Hello neighbors,

On Tuesday, April 8, Blue Springs residents will head to the polls to vote in three city councilmember elections and on amendments to the Blue Springs Home Rule Charter. The following candidates have filed Declarations of Candidacy: 

District 1

Galen Ericson

Bryan Clark (write-in candidate)

District 2

Katie Tholen

Douglas Stacer

Byron Craddolph

District 3

Jeremy Rowan

Susan Culpepper

With regard to the Blue Springs Home Rule Charter, on October 21, 2024, the City Council established the 2024 Charter Review Commission, and nine members were appointed to review and make recommendations for amendments to the City’s Charter. On January 21, 2025, the City Council called an Election to amend the Blue Springs Home Rule Charter and for submission of five Charter Amendment Questions to the Voters of Blue Springs at the April 8, 2025 General Municipal Election. The proposed Amendments would cover: 

Articles III and IV – City Council and Mayor:

1. Require residency during the term of an elected official
2. Extend the timeline for Mayor to fill vacancy on Council and extend the term of the appointment

Article VI - Administrative Organization, Personnel System and Comprehensive Development Plan

1. Add ability to have a Health Department
2. Change Comprehensive Plan title and timeline for updates

Article IX – Initiative, Referendum and Recall

1. Clarify qualifications for Petitioners’ Committee and outline process to add additional circulators
2. Remove outdated references and allow for pickup of documents and change Petition template to add line for printed name
3. Extend timeline to submit signatures after initial filing

General/Clarifying amendments:

1. 3.18 - Independent Audit 
2. 5.4.E - Budget and Capital Improvement Program
3. 7.5 and 7.6 - Council Action on Budget and Capital Improvement Program
4. 7.6 - Public Record 
5. 7.9 - Tax Rates and Tax Rolls

The Charter Review Commission’s presentation to the City Council, full ballot language, and the redlined Charter can be found on the City’s website: www.bluespringsgov.com/2605/April-8-2025-General-Municipal-Election.

What is most important is that you come out to vote on April 8. Remember that every vote counts, and elections impact your everyday life and family.

Chris Lievsay

Mayor, Blue Springs, Mo.

City News

City of Blue Springs Strategic Plan

The City of Blue Springs is embarking on a new strategic plan to serve as a roadmap, helping us prioritize resources based on your needs and preferences. It will ensure stability for today and for years to come. So, to move Blue Springs forward, we need your help.

Everyone can play a very important role in the strategic planning process by personally participating at upcoming in-person community forums, through surveys and providing input on our interactive social pinpoint site. This site will allow you to get involved and track the progress of our planning. Your voice is key to shaping Blue Springs’ future.

Click HERE to participate or scan the QR code. The site will be open through April 7.

Join a City Board or Commission

The City of Blue Springs has a number of advisory boards and commissions comprised of volunteers from within the community who serve without compensation. Generally, these commissions make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding actions and policies affecting municipal government, city departments and the community. Citizens who desire to serve on a city board or commission may apply by filling out the online Boards and Commissions Application. All meetings are open to the public.

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