FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Springfield’s Citizens’ Advisory Board has officially begun its work to help shape the city’s future by reviewing and recommending capital investment projects funded through the ½-cent portion of the new ¾-cent Spring Forward SGF sales tax, approved by voters in November 2024. The Board voted unanimously to recommend to City Council to invest $30 million of the sales tax as a match with the state of Missouri for a convention and event center downtown. They also voted to provide future recommendations for up to $10 million for Parks projects (specifics to be determined later); up to $5 million for neighborhood projects (to be determined later) and $15 million in reserve. The Board’s next meeting is Aug. 27, 2025. Appointed by City Council, the Citizens’ Advisory Board is charged with reviewing project ideas and providing recommendations to the Council at least annually. Their goal is to guide investments that make Springfield safer, stronger, and better connected, with a focus on infrastructure that supports neighborhood vitality, public safety, economic growth, and quality of life.
As part of their commitment to transparency and public input, the board has launched a Project Idea Submission Form, now available on the City’s website at https://www.springfieldmo.gov/6029/Spring-Forward-SGF. This portal offers community members a way to propose potential capital projects for consideration. Suggestions could include street or sidewalk improvements, stormwater upgrades, park enhancements, or economic development infrastructure.
Board Chair Erin Danastasio emphasized that while the board welcomes fresh ideas, their work is also grounded in significant community research.
“We want residents to know we’re listening, and this is one way to share your vision,” Danastasio said. “But we’re also fortunate to have a wealth of resident input already at our fingertips—from years of scientifically valid citizen surveys, public meetings, and outreach efforts conducted by City staff. Combined with the criteria outlined in the ordinance creating this board, these tools help us evaluate ideas against a solid foundation of community priorities.”
The board’s decision-making is guided by several key criteria considerations outlined in its enabling ordinance and summarized on its webpage at https://www.springfieldmo.gov/springforwardsgf
These include:
- Whether the project can be completed with no ongoing debt obligation.
- Whether the project is eligible for matching funds.
- Whether the project directly generates new sales tax or other revenue for City services and infrastructure
- Whether the project creates jobs or increases economic growth.
- Whether the project is a catalyst that retains existing or attracts new City residents or businesses.
- Whether the project improves livability for City residents or workers.
- Whether the project is transformational and invests in the next generation.
- Whether the project is a continuation of an existing or previous project.
While the form is a meaningful tool for community engagement, Danastasio also noted that not all ideas will receive individual responses or immediate action.
“We appreciate every submission, but with so many ideas and limited funds, there may be a significant amount of time before your idea is addressed,” she said. “Still, rest assured your input is being considered as part of a thorough and ongoing process.”
How to Submit a Project Idea To submit a project idea, visit springfieldmo.gov/forwardsgf and complete the online project idea submission form. The form asks for a description of your idea, location, potential benefits, and alignment with community goals. You may also upload supporting documents, sketches, or photos.
The Citizens’ Advisory Board looks forward to helping Springfield invest wisely in its future—together with the community. The Board voted unanimously to recommend to City Council to invest $30 million of the ½-cent Spring Forward sales tax for a matching grant with the state of Missouri for a convention and event center downtown; up to $10 million for Parks projects (specifics to be determined later); up to $5 million for neighborhood projects (to be determined later) and $15 million in reserve.
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To reach members of the Citizens’ Advisory Board, contact Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement at 417-380-3352 or [email protected]. Members include: Christina Angle Erin Danastasio (Chair) Leslie Forrester Andy Peebles Lauren Shantz Clif Smart Becky Volz Rusty Worley (Vice Chair)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
