Residents urge council action on business closures, crime and housing; city offers follow-up for individual assistance

Multiple residents used the Dec. 30 public‑comment period to press the city on interconnected issues of downtown business closures, public safety and housing stability.

Brianna Roberts delivered a data‑style "Springfield Wrapped" summary, saying the downtown lost about 13 locally owned brick‑and‑mortar businesses in roughly nine months and claiming more than 20 closures citywide. She said Springfield recorded 11 homicides in 2025, referenced more than 100 motor‑vehicle thefts early in the year, and urged continued investment in downtown stabilization programs and use of cannabis‑tax funds for minority‑owned business grants. Roberts also praised recent affordable‑housing commitments, noting an expansion project she said will create 50 new affordable homes.

Jim Patia urged the council to stop relying on studies and pledged that residents need concrete solutions, including reconsideration of a landlord registry and stronger enforcement to protect tenants and neighborhoods.

Abdul Mohammed told the council he has experienced repeated administrative problems with disability and SNAP benefits, alleged he is a victim of human trafficking and said police and other agencies have ignored his documentation and FOIA requests. The clerk offered community‑relations staff contact information and agreed to follow up.

The council did not take immediate policy action based on public comment but noted the concerns and scheduled budget workshops and committee meetings in January where budget allocations and enforcement priorities can be discussed.