SPRINGFIELD – Springfield City Councilor Beth Blackwell on Dec. 31 resigned from the Springfield City Council, stating she was unable to give the role the full attention it deserved. Springfield attorney Mary Bridget Smith initiated the Ward 4 resignation acceptance at the Jan. 5 council meeting.
Appointed in April 2023 and recently re-elected in January 2025, Councilor Blackwell cited the increasing difficulty of balancing her personal and professional responsibilities with the time and energy required to serve in the volunteer leadership role.
“While it has truly been an honor to represent the Springfield community, I believe stepping down at this time is the most responsible decision so that the position may continue to receive the full attention it deserves,” Blackwell said.
Blackwell also served as vice chair of the Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) and participated on several key committees, including the Springfield Budget Committee, Legislative Committee, Springfield Arts Commission, LTD Strategic Planning Committee, and LaneACT.
“Beth’s service on the Council made a real difference for Springfield. Her work on SEDA helped move important economic development projects forward, and she brought dedication and care to every decision,” said Mayor Sean VanGordon.
The council will follow its standard appointment process to fill the Ward 4 vacancy, opening up a 30-day application period. The interim councilor appointment process will begin at the Jan. 20 meeting.
Smith said if all goes as planned, the council will be looking at a new interim appointment around April, with a term lasting through 2026, and an election on Nov. 26 for the full two-term appointment.
Ward 4 encompasses a central-east portion of Springfield. Key landmarks in this ward include the Bob Keefer Center for Sports and Recreation, Agnes Stewart Middle School, and the Walmart Supercenter. Ward 4 boundary map: bit.ly/SpfldWards.
