~ The City of Springfield's Citizens' Advisory Board has officially begun its work to 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. This tax was approved by voters in November 2024. The Board, appointed by City Council, voted unanimously to recommend investing $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, up to $5 million for neighborhood projects, and $15 million in reserve.

The Citizens' Advisory Board's next meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2025. The board is charged with reviewing project ideas and providing recommendations to the City Council at least annually. Their goal is to guide investments that make Springfield safer, stronger, and better connected. They will focus on infrastructure that supports neighborhood vitality, public safety, economic growth, and quality of life.

In an effort to promote transparency and gather public input, the board has launched a Project Idea Submission Form on the City's website at https://www.springfieldmo.gov/6029/Spring-Forwa.... This portal allows community members to propose potential capital projects for consideration. Suggestions could include street or sidewalk improvements, stormwater upgrades, park enhancements, or economic development infrastructure.

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Board Chair Erin Danastasio emphasized that while they welcome fresh ideas from the community, their work is also grounded in significant research conducted by City staff over the years. "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 scientifically valid citizen surveys, public meetings, and outreach efforts."

The board's decision-making process 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, if it is eligible for matching funds, and if it directly generates new sales tax or other revenue for City services and infrastructure. Other considerations include job creation, economic growth, livability for residents and workers, and whether the project is transformational and invests in the next generation.

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While the Project Idea Submission Form is an important tool for community engagement, Danastasio noted that not all ideas will receive individual responses or immediate action. "We appreciate every submission, but with limited funds and a large number of ideas, it may take some time before your idea is addressed," she said. "However, rest assured that your input is being considered as part of a thorough and ongoing process."

To submit a project idea, community members can visit springfieldmo.gov/forwardsgf and complete the online submission form. The form asks for a description of the idea, location, potential benefits, and alignment with community goals. Supporting documents such as sketches or photos can also be uploaded.

The Citizens' Advisory Board is committed to helping Springfield invest wisely in its future alongside the community. Their unanimous recommendations to City Council include investing $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; up to $5 million for neighborhood projects; and $15 million in reserve.

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