Council approves housing and zoning measures, places three-year solar purchase agreement on first reading

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Springfield City Council on Feb. 18 approved a package of zoning, housing and financial measures and placed a proposed three-year solar power purchase agreement on first reading.

The council adopted ordinances and votes that included funding for a 50-home affordable housing project, a use variance for a contracting and fabrication shop, and the appointment of Jeffrey G. Cox as alderman for Ward 1. Council members also voted 11-0 to put on first reading an agreement to purchase solar capacity from Birch Creek Development LLC for up to $8,300,250 over three years for the Office of Public Utilities.

Why it matters: The votes move forward housing and economic development projects backed by city funding and set the city on a path to add a short-term solar supply contract to diversify the municipal energy portfolio. The solar agreement will return to committee for further review before additional council action.

What the council passed or acted on

• Appointment of Jeffrey G. Cox (Ordinance docket 2025047). The council moved the ordinance through procedural steps and on final passage the motion passed “with 9 voting yes, none voting…