Buscher Revives Springfield Green Initiative

In a renewed effort to bolster community pride and prepare the city for an anticipated surge in visitors, Mayor Misty Buscher has relaunched Springfield Green, a city-wide beautification initiative aimed at reducing litter and improving key gateways into the state capital.

Originally popular during the administration of former Mayor Tim Davlin, the Springfield Green program emphasizes the philosophy of “clean before you green” and returns as Springfield prepares for a bustling tourism year that includes the 100th anniversary of Route 66 celebrations and the first full year of operations for the SCHEELS Sports Park — attractions expected to draw thousands of new residents, families and international visitors.

Since convening committees earlier this year, Mayor Buscher has placed a strong focus on tackling roadside litter, improving city gateways and enhancing downtown aesthetics.

Leadership for the initiative includes co-chairs Dave Fuchs, Director of the City’s Public Works Department, and Ryan McCrady, President and CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, with additional guidance provided by an executive committee of community and business leaders.

Noting that extensive road work in 2025 made litter more visible throughout town, Mayor Buscher stressed that cleanup efforts are a simple yet impactful way for residents to demonstrate their pride in the community while engaging with neighbors, coworkers and friends.

A key component of the revitalized effort is the Adopt-a-Street program, modeled after the Illinois Adopt-a-Highway initiative, which equips volunteer groups with necessary supplies and encourages them to pick up trash along designated roadways at least three times per year. Public Works crews assist by collecting filled bags after cleanups. Currently, around 13 community groups participate, and the city is actively seeking additional volunteers and organizations to join for the upcoming spring through early fall season.

City officials also highlighted recent operational changes designed to support Springfield Green goals, including the reinstatement of zone managers to more proactively address street, sidewalk and property concerns, as well as the expansion of online reporting tools such as See Click Fix for residents to report issues ranging from litter to potholes.

Expressing enthusiasm for the community-led focus of the initiative, McCrady noted the importance of collective efforts to beautify the city and called on additional groups to join the mission.

Resident and business group participation in Adopt-a-Street is open now, with applications available through the Springfield Public Works Department for those interested in helping maintain cleaner, more attractive streetscapes across the city.