Springfield Community Members Invited to Apply for 2023 City Council Working Groups
Pictured: The 2022 Springfield City Council Working Group on Civic Engagement
Springfield City Council President Jesse Lederman announces that applications for the City Council’s 2023 Working Group’s are now live.
Council President Lederman initially announced the creation of four Resident Working Groups to engage the public in bringing forward policy recommendations to address key areas of growth for Springfield during his inauguration earlier this month.
“I believe that local government must go further and do more to address core quality of life issues in our neighborhoods, stand up for working families, stimulate our local economy and ensure that all our residents and businesses have access to high-speed, affordable internet,” said City Council President Jesse Lederman, “Bringing the voices and experiences of local residents and experts to the table around these key issues will strengthen our work and ensure we are moving forward innovative policy for the future of our community.”
Springfield residents and business owners are encouraged to submit their names for consideration for appointment to Working Groups related to their experience and areas of interest.
The 2023 Working Groups are as follows:
Working Group on Creative Economy & Tourism
This Working Group on Creative Economy & Tourism will engage local residents, business owners, artists, and hospitality industry leaders to develop legislative, policy and operational recommendations and priorities to further the development of the creative economy and tourism in the City of Springfield, with an emphasis on initiatives that build wealth within the community and contribute to sustainable, grassroots development not only Downtown but within our unique neighborhood centers throughout the City of Springfield. This Working Group will be Chaired by City Councilor Sean Curran.
Working Group on Neighborhood Quality of Life
The Working Group on Neighborhood Quality of Life will engage local residents to develop legislative, policy and operational recommendations and priorities to improve quality of life throughout Springfield's 17 neighborhoods. This Working Group will be Chaired by City Councilor Zaida Govan.
Working Group on Labor & Workforce Development
The Working Group on Labor & Workforce Development will engage local residents, labor leaders, workers, and advocates to develop legislative, policy and operational recommendations and priorities to ensure that working families in our community are receiving the respect, compensation, benefits, and opportunities they are due, and that young people have access to careers that will allow them thrive and prosper right here in Springfield. This Working Group will be Chaired by City Councilor Melvin Edwards.
Working Group on Digital Equity & Internet Access
The Working Group on Digital Equity & Internet Access will engage local residents and advocates to develop a digital equity plan to ensure that all residents in the City of Springfield have access to affordable, reliable, and capable internet service. This Working Group will be Chaired by City Councilor Michael Fenton.
The applications for each Working Group can be found on the city’s website here: https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/council/2023-city-council-working-groups
Applications will remain open until February 14, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
Those who are unable to submit their application online may drop off or mail the requested materials and contact information to the City Council Office at Springfield City Hall, 36 Court Street, Room 200, Springfield, MA 01103.
Council President Lederman developed the Working Group model during his initial months as Council President in 2022 when he appointed the Working Group on Civic Engagement with the charge of bringing forward recommendations to make local government work better. Their work culminated with a report including eight recommended initiatives.
For more information contact the City Council Office at citycouncil@springfieldcityhall.com or call 413-787-6170.
