News Flash

City looks back at year's events in annual video

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield takes a look back at events large and small from 2017 in the annual Year-In-Review video online at the City’s website.

The year’s significant events include the election of Mayor Ken McClure and reelection of Co...

Springfield Mayor urges citizens to support WOW in national contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure is thrilled that Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Aquarium and Museum is in the running to be considered as the best new attraction in the United States.  A USA TODAY readers' choice p...

City Council receives FY 2017 independent audit report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Springfield City Council received an unmodified opinion, the highest level given, on the City’s financial statement audit from the City’s independent auditing firm, RSM. The firm indicated that the audit showed no materia...

December sales tax payment rebounds after three below-budget months

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield’s December sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 3%, or $136,085, compared to the amount budgeted. The sales tax check was $4,379,322 compared to the budgeted amount of $4,243,237.

The ch...

Dec. 11 City Council meeting summary

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City Council to consider repeal of future pit bull ban or refer to a citizen vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It is anticipated that City Council will make a decision at the Dec. 11 meeting to either repeal General Ordinance No. 6397 (approved on Oct. 2, 2017 establishing a future ban on pit bull dogs) or submit to voters a question of whethe...

City Council to vote on pedestrian safety ordinance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

City Council will vote tonight on a proposed ordinance the City staff think will protect pedestrians and occupants of vehicles at intersections and along streets which have high volumes of traffic, high speed limits, or narrow median...

Harlan Hill named as City’s new Director of Building Development Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Architect Harlan Hill has been selected as the City’s Director of Building Development Services (BDS), effective Jan. 7. Hill will replace Chris Straw, who announced he will retire in January 2018. Many residents have become familiar ...

City plans more than $80M in capital improvements for 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

If given the green light by the Planning & Zoning Commission in December and City Council on Jan. 29, 2018, the City of Springfield will spend just over $80 million on 117 capital improvement projects and programs during the 2018 ...

Springfield named 25th in the country by Gallup in community ranking for exercise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Gallup organization has ranked Springfield 25th on its list of Communities with the Highest Rates of Regular Exercise.

The study conducted is an addition to the State of American: Well Being series. On the 2016 Community R...

City soliciting applications for $192,000 in 2018 CDBG funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield, Missouri is soliciting applications for 2018 funding activities under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program until noon on Friday, Jan. 5,...

MEDIA ALERT: City Council to discuss animal control issues

MEDIA ALERT

City Council will discuss a broader view of animal control issues at today's Council Lunch Workshop at noon in the Busch Municipal Building 4th Floor Conference Room. Mayor Ken McClure and Councilman Craig Hosmer have requested additional infor...

Nov. 27 City Council meeting summary

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November sales tax check down 7% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield’s November sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 7%, or $187,341, compared to the amount budgeted. The sales tax check was $2,650,264 compared to the budgeted amount of $2,837,605.

The ...

Fire chief accepted into Fire Service Executive Development Institute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The International Association of Fire Chiefs has announced that Chief David Pennington of the Springfield Fire Department has been accepted into the Fire Service Executive Development Institute.  Chief Pennington com...

City Council hears findings of Street and Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study

Over the past year, five pedestrians have been killed on Springfield streets. It’s a number that City staff and City Council would like to reduce to zero. At the request of City Council, the City of Springfield has concluded a study examining pedestrian s...

MEDIA ALERT: City Council to hear findings of Street and Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study

WHAT: City Council to hear findings of Street and Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study 

WHEN: Noon or immediately following the Special City Council Meeting to certify the results of the most recent election. 

WHERE: Busch Municipal Buildi...

MEDIA ALERT: Plans come together for Downtown Tree Lighting

MEDIA ALERT

The 2017 Downtown Tree Lighting in Park Central Square on Saturday, Nov. 18 will include a wide variety of entertainment and free activities for all ages. Crews will begin to set up at the square at 10 a.m. to place the stage, grand piano and v...

U.S. Capitol Christmas tree to stop in Springfield Nov. 21 on its way to Washington D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium have been selected to be a “whistle stop” for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it makes its way from the Kootenai National Forest in Montana to Washin...

Nov. 13 City Council meeting summary

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Petition to repeal pit bull ban sufficient

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Clerk Anita Cotter notified City Council today that a citizen-initiated petition to repeal general ordinance 6397, which established a future ban upon the possession of new pit bull dogs within the City limits, has been certified...

Downtown Tree Lighting on Park Central Square Nov. 18 to kick off holiday season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Join Mayor Ken McClure with special guest Dino Kartsonakis, America’s Piano Showman, for the annual Downtown Tree Lighting on Park Central Square Saturday Nov. 18.

Enjoy free hot chocolate during the pre-show beginning at 6 p.m. with p...

C-SPAN reveals Springfield history and highlights authors during week-long visit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Honorable Mayor Ken McClure and Mediacom will welcome C-SPAN to Springfield on Monday, November 6, to kick-off a week-long visit to record the city’s history and non-fiction literary life for programs to be produced and televised ...

City launches “Give 5” program to connect retirees with volunteer opportunities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Years ago, the word "retirement" might have evoked images of white-haired couples sitting in rocking chairs on their front porches. But with men and women living longer and enjoying better health into their later years, reti...

MEDIA ALERT: City to launch program to connect retirees with volunteer opportunities

MEDIA ALERT

More than 80 representatives from Springfield-Greene County nonprofit organizations have RSVP'd to attend a luncheon workshop to learn more about the City of Springfield's newly created Give 5 retiree volunteer program. The workshop will be hel...

Springfield Municipal Court probation officer Jody Austin recognized by Governor Eric Greitens for

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Springfield Municipal Court probation officer Jody Austin recognized by Governor Eric Greitens for her commitment to helping juveniles

Jody Austin, a probation officer at the Springfield Municipal Court, has been appointed by...

Oct. 30 City Council meeting summary

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HUD approves City’s Annual Action Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has notified the City that its 2017 Annual Action Plan has been approved by the agency. 

A change in the way the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Develo...

City takes Safe Housing Program a step further in presentation to City Council

• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At today's Council Lunch, Director of Building Development Services (BDS) Chris Straw presented additional details on a proposal he plans to bring forward for formal City Council approval next month. The proposal focuses on improving ...

MEDIA ALERT: BDS Director Chris Straw to update City Council on Safe Housing initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At Tuesday's Council Lunch, Director of Building Development Services (BDS) Chris Straw will propose a plan for improving the City’ s ability to address chronic nuisance properties and buildings/houses that are deemed to be dangerous ...

Director of Building Development Services Chris Straw to retire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City’s Director of Building Development Services (BDS) Chris Straw announces he will retire in January 2018. Many residents have become familiar with Chris and his department because many of the department’s services aff...

City seeking candidates for Board of Public Utilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield is seeking qualified candidates for the Board of Public Utilities. The Board has three vacancies becoming available in December.

City Utilities of Springfield (CU) is a progressive, community-owned uti...

Neighborhoods encouraged to take advantage of free cleanup program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield and Community Partnership of the Ozarks has again contracted with Republic Services to offer free neighborhood clean-ups for

registered Springfield neighborhoods this fall and the spring of 2018.

The twice-yearly...

Oct. 16 City Council meeting summary

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MEDIA ALERT: City to commemorate Hazelwood Cemetery Sesquicentennial tomorrow at 10 a.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHAT:  The City of Springfield invites the community to celebrate 150 years of history and service to the community at the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of Hazelwood Cemetery (1642 E. Seminole St.)

WHEN: Saturday, Octo...

October sales tax revenues down 9% compared to budget, revenues down 2% YTD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield’s October sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 9%, or $356,885, compared to the amount budgeted. The sales tax check was $3,607,193 compared to the budgeted amount of $3,964,078.

The c...

Clay Goddard named Springfield-Greene County director of health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Manager Greg Burris has appointed Assistant Director of Health Clay Goddard as director of health for Springfield-Greene County effective Nov. 12. 

Goddard has been with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department sin...

City to commemorate Hazelwood Cemetery Sesquicentennial Anniversary Saturday, Oct. 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield invites the community to celebrate 150 years of history and service to the community at the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of Hazelwood Cemetery (1642 E. Seminole St.) 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. 

At the t...

REMINDER: Second-graders to discover Treasures of the City Thursday evening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Second-grade students and their families will tour the City's Government Plaza while they treasure-hunt for knowledge of municipal government at the 28th annual "Treasures of the City" Partners in Education event, hosted by ...

Additional parks and sidewalks to be constructed with HUD funds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEA change in the way the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates a timeliness ratio (what it means to use grant money in a timely manner) has required the City’s Planning  and Development Department ...

July sales tax revenue up

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's July one-percent general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 26.55% compared to the month of July 2013. Revenues are also ahead of budget for July by $682,250 or 17.82%. The sales t...

Oct. 2 City Council meeting summary

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Springfield Public Works and Environmental Services departments reaccredited by the APWA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield departments of Public Works and Environmental Services have been reaccredited by the American Public Works Association (APWA) – achieving 100% compliance.

The reaccreditation certifies the departments met all re...

Sept. 18 City Council meeting summary

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MEDIA ALERT: Performers rehearse today 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. for upcoming benefit concert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 17, 2017

A group of local performers will practice today from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. at Brentwood Christian Church, 1900 E. Barataria, to prepare for a benefit concert that will help local children.

Nearly a dozen musicians and vocali...

CreAsian restaurant to donate half of Sept. 19 gross sales to Springfield Police and Fire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CreAsian restaurant, at the northwest corner of Chestnut and Campbell in Springfield, will for the sixth year, donate half of its gross sales Tuesday, Sept. 19, to the Springfield Police Foundation and the Springfield Fire Department’...

Second public meeting for Kearney Street Redevelopment Plan tonight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

With the completion of the Kearney Street Corridor Study by PGAV Planners in May, the City of Springfield is now seeking input on the redevelopment plan for the three-mile stretch of Kearney between Kansas Expressway and Glenstone Ave...

September sales tax revenues down 7% compared to budget, revenues still up 1% YTD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield’s September sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 7%, or $319,017, compared to the amount budgeted. The sales tax check was $4,153,204 compared to the budgeted amount of $4,472,221.

The...

City of Springfield soliciting bids for 20 surplus properties in city limits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield’s Purchasing division is soliciting sealed bids until 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1 for the sale of various parcels of City-owned property at 20 locations in Springfield. Sixteen of the properties are located in Ci...

Sept. 5 City Council meeting summary

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Group cited for aggressive panhandling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Springfield Police Department issued six citations Wednesday to panhandlers at a local intersection for “aggressive panhandling” to people claiming to be collecting donations for Texas flood victims. All of the subjects had ...

Deputy City Manager Tim Smith announces he will retire at the end of the year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECity of Springfield Deputy City Manager Tim Smith announced today he will retire in December.

Smith’s key duties have included completion of an integrated plan proposal for meeting environmental standards and providing direct...

City Council approves putting continuation of level property tax on fall ballot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Springfield City Council approved asking voters to continue the level property tax to pay for unfunded public safety capital improvement and staffing needs. The vote was 7-1 with Councilwoman Kristi Fulnecky voting no and Co...

City Council continues discussion on level property tax continuation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Council will meet at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Historic City Hall Council Chambers to discuss and possibly vote on a continuation of the City’s level property tax (LPT) levy to pay for unfunded capital improvement and staff...

First reading of pit bull ordinance delayed until Sept. 18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At Councilwoman Kristi Fulnecky’s request, the first reading and public hearing for an ordinance to further regulate pit bull ownership in the city of Springfield has been rescheduled from the Sept. 5 City Council meeting to the Sept....

Scenic Avenue to close at railroad crossing north of Battlefield Road Aug. 21- 27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scenic Avenue will close at the MNA Railroad Crossing, north of Battlefield Road, beginning 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, August 27, weather permitting.  The work will facilitate the replacement of the existing railr...

Safety improvements at two Battlefield Road intersections to begin Aug. 28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public Works has authorized Hunter Chase & Associates to begin nighttime construction of safety improvements at the intersections of Battlefield Road and Campbell Avenue and Battlefield Road and National Avenue beginning Monday, A...

Aug. 21 City Council meeting summary

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City to host public meetings to gather input for Kearney Street Redevelopment Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

With the completion of the Kearney Street Corridor Study by PGAV Planners in May, the City of Springfield is now seeking input for the redevelopment plan for the three-mile stretch of Kearney between Kansas Expressway and Glenstone Av...

August sales tax revenues up 5% compared to budget, 6% YTD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield’s August sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 5%, or $135,691, compared to the amount budgeted. The sales tax check was $2,721,522, compared to the budgeted amount of $2,585,831.

The che...

BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY AND PRE-PARADE PARTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY AND PRE-PARADE PARTY

Friday, Aug. 11, 2017

Staging begins at 4:30 p.m.

The Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park, located in the 1200 block of College, will serve as party central for the o...

Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights to host community meeting Aug. 16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The eight members of the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations will host a meet-and-greet and community input session at 5:45 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 16 at the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library’s Community Room – Uppe...

Aug. 7 City Council meeting summary

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Frisco Lane officially on track following City Council approval

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield City Council greenlit Frisco Lane at its Aug. 7 meeting with the passage of Council Bill 2017-196.

The ordinance approves the acquisition of about 67,000 square feet of open space and alleyway north of the buildings on the ...

Brendan Griesemer, AICP, named assistant director of Planning & Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brendan Griesemer, AICP, has been named assistant director of Planning & Development for the City of Springfield, effective July 23. 

“I am honored to have been chosen for this exciting opportunity. I look forward to servi...

City to host public input meeting Aug. 9 to discuss next round of C-Street TIF projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Staff from the City of Springfield’s Planning and Development office and Zone 1 Councilwoman Phyllis Ferguson will host a public input meeting about how to spend approximately $300,000 generated by the Commercial Street Tax Increment ...

Sheriff to begin accepting City of Springfield municipal inmates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Greene County Commission, City of Springfield and Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott have reached an agreement that amends the 1997 Law Enforcement Sales Tax agreement and settles the lawsuits surrounding the use of the Justice Cent...

MEDIA ALERT: County, City, Sheriff’s Office to issue special announcement regarding the jail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Greene County Commission, City of Springfield and Greene County Sheriff's Office to issue special announcement regarding the jail

WHEN: Friday, July 28, 2017 at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Public Safety Center, 330 W. Scott Street

Event to be live...

Proclamation recognizes City Utilities’ commitment to renewable energy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In recognition of City Utilities’ outstanding commitment to renewable energy, Mayor Ken McClure has proclaimed July 27, 2017 to be Focus on Renewable Energy Day. McClure, unable to present the proclamation in person, offered his congr...

July 24 City Council meeting summary

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July 10 City Council meeting summary

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July sales tax revenues up 6% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After five months of below-budget sales tax checks from the Missouri Department of Revenue, the City of Springfield’s July check is up 6%, or $283,141, compared to the amount budgeted. The sales tax check was $4,662,889, compared to t...

Committee considers use of level property tax for unfunded needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Springfield City Council’s Finance & Administration Committee met Wednesday to discuss a possible continuation of the City’s level property tax levy (LPT) to pay for unfunded capital improvement needs. The continuation w...

Brigitte Marrs appointed executive director of Mayor’s Commission for Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Mayor’s Commission for Children board announces the appointment of Brigitte Marrs as its new executive director. Marrs has served on the commission since 2013. She replaces former executive director Denise Bredfeldt.

“Brigitte brin...

City releases internal audit reports for cashier operations, accounts payable and cash disbursements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Certified accounting firm RubinBrown LLP has completed audit reports of the City of Springfield’s cashier operations and accounts payable and cash disbursements processes. The reports include best practices, observations, recommendati...

June 26 City Council meeting summary

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City seeking candidates for Board of Public Utilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield is seeking qualified candidates for the Board of Public Utilities. The Board has two immediate vacancies and will have three additional vacancies in December.

City Utilities of Springfield (CU) is a pr...

Five honored, 22 others recognized at 26th annual Gift of Time luncheon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Five volunteers were honored by the Council of Churches of the Ozarks and City of Springfield as Volunteers of the Year at the annual Gift of Time Awards Luncheon today at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Twenty-two others – including ...

Square sculpture to be tumbled Wednesday, June 21 in honor of Tom Billionis

The public is invited to a special summertime rotation of the Park Central Square sculpture, the Tumbler, at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 21.

This is a unique tumble for Public Works crews as this quarterly event coincides with a celebration of the life of late ...

Square sculpture to be tumbled Wednesday, June 21 in honor of Tom Billionis

The public is invited to a special summertime rotation of the Park Central Square sculpture, the Tumbler, at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 21.

This is a unique tumble for Public Works crews as this quarterly event coincides with a celebration of the life of late ...

MEDIA ALERT: Alliance continues work to house homeless from East Kearney Camps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENEWS BRIEFING AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

11:30 A.M., Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Springfield-Greene County Public Safety Center Media Center , 330 W. Scott Street

The Ozarks Alliance to End Homelessness (OAEH), One Door and other ...

June 12 City Council meeting summary

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City Council approves City budget; prioritizes public safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Springfield City Council approved the City Manager’s $348 million total balanced budget Monday night after five budget hearings over the past several weeks. The General Fund portion of the budget is roughly $83 million and i...

MEDIA ALERT: Alliance continues work to house homeless from East Kearney Camps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENEWS BRIEFING AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

11:30 A.M., Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Springfield-Greene County Public Safety Center Media Center , 330 W. Scott Street

The Ozarks Alliance to End Homelessness (OAEH), One Door and other ...

Mayor Ken McClure testifies before governor’s committee in support of economic development tools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Mayor Ken McClure testified this afternoon before the Governor’s Committee on Simple, Fair and Low Taxes in support of the various economic development tools used in Springfield to stimulate employment, incentivize redevelop...

June sales tax revenues down 10% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Springfield’s June 2017 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 10%, or $437,409, compared to the amount budgeted.

The check reflects sales processed by the state in Ma...

Day 2 of MARC results in 54 new intakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Day 2 of a multi-agency response to Springfield’s largest homeless camp resulted in a total of 54 new intakes at the camp by 4 p.m., with 26 of those from the Kearney Street camp. With 56 intakes Monday, the number...

Second Cruise Kearney! event this Friday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Please include on community calendars:

Classic car cruising is back on Kearney Street. The Cruise Kearney! kickoff May 26 drew hundreds of cars to Kearney Street and organizers are hoping to do it all again each month. Rain or shine, 6...

Day 1 of MARC a success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fifty-six homeless individuals in Springfield are one step closer to permanent housing today. As of 10 a.m., 28 individuals had received services at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC), with 21 of those coming ...

Community Involvement Committee to hear presentations, panel discussion about substance misuse

MEDIA ALERT

What: City Council Community Involvement Committee Meeting

When: 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Where: Busch Municipal Building 4^th Floor Conference Room

City Council’s Community Involvement Committee will hear presentations from represent...

Mayor Ken McClure in State of the City address: SGF truly a great city

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In his inaugural State of the City address, held this morning at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Springfield! program at Parkview High School, Mayor Ken McClure said Springfield is overall in good health, he is...

Mayor Ken McClure to present first State of the City address this morning

MEDIA ALERT

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure will present his first State of the City address at 7:30 a.m. this morning at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Springfield! program at Parkview High School, 516 W. Meadowmere. McClure is expe...

Capital improvement grants awarded to eight neighborhoods through Neighborhood Works Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eight registered neighborhoods in Springfield will soon be seeing improvements to their parks thanks to a competitive grant made possible through the voter-approved 1/4-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax.

In April 2016, Springfield vot...

May 30 City Council meeting summary

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City Manager wraps up annual budget workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2017City Manager wraps up annual budget workshopCity Council expected to make two amendments

City Manager Greg Burris wrapped up five weeks of budget workshops Tuesday, May 30, proposing a $348 million  balanced budget...

Rezoning request for former Palace Theater will not be heard at tonight's City Council meeting

MEDIA ALERT

A request for a zoning change that would allow the former Palace Theater at 2220 W.  Chesterfield to be replaced by a church will not be heard by City Council at tonight’s meeting.

The issue is still being considered by the Planning &am...

David Pennington to be sworn in as Fire Chief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield’s new Fire Chief David Pennington will take his oath of office at 1:30 p.m., Friday, May 26 at Fire Station #1, 720 E. Grand. 

A fire chief search committee comprised of City staff, Liberty Fire Chief Mike...

Cruise Kearney kickoff event at 6 p.m. Friday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!

The Cruise Kearney! kickoff event will be held Friday, May 26 beginning at 6 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at Kearney Street and Melville Avenue, just west of the Kearney and Kansas Expressway int...

David Pennington named Springfield Fire Chief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After a nationwide search, City Manager Greg Burris has named Assistant Fire Chief of Operations David Pennington fire chief effective May 28.

A fire chief search committee comprised of City staff, Liberty Fire Chief Mike Snider and lo...

TE Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Fundraising Art Show and News Conference Regarding Two Major Announce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHO: Commercial Club of Springfield, Eugene Field Elementary Students and Faculty and Drury On C-Street

WHAT: Two major news announcements will be made with a backdrop of over 100 vibrant oil pastel drawings of the Jefferson Avenue Foo...

Meeting to discuss East Kearney homeless camp outreach moved to Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

MEDIA ALERT: Meeting to discuss East Kearney homeless camp outreach moved to Holiday Inn (North) Hotel & Suites

The Thursday, May 18 meeting to discuss a multi-agency outreach effort at a homeless camp on East Kearney has been moved to Holiday Inn Hote...

May 15 City Council meeting summary

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Mayor's Commission for Children announces results of 2016 kindergarten readiness study

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Are we adequately preparing our children to enter school ready to learn, armed with the necessary skills needed to succeed?” The results of the Mayor’s Commission for Children’s 2016 kindergarten readiness study addresses th...

City budget workshops for Fiscal Year 2018 continue Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Manager Greg Burris presented a proposed $348 million budget to City Council Tuesday, May 2, at the start of a month-long series of budget workshops. The City consists of more than 20 diverse departments.

The City’s fiscal year ru...

Public invited to May 9 presentation of Hazelwood Cemetery Community Visioning findings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Neighbors, patrons, historians and interested citizens are invited to attend a final presentation of recommendations stemming from the Hazelwood Cemetery Community Visioning Project at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 at the Schweit...

May 1 City Council meeting summary

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Gift of Time nomination deadline extended to Friday at midnight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Volunteers are a vital part of delivering services to our community every day – from hunger to education; homelessness to advocacy; volunteers are there to give the most important gift – the gift of time.

To celebrate the dedication an...

Doling, Bradford Park neighborhood cleanups rescheduled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Update: Doling's has been rescheduled for May 13 and Bradford Park's has been rescheduled for May 20.

Due to the threat of severe weather this weekend, Doling and Bradford Park's neighborhood cleanups are canceled and will be reschedul...

Council narrows field to six for open General Seat D

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield City Council has narrowed down the field of applicants for Council’s open General Seat D to six finalists after an electronic meeting Wednesday, April 26. The position became available after Ken McClure won the mayor's sea...

Planning firm presents key findings in Kearney Street corridor study at Council Lunch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield is nearing completion of a corridor study for a portion of Kearney Street between Kansas Expressway and Glenstone Avenue. At the April 25 City Council Lunch, PGAV Planners presented ideas for the revitalization...

Developer requests zoning case be sent to Planning and Zoning Commission for reconsideration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Developer requests zoning case be sent to Planning and Zoning Commission for reconsideration

A zoning case planned for City Council’s Monday, May 1 agenda is likely to be remanded (sent back) to Planning & Zoning Commissi...

City releases 2016 year in review report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Springfield has released an interactive Year in Review report that highlights community activities and accomplishments during 2016.

In his opening message, City Manager Greg Burris expresses gratitude that Springfield is a ...

April 17 City Council meeting summary

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New Mayor Ken McClure to be sworn in Tuesday, April 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor-elect Ken McClure will be sworn in as Springfield’s Mayor at a Special City Council meeting at noon, Tuesday, April 11 in Historic City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Bob Stephens did not run for reelection. Five additional City C...

April sales tax revenues down 5% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Springfield's April 2017 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 5%, or $164,348, compared to the amount budgeted.

The check reflects sales processed by the state in Ma...

April 3 City Council meeting summary

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AT&T service to 9-1-1 restored

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

UPDATED: Service has been restored.

Some AT&T customers may not be able to call 9-1-1 from a landline phone in Greene County and possibly nationwide. Springfield-Greene County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Director Zim S...

Reverse vendor fair to offer businesses access to multiple public agencies in one location

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The Missouri Association of Public Purchasing (MAPP) will host a "reverse vendor fair" in conjunction with its annual state conference 1-3 p.m., Thursday, April 20 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach.

Vendors will ha...

Proposed program could help get panhandlers off the streets and into jobs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

In Albuquerque, they were searching for a “better way.” In Portland, they created an “Opportunity Crew”. And in Springfield, leaders are hoping to provide “Wheels to Work.”

City officials are working on an 8-week pilot progra...

March 20 City Council meeting summary

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Birthplace of Route 66 Festival partners announce 2017 event lineup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Please mark your calendar to celebrate all things Route 66 Aug. 11-12 at the seventh annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in downtown Springfield. Registration for the 2017 car and motorcycle show will open at route66festi...

CANCELLED: AT&T confirms service to 9-1-1 restored

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

***UPDATE: AT&T confirms service to 9-1-1 restored in Greene county ***

Many AT&T customers are not currently able to call 9-1-1 from mobile phones in Greene County, and possibly nationwide. Springfield-Greene County ...

AT&T customers unable to call 9-1-1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Many AT&T customers are not currently able to call 9-1-1 from mobile phones in Greene County, and possibly nationwide. Springfield-Greene County 911 Emergency Communications assistant director J.R. Webb said he has recei...

March sales tax revenues down 8% compared to budget; shortfall due to processing delays

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Springfield's March 2017 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 8% compared to the amount budgeted.

The check reflects sales processed by the state in February from transactions...

Francine Pratt to lead Prosper Springfield

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Passionate leader Francine Pratt will return to Springfield this spring to champion “Prosper Springfield.” Prosper Springfield is a collective-impact-model initiative created to unify the community’s efforts to lift people out of pove...

Birthplace of Route 66 Festival partners to announce 2017 event lineup

MEDIA ALERT

Please join Birthplace of Route 66 Festival event partners KY3, Aaron Sachs & Associates, the Gillioz Theatre and the City of Springfield for a press conference at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 9 at the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, as...

March 6 City Council meeting summary

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REMINDER: Impacting Poverty Commission announcement today at 12:45 p.m.

MEDIA ALERT

Please join the Impacting Poverty Commission for an important announcement regarding our collective goal to reduce poverty in the Springfield region at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 in the Busch Municipal Building main lobby.It is with great opti...

Feb. 21 City Council meeting summary

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Darla Morrison named City Human Resources Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

City Manager Greg Burris officially named Darla Morrison as the City’s Human Resources Director, effective Feb. 20. Darla has been serving as the Interim Human Resources Director since July 2016 when previous director Sheila...

Feb. 6 City Council meeting summary

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February sales tax revenues down 4% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Springfield's February 2017 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 4% compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in January from transacti...

Public invited to share ideas for the future of Springfield's Hazelwood Cemetery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Neighbors, patrons, historians and interested citizens are invited to participate in a visioning process to develop a long-term plan for the future of Springfield’s historic Hazelwood Municipal Cemetery.

With the help of Drur...

City Council presented with Jefferson Avenue Footbridge options

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

City Council presented with Jefferson Avenue Footbridge options

City Council evaluated potential options for rehabilitating the 115-year-old Jefferson Avenue Footbridge at a City Council workshop Tuesday evening, he...

Springfield-Greene County 9-1-1 calls for service increase in 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In 2016, the Springfield-Greene County 91-1 Emergency Communications department averaged nearly 22,000 9-1-1 calls per month with over 81% from mobile devices, says Director Zim Schwartze.

The 9-1-1 telecommunicators, housed ...

Jan. 23 City Council meeting summary

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Roster for City Council candidates certified and submitted

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Springfield City Clerk Anita Cotter has certified 13 applicants to be included on the ballot for the April 4, 2017 election.

Five City Council Seats and the office of Mayor are open this cycle. Zone 2 Councilman Tom Prater mu...

David Holtmann named City Finance Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

City Manager Greg Burris officially named David Holtmann as the City’s Finance director, effective Jan. 23. Holtmann has served as interim Finance director since July, when previous director Mary Mannix Decker retired.

“I am ...

Impacting Poverty Commission issues one-year report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

When the Impacting Poverty Commission (IPC) issued a challenge to the community to help decrease the poverty trend in Greene County in October 2015, Mayor Bob Stephens proclaimed that the “consequences of doing nothing are just too gr...

MEDIA ALERT: Council workshop rescheduled Jan. 31

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Due to clerical errors in the posting of tonight’s City Council workshop regarding the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, the meeting must be cancelled. It is rescheduled for 5:30 p.m., Jan. 31 at the Savoy on Commercial Street.

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For mor...

MEDIA ALERT: Council workshop tonight cancelled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Due to clerical errors in the posting of tonight’s City Council workshop, regarding the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, the meeting must be cancelled. It will be rescheduled at a later date. We apologize for any inconvenience this may ca...

Building Development Services proposes updates to housing code

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Building Development Services Director Chris Straw brought what he calls a “long overdue” set of clarifications to the City’s Nuisance and Housing Code (City Charter, Chapter 74) to City Council Tuesday, Jan. 17. The workshop was info...

MEDIA ALERT: City Council to discuss future of Jefferson Avenue Footbridge at Jan. 18 workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield City Council will hear the results of a recent public input process and discuss rehabilitation options for the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge at an evening workshop 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 at the Savoy Ballroom (2...

Public service agencies prepared for impending weather event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield’s public service agencies held a press conference Thursday about the forecasted ice event for Thursday night into Saturday.

“Although we don’t expect this event to come near the severity of the 2007 event, our public servic...

Mayor Pro Tem Ken McClure testifies on statewide TNC bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Mayor Pro Tem Ken McClure testified today at the Missouri House General Laws Committee meeting in support of House Bill 130, a proposed statewide measure to pave the way for transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber ...

City Manager Greg Burris to transition to new role

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Interviews with Greg Burris and Mayor Ken McClure, beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, can be scheduled by Cora Scott, 417-380-3352 or [email protected].

Springfield City Manager Greg Burris has resigned his role as ...

Jan. 9 City Council meeting summary

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January sales tax revenues up 5% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Springfield's January 2017 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 5% compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in December from t...

Public invited to discuss future of Kearney Street with City staff Jan. 12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

What does the future hold for Kearney Street? The City of Springfield is conducting a market study to look at current business patterns and future opportunities for retail and commercial development along the Kearney Street corridor (...