Mayor Defends Downtown Redevelopment Legislation

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher is continuing to support the Bank of Springfield Center expansion and new hotel plan after vetoing a proposal that would have supported a STAR bond district known as History Across the Tracks.

The veto, announced this week at the Springfield City Council meeting, drew opposition from two of the city’s ten aldermen, who said the measure could have helped spur development and preserve historic African American landmarks in Springfield. Buscher, however, said the proposal lacked sufficient financial detail and raised concerns about long-term debt obligations, oversight and taxpayer protections.

The proposed STAR bond district would have allowed future sales tax revenue generated within the district to help pay for development costs. Supporters said the proposal could encourage redevelopment while also restoring and highlighting historically significant Black sites in Springfield.

At the same time, Buscher and other supporters are pointing to the BOS Center expansion and new downtown hotel plan, which they say could bring major investment to downtown Springfield, strengthen the convention center and help the city compete for larger conventions and events.

The proposal, outlined in Senate Bill 3499 and House Bill 910, would create the Capital Area Tourism Authority to support a downtown convention hotel and expanded convention space connected to the Bank of Springfield Center. Supporters say the project would address a long-standing gap in Springfield’s tourism and convention market: the lack of a full-service headquarters hotel tied directly to the city’s convention center.

Two weeks ago, the Springfield City Council rejected a resolution opposing the proposed tourism authority, with the measure failing on a 5-5 vote. The debate centered largely on questions about funding, local control and representation.

Supporters of the proposal have emphasized that the authority would not have the power to raise taxes and that the project would not require higher taxes on Sangamon County residents. Instead, the plan relies on revenue generated by visitors through hotel stays, conventions and related spending, along with existing contributions such as land, prior planning work and revenue generated within the district.

State Sen. Doris Turner, who is sponsoring the legislation, has said the proposal has been developed over several years and is designed to move forward without new taxes on Springfield residents.

Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter has also defended the funding model, saying the project would be paid for by the people who use the facilities, not through higher taxes on local residents.

The proposal’s components are a convention center expansion project paired with a full-service hotel near the Bank of Springfield Center and Springfield’s transportation hub. Buscher has estimated the project at roughly $200 million. Supporters say the project could bring more conventions, visitors and outside spending into downtown Springfield while creating a stronger foundation for future redevelopment.

Governance has also been a point of debate. Under the proposal, Sangamon County would hold a majority of seats on the authority. Supporters say that structure reflects the county’s role in the project, including ownership of the site identified for development, the contribution of land valued at approximately $900,000, about $600,000 already invested in studies and planning, and a pledge of sales and hotel tax revenue generated within the district.

City ordinances would still apply, and the authority would not override local regulations.

Buscher has described downtown Springfield as an area that is continuing to evolve as work patterns and economic activity change. She has said downtowns across the country are adapting to increased remote work and shifting toward a stronger mix of residential, entertainment and commercial development.

The proposal has already passed the Illinois House on a 78-32 vote and is now in the Senate awaiting debate. Supporters say the project could help attract investment, create jobs, expand tourism and give downtown Springfield a stronger foundation for future growth.