Mayor Sarno stated, “It was good to see and meet with South End Community Center Executive Director Wesley Jackson and hear his ideas and thoughts on how the city’s ARPA funding can help enhance my old stomping grounds community initiatives and neighborhood programs. My ARPA team will review these ideas to see how we can enhance not just the South End Community Center but also the neighborhood 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 met with 19 organizations, agencies, non-profits and the following neighborhood councils; Hungry Hill, East Springfield, Maple High Six Corners, McKnight, Old Hill, Upper Hill, Indian Orchard Citizens Council, New North Citizens Council and Sixteen Acres Civic Association. Additional neighborhood council and nonprofit meetings are scheduled.
