Celebrating a Lasting Friendship: Springfield & Ashikaga Sister Cities Partnership

This week, the Mayor’s Office proudly welcomed the 30th student delegation from Ashikaga to Springfield, a milestone that underscores the enduring strength of our international partnership. During their visit, the students engaged in meaningful conversations with city representatives and toured the Springfield Fire Department, gaining firsthand insight into our community and civic operations.

The visiting group consisted of ten students: Kawada Shiori, Tomita Natsuki, Uchida Yoshiaki, Uchida Shintaro, Hirunuma Ryoto, Fusejima Nonoka, Mafune Yua, Kawashima Chisa, Nakazato Shuya, and Mita Kosuke. They were accompanied by three chaperones: Mr. Okamoto, a school principal; Mr. Yamazaki, a member of the board of education; and Ms. Matsushima, an English teacher.

The Sister Cities relationship between Springfield, Illinois and Ashikaga, Tochigi, Japan began with a simple but powerful idea, cultural connection. It all started when Lynda Benoit, a Springfield native teaching English in Ashikaga, returned home and encouraged city leaders to consider forming a partnership.

At the time, both cities shared a unique commonality: strong tourism programs built around their nationally recognized historic sites. After thorough research and exploratory visits, a formal partnership was established in October 1990 by the Springfield Mayor and Ashikaga Mayor. The foundation of the partnership was built on cultural, educational, and governmental exchanges, a legacy that continues to grow today.

A cornerstone of this longstanding relationship is the student exchange program, which has fostered greater understanding and lifelong friendships across cultures. The students had the opportunity to tour the Springfield Fire department

Message From the Mayor

BUILD Springfield is Back

As Mayor of Springfield, I’m proud to announce the launch of the third year of BUILD Springfield, our flagship initiative focused on strengthening neighborhoods through community development, reducing blight, and enhancing public safety.

Since day one, BUILD Springfield is more than a city program, it’s a bold movement built on partnership, progress, and purpose. It's about listening, showing up, and working side by side with residents to create real, lasting change.

To build on this momentum, we invite the community to join us for a special outreach event, bringing together City departments and community partners to share resources, provide information, and, most importantly, listen to your voices.

BUILD stands for Beautification, Unity, Innovation, Leadership, and Development. The program aims to bring lasting, positive change to Springfield’s neighborhoods through creative, community-driven solutions. By fostering collaboration between local government, residents, and organizations, BUILD Springfield focuses on uplifting underserved areas and improving the overall quality of life citywide.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 4

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Bunn Field, 1300 E. Division

Admission: FREE!

Bring the whole family and enjoy food, fun, and helpful resources!

Join us for a fun and family-friendly day featuring:

• Touch-a-Truck Experience
• Free Haircuts
• Bounce House
• Free Health Screenings
• Complimentary BBQ from Bells' Finest BBQ
• Tons of Community Resources

Mayor Misty Buscher

Visit the BUILD website for additional details and a list of vendors.

Springfield Community Connections: Ward 10 with Alderman Ralph Hanauer

As part of the City of Springfield’s plan for community engagement, Mayor Buscher is expanding opportunities for residents to connect with City leaders. 

Beginning in fall 2025, Mayor Buscher and each Ward’s Alderperson will jointly host a Springfield Community Connections event, making direct engagement with residents more accessible and personal. Attendees will have the chance to meet with the Mayor, their Alderperson, and senior staff from key departments, and to engage in one-on-one conversations with representatives from several City agencies.

The next Community Connections event will be in Ward 10 with Alderman Hanauer on, Monday, September 29th at Papo's Cafe from 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

“Strong communities are built on listening and collaboration,” said Mayor Misty Buscher. “These gatherings give us the chance to hear directly from residents of each ward and work together to make Springfield even stronger.”

If you need help locating your ward, please visit the Ward Map on the City’s website or click the link below to check your address!

CWLP Easy Billing, Payments & Tracking

Are you interested in tracking your water and electric usage, billing info, or making payments online and going paperless? All of this is available for CWLP customers at myCWLP Login.

Sign up today for easy online account management where you can handle all of your electric and water service needs. View and print bills, make payments, chat with a rep and more with CWLP’s online account management.

America's Transportation Awards- VOTE NOW!

The Madison/Jefferson Underpasses project has been named one of the top 12 finalists nationwide in the 2025 America’s Transportation Awards competition, with winners to be announced on November 17th.

This project is in the running for two prestigious national honors:

• The Grand Prize, selected by an independent panel of judges
• The People’s Choice Award, determined by online public voting

You can help us win the People’s Choice Award by voting once per day until the deadline. Every vote counts!

Each winning project will receive a $10,000 prize to donate to a scholarship fund or charitable organization of their choice. Both winners will be announced at AASHTO’s Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City this November.

Voucher Sign-Up Open till Friday 9/26 at Noon

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event!

Register Here: 

https://springfield.il.us/Forms/HouseholdHazardousWaste.aspx 

The Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event is taking place on Saturday, September 27 from 8 AM to 3 PM near Chamberlain Park at S. McCreery Avenue and E. Capitol Avenue.

Safely dispose of items like paint, cleaners, oil, and more. Registration is REQUIRED and is Now Open. It will close Friday, September 26 at noon. https://springfield.il.us/Forms/HouseholdHazardousWaste.aspx.

You will receive your voucher to bring on your mobile device or print a copy to show upon arrival. This event is open to all Illinois residents.

Thanks for doing your part to keep our community safe and environment clean! 

October 2025 Tree Branch Pickup

The City is Hiring!

Serve your community while growing your career with a job at the City of Springfield! Our employment website provides a convenient electronic method for submitting applications and exploring current employment opportunities. Current positions posted, more added weekly:



• Supervisor of Fiscal Services
• Operating Engineer
• Engineer
• Journeyman Lineman
• Police Patrol Officer
• Police Patrol Officer Lateral

American Airlines Adds New Flights at Capital Airport

Beginning October 7, Springfield-area travelers will enjoy a more convenient flight schedule as American Airlines reinstates its early morning departure from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI).

New Flight Schedule (Effective October 7)

All times listed in Central Time

Depart SPI → Arrive ORD

6:00 AM → 7:16 AM

2:12 PM → 3:28 PM

Depart ORD → Arrive SPI

12:39 PM → 1:35 PM

10:12 PM → 11:18 PM

Come learn how to make a printing plate using everyday items and the art of print making.

A craft program with projects to take home.

Program Type: Crafts

Age Group: Tweens, Teens (Ages 11-18)

Help Shape the Future of Lincoln Library!

We want to hear from you! Our Lincoln Library is conducting a short community survey to gather input that will help us plan future collections, services, and programs. Your responses are completely confidential and will only be shared in a summary report—no identifying information will be included.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, though you’re welcome to take as much time as you need.