Downtown Planning

Springfield is continuing to see the energy of ideas come to life in a special part of the city that is testament to Springfield’s motto: Proud History, Bright Future. City staff and the community have developed tools—including plans and policies— that will promote and sustain a vibrant downtown with:

• Inviting pedestrian-friendly streets
• Successful retail blocks
• Various housing options
• Enhanced public spaces and civic center
• Unique cultural destinations, and
• Convenient connections to Island Park and surrounding neighborhoods

The Public House in Downtown Springfield
Downtown Springfield

Recent Project: Downtown Design Standards

Together with the community and with direction from the Springfield City Council, staff explored possible improvements to planning resources that work to support Springfield’s vision for downtown. The specific resources of interest were design standards. Design standards contribute to how a place looks and feels by guiding the appearance of development projects. Work involved reviewing the Municipal Code, Development Code, and the Engineering Design Standards & Procedures Manual.

On June 17, 2019, Council adopted changes to the standards in the Downtown Sign District, which are part of the Municipal Code. A result of this effort was a set of sign standards that are now simplified and flexible in order to provide options for achieving desired outcomes. Adoption of the remaining draft design standards may be considered by Council in the future and may require further revisions. At this time, there is no timeline determined for when this project will continue. Click here for previous news and e-updates.

Picture of Downtown Springfield

Project Documents

Downtown Citizen Advisory Committee

See below for the dates and details of the most recent CAC meetings. Click here for additional dates and details for older CAC meetings.

Get Involved

We need your input to ensure that our planning efforts meet the community’s expectations and aspirations. You can make your voice heard in one or more ways:

Contact Information
Chelsea Hartman, Senior Planner
541.726.3648 / 711-Relay