The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is seeking ideas from the community to define the future of the Greater Springfield Area as part of an effort called The Next 10. The goal is to vision and act on catalytic initiatives to support the community in establishing a vibrant and thriving future.

The Next 10 was launched three weeks ago as a collaborative community engagement effort within the Greater Springfield Area to define how we take bold steps together for the region’s future. Envisioned prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to put the wheels in motion on bold, visionary projects to spark fresh conversations about Springfield’s potential – and lay out steps to elevate its livability, economy, creativity, and spirit – this initiative has taken on ever greater meaning as we face a time of extraordinary unknowns.

Through Thanksgiving, the Foundation will elicit ideas big and small for the future of the community and the region from local citizens in the Greater Springfield area. As the community weighs in, The Next 10 will inspire, challenge and add context to the desires of our citizens, the realities of the moment, and the possibilities that exist to be bold.

There are multiple ways community members can get involved and informed:

  • Share ideas (and comment on those of others) on The Next 10 interactive ideas wall: https://tn10.org/ideas-wall/
  • View the ideas map and share place-based suggestions: https://tn10.org/mapping/
  • Follow and share ideas on The Next 10 social media pages:
    • The Next 10 on Facebook: @TN10Springfield
    • The Next 10 on Instagram: @tn10Spingfield
    • The Next 10 in LinkedIn: @tn10

As the campaign closes on Thanksgiving, the real work will begin to prioritize and put details to catalytic projects for the community’s future, including identification of the champions, resources, partners, and policies that must be in place to seek new opportunities. Ultimately, The Next 10 will lay the groundwork for the next 10 minutes, 10 weeks, 10 months, 10 years, and the next 10 visionary steps for the future of Greater Springfield.

The Foundation anticipates rolling out the big ideas – complete with clear strategies for implementation – in the first quarter of 2021. For more information, visit The Next 10 website at tn10.org.