SGF residents have 2 more chances to address race, policing at council listening sessions

An opportunity to voice concerns or give suggestions to the Springfield City Council about crime, race relations and policing in Springfield was canceled Monday after just two people signed up to participate.

In a news release, city officials wrote both people who had signed up to speak at the session would be able to provide input at one of the two remaining sessions Nov. 9 or 23 at Drury University’s Wilhoit Theater, which is located inside the Breech School of Business at the corner of Central Street and Drury Lane.

Each session, which will run from 6-8 p.m., will be limited to 20 in-person speakers due to the pandemic. Those who sign up must undergo a short health screening before entering the sessions.

People who want to sign up to speak may do so at springfieldmo.gov/councillisteningsignup or by calling 417-864-1105.

Due to the limit on in-person speakers, people may also submit testimony via a Zoom recording at springfieldmo.gov/recordingsession or by calling 417-864-1105.

Residents can also submit written comments to council at springfieldmo.gov/councillisteningcomments. Paper forms are also available at Springfield-Greene County library locations. Those submissions will be accepted through 5 p.m. Nov. 28.

The comments will be used to inform council ahead of a scheduled retreat in December where city leaders will discuss ways to address the above topics.

They will also come ahead of a city-commissioned survey about related issues, which will likely take several months to bid and administer.

Katie Kull covers local government for the News-Leader. Got a story to tell? Give her a call at 417-408-1025 or email her at kkull@news-leader.com. You can also support local journalism at News-Leader.com/subscribe.