Mayor Sarno stated, “My ARPA team and I continue to meet with our neighborhood councils. I want to thank Indian Orchard Citizens Council President Zaida Govan, the IOCC Board and residents for hosting us at their community building. We had a great discussion and heard their ideas on how they would like to see the City use the ARPA funding to enhance their neighborhood. My ARPA team will review these ideas to see how we can enhance not just the Indian Orchard Neighborhood but the entire City of Springfield under the seven categories my Administration has identified to capitalize on and to continue to move our City forward for everyone. As I have stated, we have another transformative opportunity to continue to shape the future of our City, similar to the numerous neighborhood and economic development projects my Administration made post tornado. As previously announced, I have created these seven (7) categories; job creation/economic development, capital projects, assistance for businesses, non-profits, seniors, our neighborhoods, and housing, in which my administration will issue RFP’s in order to enhance these initiatives for the betterment of all in our City.”
Mayor Sarno has already met with a number of non-profit agencies, business groups and religious organizations to discuss the potential opportunities for the City of Springfield to utilize ARPA funding. In addition to today’s meetings, Mayor Sarno and city officials have already met with a host of organizations and non-profits and the following neighborhood councils; Hungry Hill, East Springfield, Maple High Six Corners, McKnight, Old Hill, and New North Citizens Council. Additional neighborhood council and nonprofit meetings are scheduled.
