Schrag to host first Mayor’s Community Conversation

Springfield Mayor Jeff Schrag is scheduled to host the first in a new community discussion series later this month.

The first Mayor’s Community Conversation is set for 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, April 17 at Northview Center, 305 E. Talmage St., according to a news release today.

“Springfield is strongest when we listen to one another and work together to address the issues that matter most to our community,” Schrag said in the release. “Mayor’s Community Conversations bring city leadership directly into neighborhoods so we can hear from residents, learn about their experiences and better understand each community’s priorities.”

Developed in partnership with Springfield’s 24 registered neighborhoods and the Neighborhood Advisory Council, the series of Mayor’s Community Conversations aims to strengthen collaboration, improve communication and ensure residents help shape Springfield government priorities, according to the release.

The first conversation will focus on the Tom Watkins, Woodland Heights, Robberson and Doling neighborhoods, according to the release.

Springfield’s other 20 registered neighborhoods will be invited to their designated Mayor’s Community Conversation event, city officials said, adding that details will be released when they are available.

According to the release, a goal for the series is to help municipal staff and leadership provide clear follow‑up, connect residents with the right departments and address concerns.

Residents can expect that during each conversation, attendees will be able to share concerns, ask questions and talk directly with city staff and leadership, the release stated. To support transparency and accountability, city staff plan to document issues raised during each session, assign follow‑up tasks to the appropriate city departments, track progress with clear timelines and publish a public recap outlining key themes, follow-up actions under way and any items needing additional coordination.

“I am very excited that the mayor and city leadership are coming in to neighborhoods to have conversations and listen to what we are struggling with on our own blocks or in our areas of town,” said Neighborhood Advisory Council Chair Becky Volz, in the release. “How better to fix something than to see the needs up close and personal?”

Volz added that she expects expect to see good things happen from this effort.