Chamber Roundtable: Springfield's Fiscal Future

CHAMBER ROUNDTABLE
Springfield's Fiscal Future: A Conversation with the Mayor

Join us for a discussion on the city’s fiscal stability strategy and how it shapes the future of Springfield’s business climate. Chamber Roundtable will bring Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon to the Chamber Depot to share the recommendations of the City of Springfield Fiscal Stability Task Force.

The Task Force included a diverse group of civic and business leaders assembled to address the City’s long-term structural budget deficit. The Chamber was proud to represent the business community in this process, working alongside private employers, civic leaders, and City staff to identify structural solutions that will ensure Springfield’s continued ability to deliver essential services while maintaining a strong economic foundation.

 
The report outlines nine actionable recommendations designed to help close the City’s projected General Fund deficit and ensure long-term fiscal health:

1. Reduce Library budget by $500,000.
2. Implement a shared employee and employer payroll tax to generate approximately $2,300,000.
3. Adjust Police and Fire & Life Safety levies to reflect full-service costs, generating approximately $1,300,000.
4. Implement traffic cameras with any net revenue directed toward public safety needs.
5. Reduce Police overtime.
6. Review City-owned properties for potential sale or development.
7. Examine development opportunities in the Gateway employment area.
8. Develop and implement a business retention and expansion strategy.
9. Support efforts to modernize Oregon’s local revenue system, including reforms to Measures 5 & 50. 

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Mayor VanGordon will walk attendees through the task force’s findings and key recommendations now under consideration by City Council. This conversation will explore potential impacts to city services, business operations, and economic development, and invite feedback from Chamber members on how the business community can stay engaged as decisions take shape.
 
Helpful Links:

1. Fiscal Stability Task Force Report

2. Potential Task Force Recommendations Implementation Timeline

3. Five-year General Fund Forecast with Task Force Recommendations

4. Summer 2025 Public Engagement Packet