[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6236460,"mediaKeyId","3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5","parentId",3359555,"title","Speakers urge city leaders to denounce recent immigration enforcement actions and support families; calls for aid and resolution","audioSeconds",331,"startMs",5484000,"endMs",5815000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5&start=5484&end=5815","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5/thumbnail_5484000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6236460/Springfield/Sangamon-County/Illinois/Speakers-urge-city-leaders-to-denounce-recent-immigration-enforcement-actions-and-support-families-calls-for-aid-and-resolution","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236460-dcd6a1baf099a63b99cea772877a22c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127671&Signature=dgAe~yES01MHYlqLFeZJEktceyjFTHbZaIUoul9PcRx2yPWnrEA3vvIAQt6nMNvrn4ZWhYOc3UrxVpOqHE1yXAw7AWlVnQ2llMqjZ0TeS4rDMbL3TunEA9M35ojZJUAlPcQew7e0eFHoeIfvoL9i62xWYhvzC3QB6G8ywt5r2tQBc7TZqCFVwbgTtakYy1dsxV4HXLbXgkLbbwYmn1qOYHhhn2kpNyTa5qnNGJsSMCIGbOgDcQcSx3RURB2B7aadwjdjE5n2D3gNQo9Wn6ZMjCWSfA0CE4GWiy0sXTH3Dq1hYZhdJGXw3VeYqvklIGR7IlFEKTJigrkjPY7~gGaZFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Springfield, IL","date","2025-05-16T17:51:18Z","article","Multiple speakers during public comment on May 13 urged Springfield leaders to respond to a recent immigration-enforcement operation that local advocates say separated family members and used the death of a Springfield resident in political messaging.

Kathy Schwartz read a statement on behalf of her daughter, Emma Schafer, and criticized a political visit by national figures that used Schafer’s death for a public-policy statement. The statement said the event was retraumatizing for the family and urged city leaders to work across differences to create a more supportive community. The speaker provided donation information for an Emma Schafer Peace and Justice Fund and urged support for families affected by the enforcement action.

Members of Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network asked the council to pursue a city council resolution addressing “harmful political agendas” and to coordinate support for families whose relatives were taken into custody. Schwartz and others said families affected by the enforcement need immediate assistance; a representative asked donors to contribute to a fund and mentioned a PayPal link on the advocacy group’s Facebook page.

Why it matters: Public commenters said the recent enforcement action and surrounding publicity harmed community trust and caused direct hardship for families. The calls for an official council response and for immediate support to affected families were made during public comment; no ordinance or resolution was introduced at the meeting.

Council staff and the police chief (present at the meeting) said the Springfield Police Department did not participate in the federal action and that local policy and the Illinois Trust Act prevent local law enforcement from engaging in federal immigration enforcement. The chief told the committee the department would respond to calls to verify whether law-enforcement personnel present at an incident were federal agents or involved in non-immigration matters.

What’s next: Speakers requested a council resolution denouncing the political use of the incident and urged the city to coordinate support for affected families. Councilmembers did not adopt any formal action at the meeting but staff said they would note the public comments and may follow up on the requests.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Springfield Committee of the Whole Meeting Tuesday May 13 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters asked city leaders to condemn the recent immigration enforcement action tied to national figures and to provide financial and legal support to affected families. The committee did not take formal action but councilmembers and community groups were urged to coordinate aid.","taxTitle","Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois","taxId",2651,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236465,"Aldermen press city for action on Valley Vaughn properties after neighborhood complaints; corporation counsel to follow up with state and owner",738,3798000,4536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5&start=3798&end=4536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5/thumbnail_3798000.jpg","/articles/6236465/Springfield/Sangamon-County/Illinois/Aldermen-press-city-for-action-on-Valley-Vaughn-properties-after-neighborhood-complaints-corporation-counsel-to-follow-up-with-state-and-owner","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236465-1bd86f1cbdba9a5e8772f1d39558d05b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127671&Signature=AcGXJ22ar-G4rK7lQfgkG6SpxcqX98IjJ76aSw4qFa8doxbQbSyteWnHKkzrQ9~67RnM37wg~kpHTs51HsQEtcUAqXaXajbJv73lsrUArUtX0bZoNC8kaBg330j-JEmF1jPA83Wzcq4TRWsFrbWsmWyouvKastXNX~OmlmVXxZqY~95jDYeEFqmBIrIyEcVyKGahdESTEjLzP2DhS9RDw3X8Y1fSLF4u0tBQ6ckiUE4y7f2lMWO425ggh3BHyQ5XaugBrPfUHTjEGf31Q-RN10MdinZthqg4g6mBSjp2nscivoKGBAHWSLzVtk4Wpp6MujxcHShAX4ohkwdgxeRUIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Aldermen on May 13 raised persistent public-safety and nuisance concerns tied to the Valley Vaughn apartment complex on Washington Street and nearby properties, asking corporation counsel to press state officials and the property owner for action to secure the site.

The matter arose during unfinished business. Alderman Conley described repeated incidents and said the building is unsecured, with a “revolving door” of people entering and leaving. She asked for a clear update from the Illinois Attorney General’s office on the asbestos-violation status for the property and requested a running total of the city’s accumulated fees and penalties related to the site.

Why it matters: Aldermen said the property’s condition is negatively affecting neighbors and nearby schools and that unsecured buildings present safety hazards. The council sought clarity on the city’s legal options and the state’s enforcement posture.

Corporation counsel said she would follow up with the state and the owner’s attorney about the issues raised. Aldermen also requested clearer language about what the city can do—what the council described as “very specific, clear language” about the city’s authority to intervene—so they can pursue quicker remedies when owners fail to secure property.

Other council members cited additional concerns at a separate, nearby vacant property (an old daycare) where large, decaying trees appear to be dropping limbs into the public right-of-way. Public-works staff said they would send a team to the Old Town area the following morning to assess safety hazards and potential actions.

What’s next: Corporation counsel will follow up with the Attorney General’s office and the property owner’s attorney and provide the council an update; public works staff will inspect the adjacent sites and report any immediate hazards.","Councilmembers described ongoing safety and nuisance concerns at the Valley Vaughn apartment complex and nearby properties, asked corporation counsel to seek status updates from the Illinois Attorney General’s office and requested a running tally of city fees and penalties tied to the site.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236470,"Council approves intergovernmental agreement with Sangamon County for animal-control services; aldermen say city needs voice on county board",321,3038000,3359000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5&start=3038&end=3359","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5/thumbnail_3038000.jpg","/articles/6236470/Springfield/Sangamon-County/Illinois/Council-approves-intergovernmental-agreement-with-Sangamon-County-for-animal-control-services-aldermen-say-city-needs-voice-on-county-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236470-5f5feaaf84ee1545fc334514256417cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127671&Signature=mYZId0shI6XYQTFDnt4mG7QVrImNWWltMoNI4umtNIEfGwRjDuB1c77rY3e15Rlfw-ij~GVohrExWCWz41byl6v~uLc3PeVyhGN0JZ~ZMK76mzrZoYIu0CUkRzPx8SuQSzMBYAGTjMWeLOD7AWSL7BdQJtB76ULuwcfmRS3jzYTryZKma7UzdSyFqhHNVZxjr~64r1nqmNG8kvDafABek3xjVYQko-pyqIjFvK5J2BySgN7t0xNgsMYiiuLgZXFzFQkSlCtbO7rdIHbCFmK~eBUn6936XVc7Qh34E6M0an5~lgrWekJSVTY1NqCTqvVjkLPWIU83nMzayRzV6uI2QA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee of the Whole approved an intergovernmental cooperative agreement with Sangamon County for animal-control services that authorizes payment of up to $384,095 for services covering March 1, 2024, through Feb. 28, 2025.

Alderman Conley placed the item on debate and urged the council to press the county on policy changes at the county animal shelter that affect city residents and city finances. “This is a higher dollar amount because that costs more money to house those animals,” Conley said, and she asked the city to seek a seat at the table where county policy decisions are made.

Why it matters: Sangamon County provides animal-control services that respond to city calls, and changes in shelter policy affect the city both operationally and financially. Aldermen said city residents make the bulk of animal-control calls and are the largest source of program use and funding.

Conley and other aldermen said recent county policy choices — including a move toward no-kill operations, which they said raises per-animal costs — should be discussed jointly with the county because city funding and calls are substantial. Conley asked corporation counsel and administration to pursue a way for the city to participate in county decision-making on animal-control policy.

The committee approved the agreement by voice vote during the debate agenda. Members said they will follow up with county officials about policy discussions and potential representation on relevant county boards.

What’s next: Council members requested more coordination with Sangamon County on policy changes at the shelter and a staff follow-up about opportunities for city participation in county policy boards.","The committee voted to authorize an intergovernmental agreement with Sangamon County for animal-control services through FY2025 and a payment not to exceed $384,095. Aldermen debated county policy changes at the shelter and urged the city seek representation on county boards that set those policies.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236474,"Council adopts Downtown and Mid-Illinois Medical District master plan; officials highlight wayfinding, arts and bike access",551,2375000,2926000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5&start=2375&end=2926","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5/thumbnail_2375000.jpg","/articles/6236474/Springfield/Sangamon-County/Illinois/Council-adopts-Downtown-and-Mid-Illinois-Medical-District-master-plan-officials-highlight-wayfinding-arts-and-bike-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236474-ae9416fdf16a75199b8e8337f1cdd0ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127671&Signature=DnB~ksMoPE6B0BvUGF3fcvGnWbVB-59fNIKQ1DCq7ZyNkjzok-RGWX6z480jS3HvULY8dZL-zYuga51GIfDl1ZLdVI3eojryPxlPgZYaoB~~WD469WZWPLghzrbbaHY5W4u4F75mfrv1~-jgpPEznKHgJTEKjKZQ42Be53waGI4UmZran3R84lvbLk0vwyN2d9kom621VTxpzG0sKliJfQUMWxPEMBJM1tSkICBCPWkDMC507CgGVbhpyR2KLCpUWCuRuHu7~gozGmEjaDwbAHzIlRcSZq7H1JQKF05~yGFYX035kro5GoJOC~D-otKp-J4OWAoLlHjgh-kjF7tZ6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield Committee of the Whole on May 13 adopted a resolution to adopt the Downtown Springfield and Mid-Illinois Medical District Master Plan, and heard comments from city planners and Downtown Springfield Inc. about early implementation steps.

Why it matters: The master plan is a strategic guidance document for downtown improvements including public wayfinding, pedestrian and bicycle connections, event programming and beautification. Adoption gives the city and partners a policy anchor for pursuing projects and grants.

Aldermen moved and seconded the resolution (agenda item 2025-2-01) and discussed implementation. The committee then heard from Carlos Ortega, executive director of Downtown Springfield Inc., who described efforts to implement the plan with existing resources and partnerships. Ortega said the downtown office is focusing on events, partnerships with cultural organizations and “bringing and bridging that divide” through completed projects such as streetscape overlays and the Levitt Amp concert series.

A planner who spoke to the committee said some actions in the plan are low- or no-cost and can be advanced by community volunteers and businesses; examples named at the meeting include additional wayfinding signage, safer crossings at Jefferson and Madison, beautification and increased promotion of arts and cultural events. The plan will also be the topic of a public “all member” meeting on June 26 at Horace Mann Center, Orleans and City Hall leaders said.

Council members asked whether state agencies and other large downtown tenants were engaging with the plan. A city planner said there has been engagement and ongoing conversation about what can be done with existing buildings rather than relocation away from downtown.

What’s next: Officials said they will pursue short-term items—signage, increased events and targeted grant applications—while coordinating with property owners, Downtown Springfield Inc. and public-works projects.","The Committee adopted a resolution approving the Downtown Springfield and Mid-Illinois Medical District Master Plan and councilmembers and downtown leaders discussed next steps including events, wayfinding signs and bike-friendly connectivity.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236480,"Committee of the Whole approves police chief appointment; candidates and aldermen focus on officer wellness and traffic enforcement",1095,1104000,2199000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5&start=1104&end=2199","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3359555-a45ee3e2d966106b4f6ac61b5ad3c4d5/thumbnail_1104000.jpg","/articles/6236480/Springfield/Sangamon-County/Illinois/Committee-of-the-Whole-approves-police-chief-appointment-candidates-and-aldermen-focus-on-officer-wellness-and-traffic-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236480-ffaa3cfcb0d9416794938f732f80b205/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127671&Signature=Jh-vnWKrYAnV1EHuTbnwR6J5pmuHvApwu3FciqegUi6WviBHTxejST6XC2XKXT0xB5RT2VjpcuplDn-MTYWDzQWch5X8u4MI0sYNTng78NrzrZCQ~39cNueazh478jabMH36vF5jvBhsTuTnlH2UXUyzxvdkVUMfcdKnlU6-OAUWnLbQJ0jE967wY9Ysz1wmpMIyHxbNB6bYZw3mLCPNORuXOoVwTxpAgpS8QzwUtC4Ux6gPvdi8-DfRl7WRS2igR8ja-s84SSjdx-s9TkSOUZdhkfFI~RkOmX73585QoPWZskMHrQtIq2DwqQ~o5NS4I2AAvWvgog1POnBFsc2itQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield Committee of the Whole on May 13 approved an ordinance appointing a new police chief, effective May 31, 2025, after a presentation and questions from aldermen about department priorities.

The appointment was advanced as ordinance 2025-1-95 and approved by voice vote during the meeting. The council also heard from the candidate in a public presentation and a series of aldermen who raised questions about training, officer wellness, traffic enforcement and community outreach.

Why it matters: The police chief oversees department strategy, hiring and community policing in Springfield. Aldermen used the debate period to press the candidate on plans to support new officers, reduce use-of-force incidents and increase traffic enforcement during the summer months.

In the candidate’s prepared remarks, delivered to the committee, the candidate said the role requires more than uniforms and training and emphasized mental-health supports for officers. “Part of leadership is ensuring that our officers have everything they need to do their job. Not just the uniform, not just the training that they need, but also what they need between the ears, and that's part of their wellness,” the candidate said.

Alderman McCallum pressed for specifics on supports for new hires and retention, noting the department’s recent hiring drive. Alderman Carlson said she was “encouraged” by the candidate’s emphasis on wellness and community engagement and asked about foot and bike patrols downtown. The candidate said neighborhood police officers would continue bike and foot patrols and that the department planned to reinstate and expand bike patrols during key hours, including rush and lunch periods.

Several aldermen raised traffic complaints as a top constituent concern. The candidate said the department plans to repurpose school resource officers and use a full-time DUI officer to bolster traffic enforcement during peak times. “Traffic complaints is the biggest complaint in the city, and we recognize that, and we are doing our best to target those areas off data-driven statistics,” the candidate said.

The committee voted to approve the appointment; the ordinance states the chief’s effective date as May 31, 2025. The vote was taken by voice and recorded as affirmative. No amendments to the ordinance were made during the meeting.

What’s next: The chief’s appointment becomes effective on the date in the ordinance. Alderwoman Carlson and others said they plan follow-up conversations about foot patrol scheduling and officer wellness implementation.","The Springfield Committee of the Whole approved an ordinance appointing a new police chief effective May 31, 2025. Council members asked about officer wellness, recruitment and traffic enforcement during a candidate presentation and Q&A.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Speakers urge city leaders to denounce recent immigration enforcement actions and support families; calls for aid and resolution

Aldermen press city for action on Valley Vaughn properties after neighborhood complaints; corporation counsel to follow up with state and owner

Council approves intergovernmental agreement with Sangamon County for animal-control services; aldermen say city needs voice on county board

Council adopts Downtown and Mid-Illinois Medical District master plan; officials highlight wayfinding, arts and bike access

Committee of the Whole approves police chief appointment; candidates and aldermen focus on officer wellness and traffic enforcement