Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – When it comes to city council meetings, especially when there are alderman and alderwomen who are very passionate about the growth of the city, conversations can get a little worked up. The council meeting that took place on February 3 definitely showed that to be true.
But what about the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA)? Despite a worked-up conversation between Alderman Shawn Gregory, and Alderman Brad Carlson causing the mood in the room to become tense, the SSGA brought the mood back to neutral with their portion of the meeting, and the way they plan to put forth good community growth.
Alderwoman Erin Conley spoke on the WTAX Morning Newswatch about the SSGA, and how they make a difference in the community.
“Things can get heated in there. But in the end, we’re there as council members to try to work together and come to a consensus and really in the end move this city forward. I will say yes, people can get into it, but I will say that I think that the work that Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance is doing, has done just that. They have listened to concerns that were raised last year and modified their practices. They are part of moving our city forward and was pleased in the end we voted on a contract for them.” Said Conley.
The SSGA has been bending over backwards to try and bring more business and industry to our Capitol City. Despite, according to CEO of SSGA Ryan McCrady, a better investment to help our community is to focus on current local businesses growth first. Likely giving our city not only a bigger reason for outside industry to want to set up shop here, thus growing the city even further.
This year, they have many goals in mind as they do every year. One goal however is what they aim to reach sooner than later.
“That goal is to do more outreach to the east side minority business owners. The contract was modified but The SSGA did not sign that contract last year. We went over it again last night at our council meeting. They heard what we were saying and wanted to take action first to see what they could do.” Conley stated
The expenditure with the SSGA passed 7 to 3 last night with only a small selection of aldermen and women in opposition the expenditure of 250 thousand dollars.
