Catalyst or Complacency?

Springfield is at a decision point. We need to ask an important question: What are we going to build next? Are we signaling growth—or settling for status quo?

The tourism tax on April 7 proposes funding a state-of-the-art convention and events center designed by Sapp Design Architects in partnership with global firm Populous. That matters. Populous has created iconic stadiums, arenas and airports around the world. They design places that move people—and more importantly, places where people want to gather.

That kind of expertise, applied right here in Springfield, should make us think bigger. It should spark pride. It should challenge us to imagine what else is possible.

Also on the table is a $30 million appropriation in the state budget for the project—a funding mechanism that would be a real launchpad. The Missouri Legislature approved the $30 million appropriation, but it is currently restricted, and Gov. Mike Kehoe has the authority to decide to release it or not before June 30.

Done right, this becomes more than a facility. It becomes an anchor. The kind that helps form a true downtown district where restaurants, retail, hotels and housing feed off shared energy and momentum. If this vote fails, we should be honest enough to ask: What's our Plan B for downtown investment and long-term revitalization?

I know some will say, "Why this when we need to solve A, B and C?" I appreciate City Manager David Cameron reframing that thinking as "Yes, and."

Yes, we can invest in a state-of-the-art events center and address crime. Yes, we can catalyze development and tackle homelessness. Visionary leadership doesn't force either-or choices—it demands we pursue progress on multiple fronts.

In April we have the opportunity to choose what kind of Springfield we're building, and whether we're ready to compete for what's next.

In case it isn't clear: I'll be voting yes. I hope you will too.