SPRINGFIELD – On Jan. 29, Springfield city leaders, officials, and members of the public gathered inside the Richard E. Wildish Theater to listen to Mayor Sean VanGordon deliver the Springfield State of the City address. He highlighted the city’s accomplishments and talked about its challenges over the past year, and mentioned a few things to look forward to in 2026.
City council president Michelle Webber miced the event and started by welcoming elected officials and special guests. She invited VanGordon to the stage to deliver a speech.
“Each year the state of the city is a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate our shared progress as a community, to look at what we’ve accomplished together and where we are headed to next,” VanGordon said.
City manager Nancy Newton commended the city’s effort to support local businesses at the event during the Feb. 2 city council meeting.
We make a lot of effort to support our local businesses whenever possible here in Springfield,” Newton said. “The Mayor’s State of the City address used local musicians, local vendors, and local florists to make that happen.” She also noted the asset that the venue is to downtown Springfield.
VanGordon announced a $20,000 commitment to the Wildish to honor the theater’s 20th anniversary and to support its future. He said the investment comes from the city’s Transient Lodging Tax, a dedicated funding source that supports tourism and local cultural organizations.
A video of city councilors played while they talked about economic achievements in each of their respective wards. Webber highlighted the implementation of Chick-fil-A in the Gateway area, and mentioned Raising Cane’s opening later this year in the former Big 5 space.
Councilor Steve Moe talked about the Lovely Cafe relocating and remaining open during construction along Mill Street, near downtown. Kori Rodley mentioned the Glenwood area and the work the Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) has done to acquire over 21 acres of property for the Glenwood Riverfront Area Master Plan.
Newest council member Andrew Buck discussed new housing opportunities in Ward 5, like a multifamily apartment complex on 48th Street, and phase three of the Woodland Ridge single-family development. Alan Stout exhibited a new Joyce A. Langeliers Family Center in Thurston that is planned to have a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 28.
“Slated for completion in 2026, the foundation aims to bring hope and healing and contribute to the future well-being of greater Springfield,” Stout said.
Newton praised the mayor and council members during Monday night’s meeting for their work over the year.
“We go so fast, and we do so much, and you are all volunteers, and just taking a moment to really appreciate the work that you have done and the leadership you’ve shown, plus the countless hours that you’ve given to this community, is really important,” she said.
VanGordon delivered a few awards to businesses and individuals for their contributions to Springfield. Rosboro, a Springfield-based timber company, received the business of the year award. Finance director Nathan Bell and budget and procurement manager Jessica Mumme both received employee of the year awards.
Last year, Springfield received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 44th year in a row.
“That recognition reflects the care, accuracy, and professionalism of our Finance team. Nathan and Jessica help set the standard for fiscal responsibility in local government,” said VanGordon. “Congratulations to you both on this well-deserved recognition.”
The address also touched on fiscal responsibility, with plans to stabilize the city’s finances through a payroll tax, economic growth, cost containments, and legislative changes. VanGordon brought up the city’s Fiscal Stability Task Force, a group of community members, business leaders, and people with deep experience in finance, economics, and public service, who put forth recommendations to the city council to address Springfield’s projected budget shortfall of an estimated $4.5 million by fiscal year 2027–28.
“Their charge was clear. Take a hard look at where we are. Identify what is driving our long-term structural challenges, and help shape a path toward stability,” VanGordon said.
He concluded his speech by touching on the political and social division that communities might be facing.
“Strength is the belief that every resident deserves a future here, regardless of their political views. I still believe decency matters. Service still matters. Kindness still matters,” he said. “In our time of division, public service is a radical act of leadership, moving forward quietly, consistently, and together.”
