City of Springfield-Office of Planning and Economic Development

03/13/2025

🌬Staying Prepared: Severe Weather Expected 🌬

On Thursday, March 13, the US National Weather Service Central Illinois issued a Level 4 severe weather risk for our area. While storms are expected, taking a few steps can help you stay safe and prepared.

Here’s what to know:
-Fast-moving squall line of severe thunderstorms
-Increased risk of tornadoes and large hail.
-Storms are expected to start near sunset in west-central Illinois.

Report Issues & Outages:
-Debris blocking roads/sidewalks: Call 217-789-2255 or 217-789-2246
-CWLP Electric Outage Hotline: 217-789-2121
-CWLP Water Trouble: 217-789-2323 Ext 2

Be Prepared:
-Charge devices & have a flashlight ready
-Secure outdoor items
-Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts
-Know your safe place—interior room or basement

For more weather preparedness tips, visit the City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) blog:
🔗https://cwlp.com/BlogDetails.aspx/Being_Prepared_For_Storms_Power_Outages?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0Cz1TFjRTRGi80KQVjfqI3SPTCdYbxMPuFq5orXK8ncTwEEZgVj1EqApc_aem_TY-YFleiJJswm0oZvbvUzg

02/24/2025

📢 Need help applying for the cannabis grant? We’re here to help!

The Office of Planning & Economic Development (OPED) is hosting a Cannabis Grant Assistance Session to help you navigate the application process.

📅 March 7 | 1:30 - 3:30 PM
📍 Visions 1908 Inc. | 801 S. 11th Street

Our team will be available to answer your questions and provide guidance. Don’t miss this opportunity!

For more information, contact Julia Griffin at [email protected] or call (217)-789-2377.

02/10/2025

🚨Applications are now open! 🚨 See if you qualify here: https://www.springfield.il.us/CannabisBusinessGrant.aspx

01/31/2025

📣 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Cannabis Grant Program 📣

The City of Springfield is using the Cannabis Sales Tax Fund to support local businesses and community initiatives! Through the Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED), this grant provides funding for new or existing businesses with at least 51% minority ownership or for owner-occupied residents.

📍 Designated Area: Businesses must be located within Carpenter St. (north), Ash St. (south), Dirksen Pkwy (east), and the 10th St. Rail Corridor (west).

📅 Applications Open: February 10th
📅 Deadline to Apply: March 31st

💻 Learn more & apply: https://www.springfield.il.us/CannabisBusinessGrant.aspx

📞 Questions? Contact Julia Griffin, Operations Coordinator at [email protected] or (217)-789-2377 ext. 5455

01/30/2025

The City of Springfield’s Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED) is excited to announce the upcoming Cannabis Grant Program, designed to support local businesses and homeowners using the Cannabis Sales Tax Fund. This funding opportunity is available to new or existing businesses with at least 51% minority ownership and owner-occupied residents looking to invest in their properties.

Eligible businesses can apply for up to $100,000 in funding, while owner-occupied residences may receive up to $25,000 for improvements. Businesses must match 10% of the project costs, and homeowners must match 5%. Funding can be used for expenses such as equipment, land acquisition, renovations, and construction.

To qualify, applicants must be located within the Designated Area, which includes portions of Carpenter Street, Ash Street, Dirksen Parkway, and the 10th Street Rail Corridor.

Applications open in February, so stay tuned for more details on how to apply. For more information, contact Project Manager Julia Griffin at [email protected] or (217)-789-2377 ext 5455.

01/22/2025

💡Did you know? The City of Springfield has a weekly email newsletter to keep you in the loop about everything happening in our community!

Sign up today at https://shorturl.at/joIK5 and stay informed with:

✅The Latest News: Get updates on projects, events, and initiatives shaping our city.
✅Department Updates: Learn how Springfield’s departments are working for you—from Public Works to Public Safety.
✅Grant Opportunities: Discover funding and resources available for businesses, nonprofits, and community projects.
✅Public Meetings: Have your say! Receive timely notifications about meetings and discussions so you can help shape the future of Springfield.

Why is this important?
✅Stay Connected: Be in the know and actively engaged in your community.
✅Empowering Our Community: Learn about opportunities that could directly impact you or your neighborhood.
✅Make a Difference: Your voice matters! Join public discussions to help guide decisions in Springfield.

Don't miss out—sign up now and be the first to know what's happening in our city! Let’s build a stronger, more connected Springfield together.

Sign up here: https://shorturl.at/joIK5

01/21/2025

With a deep freeze underway, be sure to assess your property and where air leaks could reach pipes and cause problems. When temperatures drop, protecting your home's pipes is crucial to prevent expensive damage from freezing. Here are some key tips:

Preventing Frozen Pipes:
- Insulate exposed pipes in attics or crawlspaces.
- In very cold weather, let faucets drip slightly to relieve pressure.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls to allow warm air to circulate.
- Disconnect exterior water hoses.
- Shut off the main water valve if you’ll be away for a long time.

Dealing with Frozen Pipes:
- Identify affected pipes and consult a plumber for thawing advice.
- If a pipe bursts, turn off the main water valve if safe; otherwise, call the CWLP Water Division immediately at 217-789-2323 ext. 2.
- Warm the section of pipe nearest to where water enters your home.
- Use heat tape or a hair dryer cautiously; never leave them unattended and avoid direct contact with water. Never use open flames to thaw pipes.

To learn more about Frozen Pipes: Prevention and Solutions, https://cwlp.com/BlogDetails.aspx/Frozen_Pipes_Prevention_Solutions.

12/23/2024

The City of Springfield-Municipal Government needs your input!

12/20/2024

📣Attention, Springfield! Important information from the Office of Planning and Economic Development!

🤝CDBG Funding Opportunity🤝
Nonprofit organizations in need of financial assistance for facility improvements or public service programs can now apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding!

✅ Who Should Apply?
Projects must address housing and community development needs that benefit low- to moderate-income communities.

📅 Program Year: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
📞 For applications or inquiries, call 217-789-2377 or email [email protected].

Don’t miss these opportunities to help shape and support our community!

The Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED)
is dedicated to building an efficient, effective, accountable department to foster a vibrant and inclusive city where economic opportunities flourish, and where neighborhoods thrive.

07/25/2024

🌟 Exciting Opportunity Alert! 🌟

Are you interested in the future of development? City of Springfield-Municipal Government is looking for a Professional Planner to join the Office of Planning and Economic Development.

As a Professional Planner, you will be responsible for developing, managing, and directing a comprehensive planning program that utilizes city resources efficiently. You will advise the director on planning and development matters, help establish long-term departmental goals, conduct specialized research and analyses, and manage special projects that contribute to the city's growth.

Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive planning program for the City of Springfield.
- Advise the director on planning and development-related issues.
- Assist in setting long-term goals and objectives for the department.
- Conduct specialized research and analysis to support decision-making.
- Lead and manage special projects that advance city planning initiatives.
- Participate in public meetings and presentations before community groups and professional organizations.

If you're ready to contribute to the growth and sustainability of Springfield, apply now to join our team.



Apply Now - https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25117&siteid=5039 =4976555_5039