Springfield mayor touts growth and community in annual speech

The city of Springfield is committing $20,000 to the Wildish Community Theater to honor its legacy and support its future, Mayor Sean VanGordon announced from the theater’s stage Thursday evening, Jan. 29.

“Communities don’t thrive by accident,” VanGordon said during his State of the City address. “They thrive when people invest, lead and care for each other.”

The Wildish theater’s 275 seats were full as VanGordon spoke from behind a wooden podium, lit by a spotlight, the stage decorated with a floral arrangement from Chase Flowers. A replica of the city’s wooden welcome sign sat on the other side of the stage, and a screen flashed photos of the community. 

Funds for the theater, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, are coming from the city’s transient lodging tax, which supports tourism and local cultural organizations.

VanGordon said the annual address is an opportunity for the community to reflect on progress and look at where it’s headed. 

“I also know that many in our region and across this country are carrying heavy hearts right now, with deep concerns about public safety,” the mayor said. “We find ourselves in challenging and unsettling times where it can be hard to see the best way forward. Yet it’s these moments that our shared commitment to one another matters the most.”

He said people’s daily experiences may differ, “but what unites us is our belief in Springfield.”

Growth

VanGordon touted economic development and fiscal responsibility, handing out awards to Springfield’s top business and city employees. 

Items he highlighted include:

• Significant steps in 2025 to develop riverfront property in Glenwood
• A “forward-thinking mindset” that is also guiding the city’s role in the Southern Willamette Valley Innovation Corridor, which connects academic research to industry
• Streamlined site plan review for multi-unit housing, which he says was used in the development of a new affordable housing community

Rosboro was named the city’s 2025 business of the year, commended for a recent $100 million investment that is expected to create 35 jobs. The timber mill at 25th and Main streets makes engineered wood products.

“Springfield is a pro-growth and pro-economic development city,” the mayor said. 

Another example, he said, is the city selling the downtown Memorial Building to the Springfield Drifters baseball team, which is expected to create 10 to 15 new jobs. He said reimagining the space as the club’s headquarters will support downtown revitalization. 

“It is a meaningful example of economic development in action, one that reflects confidence in Springfield’s future and respect for the past,” VanGordon said. “But we’re not the only ones who see potential here.”

He highlighted a study showing Oregon led the nation for inbound movers last year. The Eugene-Springfield area stood out as a top destination in the state, with Springfield being recognized for its lower cost of living. 

“Springfield is a place where people want to live, they want to work and they want to build their future here,” VanGordon said. 

The mayor thanked residents, staff and business owners who engaged in conversations about the city’s finances last year and helped shape strategies for stability. He said the City Council is moving forward with some of the recommendations, including increasing Springfield’s public safety levies and adopting a payroll tax. 

VanGordon said a strong finance team enabled this work as he honored the city’s finance director, Nathan Bell, and deputy finance director, Jessica Mumme, as 2025 Springfield employees of the year.

“Their work is often behind the scenes, but its impact is everywhere,” the mayor said. 

He called the roadwork on Mill Street “just the beginning” and said Springfield will see major investments in roads, stormwater and wastewater systems, including six stretches set to be fixed with funds from a bond measure passed in 2024. He thanked residents and businesses along Mill Street for their patience during a year of construction to rebuild the historic street. 

VanGordon called Springfield “a proud public safety town” and said the police department made staffing gains in 2025. He also noted that last year Chief Jami Resch became the first woman to lead the police department. 

Community

Community, the mayor said, is more than geography. 

“It’s that feeling that comes when people learn from one another and grow together in understanding and respect,” VanGordon said. 

He celebrated several examples before honoring the city’s top 2025 community leader: 

• The ILLUMINATION project at the Springfield History Museum, which last year focused on the voices and stories of the American Indian and Alaska Native community in Springfield. 
• The library’s summer plaza program, which drew 3,500 participants for multicultural music, dancing and storytelling events.
• Springfield special education teacher Sally Golden was named Oregon Teacher of the Year. 

VanGordon recognized Melissa Kruse as Springfield’s community leader of the year. 

Kruse, who was born and raised in Hawaii, created the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration at Guy Lee Elementary School. The event, which is open to the community, “uplifts students’ voices, celebrates culture and strengthens our schools.”

In closing, the mayor talked about living in a time of “deep political and social division.” He said it’s easy and understandable to feel discouraged or angry.

“But anger isn’t strength,” VanGordon said. “Tearing people down, that’s not leadership. Strength is the belief that every resident deserves a future here, regardless of their political views.”

He also gave a call to action. 

“If you believe in Springfield and are looking for a way to be part of its future, there is a place for you here, whether it’s serving on a city board, attending a council meeting or lending your voice, your involvement matters.”