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Committee extends pilot funding for Springfield Cleanup Corps; model seen as template for other neighborhoods
Summary
The committee approved continued funding for Springfield Preservation and Revitalization's Cleanup Corps and discussed using the program as a template for other business districts and neighborhoods to sponsor routine cleaning and beautification.
The committee approved item 2025-099 on March 3 to extend grant support for the Springfield Cleanup Corps run by Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR). The amended bill passed by recorded vote, 5-0.
Michael Haskins, SPAR executive director, told the panel the one-year pilot has focused on blight reduction, litter removal and beautification in the Springfield neighborhood and that the nonprofit aims to develop a repeatable, fundable template that other business districts and community associations can adopt. "Our value proposition is that we can provide a multiplier effect," Haskins said, adding that SPAR's local, part-time staff model reduces transport and overhead costs and attracts volunteer and business support.
Haskins told the committee SPAR has partnered with about 30 local businesses and plans to fundraise roughly $100,000 in private support as part of the program's sustainability plan. He said Workers' Compensation audit results were favorable and that unused dollars from the initial appropriation were being shifted into the amended continuation grant. The pilot also installed trash cans, cleared alleys, pressure-washed assets and worked with private donors for equipment and labor in larger cleanups.
Members discussed whether the model should be citywide or locally supported. Councilmember Ron Salem and others urged that the city use the Springfield pilot as a template and that merchant and homeowner associations should assume long-term funding once a program is proven. Councilmember Mike Miller, the item sponsor, said the pilot is intended as a replicable model and requested cosponsors and continued partnership with Development Services and other city departments.
The committee approved the amendment, then the bill as amended, by recorded ballot (5'0). Members asked SPAR to continue fundraising and to document costs and outcomes so other neighborhoods can evaluate adopting the approach.
