A REPORT FOR SPRINGFIELD & GREENE COUNTY
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A REPORT FOR SPRINGFIELD & GREENE COUNTY
INTRODUCTION
Production & Support
This project was completed with support from Dr. Jonathan Groves, Facilitator, Community The 2021 Community Focus Report: A Report
the following organizations, whose leaders Focus Report—Drury University for Springfield & Greene County is a summary
pledge to use the information in the report to Morey Mechlin, Chair, Community Focus of information compiled and evaluated by many
guide their future decision making: Report Steering Committee—Community individuals and subcommittees. Additional
Foundation of the Ozarks Board Member information, data and resources are available on
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Louise Knauer and Aaron Scott, editing and the website dedicated to this report.
design—Community Foundation of the Ozarks
OF THE OZARKS Olive Thompson, social media intern—Drury Please visit:
University/Community Foundation of the SpringfieldCommunityFocus.org
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SPRINGFIELD Ozarks SGFengage.org
Sony Hocklander, communications facebook.com/SGFCFR
SPRINGFIELD AREA CHAMBER support—Sony Hocklander Creative LLC twitter.com/sgfengage
OF COMMERCE Cover photos provided by: Rebecca Miller, #SGFCFR
Drury University; Springfield Symphony
SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY Orchestra; Springfield-Greene County Park
Board; Springfield Public Schools; Springfield
LIBRARY DISTRICT Area Chamber of Commerce; Springfield
Police Department; and Habitat for Humanity
UNITED WAY OF THE OZARKS of Springfield, Missouri
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 highlighted in bold.)
Joel Alexander Cynthia Davies Daniel Hedrick Lexi Locke Dan Patterson Stacie Armstrong Smith
Jasmine Bailey Chris Davis Sony Hocklander Justin Lockhart Dave Pennington Mary Lilly Smith
Kate Baird Christy Davis Nicole Holt Natasha Longpine Angela Perryman Tim Smith
Joselyn Baldner Laurie Davis Molly Holtmann Barbara Lucks Nicole Piper Angie Snyder
Bob Belote Emily Denniston David Hutchison Marty Lueck Francine Pratt Sean Spyres
Joshua Best Bridget Dierks Kris Inman John Mackey Yvania Garcia-Pusateri Amanda Stadler
Teresa Bledsoe Rick Dines Rachel Johnson Dan Malachowski Crystal Quade Geoff Steele
Alexis Brown Beth Domann Addison Jones Jamie McGranahan Bret Range Mike Stevens
Kimberly Shinn Brown Jenny Fillmer Edwards Bob Jones Anne-Mary McGrath Kim Reser Brent Stock
Loring Bullard Jason Elmore Breana Kavanaugh Keisha McMillen Carrie Richardson Marc Truby
Ronda Burnett Jeremy Elwood Errin Kemper Morey Mechlin Allison Robertson Diana Tyndall
Greg Burris Derrick Estell Lance Kettering Karen Mellinger Roddy Rodgers Meg Wagler
Shelby Butler Laura Farmer Winter Kinne Kristen Milam Randy Russell Ashley Walden
Mandy Buttgen-Quinn Jim Fisher Linda Kirchner Rebecca Miller Amy St. John Anne Wallenmeyer
Leslie Carrier Brian Fogle Louise Knauer John Montgomery Caleb Sanders Randall Whitman
Dana Carroll Leslie Forrester Mary Kromrey Doug Neidigh Shane Schoeller Jamie Willis
Carla DeSilva-Carver Gloria Galanes Mike Kromrey Nick Nelson Aaron Scott Larry Woods
Mike Clem Abby Glenn Allen Kunkel Matt Noblett Cora Scott Rusty Worley
Nicole Chilton Stephen Hall Lisa Langley Kathleen O’Dell Susan Scott Vonda Yarberry
Matt Crawford Bill Hammitt Matt Lemmon John Oke-Thomas Cara Shaefer
Jennifer Crouch Jacque Harness Nichole Lemmon Avery Parrish Francis Skalicky
Heather Coulter Jessica Hawkins Erica Little Linda Passeri Stephanie Smallwood
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021
Welcome to the 2021 Community Focus Report
by Morey Mechlin, Steering Committee Chair, and Dr. Jonathan Groves, Facilitator
F
ifteen years after the first Community Focus Report, the
2019 edition highlighted several improvements through-
out the Springfield/Greene County area: A strong, grow- Table of Contents
ing economy; a vibrant arts community; a willingness to invest
in schools, trails and infrastructure. Ongoing challenges such 2021 Community Themes ———————————— 2
as poverty, child abuse and mental health issues remained, but Impact of COVID-19 —————————————— 4
the October 2019 event that shared the report highlighted case About the Social Determinants of Health ———— 6
studies of success, as well as a sense of optimism. Health Care Access & Quality ————————— 6
As 2020 began, scientists identified a novel coronavirus that Economic Stability —————————————— 8
had begun spreading throughout the world. By March, health Education Access & Quality —————————— 9
officials had declared the situation a pandemic, one that even- Neighborhood & Built Environment ————— 10
tually inundated health systems and led to community shut- Social & Community Context ————————— 11
downs around the world, including in Springfield and Greene Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ————————— 12
County. Since that time, the changes wrought by the COVID- Information Resources ———————————— 14
19 pandemic have disrupted every facet of our lives, physical, 2021 Blue Ribbons & Red Flags by Topic ———— 16
mental and spiritual.
To reflect this historic moment, the Community Focus
Report’s steering committee is presenting our community’s The report also includes an intentional focus on diversity,
biennial report card of strengths and challenges in a vastly dif- equity and inclusion, a major theme in 2021. Committee mem-
ferent fashion. ber Francine Pratt, director of Prosper Springfield, explains
In advance of this printed report, 11 white papers tracking how to apply an equity lens to understand how issues and
the Community Focus Report’s usual topic areas were released decisions may affect historically under-represented groups dif-
on a new website built by the Springfield-Greene County ferently—often more deeply—and ask, “Who is kept out of
Library District. In addition to focusing on three specific Blue participation?”
Ribbons and Red Flags for each topic, the papers also exam- Since 2004, the Community Focus Report has provided a
ined the pandemic’s impact. We are grateful for the continuing data-driven snapshot of our community to help us improve
commitment of the Library and the report’s other support- Springfield and Greene County. How we move forward is up to
ing partners: the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, the us as a collective community—among nonprofit organizations
United Way of the Ozarks, the Springfield Area Chamber of and churches, schools and government institutions, citizens
Commerce and the Junior League of Springfield. as well as public leaders. No single group or area of expertise
Unlike previous editions, this printed summary centers on alone can eliminate all of our Red Flags; as this report reveals,
community health to understand how we coped and how we there are connections and links, often not immediately appar-
might regain our momentum post-pandemic. The Blue Ribbons ent, that can result in unintended consequences. What may
and Red Flags from the white papers have been grouped by the resolve a problem in one area might create another elsewhere.
Social Determinants of Health, defined The committee’s hope, now as then,
by the Centers for Disease Control and is that this report provides a starting
Prevention as “conditions in the places ENGAGE ONLINE point for conversation in our commu-
where people live, learn, work, and play For the 2021 Update white papers nity, toward solutions that leverage our
that affect a wide range of health and for each of the 11 topics covered strengths to overcome persistent chal-
quality-of-life risks and outcomes.” in previous reports, along with pod- lenges and issues, together.
casts, news updates and more, visit
springfieldcommunityfocus.org.
How do you define Springfield?
Share your input on our community
at sgfengage.org.
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021 · 1
2021 COMMUNITY THEMES
T
he COVID-19 pandemic stretched our emergency corps was closer to relief as the per- continuing national discussion on race that
community in many ways—perhaps too centage of Greene County residents 12 and older resonated locally with a large march of support
many. who were fully vaccinated surpassed 50%. But through downtown.
It affirmed our community’s resolve and abil- the divides had not healed. An inclusiveness survey released by the May-
ity to collaborate and innovate, especially during Against this once-in-a-generation back- or’s Commission on Human Rights in 2020
the pandemic’s first wave in 2020. Our medical drop, the steering committee developed six key found that nearly 45% of the 2,276 respondents
professionals and public officials led the way themes for the 2021 Community Focus Report, described Springfield as “not inclusive” or “not
through uncertainty as health care workers tire- intended to capture the strengths and chal- very inclusive,” and almost half reported hav-
lessly treated the sick. Teachers, business own- lenges of this moment. Our discussion consid- ing experienced or witnessed discrimination,
ers and artists explored new avenues to reach ered the 66 Blue Ribbons and Red Flags from the because of race, ethnicity, gender, religion or age.
others virtually. Neighbors developed creative series of topical white papers released online to These findings come as Springfield and
ways to visit and support one another. identify these intertwined themes. Greene County have become increasingly diverse.
But the pandemic revealed deepening fissures, The 2020 Census showed that 16% of the coun-
too, as we isolated ourselves and fragmented. A THE NEED TO REGAIN MOMENTUM ty’s population—and 19% within the city lim-
divisive national election season culminated The number of households in poverty—an its of Springfield—identify as a race other than
in a Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Scientifi- overall theme in the last two Community Focus white only. The Hispanic population has grown
cally validated solutions championed by medi- Reports—had been dropping in recent years to 5%, and the area’s LGBTQ community con-
cal experts were dismissed by some in favor through the collaborative work of organizations tinues to grow. The City of Springfield, recogniz-
of unverified and dangerous misinformation such as the Community Partnership of the Ozarks, ing the importance of this area, has hired its first
spread through social media. Locally, our vacci- Prosper Springfield and the Council of Churches director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
nation rate remained lower than the state’s and of the Ozarks. The City of Springfield’s Forward And using an equity lens to understand how
the nation’s going into the summer of 2021, and SGF vision-planning process had increased civic historically under-represented groups may be
Springfield soon made unwanted national head- participation as residents worked with public offi- disproportionately affected by organizational
lines as our intensive care units filled again. cials to plan our collective future. Businesses and and institutional decisions is now critical to our
As this printed report was being completed, the arts community were thriving. community’s collective success (see the essay
the number of COVID-19 patients being treated The pandemic halted that progress, as shut- by Francine Pratt on page 12).
in Springfield’s hospitals had dropped from the downs affected businesses and workers alike.
highest levels of the pandemic. An exhausted Since March 2020, more than 600 Greene COMMUNITY HEALTH
County residents have died of COVID-19 variants, The steering committee reframed the printed
among 43,000 and counting confirmed cases. report around this key topic, as our health sys-
THEMES FROM PAST REPORTS Though support from federal, state and local tem proved critical to our physical and mental
This is the third report in which the Steering governments temporarily helped stem the tide survival during the pandemic.
Committee identified themes that emerged of closures and evictions, the community must CoxHealth, Mercy, Jordan Valley Commu-
across the 11 topical chapters. These are the recapture the drive, innovation and progress nity Health Center and the Springfield-Greene
earlier sets of themes: from 2019 to move ahead into 2022 and beyond. County Health Department have worked
Fortunately, local economic indicators are together to battle repeated COVID-19 waves,
2017 2019 improving. Unemployment has dropped to and all other areas covered by the Community
Mental-health Community mental pre-pandemic levels. Major construction proj- Focus Report depended upon the success of our
assessment health ects are underway at Missouri State University, medical community. Initiatives such as Burrell
Poverty Cooperation Springfield Public Schools and Drury University. Behavioral Health’s Rapid Access Unit, high-
Continued Diversity And improvements to infrastructure, roads and lighted in multiple Community Focus Report
collaboration Economic trails continue, with the ambitious Grant Ave- 2021 Update white papers, show how the health
Sustainable funding opportunity nue Parkway project connecting Bass Pro Shops sector is exploring innovative ways to confront
for community Poverty and to downtown on the horizon. our Red Flags across topics.
needs homelessness Our community health goes beyond the
Infrastructure Social capital DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION emergency realm, however. Tackling upstream
investment In the 2019 Community Focus Report, diver- issues such as poverty and mental health
Civic engagement sity emerged as a major theme, as Springfield remain important to dealing with addiction,
Public Schools and others launched equity ini- domestic violence, suicide and other outcomes
For an archive of past reports, tiatives to ensure success for people regardless that profoundly affect the quality of life in
visit springfieldcommunityfocus.org. of background. In 2020, the deaths of George Springfield and Greene County. And the pan-
Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others inspired a demic revealed the need for trusted information
2 · COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021
networks—beyond the fragmented social
media—to ensure a fact-based understanding
of our local issues and challenges. Community at a Glance
THE COMMUNITY’S CHANGING IMAGE
Our community continued to grow faster POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS
than much of the rest of the state, with Greene 2010 2020 CHANGE SPRINGFIELD 2010 2019 CHANGE
County’s population expanding by 8.6% over Springfield 159,498 169,176 9,678 Median Age 33.3 33.1 0.2
the past decade. But that rate of growth is Greene County 275,174 298,915 23,741 Median Income $33,082 $36,856 $3,774
slower than cities seen as desirable places in Families in Poverty 15.6% 14.2% 1.4
which to live, such as Austin, Texas, or Nash- RACE & ETHNICITY Families in Poverty with
ville, Tennessee. GREENE COUNTY 2010 2020 CHANGE Children Under 18 27.7% 20.9% 6.8
In recent years, leaders have put more focus White 91.2% 83.9% 7.3 High School Graduate 88.5% 92.4% 3.9
on placemaking, developing distinctive ame- Black/African American 2.9% 3.4% 0.5 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 26.1% 28.5% 2.4
nities and offerings that not only bring skilled American Indian/Alaska Native 0.7% 0.7% — 2014 2019 CHANGE
talent to the area, but keep such profession- Asian 1.6 2.1% 0.5 Without Health Insurance 17.5 13.4 4.1
als, entrepreneurs and innovators here. Edu- Native Hawaiian/
cation, transportation, business, the arts, the Pacific Islander 0.1% 0.1% — GREENE COUNTY 2010 2019 CHANGE
outdoors—all play a role in creating an inviting Some Other Race 0.9% 1.7% 0.8 Median Age 35.6 36 0.4
place that people from diverse backgrounds and Two or More Races 2.6% 8% 5.4 Median Income $41,059 $46,086 $5,027
perspectives want to call home. Hispanic or Latino 3% 4.8% 1.8 Families in Poverty 11.2% 9.7% 1.5
Those efforts, however, must be coupled Families in Poverty with
with confronting the persistent issue of poverty, HOUSING Children Under 18 19.6% 15.1% 4.5
the growing rate of crime, and the increased SPRINGFIELD 2010 2020 CHANGE High School Graduate 89.7% 92.9% 3.2
incidence of issues such as domestic violence Total Units 77,620 84,016 6,396 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 28% 31.2% 3.2
and addiction arising out of undiagnosed and Occupied 89.9% 90.5% 0.6 2014 2019 CHANGE
untreated mental illness. And making sure 2010 2019 CHANGE Without Health Insurance 14.7% 10.7% 4
wages keep up with the rising cost of living Average Household Size 2.09 2.06 0.03
remains a vital issue. Owner-occupied Value $103,800 $118,110 $14,310 COST OF LIVING
Median Rent $635 $734 $99 2020 INDEX AVERAGE GROCERY HOUSING
COLLECTIVE ACTION St. Louis 88 101.5 71.3
Since the first report in 2004, collaboration GREENE COUNTY 2010 2020 CHANGE SPRINGFIELD 88.6 101.5 72.4
among our public and private institutions has Total Units 125,387 136,450 11,063 Kansas City 95.2 93.8 87.6
been a reliable, consistent community theme Occupied 91.1% 92.4% 1.3 (National average: 100)
for Springfield and Greene County. But collabo- 2010 2019 CHANGE
ration at the institutional level does not mean Average Household Size 2.28 2.22 0.06 sources: u.s. census bureau; american
consensus among individuals, as dissent over Owner-occupied Value $125,500 $146,000 $20,500 community survey; council for community
a variety of issues in recent months has made Median Rent $713 $793 $80 and economic research
apparent.
For years, Springfield and Greene
County—driven by nonprofits and the faith residents have supported numerous infrastruc- as well. Ozark Greenways, TrailSpring and other
community—have provided a base of support ture initiatives: A $168 million bond issue for organizations are developing miles of trails and
to address problems and help those in need. Springfield Public Schools is adding new build- outdoor recreation resources that proved criti-
Through many organizations, we have volun- ings and resources for more than 23,500 students cal to the community’s well-being during the
teered time and donated resources to build and their families; the renewal of the ¹₄-cent cap- pandemic. Numerous nonprofits continue to
community. The region now finds itself at a piv- ital improvements sales tax and ¹₈-cent trans- inject needed resources and programs to help
otal moment as longtime community leaders portation sales tax ensure investments in roads elevate residents out of poverty and personal
retire, and the next generation rises. and capital projects over the next 20 years; and struggle. And organizations such as the Commu-
the adoption of sewer-rate increases will support nity Foundation of the Ozarks and the United
ONGOING INVESTMENT wastewater, stormwater and overall water qual- Way of the Ozarks help provide the financial
Success requires investment, and over the ity protection efforts into 2025. structures to make community improvement
past few years, Springfield and Greene County But investment is coming from other areas possible for all.
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021 · 3
IMPACT OF COVID-19
T
he pandemic impacted all 11 topic areas cov- The burden of caring for children weighs a significant uptick in medical emergency calls,
ered by the Community Focus Report. But heavily on the backs of economically vulnerable likely due to the desire to avoid hospitals for
our community developed innovative, cre- women and women of color. Early childhood fear of the virus. While taking 911 calls, telecom-
ative ways to overcome challenges and obstacles educators were some of the most vulnerable municators adjusted their questions to gather
created by the historic disruption to our lives. members of our society, particularly in the first more information about the caller’s health and
In March 2020, Greene County and the City days of the pandemic. They were on the front keep first responders safe.
of Springfield issued orders temporarily halting lines without benefit of health insurance, ade- During the City of Springfield’s stay-at-
the operations of many businesses and organi- quate protective gear or sick leave. home order (April 6–May 4, 2020), officers were
zations; those orders were lifted in May. This Developmental screenings of young chil- responsible for enforcing ordinance restrictions.
section highlights solutions and effects in 10 dren were down 75% from previous years, which Those duties continued through the year, as
areas. Community Health, the focal point of this translated to an inability to make referrals for officers responded to more than 1,500 calls for
report, will be reviewed on pages 7 and 8, and delays. On the bright side, the child care com- masking ordinance violations.
greater detail about the pandemic’s effect on munity quickly determined how to continue
each topic area can be found in the 2021 white serving and supporting families safely. HOUSING
papers at springfieldcommunityfocus.org. In March 2020, “home” became a different
EDUCATION place. Those who had adequate housing were
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Like its counterparts across the country, suddenly isolated and forced to decide whom
The pandemic affected the area economy in Springfield Public Schools experienced dra- to allow inside, affecting those who depended
significant ways. Unemployment rates tempo- matic changes. For the remainder of the 2019–20 on caregivers. Others had to figure out how to
rarily skyrocketed in the first few months after school year, students continued to learn at home work from home, and many had to create online
mandated lockdowns began, reaching 9.2% through the SPS At Home online learning plat- learning environments for their children. The
in Springfield in April 2020, according to U.S. form. To facilitate virtual learning, SPS ensured pandemic also created a real estate seller’s mar-
Bureau of Labor Statistics. While those rates that every student had a device and adequate ket with demands for larger homes.
have dropped to pre-pandemic levels, it’s likely internet service. When news first came out about the dangers
that many individuals have dropped out of the Early in the pandemic, SPS staff completed of COVID-19, those without homes became a
workforce in the interim due to issues such as wellness checks, connected families with sup- priority. From April 2020 to April 2021, Com-
safety concerns or lack of child-care options. port services, offered grab-and-go meals and munity Partnership of the Ozarks helped place
These reductions in workforce also are sure provided child care for health care profession- more than 1,075 vulnerable individuals in area
to exacerbate the existing skilled workforce als and first responders. At the beginning of motels to reduce potential exposure. Housing
shortage. Government relief efforts such as the the 2020–21 school year, SPS offered families a programs, emergency shelters and supportive
Paycheck Protection Program, the CARES Act, choice between modified in-person or fully vir- services started taking extra safety precautions
the American Rescue Plan and other programs tual learning options. to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak.
also have helped to soften the immediate blow. Enrollment for the 2020–21 school year was An eviction moratorium, created to protect
(See sidebar on page 5.) affected by the pandemic. The September 2020 renters and tenants, depended on landlords and
Despite the pandemic’s enormous impact, total student enrollment count was 23,139 total managers to be understanding while they were
area businesses demonstrated an ability to inno- students, down from 24,677 total students in faced with their own expenses. These short-
vate. Many stayed open by adapting and chang- September 2019—a decrease of 1,538 students. term solutions helped people maintain housing,
ing operations. Restaurants switched to carryout but the long-term effects once federal assis-
or delivery service; retail providers provided con- PUBLIC ORDER & SAFETY tance ends are yet to be seen.
tactless and delivery-based options; manufactur- During the pandemic, the Office of Emer-
ers quickly picked up the ability to make personal gency Management’s Emergency Operations TRANSPORTATION
protective equipment for community use. Center was activated both physically and virtu- After the stay-at-home order, Springfield’s
ally for a record 384 days. The EOC facilitated traffic volumes decreased more than 40% and
EARLY CHILDHOOD coordination for multiple agencies, depart- did not return to “normal” until July of that year.
During the early months of the pandemic, ments, and organizations to respond to the Despite the reduced traffic, the Missouri Depart-
54.7% of child care programs in Greene County historic circumstances. These efforts included ment of Transportation and the Highway Patrol
were temporarily or permanently closed. By Jan- regular media briefings, weekly informational reported increases in speeding and crashes.
uary 2021, Greene County had lost 715 licensed calls with community partners and coordinating City Utilities Transit was affected by COVID-
spots from pre-pandemic numbers. The number the acquisition and distribution of personal pro- 19 with bus ridership at only 21% of the previous
has rebounded slightly; however, more than 400 tective equipment throughout Greene County. year’s average. The CU transit division main-
slots were permanently lost due to closures and During the pandemic, Springfield-Greene tained operation of the farebox and use of the
staffing issues. County 911 Emergency Communications saw front door on its buses by adding temporary
4 · COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021
barriers in the bus’s operator (driver) area.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Federal support, nonprofits buoy residents
During the early months of the pandemic,
T
city and health leaders held thrice-weekly health hroughout Springfield and Greene $249 million to businesses in Greene County.
news briefings, along with virtual town halls, to County, businesses, organizations and The county received $34.4 million in funding
provide detailed information from local trusted residents survived the pandemic the through the first coronavirus relief bill, the
sources. More people started watching and par- help of nonprofits and millions of dollars in CARES Act passed in March 2020, that was
ticipating through multiple virtual channels, government aid to protect payrolls, income, awarded to small businesses, nonprofits, edu-
helping guide decisions. The City estimated that and housing. The support sustained many cation and health care institutions, and gov-
virtual channels increased citizen engagement businesses and community organizations, and ernment entities.
by nearly 30% between 2019 and 2020. kept people in their homes. Nearly all arts and culture organizations in
United Way of the Ozarks, along with the Federal stimulus funds helped boost the Springfield received some federal relief fund-
City of Springfield, Greene County, the Com- economy and support renters, landlords and ing. However, the Shuttered Venue Operators
munity Foundation of the Ozarks and the Com- homeowners, but the lack of affordable and Grant, approved by Congress in December
munity Partnership of the Ozarks, also started accessible housing continued to create barri- 2020 to help eligible venues, only began dis-
the Have Faith Initiative. This effort brought ers to those looking for rental housing. As the tributing funding in summer 2021.
together a broad array of faith leaders in Spring- lockdown was slowly lifted, many returned to For nonprofit organizations, donations this
field and Greene County to coordinate their work, but others were left without a steady year have been more solid than some expected.
response to the pandemic. income; renters fell behind and utility bills Nonprofits harbor some concern, however,
The pandemic did affect overall volunteer lev- piled up. that potential donors may assume funding
els, which were lower than previous years, as were By the end of September 2021, agencies in available through the American Rescue Plan
donations when many fundraising activities were Greene County had distributed $5.1 million Act, the second relief package approved in
postponed or turned into virtual events. Many in Emergency Rental Assistance Funds out of March 2021, will fulfill budget needs. Most of
corporate budgets tightened during the pandemic, about $8.77 million available. Agencies includ- those funds will go toward specific program-
too, making donations a challenge. There’s opti- ing Catholic Charities, Community Partner- ming, however, not operations.
mism, however, that volunteering in person is ship of the Ozarks, OACAC and Salvation While passive parks use and outdoor expe-
returning with safety measures in place. Army administered federal, state and local riences remained strong throughout the pan-
relief funding for housing needs. demic, overall parks revenue took a $1.2 million
ARTS & CULTURE Businesses in the five-county Spring- hit, as memberships, program registrations
Fundraising for arts organizations shifted field Metropolitan Statistical Area have been and events were canceled or scaled back. Reim-
greatly during the pandemic. While the decline approved for more than $377 million in Pay- bursements from the City of Springfield, and
of corporate sponsorships continued, several check Protection Program loans as of May $1.17 million in CARES Act funding through
organizations reported increases in individual 31, 2021, according to the U.S. Small Busi- Greene County, helped stabilize the Spring-
donations. To date, donations are down just 1% ness Administration, including more than field-Greene County Park Board budget.
compared to pre-pandemic giving. Organiza-
tions were making smaller asks and receiving
smaller gifts, but patrons were deeply engaged pandemic, local residents sought solace out- space, and frequent cleaning continues on com-
in restarting the arts. doors, and our area’s park system proved an mon touch surfaces.
The decrease in sponsorships remains a con- invaluable Blue Ribbon. The Springfield-Greene
cern. Just like uncertainty facing the arts and County Park Board worked closely with the NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
culture community, for-profit partners also Health Department to ensure visitor safety and Efforts of a number of local grassroots orga-
are dealing with dramatic shifts in business. As eventually restore services and amenities. Parks nizations integral to the preservation of the
emergency relief ceases, it is not assured that throughout the system saw increases in usage. area’s natural environment were hard hit by the
previous funding models are sustainable. Parks continued to partner with the Health COVID-19 pandemic.
While virtual program shifts are highlighted Department to safely reopen family centers and Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, Ozark
as a Blue Ribbon, the technological infrastruc- sports programs by encouraging face coverings, Greenways Inc. and others have traditionally
ture for many was so outdated that it required a screening for symptoms, checking tempera- incorporated hands-on learning, service projects,
major effort to make the change. tures and limiting capacity to prevent spread advocacy and activism in their work. But similar to
of COVID-19. After the city’s emergency orders other nonprofits, they canceled fundraising, edu-
PARKS, RECREATION & LEISURE were lifted, a new normal remained in place as cation and promotional efforts, and face-to-face
During the most isolating parts of the popular classes accommodate greater personal meetings, which foster member involvement.
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021 · 5
About the Social
Determinants
HEALTH CARE
of Health ACCESS & QUALITY
F D
or the 2021 Community Focus uring the response to the pandemic, the Community—a free public resource three days
Report, the steering committee is public health system was center stage. a week on Facebook—emerged as a unique
focusing the printed version upon Our community began to interact with and highly used resource to connect with one
the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact public health on a personal basis. The pandemic another.
upon the 11 areas usually reviewed for has provided the opportunity for people to bet- “Community health” is an intersection of
Blue Ribbons and Red Flags. Prior to ter understand the role of public health in keep- physical health, mental health, and interaction
this report’s release, 11 detailed white ing the community healthy. of economic and social/environmental factors.
papers were released for the topic Springfield’s community health resources According to the 2021 County Health Rankings,
areas through the Community Focus proved invaluable to the region. CoxHealth, Greene County ranks 42nd out of Missouri’s 115
Report website to provide the usual Mercy Springfield and the Springfield-Greene counties based on health outcomes and health
biennial snapshot—with the acknowl- County Health Department worked with the factors (areas that influence health). This is up
edgment that the historic pandemic City of Springfield and Greene from ranking 61st in both 2018
made measuring progress from 2019 County to provide accurate and 2019, but still lower than
difficult, if not impossible. information. “First Response,” rankings in the 30s prior to
With the overarching emphasis a review of early leadership BLUE RIBBONS 2018. This signifies progress,
on public health, this printed version takeaways, showed how the Collaboration but a long way to go to reach
condenses the white papers’ Blue Rib- Blue Ribbons of collaboration Health care infrastructure our desired health levels.
bons and Red Flags into the five Social and communication across and recruiting efforts Collaboration among
Determinants of Health, defined by sectors supported an effective Tobacco prevention health care partners was
the World Health Organization as “the response early in the pandemic. enhanced by the COVID-19
non-medical factors that influence As former health director Clay pandemic as providers worked
health outcomes.” Many public agen- Goddard said: “I think that RED FLAGS to control and contain the
cies, including the federal Centers for this will not be the last major Mental health and substance virus through multiple efforts.
Disease Control and Prevention, group public health crisis that we abuse Community partners passed
those factors into five categories: will face in our lifetimes. Nor Access to medical care/ policies and ordinances to
is this the end of the coronavi- dental care/mental health ensure the health of our com-
HEALTH CARE rus. We have learned a lot from care munity. In one initial effort,
ACCESS & QUALITY this pandemic and the biggest Children’s health CoxHealth, Jordan Valley
takeaway is that when chal- Child abuse and neglect Community Health Center,
ECONOMIC
lenges arise, we must always Lack of support for Mercy and the SGCHD worked
STABILITY
be prepared to answer the call.” mitigating children’s mental- together to deploy a commu-
EDUCATION ACCESS In March 2020, our hospi- health issues nity testing site for COVID-19.
& QUALITY tals almost immediately shut Obesity That collaboration contin-
down elective surgeries, pro- Opioid proliferation ued throughout the response.
NEIGHBORHOOD &
cedures and screening tests at The Mercy health system was
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
the beginning of the pandemic. For more on these Blue the first in our area to receive
SOCIAL & COMMUNITY The changes in service deliv- Ribbons and Red Flags, visit vaccine, and worked with Cox-
CONTEXT ery throughout the pandemic springfieldcommunityfocus.org. Health to share supply. While
led residents to delay or skip the logistics didn’t work out,
This analysis begins with a specific necessary care and preventive screenings. This this type of collaboration was evident on mul-
focus on Community Health, which trend could lead to a decrease in overall health tiple fronts.
relates to the SDOH of Health Care of our community. Many other organizations worked with the
Access and Quality. Due to the shutdown and quarantine/isola- community health partners to respond to needs
For a complete look at the 2021 tion of community members, mental health and by providing housing, food, child care services,
Blue Ribbons and Red Flags in each of well-being came even more to light. We know care for the ill and affected, and support for
the 11 topic areas of the report, visit from previous pandemics that the negative health care workers.
springfieldcommunityfocus.org. mental-health effects can last from one to three Amid the pandemic, new initiatives emerged.
years. On the upside, this has created a dialogue The Have Faith Initiative, which comprised
in our community, leading to a reduction in the leaders of the faith community, the health
stigma and an increased willingness to engage department, the City of Springfield and Greene
in conversations about mental health. Created County, met frequently to address spiritual
in response to the pandemic, Burrell’s Be Well needs.
6 · COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021
Outside of the COVID-19 response, collabo- Southwest Baptist University is about 700 stu-
ration is strong and thriving. Following 2019’s dents. The Missouri State University Care Clinic
Community Mental Health Assessment, which provides education and offers hands-on training
identified access to behavioral health and for students in health sciences degree programs
substance-use services as a key need for our at MSU. Cox College expanded and renovated
area, partners from health care, behavioral health its central Springfield campus to train more stu-
and the criminal justice system came together dents. CoxHealth and Burrell Behavioral Health
to launch Burrell Behavioral Health’s Behavioral partnered with Ozarks Technical Community
Crisis Center–Rapid Access Unit, a “Success College to train and employ medical assistants
burrell behavioral health
Story” featured in both the Community Health and behavioral-health support professionals,
and Public Order & Safety topical white papers. respectively. Burrell Behavioral Health’s Behavioral Crisis
In early 2020, community leaders and part- In the 2019 Community Health Needs Center–Rapid Access Unit addresses several Blue
ners addressed broader health needs defined by Assessment, Springfield’s high prevalence of Ribbons and Red Flags, including collaboration,
the Community Health Needs Assessment. The tobacco use resulted in major concerns related access to mental health care and enhanced
2021 assessment will include a larger service to lung and cardiovascular disease and mental resources for public safety.
area and numerous new agencies. Through this health. Community partners worked strategi-
process, partners will create an action plan to cally on upstream policy-based approaches to at CoxHealth’s adolescent inpatient location at
address community health needs. For instance, tobacco-use prevention. In mid-2019, Spring- Cox North Hospital. Burrell also expanded its
the Ozarks Health Commission in this assess- field City Council passed the Tobacco 21 ordi- walk-in Connection Center in 2019.
ment identified children as our most vulner- nance to prohibit tobacco and vape sales or Support for depression, anxiety and mood
able population for health disparities based provisions to anyone under 21. disorders includes increased awareness and
on socioeconomic class or demographic group. It often takes multiple approaches to assessment of perinatal mood disorders. The
Greene County’s 92,035 children ranked 70% make significant changes. The Greene County Maternal Mental Health Network was created in
more vulnerable than children in other counties. Tobacco and Vape Prevention Coalition formed 2019 for mental health services directly related
Health care systems are our area’s largest to decrease vaping among youth. Springfield and to maternal infant health in southwest Missouri.
job drivers, employing approximately 22,612 Greene County have seen a 2.9% decrease from The 2019 Community Focus Report noted that
employees between CoxHealth and Mercy Hos- 2018 to 2020 among students who reported 15.22% of Springfield adults reported being unin-
pital Springfield; the entire health care sector, using vaping products, according to the Mis- sured. Although access to medical care is still
which offers every specialty listed by the Ameri- souri Student Survey. a Red Flag, the number of uninsured decreased
can Medical Association, employs nearly 37,500 The 2019 Community Mental Health and Sub- slightly to 13.09% of adults aged 18-64, accord-
people for a $4.5 billion annual economic impact. stance Use Assessment spotlighted the need to ing to the Missouri Department of Health and
In 2019, Mercy Heart Hospital Springfield com- address rising mental health problems and Senior Services .
pleted a $110 million project to bring its cardiac substance use. In October 2019, a dramatic Access to care influences quality-of-life mea-
services under one roof as the most advanced in spike in opioid drug overdoses led to as many in sures: Adults 18 years or older who reported
the region. This hospital became critical in the one 24-hour period as typically seen in a month. having poor or fair health were at 17.4%, com-
care and recovery of some COVID-19 patients. The fire, police and health departments, first pared to Missouri as a whole at 18.1%. County
Mercy’s expanded Kids Emergency Room pro- responders, community health and substance- Health Rankings reported Greene County’s rate
vides specialized emergency pediatric care. use recovery providers came together to respond. of patients to primary care physicians was 1,040
Our health care infrastructure demon- Better Life in Recovery trained the community to 1. Missouri’s overall rate of patients to pri-
strated agility during the pandemic. CoxHealth on using Narcan, an emergency treatment for mary care physicians is 1,420 to 1.
transformed the fifth floor of CoxSouth tower suspected opioid overdose. New resources also County Health Rankings also show our ratio
into a COVID-19 unit in a matter of weeks. In Jan- focus on follow-up support and long-term recov- of patients to dental providers at 1,300 to 1, with
uary 2021, Jordan Valley Community Health Cen- ery resources for overdose survivors. the overall Missouri patient-to-dental provider
ter announced the expansion of a ninth location According to the 2021 County Health Rank- ratio at 1,670 to 1. A shortage of dental providers
at Grand Street and Kansas Expressway. This site ings, Greene County residents average 4.9 days may stop residents from seeking routine dental
started as a community vaccination hub through in a 30-day period in which they are mentally care, or increase emergency room visits for non-
a partnership between Jordan Valley and the unhealthy. This is higher than the state (4.5) and traumatic dental complains, making access to
Springfield-Greene County Health Department. national (3.8) averages. Community providers dental care an ongoing Red Flag. While Greene
With a nationwide shortage of health care continue to collaborate to address mental health County’s provider-to-citizen ratio for mental-
workers, our community is working to train and substance use; Burrell psychiatrists, for health providers is better than the rest of the
health care providers. Enrollment in Mercy’s instance, also work in Mercy’s Marian Center, an state, access remains a challenge amid a grow-
College of Nursing and Health Sciences of inpatient behavioral health unit, and staff beds ing need even before the pandemic.
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021 · 7
ECONOMIC STABILITY
A
healthy community benefits from eco- nearby counties excel as outdoor destina-
nomic stability, a category that examines tions. Invasive wildlife and plant species and
issues such as poverty, housing afford- extreme weather, however, threaten to disrupt
ability and the availability of robust employ- our natural assets that support those activities.
ment opportunities. If community members Over the last decade, Greene County’s pop-
do not have the foundational ability to support ulation growth has been at or below 1% per
themselves with a livable wage and live under year; growth of less than a half percent in three
safe, affordable shelter, other areas of their lives of the four most recent years with data available
will suffer. matches the national average, according to data
A consistent Blue Ribbon is Springfield- from the Census Bureau’s American Commu-
springfield area chamber of commerce
Greene County’s economic strength and nity Survey. Greene County should be growing
growth. Even during the worst economic effects at rates closer to 3% to compete with the fast- In November 2020, Ozarks Technical Community
of the pandemic, the area’s unemployment rate est-growing metro areas in the country recruit- College broke ground on the Plaster Center for
remained lower than state and national aver- ing talent to their cities. Advanced Manufacturing, which will address the
ages; the Springfield MSA’s jobless rate peaked Springfield and Greene County have a Red Flag of a skilled worker shortage by serving
in April 2020 but has dropped back to pre-pan- shortage of skilled workers in sectors, includ- as a regional hub for education and training.
demic levels. ing education, health care and law enforcement,
Our historically strong economy makes our but recent improvements such as placemak- the U.S. Census Bureau.
region attractive for new and existing busi- ing efforts and public buy-in on bond issues The community’s strong education system
nesses such as Amazon to expand operations. for Ozarks Technical Community College and at all levels, a Blue Ribbon, has been critical to
The region’s economic power is harnessed from Springfield Public Schools are helping. A contin- bring people to the area and allow residents to
sources including health care, education and ued focus on long-range planning efforts such as educate themselves up the income scale.
services. And a healthy natural environment the Forward SGF initiative and large-scale proj- Springfield does face a critical shortage of
also contributes. Hunting in Missouri repre- ects like major infrastructure upgrades will be safe, decent and affordable housing, a recur-
sents a $1.6 billion industry, according to the necessary to continue to attract talent. ring Red Flag. According to annual counts con-
Conservation Federation of Missouri, while Besides our natural environment, other cata- ducted by Community Partnership of the Ozarks’
fishing activities create $1.3 billion in economic lysts for growth in recent years have been the Ozarks Alliance to End Homelessness, approxi-
output and support 9,840 jobs, according to the revitalization of downtown Springfield and mately 500 people experience homelessness in
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. other areas, such as the Galloway area in south- our community on any given night. The pan-
Greene County—the home and world head- east Springfield, and the grant-funded Grant demic exacerbated the local need for additional
quarters of Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s—and Avenue Parkway project that will connect down- housing when construction slowed and costs
town with the Bass Pro Shops/ increased. It has led to an increasingly com-
BLUE RIBBONS RED FLAGS Wonders of Wildlife campus. petitive housing market. According to the U.S.
The labor shortage did help Census Bureau, the five-year rolling average of
address a continuing Red Flag Springfield residents living in owner-occupied
Economic strength and Skilled worker shortage in our region: The need to housing dropped to 42.3% in 2019 from 46.2% in
growth Continued need to address raise wages. Greene County 2015. The region also faces a shortage of acces-
Welcoming startup wages has made strides in recent sible housing and opportunities for renters with
environment for new Lack of sustained population years, with annual average evictions or low credit scores.
businesses growth wages increasing by 10.2% Though the pandemic’s economic toll has
Natural environment as Lack of safe, affordable from 2016 to 2019, to just over affected people’s ability to meet their daily needs,
economic engine housing $46,000, according to the federal and state assistance has helped house-
Influx of financial assistance Aging housing stock Bureau of Economic Analysis. holds and businesses. A moratorium on evictions
for housing from pandemic Housing instability for lower- This is on par with the 9.9% also helped keep struggling people in their homes.
recovery funds income residents growth in St. Louis County Amid the uncertainty, local collaboration—a
Collaborative spirit in Gap in economic disparity and outpaces the 8.7% rate in consistent Blue Ribbon across sectors—contin-
housing Extreme weather events Jackson County. But the 2019 ued to be a bright spot for our community. At
Invasive species and diseases median household income the time of publication, more than $10,855,000
Concerns about water sources of $46,086 in Greene County in federal assistance funds had been allocated to
remained below St. Louis local social service agencies through the City of
For more on these Blue Ribbons and Red Flags, County ($67,420) and Jackson Springfield, Greene County and Missouri Hous-
visit springfieldcommunityfocus.org. County ($55,134), according to ing Development Commission.
8 · COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021EDUCATION
ACCESS & QUALITY
F
or education access and quality, Blue Rib- brain-based, trauma-informed programming is
bons outweigh the Red Flags, although the beginning to pay dividends. More than 1,500 local
issues and challenges overlap with those educators are now trained in Conscious Dis-
of other areas. Education is struggling to recruit cipline, a recognized evidence-based approach.
and keep talent, especially through pandemic- The Council of Churches of the Ozarks’ Early
related disruptions. We also faced continuing Childhood One Stop has refined its Conscious
achievement gaps with regard to race, ethnicity Parenting component, teaching how to support
and household income. their kids’ classroom instruction.
Springfield and Greene County offer a Sustaining these efforts requires a long-
strong education system at all levels. The term, viable funding stream, and our local
springfield public schools
area’s universities form part of the backbone legislators have continued to propose enabling
of the community, with more than 50,000 col- legislation that would allow citizens to vote on The improved four-year graduation rate at
lege students preparing for life after school, and a sales tax initiative. Springfield high schools—a record 93.6% for
businesses are eager to tap into this large, in- SPS continues to stress the importance of the 2019–20 school year—is a Blue Ribbon,
demand labor pool. high school graduation rates, emphasizing with notable increases for under-resourced and
Springfield is investing in children as a under-resourced and under-represented stu- under-represented students.
community priority, and Springfield Public dents. During the 2019–20 school year, the four-
Schools continues to deliver year graduation rate improved Club Encore, the district’s after-school tutor-
projects funded by the Prop- to 93.6%, the highest on record, ing program for students in reading and math,
osition S bond initiative. The with notable graduation-rate saw participation of Black, Hispanic/Latinx
district finalized construction BLUE RIBBONS increases for those students. and students who receive English Language
on all 33 secure entrances, and Strong education system Expanding learning Learner services increase slightly from the prior
construction was completed Conscious Discipline as a opportunities have become a year. Additionally, 352 students participated in
of the Adah Fulbright Early parenting alternative vital part of our area’s educa- Empowerment Groups, which allow students in
Childhood Center, Delaware Investing in children tion offerings. For the 2019– fourth through eighth grades to focus on iden-
Elementary, Sunshine Elemen- High school graduation rates 20 school year, SPS students tity development, academic and cultural enrich-
tary, Boyd Elementary and Expansion of learning earned 4,505 high school cred- ment, and engage with diverse community
Williams Elementary. Admin- opportunities its using virtual courses. The members. SPS partnered with Equal Opportu-
istration continues to meet Progress on educational virtual learning team increased nity Schools at Central, Hillcrest and Parkview
with the Community Task resources course offerings to more high schools to ensure under-represented and
Force on Facilities twice a year Examining long-term viable than 200 options including a under-resourced students have equitable access
to provide updates. funding streams for Early comprehensive high school, to Advanced Placement and International Bac-
Other educational Childhood efforts alternative programming, calaureate courses. A total of 160 under-repre-
resources include Ozarks Tech- Advanced Placement courses, sented studentsat those schools were identified
nical Community College’s middle-school options, and for upcoming AP course enrollments.
construction of the property- RED FLAGS elementary summer program- Despite the investment, student achieve-
tax-funded Plaster Center for Education achievement gaps ming during Explore. ment gaps exist, especially for under-resourced
Advanced Manufacturing and Pandemic-related learning Along with the newly and under-represented students. The pandemic
Technology, and the Spring- challenges opened Adah Fulbright Early magnified these gaps as school leaders and
field-Greene County Library Teacher shortage and Childhood Center, Campbell teachers attempted to engage with students and
District’s programs to support recruitment challenges Early Childhood Center and families in virtual, in-person and hybrid learn-
the literacy needs of families. Shady Dell Early Childhood ing options. During COVID-19 school closures
Additionally, the Darr Fam- For more on these Blue Center, SPS has provided dedi- statewide, SPS partnered with other districts by
ily Foundation, the Commu- Ribbons and Red Flags, visit cated space for 600 preschool- providing access to virtual course content with
nity Foundation of the Ozarks springfieldcommunityfocus.org. ers in 2020–21. 33,410 course enrollments utilized.
and the Musgrave Foundation The Springfield Board of A teacher shortage and recruitment chal-
have committed more than $1 million over five Education unanimously adopted a new strategic lenges are affecting progress. Applications for
years to support early learning and professional plan Focus Area centered on equity and diver- certified positions in 2020 dropped about 35%
development in child care, private preschools, sity. As a result of recommendations from the from 2019. The 2019 totals, however, include
Springfield Public Schools preschools and ele- Equity and Diversity Council, the district hired both Launch and Explore certificated applicants,
mentary schools. a position responsible for coordinating and whereas the 2020 totals for certificated appli-
Springfield’s commitment to implement recruiting a diverse workforce. cants are limited to regular teaching positions.
COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021 · 9NEIGHBORHOOD &
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
O
ur neighborhoods and green spaces play a affect Springfield and Greene SGF Yields, a program to alert
crucial role in community health. Crime, County also has been high. motorists to be mindful of
transportation, and air and water quality In summer 2020, thousands marked crosswalks, is intended
all contribute to the determinant of neighbor- gathered locally—inspired to address the Red Flag of traffic
hood and built environment. by similar demonstrations saftey and make Springfield
Public agencies and organizations working nationwide—to protest racial more accommodating to
in these areas expend much time and resources injustice in response to the pedestrians. Placement of heart-
on efforts too numerous to list here. The Com- death of George Floyd, a Black shaped traffic signs and neon
munity Focus Report white papers on Housing; man killed by a white police yellow “Mr. Walker” statues are
Transportation; Natural Environment; Parks, officer during an arrest. This already proving effective.
Recreation and Leisure; and Public Order and social justice movement led
city of springfield
Safety offer greater detail to this broad outline. to Springfield Mayor Ken
Rising crime in Springfield has emerged as a McClure creating the Equity and Equality Initia- an employee-driven job market, these experi-
concerning Red Flag. But collaboration among tive in 2021, which will include a strategic vision ences help attract new talent to Springfield and
our public agencies and our community—a for the city. In 2020, Prosper Springfield created enhance quality of life for current employees.
Blue Ribbon in so many areas—is a key asset to the Equity and Prosperity Commission, which But reinvestment in the parks system is chal-
confronting the issue. will develop an action plan with new goals for lenging, with funding for new projects more reli-
Since the last Community Focus Report, poverty reduction. ant on grants and donations.
local civic engagement has been robust, espe- Springfield-Greene County citizens contin- Sports tourism remains a recession-resis-
cially to help guide Springfield’s growth. In ued to invest the community by renewing the tant Blue Ribbon for Springfield, which serves as
spring 2019, the City of Springfield launched ¹₄-cent sales tax for capital improvement proj- a hub for sports competitions as well as profes-
Forward SGF, an extensive public process to ects and the ¹₈-cent transportation sales tax in sional teams.
identify community priorities and focus efforts 2019, extending the sunset provision to 20 years, Continued collaboration is credited for
for a 20-year comprehensive plan. While ini- which will improve project-planning timelines. new and expanded public-safety resources
tially strong engagement waned as the pan- They also approved a $168 million school bond throughout Greene County. A new collaborative
demic ramped up, Forward SGF is back on track issue in 2019 and adopted sewer-rate increases to assist first responders is Burrell Behavioral
to gather additional input this year. in 2016 that support wastewater, stormwater Health’s Rapid Access Unit, designed to deal
Engagement around national issues that and water-quality protection efforts into 2025. with crisis-level mental health or substance-use
With those investments, as needs. And efforts are underway to reconvene
well as integrated planning the Greene County Criminal Justice Coordinat-
among institutions and local ing Committee to improve the criminal justice
BLUE RIBBONS RED FLAGS organizations, clean air and system’s efficiency.
Civic engagement Traffic safety water remain a Blue Ribbon. The Springfield-Greene County Office of
Clean air and water Consistent funding for Preserving green space Emergency Management is working to ensure
Forward-looking public transportation for parks, trails and natural community and individual disaster prepared-
institutions Public transit options areas has been a Red Flag since ness, cited as a Red Flag in the 2011 Community
Expanded resources for law Parks, trails and 2011, with little progress made. Focus Report. Enhanced technology—includ-
enforcement and public safety infrastructure funding However, investment has come ing upgrading the Trunked Radio System, a coop-
Enhanced technology for Green space preservation through grants, donations and erative effort between City Utilities, Greene
public safety Public safety staffing volunteering—including a $4 County and the City of Springfield—helps first
Collaborative efforts in shortages million donation in 2021 to responders work more effectively.
public safety Rising crime four Springfield-based envi- Since 2019, Springfield has seen great strides
Transportation ronment groups. Other ame- in multimodalism, where different transpor-
multimodalism For more on these Blue nities such as the Springfield tation modes complement one another, and
Collaboration, engagement Ribbons and Red Flags, visit Art Museum and the National improvements to roadways. But traffic
and advocacy for springfieldcommunityfocus.org. Park Service’s Wilson’s Creek safety is still a Red Flag, with more injury and
transportation National Battlefield saw major fatality crashes in 2020 than 2019.
Improving major roadways investments and upgrades. Transit is another recurring Red Flag. When
Collaborative efforts for When the COVID-19 pan- compared to peer cities, CU Transit, City Utili-
parks and recreation demic hit, parks and trails ties’ bus system, provides more comprehensive
Trails and connections became essential to maintain- service in hours and coverage, but it is not as
Sports tourism ing a sense of normalcy. In convenient as other forms of travel.
10 · COMMUNITY FOCUS REPORT 2021You can also read
