~ Springfield City Manager Jason Gage has announced his plans to step down from his position on January 11, 2025, after six years of dedicated service to the Queen City. Gage has been at the helm of the municipality during some of its most challenging times, including a global pandemic and a comprehensive planning process. He also spearheaded several major capital improvement projects that have left a lasting impact on the community.

One of Gage's most notable achievements during his tenure has been maintaining a strong financial position for Springfield. While many cities have faced budget cuts due to overspending and overestimating post-pandemic tax revenue, Springfield has continued to heavily invest in the community. This commitment has earned the city a prestigious AA1 bond rating from Moody's Investor Services Inc., which is the second-highest rating available.

Under Gage's leadership, Springfield has also seen significant improvements in crime reduction and poverty rates. Since 2020, there has been a 30% decrease in crime, and the poverty rate has dropped from 24.8% in 2018 to 20.3% in 2022.

Mayor Ken McClure praised Gage for his steady and patient leadership during turbulent times and forward-thinking decision-making during good times. "His leadership has led to Springfield being a pivotal force in the metro area's economic growth," said McClure. "The city has outperformed both the State of Missouri and the United States in job growth, income growth, real GDP, and reduced unemployment."

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Gage himself believes that now is the right time for him to move on as Springfield prepares to welcome a new mayor and potentially several fresh faces on the City Council. "With a new council may come shifted community priorities," he said. "Recognizing when it is time to embrace new challenges is often as crucial as celebrating past accomplishments, and I believe that time is now."

During his tenure, Gage has also implemented continuous improvement efforts through departmental plans with measurable outcomes. He introduced Lean process improvements in the Building Development Services and Environmental Services Departments, with the aim of extending similar efficiency measures to all city functions.

"These methodologies are characteristic of top-tier public and private institutions, and this is precisely the trajectory of our organization," said Gage. "My pride in our employees' dedication to service, improvement, and community is immense. Our focus has been on judicious use of tax dollars, investing in worthwhile projects, while safeguarding against projects that offer little to no public benefit."

Some of Gage's significant accomplishments as City Manager include securing over $43 million in direct appropriations from the Missouri General Assembly over the past three years and implementing the visionary Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan. This plan emphasizes quality of place and has been integrated into capital project planning efforts to leverage federal dollars.

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Gage also secured a long-term future for the Springfield Cardinals professional baseball team through a 15-year agreement and acquisition of Hammons Field. The facility has already seen numerous upgrades, with more to come. He also adhered to commitments in capital improvement and transportation sales tax projects and addressed challenges in the development process according to a formal Commitment to Development Values.

Gage expressed his gratitude towards Springfield citizens for their consistent support during his tenure. They have overwhelmingly approved all tax ballot renewals, including capital improvement and transportation sales tax renewals, police-fire pension sales tax renewal, hotel license tax changes, and recreational marijuana sales tax. They have also strongly endorsed all City Charter ordinance questions presented.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to lead this high-performing organization and serve the Springfield community over the past six years," said Gage. "I'm proud to have served alongside City employees who are not only highly qualified but also uphold the highest ethical standards. They are relentlessly committed to delivering essential services daily."

Mayor McClure and the City Council are currently working on a process to determine an interim City Manager and recruit a permanent replacement for Gage. He is the 13th City Manager in the history of Springfield.

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