MAYOR MISTY BUSCHER LAUNCHES CITY-WIDE OPEN HOUSE SERIES TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AND COMMUNICATION

Springfield, IL—In an ongoing effort to ensure the voices of Springfield residents are heard and valued, Mayor Misty Buscher is launching a new initiative focused on building stronger connections between the community and City government.

Beginning this spring, Mayor Buscher and her administration will host a series of departmental open houses throughout the city, giving residents the chance to meet City staff, get firsthand knowledge of city operations, ask questions, and share their thoughts in a welcoming and informative setting.

This initiative is part of a broader push to increase transparency, provide consistent access to resources, and gain a deeper understanding of agency operations while learning about the community’s needs. These events will not only create direct, face-to-face communication but will also serve as a foundation for an ongoing community needs assessment to help guide future policies, services, and investments.

“There is no substitute for listening to the people we serve,” said Mayor Misty Buscher. “These open houses are an invitation to learn, connect, and build a stronger Springfield together. I want our residents to know that their voices matter, and this is one way we’re making sure they are heard.”

Residents are encouraged to attend these upcoming gatherings to meet department leaders, obtain helpful information, and speak openly about what matters most to them. Each session will also offer materials and resources designed to keep community members engaged and informed well beyond the day of the event.

Save the Dates: Upcoming Department Open Houses


Friday, May 3 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Springfield Fire Department Open House
Station One – 825 E. Capitol Ave.
 
Thursday, May 22 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Public Works Open House
222 N. 17th St.
 
Tuesday, June 18 | 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Springfield Police Department (SPD) Open House
3501 Color Plant Rd.
 
Tuesday, July 16 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
City Water, Light & Power (CWLP) Open House
1600 Groth St.

The Buscher administration plans to roll out additional initiatives to expand residents' opportunities to engage directly with public officials and City departments. More details on these efforts will be announced in the coming weeks.

This series is part of the Buscher administration's commitment to ensuring the City of Springfield is actively listening, learning, and leading with residents at the center.