City Landlord Registry Proposal Stalls; Stadium Deal Advances

The Springfield City Council tackled two major issues this week, narrowly rejecting a proposal to place a landlord-accountability referendum on the March 2026 ballot while approving the transfer of Robin Roberts Stadium to a local nonprofit that plans to invest $1 million in upgrades.

Council members voted 5–4 on the motion to place the advisory question on the ballot, but it fell short of the required six votes to advance. Ward 5 Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase recused herself from the vote. Mayor Misty Buscher voted no, creating a 5–5 tie.

The proposal stemmed from more than a year of discussions over rental-housing oversight, including expanded inspections, a potential citywide landlord-licensing system, and new enforcement tools aimed at addressing problem properties.

Supporters argued that voters deserve a direct say in whether Springfield should adopt a registry, noting that many tenants struggle with poorly maintained housing and delayed repairs. Opponents questioned whether a registry would meaningfully improve conditions and raised concerns about cost, implementation, and the possibility that additional requirements could raise rental prices.

The failed ballot measure comes as city officials continue reviewing a broader licensing and inspection proposal that would require landlords to obtain a city license, comply with routine inspections, and meet basic safety standards. Advocates say the model mirrors how Springfield regulates other businesses, while critics warn that it could increase administrative burdens and reduce the supply of affordable rental units. The debate follows recent council action establishing a cited-property registry for locations with repeated code violations, a tool that some see as a limited step that does not fully address chronic issues tied to landlord behavior.

While the housing debate left the council without a clear path forward, members reached agreement on another long-discussed issue: the future of Robin Roberts Stadium. The council voted to convey the stadium to the Friends of Robin Roberts Stadium nonprofit for one dollar, clearing the way for the group to pursue an estimated $1 million in improvements.

The nonprofit plans to install new turf and make other upgrades to modernize the venue and expand its use. Low-cost baseball and softball clinics for young athletes are central to the group’s vision, and the stadium is expected to become the home field for the Women’s Pro Baseball League when its 2026 season begins in August.