3 days ago
Mayor Jeff Schrag delivers first State of the City Address
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield city leaders gathered this morning for the annual State of the City Address, the first for Mayor Jeff Schrag.
Mayor Schrag has only been mayor for about 44 days, but he highlighted what he has seen from the city so far including resilience, generosity, and growth.
He highlighted the work of the administration before him, including lowering Springfield's poverty rate. In 2015, Springfield's poverty rate was 27.5% and is now 19.4%.
He also praised the community for banding together after the April 29th storms, recalling the efforts of utility crews working to get the power back on and neighbors helping clear debris.
Mayor Schrag says he is proud Springfield is getting the recognition it deserves as a key metropolitan area in the Midwest, including as the host city for the Route 66 Centennial Kickoff.
He said the city is moving forward and he is excited for the future and the support from citizens to continue growing through the recent approval of the ¾ cent sales tax.
'We're in a really unique spot, and not only do we have this opportunity, we now have a funding source for that half cent We can actually do some things,' Mayor Schrag said. 'We now have the opportunity to do that if we're smart, if we're forward driven, and if we listen to what the people have to say.'
Mayor Schrag said although Springfield may not be perfect, the city is full of potential. He asked the audience to join him in moving Springfield forward.
The City of Springfield will be sharing his full speech here.
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