Chamber Board endorses lodging ballot measure to fund regional convention and event center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 20, 2025
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted on Monday, Aug. 18, to endorse the City of Springfield’s Nov. 4 ballot measure to increase the lodging tax by 3 percent. The measure is expected to generate $4.4 million annually to fund tourism efforts, specifically the construction of a 125,000-square-foot regional convention and event center.
The proposed increase, from the current 5 percent to 8 percent, would be paid primarily by visitors staying in hotels, motels, tourist courts, and short-term rentals. If approved, the lodging tax increase would provide a long-term funding source for tourism efforts while keeping Springfield’s overall lodging tax rate in line with peer communities. Approval of the measure is also a critical step toward securing a $30 million state appropriation for the proposed convention and event center, illustrating our region is ready to invest in this project to leverage state funds, once received.
“For every dollar we invest in attracting visitors, the return to local businesses and our economy is multiplied many times over,” said Bob Helm, Chamber Board Chairman and partner with Elliott, Robinson & Company, LLP CPAs. “The Chamber believes this investment will generate long-term benefits for businesses, residents, and visitors alike, and approving this ballot measure ensures Springfield is ready to seize this opportunity.”
The proposed convention and event center would include a connected 400-room headquarters hotel as part of a walkable 1,000-room package. After four years, the facility would be expected to host 164 events annually, generate 80,000 hotel room nights, and deliver a 30-year estimated economic impact of $1.35 billion in spending and $68.7 million in tax revenue.
The Chamber’s Local Issues Task Force, composed of business and community leaders from across the region with a diverse array of perspectives, played a key role in the initial review of the ballot proposal.
“Our task force prioritizes a thorough review process for local ballot measures that reviews transparency, accountability, and impacts to taxpayers and the business community,” said Don Chenevert Jr., Local Issues Task Force Chair, and deputy general counsel with SRC Holdings Corp. “We appreciate the engagement of our public partners and shared commitment to delivering measurable benefits to citizens.”
The Task Force cited broad support among local hoteliers, strong city leadership, and the project’s alignment with The Chamber PATH, the Chamber’s long-range strategic plan, particularly in the areas of leading regional economic development and strengthening and supporting business.
For more information about the Chamber’s position and ballot measure review process, please visit springfieldchamber.com/votereducation or contact tiffany@springfieldchamber.com.
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The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the leading advocate for business, catalyst for economic growth, and champion for enhanced quality of life throughout the Springfield region.
