citizen participation
At-A-Glance | 2005-2024
The greater Springfield region has long valued civic engagement, with strong traditions of volunteerism, charitable giving, and nonprofit collaboration. Thousands of residents contribute time, talent, and resources through more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and service clubs. These efforts consistently strengthen social capital, improve quality of life, and demonstrate the community’s hallmark spirit of collaboration.
Civic participation through the act of voting has been uneven. Voter registration remains high, and access to voting has expanded through new initiatives and central polling locations. However, turnout outside presidential elections lags, often dipping below 20% in local races. Trust in institutions has fluctuated, with progress in local trust offset by concerns about national polarization and political division.
Overall, Springfield’s civic life is marked by generosity, collaboration, and resilience, though the community faces challenges in sustaining broad, inclusive engagement and strengthening democratic participation beyond high-profile elections.
CIVIC
ENGAGEMENT
Public participation with local civic issues and leaders helps build greater levels of trust and community ownership, according to area leaders.
Forward SGF, the City of Springfield's comprehensive plan, highlights community engagement as an essential component of developing vision, goals, and objectives.
INTEREST IN
VOLUNTEERING
Springfieldians donated significant time and dollars to local charitable organizations, shared their input via surveys and public meetings, and participated in special events, such as the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show and the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival.
Citizens continue to show their interest in making the Springfield region a great place to work, live and thrive through their engagement efforts.
IMPROVED ACCESS
TO VOTING
Voter registrations increased in Greene County, with a high of 201,813 residents registered to vote as of August 2024. The League of Women Voters works to provide voter education and improved access for voters.
low participation on boards & commissions
Springfield and Greene County continue to struggle with low participation on boards and commissions.
voter
turnout rates
Voter turnout for non-presidential elections remains a Red Flag, with only 15% of registered voters participating in the April 2024 election. Numbers were slightly higher for the April 2023 election, at 17.6%
Polarization
Since the inaugural Community Focus Report, voter participation has been a key metric for evaluating citizen participation in the community.