Letter to the Editor: Time to build a sense of ownership in our communities

Dear editor,

As your newly elected state representative, I am deeply honored to serve our community.

In the weeks since the election, I’ve had countless conversations with neighbors about the challenges we face and the opportunities we can create together. What has stood out to me most in these discussions is the need for a renewed sense of ownership – ownership of our neighborhoods, our schools, our community centers, our parks and the shared spaces that define who we are.

When we talk about ownership, we’re not just discussing property or possessions. I’m referring to the deep pride and responsibility we feel when we see ourselves as stewards of the places we live, work and play. Ownership means being part of something bigger than ourselves. It means showing up for our schools, attending neighborhood association meetings, caring for our parks and finding ways to strengthen the connections that hold us together.

Unfortunately, too many of our neighbors feel disconnected. Years of underinvestment in community infrastructure, cuts to education funding, decreasing homeownership and rising housing costs have left some feeling powerless. When people feel like their voices aren’t heard or their efforts won’t matter, it’s easy to disengage. But the truth is, we all have the power to shape the future of our neighborhoods – and it starts with seeing ourselves as co-owners of our shared spaces.

As your representative, one of my top priorities will be to support policies that encourage local investment and engagement. This means advocating for increased funding for public schools so that every child, no matter their ZIP code, has access to quality education. It means working to create affordable housing options that allow more people to achieve stability and invest in their neighborhoods. It also means fighting for safe, accessible parks and community centers where families can gather and young people can grow.

But the government alone cannot, and should not, build community ownership. It’s up to all of us to take an active role in shaping the places where we live. That might look like participating in a neighborhood cleanup day, hosting a birthday party at your local park, volunteering at your neighborhood nonprofit or attending city council meetings to advocate for improvements in your area. These small acts of engagement create ripples of change that strengthen the fabric of our community.

I’ve already seen incredible examples of ownership in action here in Springfield. I’ve seen parents band together to advocate for safer schools. I’ve seen residents of every age show up to clean streams, beautify roadways and repair playgrounds. I’ve seen organizations step up to provide critical resources for families in need. And I’ve seen citizen groups, like Moms Demand. Action, step up to invest in neighborhoods across our city to help reduce crime. These efforts prove that when we come together with a shared sense of purpose, we can create real, lasting change.

Building a stronger community also means ensuring that everyone feels included. Too often, the voices of marginalized groups – whether due to race, language barriers, physical ability, income level or other factors – are left out of the conversation. True ownership means creating spaces where everyone is heard and valued. It means reaching out to neighbors who might not feel empowered to participate and inviting them to the table.

As I settle into my new role as your state representative, I want to hear from you. What do you love most about your neighborhood? What challenges do you see, and what solutions do you envision? Together, we can craft a vision for a Springfield where every person feels a sense of ownership and pride in their community.

In the months ahead, I’ll be working to connect with community leaders, local organizations, and everyday citizens to identify ways we can strengthen our neighborhoods. But I can’t do it alone.

The success of our community depends on each of us stepping up, lending a hand, and finding ways to contribute.

Springfield is more than just a collection of houses and streets – it’s a vibrant community filled with people who care about one another. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has a stake in the future of our schools, parks, and public spaces. Let’s build a Springfield we can all be proud to call home.

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me to represent you. I look forward to working with you to create a stronger, more connected community for us all.

—Rep. Jeremy Dean, D, District 132