City seeks community input on convention center

David Cameron: City wishes to hear from all perspectives.

Erin Danastasio: CAB funding would be reallocated if convention center doesn't move forward.

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City of Springfield officials have adopted a wait-and-see posture regarding a proposed downtown convention and event center as they seek input from the public about the project.

The city has launched a community survey about the center, and by Dec. 9, 650 people had submitted responses, according to Cora Scott, Springfield’s director of Public Information and Civic Engagement.

In an email promoting the survey, City Manager David Cameron stated, “Whether you supported, opposed or didn’t vote on the proposal, your perspective is important. This survey helps us understand what you need to make informed decisions as we consider next steps.”

On Nov. 4, a measure was voted down by 52% of voters to fund the construction of the convention and event center with a 3% lodging tax to be assessed to hotel, motel and short-term rental guests in the city. The tax was projected to raise $4.4 million annually for the center.

Election turnout was low, with some 7,500 people voting.

In a news release following the election, city officials said they would work on alternative funding for a regional convention center.

The proposed lodging tax would have been combined with other funds, including $30 million earmarked by the city from its Spring Forward SGF tax, dedicated to community enhancements in line with its comprehensive plan and guided by the Citizens’ Advisory Board. That amounted to the entire projected proceeds from fiscal 2026, the first full year for the 10-year Spring Forward SGF tax.

Asked what would happen to that earmark if the convention and event center did not move forward, CAB Chair Erin Danastasio had a ready answer.

“In short, if the center does not move forward, we will reallocate the funding, proposing new projects to City Council for approval,” she said.

The committee’s role is merely to recommend how the tax will be used, with council handling budgetary allocations.

On Dec. 2, Cameron was asked the same question: What would happen to the $30 million from the Spring Forward SGF tax if the center project did not move forward?

Cameron said it’s a question that has not been discussed as the city continues to work toward the project.

The survey asks residents how they voted on the tax issue and why they adopted that vote or viewpoint. It also asks what conditions might make residents support a revised plan for a convention center, with a few of the options including making the project smaller or more affordable, including more transparency and public feedback, better explaining community benefits or offering more youth sports or family-friendly features.

Respondents are also asked if certain factors would make them more or less likely to support a tax; these included a sunset on a proposed tax, an announcement of a specific proposed location or the release of preliminary designs or conceptual renderings.

The anonymous survey, which is promoted as taking 6-8 minutes to complete, closes Dec. 19. It is available at
CityOfSgf.questionpro.com/eventscenter.