The Next 10 Progress Report, Summer 2022

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This is The Next 10.

The Next 10 Report was released in Spring 2021, the result of a collaborative community engagement effort for the Greater Springfield Area to define how we take bold steps together for the region’s future. In the midst of the pandemic, the community came out and came together to establish a vision and plan to guide our collective future. And then, we took action.

In the last year, millions have been invested to realize the vision set forth in The Next 10. Hundreds of community members have been involved in the work. City, county and state leaders have united around a single goal—to reinvest in Springfield and this region deliberately to ensure our prosperity and resiliency.

The Next 10 Vision

A Distinctive Community UN I QUE, DI VER SE A ND EN GAGI N G

A Prosperous Community DI VERSI FI ED JO B S, GROWTH AND IN VESTMEN TS

© 2022 THE NEXT 10

Project Areas

An Equitable Community SOC I A L LY A N D E C ONOM I CA L LY I NC L U SI V E

A Green Community SU STA I NA BL E, RES I L I EN T A ND STR O N G

#1

A Revitalized and Resilient Downtown

#2

Illinois’ Recreational Playground

#3

Urban-Rural Connection

#4

A Culturally Rich Community

#5

Community-Led Reinvestment in the East Side

#6

A Strong Foundation for Our Youth

#7

Support for Our Most Vulnerable

#8

Investments in Higher Education and Innovation

#9

An Environmentally Sustainable Springfield

#10

Collective Action on Catalytic Projects 2

The Next 10 Completed Projects #1

#6

CITY OF SPRINGFIELD

Reinvention of Kidzeum as an Essential Component of the Education Infrastructure

Development of More Parklets New parklets and outdoor dining spaces emerged in Downtown Springfield thanks to a $200,000 contribution from the City of Springfield.

Kidzeum and Springfield Public Schools District 186 launched a new partnership to support 1,000+ second graders with a two-week immersive STEAM Residency Program.

#4

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Support for Artists to Beautify and Enliven Our Community The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series hosted by Downtown Springfield Inc. returned in 2021 with a free ten-week concert series on the North Mansion Block. A new series called Back to the Music—presented by the Springfield Area Arts Council with support from the Community Foundation­—helped spur artist performances in area restaurants and pubs post-COVID-19 restrictions.

#6

SIU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

#6

Continue Public School Facility Improvements Throughout Sangamon County School buildings throughout Sangamon County are getting rebuilt, refreshed and expanded. Springfield Public Schools District 186 alone initiated design and construction on $40.9 million of infrastructure work on schools.

#10

CITY OF SPRINGFIELD

Bolster Early Childhood Education

Benedictine Campus Reimagined

The Nurse-Family Partnership Program was expanded by the SIU School of Medicine, providing new potential for changing lives at the earliest possible stages.

Several historic buildings on the former campus have been purchased by private developers and organizations, and new activity is emerging.

#10

SSGA

Establish and Implement a Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) With investment from the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance and the Community Foundation, the CEDS was completed, delivering an economic vision for the region, and opening the door to increased federal funding.

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The Next 10 Projects In Progress

#1

DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD INC.

#3

Establish the Springfield Region as the Farm-toTable Capital of the World

Downtown & Medical District Master Plan Consultants were selected in Spring 2022 to lead the planning effort, which will guide future growth in Downtown Springfield and the Mid-Illinois Medical District. Plan completion is expected by Spring 2023.

#1

Sangamon County has begun assessing our local food systems in order to build a stronger and sustainable local food web.

#5

STATE OF ILLINOIS

Work on the State Capitol Building and the entire Capitol Complex has begun, which will include a $122 million renovation of the Illinois State Armory. The Armory project is projected to take two years and will be complete by July 2025.

Image courtesy of Illinois Times / Sue Massie

Stabilization work has begun on the Judge John Wickliffe Taylor Home, a significant piece of the history of the Black community in Springfield, thanks to The Springfield Project and a financial commitment from the City of Springfield.

ILLINOIS DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Renovate and Activate the Illinois State Fairgrounds A master planning process for the Illinois State Fairgrounds launched in May 2022 with the goal of expanding usage of the Fairgrounds as a yearround center of social and economic activity for the city and region. The plan is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

© 2022 THE NEXT 10

CITY OF SPRINGFIELD

Protect, Preserve and Designate Historic Properties

Illinois State Capitol Complex Renovations

#3

SANGAMON COUNTY

#5

Develop CAP 1908 Project The CAP 1908 Project (CAP stands for Community Access Project) aims to provide development and co-working space in a newlyacquired building in the South Town neighborhood, thanks to a City grant to The Springfield Project.

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#7

HEARTLAND CONTINUUM OF CARE

Develop a Comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness A strategic plan to end homelessness in Springfield and Sangamon County will be released in Summer 2022. The plan will detail local approaches for ending homelessness and broaden the current response beyond emergency homeless shelters.

#9

Green Infrastructure Private Sector Investments Illinois’ largest solar farm was approved and will be operational by the end of 2023. The farm will cover 3,250 acres and will have a 35-year lifespan. It will generate nearly 600 megawatts of electricity to power 85,000 homes, and it will help reach the state’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045.

#10

MOVING PILLSBURY FORWARD

Pillsbury Site Redevelopment In March 2022, the Pillsbury site was acquired by Moving Pillsbury Forward, a non-profit created to support the redevelopment of the site. The next steps include rallying financial resources to allow site clean-up to prepare for future development.

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