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Community-Led Reinvestment In The East Side Investment In The Economic, Physical And Social Infrastructure This vibrant community has roots reaching back to the town’s founding. Poverty and food insecurity are significant, business opportunities are challenged, and the physical infrastructure is in need of a refresh. Your commitment to supporting the East Side shone through The Next 10, with specific actions that include: • Compiling and creating funding tools and incentives for investment in the East Side, including activation of the Opportunity Zone and creation of a Community Development Corporation (CDC)
Springfield’s East Side has been historically perceived as the heart of Springfield’s AfricanAmerican community. Like most communities in America, policies and planning practices in Springfield favored segregation well into the latter half of the 20th Century, not only limiting where Black residents could live, but limiting their opportunity to thrive as well. Supporting and uplifting the East Side community, and meeting its unique needs, is a focus of The Next 10.
Intentional and significant investment in East Springfield is a hallmark of The Next 10. Engaging citizens to forge their own paths forward for their neighborhoods and communities is central to our democracy. Bringing additional resources to historically marginalized communities is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do for the benefit of our entire region. I am excited to see a resurgence of positive activity in East Springfield.” DORIS TURNER Illinois State Senator
• Targeted investment to support the revitalization of the South Town business district • Establishment of an East Side Business Accelerator and Personal Financial Support Center, with programs and advisory services to help low-income families get on track to succeed financially • Programming and conversations to bring awareness to challenges and opportunities, and to help the community understand how they can support the East Side
© 2021 THE NEXT 10
Promising Ideas » Develop CAP 1908 Project » Reinvigorate the Neighborhood of Hope » Enhance youth recreation, sports and extracurricular opportunities
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