City's Ralph Rognstad to retire

After 27 years with the city of Springfield, Ralph Rognstad has set a retirement date.

On Jan. 23, the director of planning and development will retire after working for the city 27 years, according to a news release.

“Ralph’s fingerprints can be found all over this city, as he has worked tirelessly on a wide range of projects that have had a significant impact on the lives of our citizens,” City Manager Greg Burris said in the release.

Rognstad became director of the department in 2003 after serving as assistant director since 1996 and as a principal planner for three years prior to that. Before moving to Springfield, he worked for the city of Rock Hill, S.C., as senior planner, and as a planner in Virginia and North Dakota.

During his tenure in Springfield, Rognstad played key roles in the redevelopment planning of the College Street corridor and the Route 66 Roadside Park, established The Link and the city’s first capital improvements plan. He’s most recently worked with Woodland Heights Neighborhood residents to create the Moon City Creative District, according to the release.

“Together, I believe we have been able to make Springfield a better place,” Rognstad said in the release.

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