Springfield: Citizens’ Advisory Board reviews FY27 investment framework and plans

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~ The Citizens' Advisory Board met this week to discuss the City's Spring Forward SGF ½-cent sales tax and its proposed plans for Fiscal Year 2027. The board, whose main responsibility is to recommend how the voter-approved sales tax will be allocated, focused on determining an investment framework for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Spring Forward SGF sales tax, which generates approximately $30 million annually, is used to fund projects that align with the City's comprehensive plan. These projects include capital improvements, community and neighborhood initiatives, and parks projects.

During the meeting, the board reviewed the proposed allocation for FY27. It was recommended that $5 million be allocated for community and neighborhood initiatives and $10 million for parks and trails improvements. These amounts were previously suggested by the CAB for FY27 projects in these two categories.

In response to a request from the board, Public Works Director Dan Smith presented an expanded approach to the Neighborhood Works "Plus" program. This shift would involve moving away from an application-based process and instead using a more strategic project selection process. This would involve input from neighborhood associations, staff, and the public in order to better align with Spring Forward SGF goals. The goal is to identify projects by early 2026 and begin construction in summer of that year. The Board approved recommending a $500,000 allocation from this fiscal year's budget to Public Works in order to begin preparations for this expanded program.

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Parks Director Ron Schneider also presented a timeline for parks and trails project planning during the meeting. This includes upcoming reviews and approvals by the Park Board in September and October, with final recommendations being made to the Citizens' Advisory Board in late October. Master planning and design work are expected to begin in July of 2026.

During discussions about an overall investment framework, Finance Director David Holtmann provided revenue projections while Director of Quality of Place Tim Rosenbury discussed broadening beyond just one category of direct City-led transformational projects. The proposed framework would designate percentages within the transformational capital improvement category for strategic purposes. This would include reserving funds for projects where the City can leverage federal, state, or private grants. It would also ensure that Springfield remains competitive in securing outside resources and multiplies the impact of local dollars. Additionally, it would be dedicated to key transportation and redevelopment corridors that align with Spring Forward SGF priorities. This approach would also support partnerships with public and private entities for roadway, streetscape, and infrastructure upgrades. Rosenbury emphasized that this approach ensures flexibility in how transformational capital dollars are used, leverages external funding opportunities, and targets strategic corridors and projects that can deliver the greatest return for Springfield residents.

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The board's recommendation to City Council to allocate $30 million of the Spring Forward SGF sales tax dollars in the current fiscal year 2026 budget to a regional event center project was unanimously approved by City Council on Monday, Aug. 25.

For more information on the Spring Forward SGF program and project updates, visit springfieldmo.gov/SpringForwardSGF.

The Citizens' Advisory Board's next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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