Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Taking a cue from Spotify, citizen Breeonna Roberts gave the city council “Springfield Wrapped” this week.
“Our most skipped genre this year was locally-owned businesses,” said Roberts, a frequent presence at council meetings. “In roughly nine months, downtown Springfield lost what seems like to be thirteen locally-owned businesses, with more than twenty closures throughout the entire city. Each closure, of course, had its own reasons, but common factors kept appearing, such as low foot traffic, safety concerns, and lack of sustained support.”
She also cited a declining population.
The year was not all bad, Roberts said.
“We had good conversation about cannabis tax investments, allocating a portion of it to revenue towards economic- and neighborhood-focused grants that focused on minority-owned businesses and local stabilization efforts that reflected intentional prioritization.”
And – high civic engagement. “People showed up, we spoke, organized, and participated,” said Roberts. “And there were several council members that really supported the people, that engaged and responded with seriousness when it matters, and that gives some hope for positive change next year.”
