News Flash

Wendy Garrison named Municipal Court chief judge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Municipal Court Judge Wendy Garrison has been named chief judge of the court, effective July 3. She replaces Todd Thornhill, who passed away in April. The City will fill the vacancy created by Garrison’s promotion to chief j...

City to host informational open house on Kansas Avenue roadway improvements July 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield is gathering feedback on conceptual design plans for safety and pedestrian improvements along Kansas Avenue between Walnut Lawn and Maplewood streets in the Greater Parkcrest Neighborhood.  

An informat...

Brendan Griesemer inducted into American Institute of Certified Planners College of Fellows

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assistant Planning & Development Director Brendan Griesemer was one of 53 planners inducted into this year’s American Institute of Certified Planners’ College of Fellows at American Planning Association&rsq...

Colten Harris named Young Engineer of the Year by Missouri Society of Professional Engineers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield Public Works Superintendent of Streets Colten Harris has been named Young Engineer of the Year by the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE), a professional association representing licensed professional enginee...

June 27 City Council meeting summary

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City’s Draft HUD Annual Action Plan available for public review until 5 p.m. July 8, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield’s Draft FY 2022-2023 HUD Annual Action Plan is available for public review and comment until 5 p.m. July 8, 2022. Written comments may be sent to [email protected] Copies of the Annu...

Approved fee increases at Noble Hill Landfill, Yardwaste Recycling Center to take effect July 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Beginning July 1, customers to the City’s Noble Hill Sanitary Landfill and Yardwaste Recycling Center facilities will notice an increase in fees for various products and services. Fee increases were approved by City Council ...

Planned sewer rate increase takes effect July 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Recent sewer rate benchmarking study indicates Springfield wastewater rates are below rates of similar cities in Missouri and Midwest.   

Customers on City sewer service will see a planned rate increase beginning July...

June 13 City Council meeting summary

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Hatch Foundation to host First Annual Celebrate Springfield!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

When Erin Danastasio attended an event in 2021 showcasing many of the amenities Springfield has to offer, she was blown away. A lifelong Springfieldian, she knew that Springfield had great parks, greenway trails and easy access to nat...

City Council remembers Councilman Denny Whayne

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayor Ken McClure, on behalf of himself and the Springfield City Council, expresses his extreme sympathy upon hearing of the passing of former City Councilman Denny Whayne. “It is a sad night,” McClure said. “Springfield has lost an i...

Mayor Ken McClure encourages citizens to embrace the future and continue to dream in annual address

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure reflected on the past year in Springfield during his annual State of the City Address this morning, imploring Springfieldians to reimagine what will be in Springfield. 

"Today, I commemorate ...

May 31 City Council meeting summary

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City Council to review chapters of draft Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan Thursday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Springfield staff and Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan consultants Houseal Lavigne Associates will present an update on the plan to City Council at a Thursday workshop, noon-4 p.m. at Ozark Technical Community College’...

Mayor McClure denounces graffiti action at Pitts Chapel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure denounces the action taken defacing the south side exterior of Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church with a symbol of hate, a swastika.

“There is no room in our community for this kind of deplorab...

Mayor to present annual State of the City Address Thursday morning

MEDIA ALERT

Mayor Ken McClure will present the annual State of the City Address starting at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, June 2 at Evangel University’s Robert H. Spence Chapel as part of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Sp...

Community Involvement Committee Meeting Canceled

The Community Involvement Committee Meeting scheduled for May 26, 2022 has unfortunately been canceled due to lack of quorum.

MEDIA ALERT: GAP Construction Kickoff Ceremony 10 a.m. Thursday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Springfield will host a Construction Kickoff Ceremony for the Grant Avenue Parkway at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 19 at Parkview High School near the intersection of Grant Avenue and Chrisman Road. Parking is availabl...

City issues request for qualifications for Lake Springfield master plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Springfield is seeking qualified professionals to help prepare a vision and master plan for the redevelopment of the Lake Springfield area. Details are posted online at www.lakesgfmasterplan.com under the RFQ tab...

May 16 City Council meeting summary

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City highlights role of infrastructure, staff dedication during National Public Works Week May 15-21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield is celebrating National Public Works Week May 15-21 by releasing its 2021 Public Works Annual Report and with various events aimed at highlighting Public Works and Environmental Services professionals, infrastr...

Traffic impacts expected on National Avenue, Battlefield Road beginning May 12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

In anticipation of roadway resurfacing later this month, City crews will begin replacing and repairing sewer manhole covers along National Avenue Thursday, May 12. Motorists should expect delays along National Avenue for the...

CACCD to hold public hearing on HOME-ARP Program Allocation Plan at 6 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development (CACCD) will hold a public hearing to solicit input on the City of Springfield’s Draft Allocation Plan for the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Program at 6 p.m. ...

City to kick off Grant Avenue Parkway construction at May 19 celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

After two years of community-wide engagement, stakeholder and partner agency coordination and engineering design, construction of roadway improvements along the Grant Avenue Parkway is beginning in May.  

The City of...

May 2 City Council meeting summary

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FY2022-2023 City budget workshops begin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Manager Jason Gage hosted the first in a series of City Council budget workshops Tuesday. Gage and Finance Director David Holtmann first presented an overview of the remaining financial picture for the City’s current 20...

April 18 City Council meeting summary

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MEDIA ALERT: Learn about the next phase of the Grant Avenue Parkway project at April 19 Open House

MEDIA ALERT

WHAT:  Neighborhood Open House Workshop regarding next steps in the Grant Avenue Parkway projectPlanning consultants with PGAV are conducting a qualifications analysis of a portion of the Grant Avenue Parkway improvement corridor. The ...

Mayor’s Initiative on Equity & Inclusion presents proposed guiding principles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Council approved a resolution Monday night accepting a report and proposed guiding principles from the Mayor’s Initiative on Equity and Equality (MIEE). The appointed group was convened in March 2021 after City Council requested ...

City's ARPA Review Committee to meet Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City’s American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Review Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 19 at the Councilman Denny Whayne Conference Room (Busch Municipal Building, 4^th floor), 840 N. Boonville.

ARPA is a $1.9 trillion fe...

Celebrate Earth Day 2022 in Springfield with movies, cleanup events and festivals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Springfield community will be host to a variety of events and activities in celebration of Earth Day on April 22, 2022. From movies to volunteer cleanups to festivals, activities are aimed at increasing awareness, education and en...

City invites the public to learn more about the next phase of the Grant Avenue Parkway project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield will host a Neighborhood Open House Workshop regarding next steps in the Grant Avenue Parkway project 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, April 19 at Parkview High School cafeteria, (enter doors #12 or #13 on the south side of ...

City Council appoints Monica Horton to fill Zone 1 seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monica Horton is City Council’s newest member. City Council interviewed four applicants for the Zone 1 seat. appointing Horton with seven votes in one round of voting. Steven Sexton received one vote. The other applicants we...

Chief Municipal Judge Todd Thornhill leaves legacy of service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Chief Municipal Judge Todd Thornhill passed away Friday. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of public service and will be missed. 

Judge Thornhill joined the City in April...

City, Greene County to celebrate 9-1-1 during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The week of April 10-16 is set aside nationally to honor those that provide the voice to our emergency services across our country. We recognize the outstanding service of 9-1-1 telecommunicators during observance of National Public S...

April 4 City Council meeting summary

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Birthplace of Route 66 Festival back on the Mother Road in 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After having to cancel the 2020 and 2021 Birthplace of Route 66 Festivals due to the pandemic, festival organizers the City of Springfield, Aaron Sachs & Associates, KY3/KSPR/CW, Downtown Springfield Association and West Central N...

City Council to interview Zone 1 applicants April 12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Council will interview the five applicants for the vacant Zone 1 seat 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 12. The applicants are:

Karen Banta, self-employed

On her application, Banta listed her previous employers and positions as:

&...

Planning & Development staff, consultants update City Council on Forward SGF progress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Council was provided an update on the City’s Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan at a March 22 workshop at the Springfield Art Museum. A recording will be available for public viewing as soon as possible at cityview.springfieldmo.gov....

March 21 City Council meeting summary

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City issues Request for Qualifications for professional engineering and design services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) through 5 p.m., Thursday, April 7 for professional engineering and design services related to various transportation, traffic stormwater and facility capital improv...

MEDIA ALERT: Birthplace of Route 66 Festival press conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday

Please join the City and partners at 10 a.m. Tuesday at History Museum on the Square for a press conference announcing the details of the 2022 Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, planned for Aug. 12 and 13. If you are unable to join us in person, tune in on ...

City Council to hear update on Forward SGF at Tuesday workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Springfield staff and Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan consultants Houseal Lavigne Associates will present an update on the plan to City Council at a Tuesday workshop, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Springfield Art Museum Community Room....

Brock Rowe named interim director of Building Development Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brock Rowe has been named interim director of the City of Springfield’s Building Development Services. He most recently served as assistant director. Rowe grew up in the Ozarks, receiving an Associate of Arts degree from Nor...

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure sends condolences to Joplin Police Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 7 City Council meeting summary

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City’s recommendations for HUD program funds available for public review until 5 p.m. April 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield’s Draft FY 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan funding recommendations are available for public review and comment until 5 p.m. April 6. Copies of the funding recommendations may be obtained at any ...

MEDIA ALERT: Commercial Street TIF Public Projects Open House March 10

MEDIA ALERT

WHAT: The City will host a Commercial Street Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Public Projects Open House to provide updates on a variety of upcoming improvement projects in the Commercial Street TIF district and collect feedback.

WHEN: 5:3...

Springfield Art Museum receives $5 million lead gift to capital campaign project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Springfield Art Museum announced today that it has received a $5 million lead gift to its 2028 Campaign from The Sunderland Foundation of Overland Park, Kansas. In 2018, during the Museum’s 90th Anniversary year...

Amanda Ohlensehlen named Springfield’s Director of Economic Vitality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Missouri native Amanda Ohlensehlen has been named the City of Springfield’s Director of Economic Vitality, effective March 28. Ohlensehlen most recently served as the community & economic development manager for the City of New Be...

Police, Fire face off on the ice, raise $7,300 for charity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BKD completes assessment of City’s Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BKD conducted an assessment of City departments’ Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard administration commencing Aug. 16 and ending Oct. 31, 2021 and presented the report at City Council’s Jan. 12 Finance &a...

Springfield fire chief graduates from Center for Homeland Security program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fire Chief David Pennington is one of 29 participants in the Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program who graduated at a Feb. 3 ceremony at the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Califo...

Tuesday's Community Involvement Committee meeting canceled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Due to lack of a quorum, Tuesday's 10 a.m. meeting of the Community Involvement Committee is canceled.

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City to host Commercial Street TIF Public Projects Open House March 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield will host a Commercial Street Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Public Projects Open House beginning 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 10 at the White River Brewing Company Community Room (505 W. Commercial Stree...

REMINDER: Springfield Art Museum announcement at 5 p.m. today

MEDIA ALERT

Please join Mayor Ken McClure, Springfield Art Museum Director Nick Nelson, art museum board chair Tiffany Brunner and other officials for an important announcement at 5 p.m., Thursday March 3 in the lobby of the museum, 1111 E. Brookside Drive...

REMINDER: Flag ceremony today at 2 p.m. on Park Central Square

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure will host a ceremony at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 1 to honor the Historic City Flag and raise the new City Flag at Park Central Square. City Council is expected to formally designate the 1938 flag as the His...

All City recycling centers reopened to the public under normal operating hours

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE: The Lone Pine Avenue Recycling Center has reopened to the public as of 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25. All City recycling centers are now open under normal operating hours – 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday. 

~ ~...

Zone 1 City Council seat application period now open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Those wishing to serve on City Council can now apply for the Zone 1 seat recently vacated by Angela Romine.

Applications and Statements of Candidacy will be accepted in the City Clerk’s Office during normal business hours (8 ...

City Clerk details process for filling Zone 1 City Council vacancy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Those wishing to serve on Springfield’s City Council can apply for the Zone 1 seat vacated by Angela Romine beginning Friday morning.

Applications and Statements of Candidacy will be accepted in the City Clerk’s Off...

Public hearing on FY2022 HUD Annual Action Plan rescheduled for March 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Community Development (CACCD) will hold a public hearing to solicit input on the City of Springfield’s proposed use of U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) f...

Feb. 22 City Council meeting summary

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City recycling facilities to remain closed Feb. 24 due to inclement weather

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE: City recycling centers will remain closed through Thursday, Feb. 24 due to inclement weather. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Springfield Yardwaste Recycling Center (3790 S. Farm Road 119), Franklin Avenue Recycling Center (37...

Councilwoman Angela Romine vacates seat to file candidacy for State Senate seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Zone 1 Councilwoman Angela Romine has vacated her seat on City Council to file candidacy for the District 30 State Senate seat in the Missouri General Assembly. According to the Missouri Secretary of State’s website, Romine ...

City begins study of revitalization and economic development tools along Grant Avenue Parkway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Springfield has engaged planning consultants with PGAV to conduct a qualifications analysis of a portion of the Grant Avenue Parkway improvement corridor. The study is intended to help identify what areas qualify...

Public hearing for Brody Corners TIF Plan Feb. 22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At its Feb. 22 meeting, City Council is expected to hold a public hearing on a special ordinance to create a tax increment financing (TIF) plan to pave the way for the redevelopment of a blighted 28-acre tract at the northwest corner ...

City partners with Springfield Public Schools to celebrate Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Feb. 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City’s SGF Yields pedestrian safety program is partnering with Springfield Public Schools to celebrate Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on Thursday, Feb. 17. SGF Yields is providing appreciation materials to sch...

U.S. Dept. of Commerce invests $800K in plan redevelopment of former coal power plant site

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield will receive an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to conduct planning efforts for the redevelopment of the Lake Springfield area. This gra...

City of Springfield soliciting bids for 19 surplus properties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield’s Purchasing division is soliciting sealed bids until 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 8 for the sale of various parcels of City-owned property at 19 locations in Springfield. 

Many of the properties we...

City seeks to fill boards and commissions vacancies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Springfield is currently taking applications for a variety of boards and commissions. While the full listing of boards and commissions vacancies is available at springfieldmo.gov/boards, the City seeks to fill th...

Restore SGF announces first round of pledges to spur reinvestment in historic neighborhoods

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Restore SGF, a community initiative to improve housing conditions and raise residential property values in Springfield’s historic neighborhoods, started the new year with several pledges of support from local financial insti...

Feb. 7 City Council meeting summary

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Landmarks Board to meet Feb. 9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Landmarks Board will meet electronically at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 via Zoom. Citizens who wish to attend or speak at the meeting may sign up by contacting the Planning and Development office at 417-864-1611 or by emailing [email protected]

Jan. 24 City Council meeting summary

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City to take measures to ensure social distancing at tonight’s meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight for its regular meeting. Capacity will be limited inside City Council Chambers and overflow rooms opened to ensure proper social distancing. The meeting will also be broadcast on...

Mayor Ken McClure statement on George O. Wood

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESpringfield Mayor Ken McClure sends his sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of George O. Wood, upon hearing about his passing today. Wood retired in 2017 as the fourth longest-serving leader out of the 13 general superint...

Jan. 10 City Council meeting summary

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City Council adopts new design for official Springfield flag

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nearly five years after it was first proposed, Springfield, Missouri has a new official city flag, effective March 1. 

In a 7-2 vote, City Council approved a new city flag design first proposed by the Springfield Identity Proj...

Susan Istenes named City of Springfield Planning & Development Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Manager Jason Gage has named Susan Istenes as the City of Springfield’s Planning & Development Director, effective Feb. 15. Istenes currently serves as the City of Clayton, Missouri director of Planning & Development, a p...

Cris Swaters named Springfield Police Department Public Affairs Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cris Swaters has been named public affairs officer for Springfield Police Department. She is part of the City of Springfield’s Department of Public Information and Civic Engagement and serves as the primary contact for the p...

RESCHEDULED: City Council, CACCD to discuss HUD plans at Jan. 6, 2022 public hearing

This meeting has been rescheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 11 due to inclement weather. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Council and the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development (CACCD) will hold a joint public hearing on the City&rsqu...