What I’m Watching: Building codes, housing supply and our energy future

October 16, 2026

I've been struck this week by how much of our region's long-term competitiveness depends on decisions about how we build, where people live, whether reliable power is available, and how we respond to difficult community challenges. These decisions may seem unrelated, but together they help shape our capacity for growth and the quality of life we can offer.

Here's what I'm watching...

A building code that could become a regional model

Springfield City Council adopted updated building and energy codes this week, largely based on the 2024 international standards, with local amendments. The 2018 energy code remains in place, and the new standards take effect January 1, 2027.

What stands out to me is how we got here. The City's Building Development Services Department worked closely with stakeholders who don't always see these issues the same way, including construction industry representatives and organizations focused on energy efficiency and environmental concerns. The Chamber commended that collaborative approach in a letter to Council before the vote.

Why it matters: Good stakeholder engagement makes for better policy. But there's another opportunity here. Springfield now has a well-vetted, broadly supported code that could serve as a foundation for surrounding communities. Greater consistency across our region would give builders and developers more predictability as they plan projects across jurisdictional boundaries. That's good for business and regional growth.

Source: Springfield City Council, October 12

Housing supply is a regional growth issue

I joined my counterparts from the Nixa and Ozark Chambers recently to celebrate the opening of The Meadows at Wicklow, a $37.5 million, 240-unit apartment development in Nixa. Meanwhile, inside Springfield, plans are taking shape for approximately 250 additional apartments at Township 28 in Galloway, including smaller units intended to offer more attainable rents. Another planned Springfield development, Millstone Flats, would add 48 apartments, including eight for young adults aging out of foster care.

Why it matters: Our regional economy operates across city boundaries, and so does our workforce. Last week's Indianapolis edition emphasized the importance of clear housing-production targets. These projects, at different stages of development, illustrate the range of housing our region needs. More supply, across different communities and price points, is essential if we're going to accommodate workforce growth while keeping our cost of living competitive.

Sources: Springfield Business Journal — Meadows at Wicklow, Township 28, Millstone Flats

Energy capacity is a critical economic development priority

Missouri's newly released State Energy Plan places new emphasis on expanding electricity generation within the state, including the potential development of additional nuclear power. Missouri has shifted from being a net exporter to a net importer of electricity, raising questions about long-term reliability, affordability and economic competitiveness.

Locally, City Utilities is already making significant investments in additional capacity. Its plans include new natural gas turbines and battery storage totaling 186 megawatts of additional power supply capacity, supporting a long-term goal of meeting at least 80% of Springfield's power needs through local generation.

Why it matters: Reliable, competitively priced electricity is increasingly important to attracting new investment and supporting existing employers. Missouri's nuclear ambitions are still a long-term strategy, while CU's investments are already underway. Both reflect a larger reality: the energy decisions we make today will help determine the opportunities available to our region for decades to come.

Sources: Missouri Department of Natural Resources, September 30; City Utilities Integrated Resource Plan

Limited child care is constraining labor force participation

The newly released 2026 Community Focus Report again identifies access to affordable child care as a significant regional challenge. As of July, more than 1,000 children were on a child care subsidy waitlist. For working parents, limited child care options can make employment difficult. For employers, the consequences show up in recruitment, retention and workforce availability.

On November 11, the Chamber will host a 60 Minutes to Success session on Child Care Works, exploring ways employers can help working families access child care, including employer-supported benefits and available tax incentives.

Why it matters: Child care isn't simply a family concern. It's an important part of our workforce infrastructure. Employers can't solve the entire challenge themselves, but there are practical approaches worth exploring that could help more parents participate fully in the workforce.

Sources: 2026 Community Focus Report; KSMU coverage; Chamber Child Care Works event

Better coordination could strengthen our response to homelessness

Springfield City Council this week referred Councilmember Derek Lee's proposed homelessness action plan to its Community Involvement Committee. The proposal calls for stronger coordination among organizations addressing homelessness, clearer responsibilities, measurable goals and regular reporting on progress.

The referral begins further committee consideration rather than establishing a completed plan.

Why it matters: Homelessness is a complex human challenge with real implications for neighborhoods, businesses and downtown vitality. Our region already has organizations and partnerships working on solutions. Better coordination, shared expectations and measurable outcomes could help strengthen that work and identify where additional effort is needed. One lesson reinforced during our Indianapolis visit is that successful communities pay attention not just to their aspirations, but to how well they function every day.

Source: Springfield Business Journal, October 2026