The mission and goals are remaining the same, but the mechanics of the organization and means by which services are delivered will be restructured.

The EDC will work to retain, support, and collaborate with existing businesses while also recruiting new businesses that are in line with the city's long-term strategic plan.

This restructuring will make the economic growth process in Blue Springs more adaptive, efficient and will move us closer to achieving our community vision. We will be improving communications, creating transparency, ensuring consistency and allowing the focus to be on economic growth and prosperity for all existing and new business opportunities.

"The Board is looking forward to the next phase of the EDC," said Mike Lally, Board Chair. "This will be an all-inclusive approach to economic growth with a 'one-stop shop' approach for businesses looking to grow or locate in Blue Springs. It is perfect timing with the lease up on our space; we will reduce overhead by moving into the city offices and we will keep our current staff so the needs of our businesses will be expertly handled. Additionally, I appreciate the Mayor and Council's willingness to maintain the current board appointments as this will provide much needed continuity and stable leadership during the transitional period of this restructuring process. Moreover, by reducing the need to seek investors, the staff and board members will be able to focus on the core mission of connecting businesses with decision makers and establishing clear policy direction."

For more information about this exciting Economic Development evolution, click here.

I am pleased to share that our downtown corridor has gained four more peices of public art! 

Thanks to a Truman Heartland Community Foundation grant, Blue Springs School District students, with the help of their teachers,  were able to design and paint four distinct murals to honor our City's rich history and beautify our flourishing downtown  corridor. 

Be sure to view the following pieces at their respective locations:

The Fall 2016 edition of the Blue Springs Magazine is now available! This issue includes fall code tips, information about our award winning Downtown Alive!,  and a spotlight on Blue Springs' community organizations. 

Look for your copy in the mail later this month. To view the current issue online, click here.  

I am pleased to announce that the City has launched our new mobile application 'My Blue Springs' for smart phones and tablets. The app is free and can be downloaded through the Apple iTunes store and the Android Google Play Store - search for 'My Blue Springs'. 

This app will allow users to receive News Flashes, view the City's Calendar, Parks & Recreation page, access OpenGov data, sign-up for notifications and more.

Users can also look forward to updates to the app as new tools come online including the 'Submit a Request' button.