Regional partnerships pump up population

Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show that more than 390,000 people are living in the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, comprising Greene, Christian, Webster, Polk and Dallas counties.

Allen Kunkel, manager of regional development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, said that many of the changes that have drawn residents to southwest Missouri are the result of the region’s “amazing openness to partner (among) cities and counties, working on growth-management issues.”

Springfield has seen the bulk of the population growth in the last 25 years, and even though many new residents are moving to areas outside the city limits, city officials are dealing with the influx.

Springfield Public Schools has added to and expanded its facilities, most recently with the 55,635-square-foot Wilson’s Creek 5-6 school that will open in the fall to serve fifth- and sixth-graders.

City of Springfield residents also have seen Jordan Valley Park in downtown Springfield come to fruition, offering a center city recreational venue.

Elsewhere in Greene County, the city of Republic and the village of Brookline merged in 2005, following voter approval at the April polls. Brookline residents stand to benefit from $5 million in water and sewer upgrades, and Republic is eyeing the possibility of creating an industrial park that would bring in businesses, jobs and revenues.

Christian County

Christian County, recognized as the fastest-growing county in the state and No. 66 in the country, is working to meet growth head-on. In 2001, officials began construction of a 64,000-square-foot Christian County Justice Center in Ozark, providing needed additional space for court facilities, 911 emergency dispatch and inmate detention.

In Nixa, public school officials saw a need for increased student capacity, building a new high school that opened in 2000 and adding a new elementary school a short time later.

Sharon Whitehill Gray, executive director of the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce, attributes the city’s growth to economic development and commercial industry growth.

“(Nixa) used to be the place to live and learn. But slowly and surely over the last 10 years, it has progressed into a place to work and shop and play,” Gray said.

In May, the Ozark Board of Aldermen instituted a $1,500 sewer connection fee for all new residential construction to help pay for a new wastewater treatment facility in the Christian county city. Ozark residents approved the new facility at the polls, but voted down an $1,800 sewer impact fee. But officials said the move was necessary as Ozark is fast approaching capacity.

Elsewhere in southwest Missouri

Regional growth isn’t limited to the Springfield MSA.

Work continues on Branson Landing, a $420 million retail and convention center complex that’s projected to bring an estimated 2,800 jobs to Branson. Kunkel said he’s not seen any indication that the region’s growth will stop anytime soon.

“I think people are moving to where they want to be,” said Kunkel, who also is involved with the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership, which identifies and addresses growth issues in a 10-county area. “We have a great region here. Obviously, the outdoors is our asset, and as long as we protect those assets and create a great quality of life, people are going to continue to come here.”