A REPORT FOR SPRINGFIELD & GREENE COUNTY - Community Focus Report
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A REPORT FOR SPRINGFIELD & GREENE COUNTY
PRODUCTION & SUPPORT
This project was completed with support from the follow- Dr. Jonathan Groves, Facilitator, Community Focus Report
ing organizations, whose leaders pledge to use the informa- Drury University
tion in the report to guide their future decision making:
Morey Mechlin, Chair, Community Focus Report
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Steering Committee
OF THE OZARKS Community Foundation of the Ozarks Board Member
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SPRINGFIELD Louise Knauer and Aaron Scott, Editing and design,
Community Foundation of the Ozarks
SPRINGFIELD AREA CHAMBER Erin Hotchkiss, Communications coordinator
OF COMMERCE
The 2019 Community Focus Report is a summary of infor-
SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY mation compiled and evaluated by many individuals and
LIBRARY DISTRICT subcommittees. Additional information, data and resources
are available on the website dedicated to this report.
UNITED WAY OF THE OZARKS Please visit:
www.SpringfieldCommunityFocus.org
facebook.com/SGFCFR
#SGFCFR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report would not be possible without the contributions of these community participants, whose input
and guidance helped develop and present the Blue Ribbons, Red Flags and Community Themes.
(Steering committee members are boldfaced.)
Jasmine Bailey Emily Denniston Lance Kettering Missy Riley
Jay Barber Bridget Dierks Louise Knauer Erick Roberts
Cynthia Barranza Beth Domann Mary Kromrey Robin Robeson
Janice Bennett Laurie Duncan Mike Kromrey Amy St. John
Joshua Best Jason Elmore Allen Kunkel Shane Schoeller
Emilee Blansit Jeremy Elwood Carrie Lamb Zim Schwartze
Teresa Bledsoe Brad Erwin Erica Little Aaron Scott
Rob Blevins Sara Fields Justin Lockhart Cora Scott
Vanessa Brandon Jenny Fillmer Edwards Barbara Lucks Melissa Scott
Madeline Brice Jill Finney John Mackey John Sellars
Crystal Brigman Mahaney Betsy Fogle Sarah Marshall-Roberts Cara Shaefer
Alexis Brown Brian Fogle Madison McFarland Dan Smith
Nicole Brown Leslie Forrester Jamie McGranahan Mary Lilly Smith
Megan Buchbinder Dr. Dave Fraley Anne-Mary McGrath Tim Smith
Loring Bullard Dawne Gardner Morey Mechlin Angie Snyder
Karen Burnell Ruff Jane Gordan Karen Mellinger Sean Spyres
Ronda Burnett Dr. Jonathan Groves Rebecca Miller Jeanette Stacye
Shelby Butler Martin Gugel Jon Mooney Amanda Stadler
Dana Carroll Stephen Hall Ryan Mooney Mike Stevens
Nicole Chilton Daniel Hedrick Marty Moore Diana Tyndall
Linda Chorice Trysta Herzog Tena Morrow Paige Viehmann
Eric Claussen Nikki Holden Nick Nelson Ashley Walden
Jordan Coiner Jann Holland Kathleen O’Dell Kathryn Wall
Heather Coulter Molly Holtman Emily Ogden Anne Wallenmeyer
Brad Crain Adam Humphrey Todd Parnell Brian Weiler
Matt Crawford Dr. Tammy Jahnke David Pennington Christopher Wells
Jennifer Crouch Amy Jardel Nicole Piper Mike West
Nancee Dahms Stinson Rachel Johnson Joey Powell Terry Whaley
Cindy Davies Bob Jones Francine Pratt Paul Williams
Chris Davis Dr. John Jungmann Crystal Quade Larry Woods
Dr. Mike Dawson Jeff Kessinger Kim Reser
INTRODUCTION
I
n 2002, a diverse group of Springfield and Greene County lead-
ers from the business, education, nonprofit, health care, envi-
ronment and volunteer sectors came together to assess the
community’s assets, gaps, opportunities and challenges. During
that process, the leaders learned of a model of community reflec-
tion from Lexington, Ky., that led to the first Community Focus Re-
port to analyze the area’s strengths (Blue Ribbons) and challenges
(Red Flags).
Today, that work continues, with the ongoing support of the
Community Foundation of the Ozarks, United Way of the Ozarks,
Springfield-Greene County Library District, Junior League of
Springfield and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. For this
ninth report on the region’s progress, new leaders joined longtime
A REPORT FOR SPRINGFIELD & GREENE COUNTY participants to analyze key benchmarks and indicators.
In the original report, then CFO President Dr. Gary Funk noted
the difficulty of this endeavor: “This is a work in progress. And that
REPORT THEMES ······································· 2 ongoing reflection is the essence of the Community Focus—the
understanding that a community willing to honestly examine itself
COMMUNITY AT A GLANCE ························· 3 is a community committed to a better future.”
By design, the report’s 11 committees focus on identifying Blue
COMMUNITY TIMELINE ······························ 4 Ribbons and Red Flags in each chapter to prioritize conversation
points for the next two years. Previous reports have helped target
ARTS & CULTURE ······································· 6 areas including poverty, homelessness and early childhood educa-
tion. Raising awareness of these Red Flags inspired collaborative
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ······· 8 efforts such as Every Child Promise to improve early childhood
preparation and education, the Northwest Project and Prosper
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION ··························· 10 Springfield to tackle poverty, and the GO CAPS program to inspire
high-school students to pursue careers in needed fields.
COMMUNITY HEALTH ······························· 12 This year’s edition highlights continued strength in the economy
and the area’s ability to collaborate to tackle community issues, but,
EARLY CHILDHOOD ·································· 14 as with previous reports, some Red Flags—especially those tied
to poverty and mental health—stubbornly persist. We must not
EDUCATION ············································ 16 ignore these issues because of their complexity, but instead look
for solutions. A quote attributed to Steve Jobs, the legendary inno-
HOUSING ··············································· 18 vator, reminds us: “If you define the problem correctly, you almost
have the solution.”
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ························· 20 We want to thank the five primary sponsors and dozens of par-
ticipants from throughout Springfield and Greene County who
PUBLIC ORDER & SAFETY ························· 22 contributed to this yearlong process. Our hope is that this report,
much like its predecessors, will shape community action into 2021
RECREATION, SPORTS & LEISURE ·············· 24 to ensure our finite resources are used in the most effective and
impactful ways in the months ahead.
TRANSPORTATION ··································· 26 —Dr. Jonathan Groves, Facilitator
Morey Mechlin, Steering Committee Chair
INFORMATION RESOURCES ······················· 28
COMMUNITY INPUT ································· 29
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019 · 1
REPORT THEMES
S
ince 2004, the Community Focus Report has pro- developed the following themes from the Blue Ribbons
vided a snapshot of key strengths and weaknesses and Red Flags for 2019.
across community sectors. Like its predecessors,
this ninth report focuses on the elements most COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
prevalent today; it does not list every problem or strength Since the last report, the community has conducted a
in the Springfield and Greene County area. We identify full assessment of mental-health resources and outcomes.
timely Blue Ribbons and Red Flags in each chapter, and Addressing mental illness remains a necessary com-
those lead us common points and connections to guide ef- munity-health tactic as it affects so many areas, such as
fective action for the next two years. drug addiction, homelessness and crime. The challenge is
Since this effort began, the community has leveraged reducing the stigma related to diagnoses and encouraging
its strengths against numerous challenges. The first report people to seek help.
identified childhood poverty and the dangers facing at-risk
children as overall issues, while weaknesses in educational COOPERATION
funding put public schools in Springfield and Greene Each Community Focus Report has praised the abil-
County at a disadvantage. Since that time, the community ity of agencies, nonprofits and citizens to collaborate and
as a whole has concentrated resources to make significant develop innovative solutions, especially as needs grow and
progress confronting these problems. resources stagnate. Over the past several years, collective
Though poverty has persisted as an issue, major col- upstream efforts—programs and initiatives to improve
laborations such as the Northwest Project and Prosper the root causes before they become serious issues — have
Springfield have directed millions of dollars in resources gained momentum. For example, many resources have
toward helping those at the lower end of the income scale. been directed at improving early childhood outcomes at
Economic development, too, helps keep unemployment home and in educational/care settings to prevent more dif-
below state and national averages to provide job oppor- ficult issues that may evolve later in life.
tunities. Sometimes, however, those collaborative ideas do not
Mental health was first identified as a Red Flag in always result in cooperation. Strong community ideas and
the 2007 report, and in 2017, the need to assess mental- plans may remain on the shelf, identified but unused as
health resources and outcomes was a major theme. Since individual groups struggle with the day-to-day demands of
that time, the Springfield-Greene County Health Depart- their own organizations and projects.
ment has completed the area’s first comprehensive men- Local collaborations can also run into obstacles from
tal-health assessment, and addressing mental illness has higher levels, as solutions developed in Springfield and
become a more frequent part of the Greene County may not always mesh with decisions or pri-
conversation. orities in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C.
BLUE RIBBON & RED FLAG The Community Focus Report often
THEMES FOR 2019 sparks more immediate improvements DIVERSITY
• Community mental health as well. Over the past two years, the There is a growing recognition of the need to repre-
• Cooperation community also has concentrated on sent diverse perspectives locally across multiple dimen-
• Diversity making Springfield a more desirable sions—race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, those with
• Economic opportunity area to plant roots as a way to recruit disabilities. It is not merely having discussions about
• Poverty and homelessness and keep the next generation of local diversity; it is recognizing the distinctive needs for those
• Social capital innovators. Springfield’s city core con- groups and including these diverse voices at the table as
tinues to develop, as the arts and music the community makes decisions about the future.
communities grow and thrive. The efac-
tory, an incubator for business startups, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
is filled with promising companies that may become the Springfield has long been a region of economic oppor-
next O’Reilly Auto Parts or Bass Pro Shops. Our natural tunity, with low unemployment and a vibrant business
environment and parks remain community jewels, with community. But our historic engine of growth is slow-
our trail system continuing to expand for recreation and ing, and many in the area still struggle to make ends meet,
active transportation. even with the region’s low cost of living. In 2018, Mis-
But a coming struggle for funding looms over Spring- souri voters passed a minimum-wage increase, which will
field and Greene County. Each committee noted that the mean higher wages for workers at entry-level jobs, but
community will face more challenging choices in the years some in the business and public sectors have raised con-
ahead over the finite pool of funding from governments, cerns about the increased payroll costs—a concern that
foundations and citizens. could ultimately affect hiring decisions by employers and
Against this backdrop, the steering community threaten the region’s historically low unemployment rate.
2 · COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019
Employers have pointed to new educational and training Springfield and Greene County must identify what the
programs as a way for workers to add skills and increase changing notions of social capital—the commitment of
wages at all levels. citizens to contribute to common good—looks like in this
Strong parks, trails and natural resources also contrib- ever more fragmented society. Residents no longer share
ute to the area’s well-being, for economic development, common community facts from a few primary sources
physical and mental health, and overall quality of life. of information. They are scanning across neighborhood
But recent political trends are causing concern as an ero- Facebook groups and narrow news feeds reflecting indi-
sion of regulatory and financial support at the local, state vidual interests and passions, sources that may include
and federal levels may threaten these valuable resources. unverified rumors and half-truths.
Questions of personal safety stemming from increases
POVERTY & HOMELESSNESS in drug-related crime may exacerbate the sense of com-
Not everyone has fully recovered from the Great Reces- munity distrust.
sion, and a variety of intertwined issues including hous- This environment, however, has spawned creative
ing affordability, day-care availability and rising costs of solutions. People are finding alternatives outside the
living and higher education, can become barriers to path- traditional structure of nonprofits and volunteerism to
ways out of poverty. Untreated depression and anxiety can improve their neighborhoods, through online platforms
also affect educational attainment. This area, however, has such as GoFundMe and micro-collaboratives within their
inspired some of the most innovative collaborations to own social circles. As we look forward to 2021, we must
solve community problems in collective, systematic ways. gauge how future assessments can accurately reflect the
complex picture of social capital at work in Springfield and
SOCIAL CAPITAL Greene County, especially as a new generation of commu-
As institutional trust has dropped, local citizen par- nity leaders seeks to develop the area’s distinctive sense of
ticipation through the traditional measures of voter place, through its natural and artistic resources as well as
engagement and volunteering have experienced declines. local innovation and entrepreneurship.
COMMUNITY AT A GLANCE
Population 2005 2017 change Poverty 2005 2017 change Education 2005 2017 change
Springfield 139,600 167,376 27,776 springfield ————————————————— springfield —————————————————
Greene County 238,898 289,805 50,907 Individuals 18% 25.7% 7.7 High school 85.8% 90.3% 4.5
All families 13.6% 17.5% 3.9 Bachelor’s degree 22.3% 29.2% 6.9
Demographics 2005 2017 change Households with children under 18 greene county ——————————————
springfield ————————————————— 22.9% 27.2% 4.3 High school 88.4% 91.7% 3.3
Median age: 36.2 32.8 3.4 greene county —————————————— Bachelor’s degree 25.3% 31.3% 6.0
Median income: $29,433 $34,775 $5,342 Individuals 12.7% 18.5% 5.8 ( level completed, 25 or older )
greene county —————————————— All families 9.4% 12.1% 2.7
Median age: 36.5 35.7 0.8 Households with children under 18 Cost of Living — 2019
Median income: $36,494 $43,175 $6,681 15.4% 19.4% 4.0 metro area index grocery housing
Springfield 85.3 96.9 68.6
Diversity 2005 2017 change Housing 2005 2017 change St. Louis 87.6 103.1 69.8
race in greene county ——————————— springfield ————————————————— Kansas City 94.9 102.2 83.3
White 93.56% 90.64% 2.92 Persons/household 2.08 2.13 0.05 ( u.s. average: 100.0 in all categories )
Black/African American Owner-occupied housing value
2.43% 3.04% 0.61 $91.5K $111.6K $20.1K sources: 2017 american community
American Indian/Alaska Native Median rent $549 $711 $162 survey; 2005 american community
0.36% 0.37% 0.01 greene county —————————————— survey; missouri economic research
Asian 1.32% 2.10% 0.78 Persons/household 2.26 2.31 0.05 and information center
Pacific Islander 0.04% 0.15% 0.11 Owner-occupied housing value
Some other race 0.54% 0.49% 0.05 $111.9K $136.3K $24.4K
Two or more races 1.75% 3.21% 1.46 Median rent $571 $732 $161
ethnicity in greene county ———————
Hispanic or Latino 2.13% 3.75% 1.62
Not Hispanic or Latino
97.87% 96.25% 1.62
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019 · 3
COMMUNITY TIMELINE Water Quality Planning
Tens of thousands of
The start of the
trees lost during historic
Group recommendations Southwest Missouri
ice storm.
adopted by Springfield HOME (Housing
and Greene County. Victor Vieth visited New Springfield- Options Must
Springfield with call to Branson National Expand) Team to
Grantmaker’s
“End Child Abuse in 120 Airport terminal opens. expand awareness
Challenge for Children
Years.” and availability of
begins directing Springfield receives
affordable and accessible
philanthropic support Missouri State University federal Ready to Learn
universally designed
towards Red Flag issues opened its new Jordan grant funding.
housing.
of children in poverty. Valley Innovation
Jordan Valley
Center, a collaborative Watershed Center at
Housing element of November ballot Community Health
effort to bring Valley Water Mill Park
Vision 20/20 launched Community Safety Center expands to
biomedical research completed.
with a five-year Initiative failed, which downtown Springfield.
and development to the
strategic plan for included funding for Springfield News-Leader
community. The Health Commission
providing affordable early childhood. begins the “Every
formed as a community-
housing. Child” public service
Dr. Norm Ridder named The report begins based collaborative.
journalism project
Mayor’s Commission Springfield Public publishing biannually. Voters approve tax to to highlight concerns
for Children was formed. Schools superintendent. Key trends identified: shore up Police-Fire of young children and
Early Learning • Children in poverty Pension Fund. families.
Opportunities Act A follow-up remains a focus, as
report is published, the Grantmakers’ First “diverging Clif Smart becomes
grant awarded to Burrell
adding sections for Challenge for Children diamond” interchange MSU president.
Behavioral Health.
early childhood and begins raising millions in North America opens
Hammons Field opened community health. Key for preventive in north Springfield. Key trends identified:
in center city; Springfield trends identified: solutions. • Innovation emerges
Cardinals arrived a year • The community • Health-care access The 2009 edition as a theme, with the
later. responds to the sees some success looked at emerging IDEA Commons as a
first report with with the Jordan Valley issues rather than Blue One Door established highlight.
First report is collaborative efforts. Two-year drought begins. Community Health Ribbons and Red Flags. with Community • Social capital is
published covering • Local economic boom Center. • The number of Partnership of the integrated into
Greene County voters
nine areas. Key trends helps drive state • Collaboration among residents without Ozarks, providing a community planning.
approve sales tax
identified: economy. public and private health insurance central point of entry • Economic uncertainty
to support parks
• Encouraging center city • Too many children still entities remains strong. continues to rise. for coordinated intake, from national level has
and stormwater
redevelopment. suffering effects of improvements. • The number of child • Child abuse and neglect assessment and referrals trickled down locally
• Too many children in poverty. abuse and neglect rates in Greene County for housing and shelter more than in the past.
poverty. • Methamphetamine Kindergarten cases in Greene County remain high. services throughout our • Child abuse and
• Funding for public traffic touches all Readiness Study finds is well above the state • The Great Recession community. neglect cases increase.
schools below state facets of life. 24% of kindergarteners average. affects housing and • Early Childhood section
Field Guide 2030,
average • Funding for public not ready to learn. • Financial backing for hunger locally. cites inability to
a comprehensive
• Needs of many at-risk education shifts to Dr. Norman Myers essential services does • Education budgets still process to update the convert public support
children not being met. local responsibility. not match need. Isabel’s House Crisis a concern. to action as a Red Flag.
retires as the founding community strategic plan,
Nursery is opened.
president of Ozarks begins and continues
Technical Community The Red Wagon Kids through 2012.
College, passing the reins Community Plan is
Kindergarten
to Dr. Hal Higdon. created.
Readiness Study finds
Tom Finnie retires after Springfield Regional 20% of kindergarteners
16 years as Springfield’s Crime Lab opens in not ready.
city manager. downtown Springfield.
Springfield-Greene
Gillioz Theatre restored Greg Burris selected as County Botanical
and reopened. Springfield city manager. Center opens.
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Feb. 4: Facebook is Aug. 29: Hurricane Dec. 11: Mexico’s June 29: The iPhone is Sept. 29: The Dow Feb. 17: American Jan. 21: U.S. Supreme May 22: EF5 tornado
created. Katrina hits Gulf Coast. president initiates war released in the United Jones Industrial Average Reinvestment and Court decides Citizens strikes Joplin, killing 158
on drug cartels. States. plunges 777 points, one Recovery Act enacted United case on campaign and injuring 1,150.
Nov. 2: George W. Bush
of the largest drops in in response to Great finance
re-elected president; Dec. 30: Former Iraq December: Great Sept. 17: Occupy Wall
history. Recession.
Matt Blunt elected President Saddam Recession begins. March 23: Affordable Street begins movement.
governor; Missouri voters Hussein executed for Oct. 3: Troubled Asset June: Great Recession Care Act signed into law
Dec. 15: U.S. declares
approve Amendment 3 to crimes against humanity. Relief Program financial ends.
April 20: Deepwater end to war in Iraq.
support transportation. rescue plan enacted.
Horizon oil platform
Nov. 4: Barack Obama explodes
elected president; Jay
Nixon elected governor.
WORLD & STATE EVENTS
4 · COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019
Over the past 15 years, our strengths and challenges
have evolved as the world changed. This timeline Missouri School
Funding Formula is fully
recaps key moments around each report’s release. funded and allows for
preschool slots.
Springfield voters Early Learning
repeal addition to Leadership Academy
nondiscrimintation is formed for early
Springfield Community
ordinance. childhood directors.
Land Trust established
to offer access to City’s Integrated SPS establishes Launch
land and housing at Planning Approach online learning, which
affordable rates. accepted by EPA. provides access students
in Springfield and across
The Springfield SPS Parents As
Missouri.
Affordable Housing Teachers expands to
Center opens a one- every elementary school
stop housing and in district. A guide for valid
homelessness prevention sources of community
Unique collaboration
service center information to
with SPS and Boys &
confront online
The efactory, a business Girls Club locates a
misinformation is
incubator managed by center at Sherwood
included. Key trends
Missouri State University Elementary School.
identified:
and Springfield City Council adds • For the first time, the
Innovation Inc., opens as sexual orientation Key trends identified: Kindergarten Readiness community began
part of IDEA Commons. and gender identity • Awareness grows Study finds 24.7% of a comprehensive
to nondiscrimination of shifting civic kindergarteners not assessment of the state Springfield voters
Key trends identified: ordinance. responsibilities in an ready; Early Childhood of mental health in the approve Proposition S,
• Higher-education increasingly urban One Stop established. region. a $168 million bond
Kindergarten
resources committed Readiness Study finds environment. Springfield Public • Poverty and sustainable proposal to fund
to improving public 27.4% of kindergarteners • Private and public Schools celebrates 150 funding for community improvement projects
issues. not ready; Kindergarten development resurges years, expands Explore persist as challenges. for Springfield Public
• Concerns arise that Prep begins in as local economy summer learning • Concerns arise over Schools, including
poverty may affect Springfield elementary rebounds. program to serve over civic engagement, construction of a new
economic development. schools; establishment of • Community leaders 12,000 students. especially with Early Childhood Center;
• Community needs Every Child Promise. recognize the difficulty the drop in voter voters also approve
to invest more in of impacting chronic Sculpture Walk participation. extending ¹₄-cent capital
preventive efforts. Dr. John Jungmann poverty issues Springfield launches, • Recreational, arts and improvements sales tax
Kindergarten
• Child abuse and selected as SPS sustainably. increasing public art entreprenurial assets, for 20 years.
Readiness Study finds
neglect as well as superintendent. • Funding is lacking not downtown. including re-opened
Springfield voters 26% of kindergarteners Comprehensive
re-affirm 2011 youth in poverty University of Missouri– only for preventive A Community Health Wonders of Wildlife, not ready; Campbell community mental
Smokefree Air Act for remain issues. Kansas City School of public efforts, but Improvement Plan was contribute to quality Early Childhood health & substance
workplaces and public • Funding losses for Pharmacy partnered also maintenance in developed and adopted of life. Center begins serving abuse assessment
areas. infrastructure and with MSU to bring a other areas, including by community partners • Unemployment 200 preschoolers; early released.
community needs since pharmacy program to transportation, natural through the Healthy remains low, but wages childhood education
Springfield retains the the Great Recession environment and have not kept up with History Museum on
Springfield. Living Alliance. services expand to over
U.S. Postal Service have not recovered. public order and safety. the rising cost of living. the Square opens in
700 4-year-olds.
processing facility, Dr. Robert Spence First collaborative downtown Springfield
instead of consolidating retires after 40 years Community Health The first residents move after five years of
it in Kansas City. at Evangel University; Needs Assessment into Eden Village, a planning and investment
succeeded by Dr. Carol published by CoxHealth, tiny-home development of more than $12 million.
Severe drought
Taylor in 2013. Mercy & Springfield- for chronically disabled
weathered due
Greene County Health homeless people.
to planning and Jim Anderson retires
Department.
implementation of from Springfield Jason Gage takes over as
additional water Chamber after 26 years; Dr. Tim Cloyd named Springfield city manager
resource allocations Matt Morrow named president of Drury after the retirement of
from Stockton Lake. new president/CEO. University. Greg Burris.
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Feb. 29: Leap Day June 26: U.S. Supreme Aug. 9: Michael Brown Nov. 9: MU President July 6: Pokemon Go is April 28–30: Historic March 24: “March for Jan. 25: Federal
tornado hits Branson. Court recognizes same- shooting occurs in Tim Wolfe resigns over released flooding hits south- Our Lives” occurs in government ends
sex marriage. Ferguson, Mo. racial unrest central Missouri. 900 cities after Parkland 35-day shutdown.
May 7: Vladimir Putin September: State
school shootings.
elected president of Nov. 2: legislation changes Aug.–Sept: Hurricanes July: Month recorded
Russia. Intergovernmental Panel makeup of Missouri Harvey, Irma and Maria June 1: Eric Greitens as hottest in history,
on Climate Change warns Clean Water Commision. strike U.S. resigns as governor; Mike globally.
Nov. 6: Barack Obama
of “severe, pervasive and Parson sworn in.
re-elected president; Nov. 8: Donald Trump Oct. 1: Las Vegas mass August: Mass shootings
irreversible damage.”
Jay Nixon re-elected elected president; shooting deadliest in U.S. July 19: Duck boat in Dayton, Ohio, and El
governor. Dec. 17: U.S. normalizes Eric Greitens elected history. sinks in Table Rock Lake, Paso, Texas, hit home
relations with Cuba. governor killing 17. with scare at Springfield
Dec. 14: Sandy Hook Dec. 22: Tax Cuts and
Walmart.
school shooting kills 28. Dec. 31: U.S. withdraws Jobs Act overhauls Nov. 6: Missouri voters
troops from Afghanistan IRS code; repeals ACA approve campaign
individual mandate. finance reforms, medical
marijuana and minimum
wage hike.
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019 · 5
ARTS & CULTURE
Growing
interest in the
A touring production of “The Lion King” made a 16-performance run at Juanita K.
arts ripples Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in 2019, grossing an estimated $2.8 million and
delivering a $9.1 million impact for the local economy.
W
ith record-breaking at- businesses and their employees plan to
through area tendance at decades-old
institutions, the arts and
culture sector in Spring-
locate and expand, a primary component
for Springfield’s long-term economic
health.
field continues to drive economic impact Many organizations that have been
LARGER CROWDS IMPACT THE LOCAL to the region through its programming around for decades have seen record-
and collaborative efforts. At the same breaking attendance because of high-
ECONOMY, BUT ORGANIZATIONS time, this area faces ongoing challeng- quality programming, furthering the
es, including lack of diversity at leader- economic impact in the region. After
STILL STRUGGLE TO FIND ship levels, poor infrastructure support, the successful run of “Wicked” in 2016,
and a continued struggle for sustainable Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Per-
SUSTAINABLE FUNDING funding. forming Arts sold more than 33,000 tick-
ets to a 16-performance run of “The Lion
BLUE RIBBONS King” in 2019, with an estimated gross of
In 2015, the Springfield Regional Arts $2.8 million. That show meant an esti-
Council, along with 24 other regional mated $9.1 million impact on the local
arts and culture organizations, partici- economy, through not only ticket sales,
pated in Arts & Economic Prosperity 5, but also travel, lodging, dining, parking,
a study conducted in partnership with and the spending by the 140-plus people
Americans for the Arts. A driving force traveling with the production.
behind this study stemmed from the The Springfield Art Museum, one of
2015 Community Focus Report, in which the city’s oldest cultural institutions, had
“timely cultural data” was labeled a Red more than 60,000 patrons walk through
Flag. its doors in 2018, a 3% increase over its
The results, mentioned in the 2017 previous record-breaking year in 2017.
CURRENT TRENDS FOR ARTS & CULTURE Community Focus Report, demonstrate This growth is due in part to traveling
BLUE RIBBONS that the arts have a strong economic exhibits like “Nick Cave’s Soundsuits,”
• Economic impact of the arts impact on the region. Driving in $26.9 providing local patrons art experiences
• High-quality programming million in revenue, $20.5 million goes previously unavailable in the area.
• Sharing and collaboration back into household income, and sup- Another cultural mainstay, Artsfest
ports 1,065 full-time jobs, both in the on Historic Walnut Street, had a bench-
RED FLAGS arts and non-arts sectors. mark year in 2018 with an estimated
• Lack of diversity at leadership level Of the $26.9 million, $17.1 million 20,000-plus attendance and a 25%
• Infrastructure support came from spending by audiences on increase in ticket sales from the previ-
• Sustainable funding dining, lodging, retail and tickets, and ous year.
$9.8 million was spent by organiza- This two-day outdoor festival has
tions producing the events. The arts grown to include more than 130 local
and culture sector factors into where and national exhibiting artists, live
6 · COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019
performances on multiple stages, an a collaborative effort based on need: It LONG-STANDING CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
expanded food court and live art, with combined forces with The Diaper Bank Year
artists painting throughout the week- of the Ozarks to create a new fundraiser Established Institution/program
end. that brought record-breaking numbers. 1905 Springfield-Greene County Library
New events are emerging as well, 1922 Dickerson Park Zoo
such as Rated SGF, a weekend film fes- RED FLAGS 1926 Gillioz Theatre
tival organized by Downtown Spring- Arts and culture organizations still 1928 Springfield Art Museum
field Association and the Film and Media require help from the community for 1934 Springfield Little Theatre
Association of Springfield. For its inau- diversity at the leadership level, infra- Springfield Symphony Association
gural event in 2018, the festival brought structure support and sustainable fund- 1978 Springfield Regional Arts Council
in film director David Lowery to show- ing. These Red Flags remain consistent 1980 Artsfest
case his film “A Ghost Story,” starring with previous years’ reports, and affect 1991 The Discovery Center
Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara. arts and cultural organizations on mul- 1992 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the
Were events like these cultural main- tiple levels. Performing Arts
stays not available in the area, the eco- An estimated 2% of all board mem- 1999 Springfield Contemporary Theatre
nomic impact study found that the bers surveyed in 2019 reflect a minority 2001 First Friday Art Walk
money spent in Springfield would have population, while the minority commu- 2005 Moxie Cinema
likely gone elsewhere. Most nonlo- nity represents 10% of Springfield’s pop- 2008 Moon City Creative District
cal tourists (83.9%) said they came to ulation. Strides are being made to build 2009 Any Given Child Springfield
Springfield specifically for the event they greater cultural equity, with events such
were attending. Fifty-one percent would as the Community Concerts & Conver-
have traveled to another community if sations held in 2018, allowing the arts to
the event weren’t offered in Springfield. serve as a safe space for tough conver-
The strength of Springfield’s and sations about diversity and race. To fully
Greene County’s arts and culture com- represent and reflect the city’s current
munity comes from its solid foundation demographics, however, arts and cul-
of sharing and collaboration. With tural organizations must ensure diver-
limited internal resources and infra- sity at the leadership level and on their
structure available, arts and culture orga- boards.
nizations rely on each other for support. Organizations are also struggling
The Creamery Arts Center, a city-owned with infrastructure support. With
building in Jordan Valley Park, has growing audiences and more programs,
helped offset costs for community arts issues such as parking, staffing and
groups since 2002. It houses the offices facility maintenance remain a constant
for the Springfield Regional Arts Council, hurdle for even well-established organi-
Springfield Ballet, Springfield Symphony zations. With the hub of the arts and cul-
Orchestra, Springfield Regional Opera, ture groups located downtown, parking
Men’s Chorus of the Ozarks, Sculp- is at a premium, where few spaces are Springfield Little Theatre recently leased the former
ture Walk Springfield, Any Given Child guaranteed for both staff and patrons. McDaniel School for its education and outreach services. To
Springfield and the Film and Media SLT, which has seen tremendous address maintenance needs due to the building’s age, the
Association of Springfield, as well as the growth in a short amount of time, organization is in the midst of a $5 million capital campaign.
Springfield Little Theatre Costume Shop recently purchased a separate build-
and Set Design Studio. More than 30 ing to house its education and outreach
other arts organizations use the building needs. The building, along with the orga-
for meeting and rehearsal space. nization’s Landers Theatre, are over 100
Sharing resources allows for further years old, and a capital campaign for $5 perspectives
collaboration of arts and culture groups. million is underway. The group received
Springfield Little Theatre and Moxie
Cinema have both seen a growth in new
a $1 million grant from the C.W. Titus
Foundation to partially forgive the pur-
Tracy Kimberlin
audience members from collaborating chase debt. Despite this grant, sustain-
PRESIDENT & CEO,
with alternative venues. SLT’s produc- able funding continues to be a Red Flag
SPRINGFIELD CONVENTION
tion of “Cabaret,” held at the downtown for all arts organizations. In 2019, mul-
& VISITORS BUREAU
bar Nathan P. Murphy’s, sold out every tiple arts organizations including the “It’s well documented that
show because of its unique intimate set- Springfield Art Museum and the Spring- cultural tourists spend more
ting. The Moxie was able to quadruple field Symphony Orchestra are lead- when they travel. Not only
seating capacity for cult-classic films by ing endowment and capital campaigns are the cultural tourists add-
screening them outdoors at Mother’s with more than $33 million needed col- ing to the crowds at the events,
Brewery. lectively. While some local foundations but they certainly add to the econ-
The Discovery Center’s Executive continue to provide project support, the omy as well.”
Director Rob Blevins says that one of long-term operating and capital expen-
the center’s best events to date has been ditures are often left behind.
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019 · 7
BUSINESS &
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Startups,
education
Built in 1911, the 10-story Woodruff building was recognized as Springfield’s first
keep economy skyscraper. In 2015, it reopened as Sky Eleven, an upscale apartment building geared
toward college students and young professionals.
A
strong economy is at the filling needed positions.
strong heart of any thriving com-
munity, and Springfield has
been in the midst of a period
One of the spurs for growth has been
the revitalization of downtown and
other redevelopment districts. Major
of economic strength for several years. projects have served as catalysts for
AS POPULATION GROWTH Record-low unemployment, stability vibrant growth, including the Heer’s lux-
and growth in a wide range of business ury loft project, the creation and growth
SLOWS, RECRUITING DIVERSE sectors, and a spirit of enthusiasm about of Hotel Vandivort, the redevelopment
the community’s future set the stage for of the Woodruff and McDaniel buildings,
TALENT BECOMES KEY continued economic strength in the re- and Missouri State University’s develop-
gion. ment of the Brick City complex.
Commercial Street has undergone
BLUE RIBBONS a rebirth in recent years, with business
Springfield’s economy has remained owners and developers creating an area
strong since the last Community Focus conducive to community-oriented retail
Report. In fact, since the first report in and entrepreneurial spaces. Momen-
2004, the region’s economy has reported tum continues to build for other areas,
strength and consistent growth due including Galloway Village in southeast
to its diverse industry base and strong Springfield.
foundational employers in health care Entrepreneurs have shown up to help
and education. Manufacturing, logistics, create an environment that is wel-
CURRENT TRENDS FOR BUSINESS & information technology and retail busi- coming to startup businesses, inno-
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT nesses also employ large numbers and vators and young professionals. Since
BLUE RIBBONS continue to flourish. 2013, MSU’s efactory has helped encour-
• Economic strength and area Local unemployment rates are near age new business ideas and served as a
revitalization record-low levels, with the Springfield business incubator. The Network for
• Environment favorable to startups Metropolitan Statistical Area report- Young Professionals, a committee of the
• Strong education system at all levels ing unemployment of around 3% and at Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce,
times dropping as low as 2%, according works to encourage the area’s young
RED FLAGS to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The professionals to get involved in the com-
• Shortage of skilled workers total number of workers in the labor munity and take their place at the deci-
• Slowing population growth force has increased by 5.8% in the last sion-making table.
• Lack of development-ready sites decade, while the number of jobs has One way the community is working
increased by nearly 9%. While oppor- to keep those professionals in the area
tunities for workers are plentiful, some is by reaching them early, through a
businesses are experiencing difficulties strong education system at all levels.
8 · COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019The Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE SPRINGFIELD METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA
Professional Studies continues to grow, High: 9.5%
with more than 300 students from 23 10% Feb. 2010
school districts in the 2018–19 school
year spending half of their school day to
8%
learn in fields where there is the most
need for skilled workers.
The area’s universities form part of 6%
the backbone of the community, with Low: 1.9%
more than 50,000 college students 4% Oct. 2018
in the region preparing for life after
school—and businesses are eager to 2%
tap into this large, in-demand labor pool
after graduation. source: bureau of labor statistics
The community has recently dem-
onstrated its continued support for
education as well. Passage of the $168 POPULATION GROWTH BY METROPOLITAN
million bond issue for Springfield Pub- slowing of population growth in the STATISTICAL AREA, 2010–2018
lic Schools in April 2019 will provide area. Springfield’s population is now 20%
funding for much-needed upgrades at growing at about 1% a year, only slightly National
15% Average:
facilities throughout the district. Ozarks above the national average. To be able to 5.96%
10%
Technical Community College, mean- compete with other communities facing
while, successfully passed a 20-year the same workforce issues, we will need 5%
renewal and increase of its property tax to be able to grow our population more 0%
Fayetteville, Ark.
Boise
Nashville
Des Moines
Oklahoma City
Greenville, S.C.
Lexington
Omaha
Springfield
Kansas City
Chattanooga
to create the Center for Advanced Manu- quickly. The fastest-growing metro areas
facturing and Technology, with training in the country are growing at rates closer
focused on skills needed for sought-after to 3% a year by recruiting talent to their
high-quality jobs in our region. It also cities.
will help the college expand technical Population growth could also help
and allied health programs at its Rich- address another key issue cited by both source: u.s. census bureau
wood Valley and Table Rock campuses, citizens and businesses: the area’s con- Springfield is growing slightly above the national aver-
as well as provide additional training for tinued lack of racial and ethnic diversity. age. Faster growth would help better meet the need of
displaced workers. Just over 90% of the Springfield popu- companies looking to create jobs: a skilled workforce.
lation identified as “white” as of 2017
RED FLAGS according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
While the regional economy is strong, Several community and civic organiza-
there are potential barriers for contin- tions efforts are working to address the
ued growth. One significant issue is the issue, including Minorities in Business
shortage of skilled workers. and MSU Multicultural Services, and perspectives
The low unemployment rate contrib- strides have been made in recent years.
utes to this issue. With jobless numbers
at historic lows, finding enough employ-
Overall, the lack of available skilled
workers makes it more difficult to
Robin Robeson
ees—particularly those with significant, encourage new businesses to locate
EVP/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, GUARANTY BANK
specialized skill sets—to fill newly cre- in our area and existing businesses to
AND BOARD CHAIR-ELECT, SPRINGFIELD AREA
ated jobs becomes more difficult. expand here. Another barrier to this
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Springfield region is not alone in process is the lack of development- “The Springfield region’s econ-
this regard. Businesses in metropolitan ready sites and available commercial omy has continued to thrive
areas across the nation report similar real estate. Vacancy rates for indus- for several years, thanks
difficulties in finding the right people to trial real estate in Greene and Christian to several factors: a strong
fill the jobs they want to create; nation- counties are hovering at around 3%, and educational base, strength
ally, there were more job openings than speculative buildings are claimed before in key cornerstone economic
people to fill them in 2018 for the first they are even available to market to sectors like health care, and a
time in modern U.S. history, according to prospects. vibrant spirit of entrepreneur-
the U.S. Department of Labor. Because All of these factors make it difficult ship. While there are several issues on
wages correlate with skills, this skills gap for businesses to add the high-skills jobs the horizon that need to be addressed—including the
not only inhibits growth for employers that help increase wages and address the workforce shortage, the need for skills training and
and higher-paying jobs, it also hinders poverty issues that are still a problem the need to boost wages through high-skills jobs—our
earnings potential and upward mobility in our area. While average wages have region’s ability to collaborate and address these issues
for those who live here, especially those increased in Greene County for the last together gives me confidence in our ability to maintain
who are underemployed. several years, wages are still below state our economic vitality for years to come.”
This issue is compounded by the and national averages.
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019 · 9CITIZEN
PARTICIPATION
Volunteering,
voting habits James Moore, a deputy registrar for Greene County, registers voters during an event on
Park Central Square. After completing training provided by the Greene County Clerk’s
office, deputy registrars have the authority to register voters in person.
changing
S
pringfield and Greene County Junior League of Springfield and Coun-
continue to engage citizens in cil of Churches of the Ozarks have seen
meaningful ways through in- increases in volunteerism in recent
engagement creased volunteerism structure,
support for local educational and city
infrastructure improvements, and non-
years.
The United Way Day of Caring and
other United Way volunteer programs
profit collaboration. Work in the region saw an increase in volunteers—22,230 in
TECHNOLOGY AND LIFE CHANGES is hindered by ongoing fluctuation in the 2017 and 23,048 in 2018—but a decrease
number of registered active voters, dif- in the total number of volunteer hours:
ARE ALTERING THE TRADITIONAL ficulties with changes in individual giv- 513,422 in 2017 versus 432,158 in 2018.
ing methods, and the ongoing challenge Recent support for local infra-
METHODS OF CIVIC INVOLVEMENT of low voter turnout during local elec- structure improvements shows a
tions. willingness to contribute to priority
community needs. In April 2019, voters
BLUE RIBBONS approved a $168 million Springfield Pub-
Volunteer access has gained struc- lic Schools bond issue to support 39 pri-
ture. Volunteerism established through ority building projects and the extension
online channels has increased signifi- of the Springfield ¼-cent sales tax for 20
cantly recently with GivePulse (sup- years, which supports capital improve-
ported via Drury University and the ments. Additionally, communities in and
Drew Lewis Foundation) and Volunteer surrounding Greene County supported
Ozarks (supported through KY3 and several school and civic proposals
United Way of the Ozarks). Both sys- including education-focused approvals
CURRENT TRENDS FOR tems connect individuals with agencies for the Logan-Rogersville, Strafford and
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION for short- and long-term volunteerism Pleasant Hope school districts, and civic
BLUE RIBBONS opportunities and have resulted in infrastructure approvals in Battlefield,
• Volunteerism structure increased involvement. Bois D’Arc, Walnut Grove and others.
• Support for local infrastructure Volunteerism has also developed Voters continue to have access to
improvements more depth. The Give 5 Program con- high-quality nonpartisan election infor-
• Nonprofit collaboration nects Greene County seniors to non- mation, thanks to the work of the League
profit organizations through free, of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri.
RED FLAGS cohort-style educational classes. More The league’s “Voter’s Guide” is produced
• Fluctuating registered-voter numbers than 150 graduates have all committed for each federal and midterm election to
• Low voter turnout to long-term community volunteer work. help citizens in Greene, Christian and
• Giving methods in transition Additionally, Leadership Springfield has Webster counties understand the posi-
launched the Access Class, which pro- tions of candidates seeking election and
vides two days of intensive community to learn about proposed amendments
connection work in cohorts, and the and propositions.
10 · COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019Nonprofit and grant-funding organi- Most notably, this change has FLUCTUATING REGISTERED VOTER COUNTS
zations have grown and developed more brought the issue of inactive voters to Election Registered Change from Voter
collaborative methods in recent years. public attention. Between April 2018 date voters previous turnout
Large-scale collaborative efforts such as and August 2018, 26,509 voters were
the Northwest Project, with more than removed from the count of registered April 2017 185,437 — 18.62%
70 nonprofit partnerships engaged in voters, a 14% decrease in registered vot- Nov. 2017 176,076 9,361 14.19%
the work, and Prosper Springfield, with ers in Greene County, mostly due to the April 2018 187,212 11,136 9.46%
more than 300 nonprofit partners across issue of inactive voters’ nonupdated
six committee groups, have worked to addresses. Efforts to connect with and Aug. 2018 160,703 26,509 37.08%
build structure around poverty reduc- educate voters on the importance of Nov. 2018 163,441 2,738 71.70%
tion, a major community goal. updated voter registration address infor- April 2019 174,491 11,050 17.28%
Additionally, local grantmaking mation upon moving is needed. Many source: greene county clerk
efforts have shifted toward collaborative of these nonupdated addresses may be Due to the way registered voters are counted by the
grantmaking with programs like the Darr linked to college students and residents Greene County Clerk’s office, the number of registered
Family Foundation Education and Liter- with high mobility rates due to personal voters has fluctuated over the last several elections.
acy grant partnership. This program will and financial circumstances Beginning with the August 2018 election, the number
provide the Every Child Promise and its Additionally, about one quarter of of inactive but registered voters were not counted in
partner agencies more than $1 million Greene County adults are not regis- the total number of registered voters at the time of
to impact early childhood and literacy. tered as active voters. Currently, Greene the election, affecting turnout percentages.
Furthermore, grantmaking foundations County’s population includes more than
have increased collaboratively funded 230,000 adults, yet the number of active
grant programs. For example, both the voters was 174,491 as of April 2019.
Community Foundation of the Ozarks Local elections also continue to
and the Musgrave Foundation pro- show poor turnout. The April 2019
vide funding support for the Education election, which included important deci-
and Literacy effort, and Musgrave and sions related to education and infra-
the CFO partnered with the Spring- structure, had a voter turnout of only
field Regional Arts Council to provide 17.28% of total eligible active voters
$40,000 in art-oriented grantmaking. (inactive voters were not included in the
calculation). Local issues significantly
RED FLAGS impact community needs and require
Registered voter counts have fluc- community input, yet a very small mar-
tuated in recent years. Changes by the gin of eligible adults are participating in
Greene County Clerk’s office in report- these important elections. More work
ing inactive but registered voters as part in educating eligible adults in Greene
of the total number of registered voters County must be undertaken to increase
at any given election has affected track- civic engagement in the local election
ing by the office. Inactive voters, defined process, including a larger volume of Employees from JPMorgan Chase volunteer at Ozarks
by their lack of participation via returned actively engaged deputy registrars who Food Harvest during United Way of the Ozarks’ Day of
mail by the Greene County Clerk’s office help register others to vote and larger Caring in 2018.
to their mailing address, are no longer public-awareness campaigns reminding
counted in the pool of registered voters. individuals to update their addresses in
These voters can also be removed from voter records after moving.
the rolls after two federal election cycles Individual giving methods are
have passed after a failed voter-registra- changing, and agencies must alter fund-
tion card mailing. raising and donor development methods perspectives
Inactive voters can still vote by to accommodate this change. For exam-
updating their addresses through Elec-
tion Day, but the change in reporting has
ple, United Way of the Ozarks has seen
a decline in its workplace-based annual
Dr. Gloria Galanes
affected turnout percentages. Elections campaign model. Total dollars raised
FORMER DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF ARTS & LETTERS
in which inactive voters are included in the annual campaign in 2018 were
AT MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
in the registered voter data show lower $2.5 million, with consistent decline “One of the things that makes
voter turnout than those in which the each year since a peak of approximately Springfield unique is the
inactive voters are excluded from the $3 million in 2015. As national trends level of citizen and insti-
total pool of registered voters. Voter indicate ongoing reductions in insti- tutional collaboration
turnout—with inactive voters excluded tutional trust combined with changing throughout the city. This
from the total number of registered vot- donor-engagement needs, organizations report is a perfect example
ers reported—was 71.7% in November must find new solutions and new ways of what can happen when
2018 and 37.08% in August 2018. In April to engage the community, particularly citizens work together for the
2018, voter turnout was 9.46%, but that given individual donors still make up benefit of all.”
calculation included inactive voters. over 68% of charitable giving nationally.
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2019 · 11You can also read
