On April 7, the City of Springfield will hold another election on the Convention & Events Center Tourism Tax — the same ballot question we voted down last November.

The measure asks voters to approve partial funding for a new convention center by raising the hotel/motel tax for visitors, but this tax will not fund this massive project alone.

City Council promises that residents will not pay for the convention center, but $30 million of the cost will entirely swallow the ½ Cent Tax of our ¾ Cent Tax, which is allocated to improving our neighborhoods, streets, and parks. We are paying for this convention center with our quality of life.

As Springfieldians, we know there are much more pressing needs in our neighborhoods that must be addressed immediately. We need solutions for the issues that affect us now, not false promises about big business and nice-to-haves for tourists.

Let your Council member know that you will be voting NO on their proposed convention center, and that our city government should listen to the people of Springfield by prioritizing solutions to citywide housing instability, safety, and affordability over big business in future efforts.