City will receive funds to assist with the hiring of 11 additional officer positions under the 2015 COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The estimated total...

'Zone blitz' to address concerns shared in May’s listening meetings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE At a series of nine “listening” meetings in Springfield’s northwest neighborhoods in May, City and community leaders heard neighbors’ concerns. Now, it’s time for action. About 175 individuals representing nearly 100 organizations ga...

Sept. 28 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Assistant City Attorney Sarah Kerner named interim Economic Development director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Assistant City Attorney III Sarah Kerner will join the City of Springfield’s Planning and Development department as interim Economic Development director effective Oct. 4. While serving in her new position, Kerner will retain her job...

Third-graders to discover 'Treasures of the City' Tuesday, Oct. 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Third-grade students and their families will tour the City's Government Plaza while they treasure-hunt for knowledge of municipal government at the 26th annual "Treasures of the City" Partners in Education event, hosted by ...

Thursday's Planning & Zoning Commission meeting moved to Historic City Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's Oct. 8 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting has been moved to City Council Chambers on the third floor of Historic City Hall, 830 Boonville. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. # # # For more information, cont...

MEDIA ALERT: SGF third-graders to discover 'Treasures of the City' tonight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Third-grade students and their families will tour the City's Government Plaza while they treasure-hunt for knowledge of municipal government tonight at the 26th annual "Treasures of the City" Partners in Education event, ho...

October sales tax revenue up 5% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's October 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 5% compared to what was budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in September from transactions made primaril...

Oct. 12 City Council meeting summary

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Springfield designated bronze Walk Friendly Community by Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center has designated Springfield a bronze Walk Friendly Community for its walkability initiatives and programs. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration...

City development review and inspection staff to gather for meeting Friday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Those needing to access City of Springfield development review and inspection services may experience slight delays Friday, Oct. 30 as the team convenes to review development practices and procedures. All services will resume normal ...

Oct. 26 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Keep little ghosts and goblins safe on Halloween night

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE While Halloween is a favorite holiday for most families with young children, it does pose several safety risks. Children younger than 12 should be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult while trick-or-treating. Older children s...

Mayor Bob Stephens to host news conference at 1:30 p.m.

MEDIA ALERT Mayor Bob Stephens will host a news conference at 1:30 p.m. today in City Council Chambers on the third floor of Historic City Hall, 830 Boonville. Immediately following the news conference, the mayor will be available for one-on-one interview...

Five City Councilmembers issue statement

PUBLIC STATEMENT TO THE CITIZENS OF SPRINGFIELD ISSUED ON BEHALF OF: Mayor Pro Tem Ken McClure; Councilwoman Phyllis Ferguson; Councilman Craig Fishel; Councilwoman Jan Fisk; Councilman Mike Schilling As elected officials representing the city, the role o...

MEDIA ALERT: Projects for 1/4-cent and 1/8-cent sales tax renewal to go to Council today at noon

Public Works will present a list of proposed construction projects and city-wide improvement programs to be funded through the upcoming 2016 1/4-cent Capital Improvements and 1/8-cent Transportation sales tax renewals at City Council Lunch today at noon i...

Saturday’s Veterans Day Parade to include skydivers and honor World War II vets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield’s annual Veterans Day Parade, hosted by American Legion Post 639, will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday Nov. 7 in downtown Springfield. This year’s parade focuses on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and will ho...

November sales tax revenue down 2% compared to budget; up 3% YTD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's November1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 2% compared to what was budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in October from transactions made primaril...

MEDIA ALERT: Mayor to present keys to the City to 6 decorated WWII vets Saturday

MEDIA ALERT Mayor Bob Stephens will present keys to the City to six decorated World War II veterans at a pre-Veterans Day Parade ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, 815 E. St. Louis Street. Receiving ke...

Take a selfie with Santa, costumed characters at Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Bob Stephens, with help from first- and second-grade students, will signal the start of the holiday season by lighting a 33-foot Norway spruce, located in Jordan Valley Park, east of the Mediacom Ice Park at the annual Mayor’s ...

SGF named 2015 Digital Cities Survey winner by Center for Digital Government

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government and its Digital Communities program earlier this month announced the top-ranked cities in the 2015 Digital Cities Survey. Springfield, Mo. held its place as sixth among cities with populatio...

Nov. 9 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Park Central Square Christmas Tree to be installed 8:30 a.m. Monday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE It’s that time of year again. City of Springfield Public Works will install the Park Central Square Christmas tree at 8:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 16. The 30-foot blue spruce tree was donated by Missouri State University and formerly stoo...

City of Springfield Weekly News Tip Sheet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEArt Museum

• Opening exhibit for WatercolorNow at 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20. This invitational exhibition, hosted every four years by the Springfield Art Museum, will feature work by current members of the Watercolor U.S.A. Honor...

City of Springfield Weekly News Tip Sheet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHealth

• Historic City Hall is looking especially dapper these days. The building is sporting a ‘stache to celebrate “Movember,” which encourages men to pay attention to their health.

Contact: Kathryn Wall, Public Information Administra...

Nov. 23 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Awards & Achievers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE At the Nov. 23 City Council meeting, Mayor Bob Stephens recommended the following:

• Appointments to the Mayor’s Commission for Children: Gerry Lee; Dr. Elizabeth Andrews; Brigitte Marrs; and Linda Ramey Griewe with terms to expire No...

MEDIA ALERT: Poverty Commission, CU Community Credit Union to host news conference tomorrow

The Impacting Poverty Commission and CU Community Credit Union will host a news conference at 1:30 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 1 in the Busch Municipal Building main lobby to announce a program to offer relief for people struggling in the payday loan debt cycle. ##...

City continues review of Southwest Treatment Plant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield has thoroughly reviewed operations at the Southwest Treatment plant after quickly responding to concerns brought forward by employees in August 2014. The Southwest Treatment plant is one of two wastewater trea...

CU Community Credit Union to launch payday lending alternative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CU Community Credit Union is rolling out the Fresh Start Loan Program, a more affordable alternative to traditional payday loans, to provide much-needed relief to people struggling in the payday loan debt cycle. "There are many ...

City of Springfield Weekly News Tip Sheet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPublic Safety

• Jumpstart Your Winter Weather Preparedness

Take advantage of the mild temperatures and sunny skies expected over the next several days to prepare now for winter weather. Ensure that your vehicle is in good running condit...

REMINDER: Zone 4 community meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at Holland Elementary School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Zone 4 City Councilman Craig Fishel cordially invites Springfield residents to a community meeting 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Holland Elementary School, 2403 S. Holland. Join Fishel and Zone 4 neighbors to discuss what's happeni...

December sales tax revenue up less than 1% compared to budget; up 3% YTD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's December 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up less than 1%, or $5,911, compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in November from tr...

City Council, Convoy of Hope to co-host vision casting meeting at tomorrow's Council Lunch

MEDIA ALERT City Council and Springfield-based Convoy of Hope will co-host a “vision casting” meeting at tomorrow’s Council’s lunch at noon at the City’s Mill Building (corner of Central Street and Boonville Avenue) to plan for the May 7, 2016 Convoy of H...

City of Springfield Weekly News Tip Sheet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Need City head shots? Visit the City's SmugMug page.City Council

• City Council and Springfield-based Convoy of Hope will co-host a “vision casting” meeting at tomorrow’s Council’s lunch at noon at the City’s Mill Building (corner of ...

Public Works to rotate the Tumbler for the winter season Tuesday morning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Not to be outdone by the magnificent Park Central Square Christmas tree, the Tumbler, Park Central Square's resident piece of modern art, is set to rotate for the winter season tomorrow morning at 7:30. About the Tumbler Former Assis...

City Council receives independent audit report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Springfield City Council received an “unmodified” (the highest level given) opinion on the City’s financial statement audit today from the City’s independent auditing firm, BKD. The equity of the City at the close of the most rec...

City of Springfield Weekly News Tip Sheet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Need City head shots? Visit the City's SmugMug page.Health

At tonight’s meeting, City Council is expected to vote on a resolution to limit tethering dogs within the city limits of Springfield. The Springfield-Greene County Health Depa...

Dec. 14 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Missouri Police Chiefs Association names SPD Chief Paul Williams 2015 Chief of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE At its annual meeting in Jefferson City Dec. 10, the Missouri Police Chiefs Association (MPCA) presented Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams with the 2015 Missouri Police Chiefs Donald “Red” Loehr Chief of the Year Award. MPCA pre...

City Finance Department receives budget presentation award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For the eighth year in a row, the City of Springfield Finance Department has received the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation award for its budget. The GFOA...

City issues statement regarding former Southwest Treatment Plant employee

Responding to media inquiries pointing to charges filed on Casenet, the City issues the following statement: The City of Springfield regrets that the actions of a former Southwest Treatment Plant employee have led to criminal charges. Managers acted immed...

Public Information Call Center to be activated to collect damage reports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management (GCOEM) will activate its Public Information Call Center (PICC) 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 28, 2015. Citizens in Greene County who have experienced flood damage to their...

City, residents battle floodwaters from near-record rainfall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield/Greene County residents continue to battle the waters from the rainstorm that worked its way through Springfield and region beginning Saturday, Dec. 26, continuing steadily through Sunday and turning into flurries late Mo...

Emergency shelter to open at 8 p.m. for flooding victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE At the request of the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) The Red Cross will open an emergency shelter tonight at 8 p.m. at Day Springs Christian Church, 2157 N. Prospect in Springfield, to house residents ...

Video looks back at 2015

From the amazing recovery of Springfield Police officer Aaron Pearson and the generous outpouring of support from the community, to the challenges of the roller coaster Missouri weather and ongoing lively debate over a wide range of political and social i...