What I’m Watching: Amendment 6, Springfield Jobs and East Sunshine
October 30, 2026
Several developments I’ve been watching this week reinforce something I believe about good decision-making: thoughtful public input matters, and we need to leave ourselves room to adjust when new information comes to light. That principle is relevant to a statewide ballot issue, a major local road project, and an emerging technology policy debate.
Here’s what I’m watching…
Amendment 6: Why the ability to correct policy matters
On Tuesday, Missouri voters will consider Amendment 6. Our Chamber’s Board has announced its opposition to the proposal, which would require 80% approval in both legislative chambers before changes to covered voter-approved laws could even be referred back to voters for their reconsideration.
Proposition A, an initiative petition statute approved by voters in 2024, serves as a practical example of why that flexibility matters. The measure’s paid sick leave requirements created significant compliance concerns for employers. The legislature addressed those issues in 2025, repealing that mandate while preserving the voter-approved minimum wage increase.
Why it matters: The Chamber supports citizens’ right to participate directly in policymaking and has long advocated for a higher threshold to amend Missouri’s Constitution. But complex policies deserve thorough drafting, debate and input from those affected. Just as important, there must be a reasonable way to address unintended consequences. That’s part of maintaining a predictable, competitive business climate.
Source: Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, October 22
Springfield job growth continues, but at a slower pace
The Springfield metro area recorded 237,400 payroll jobs in September, up about 1,700, or 0.7%, from a year earlier. That’s slower than August’s 1.7% year-over-year growth, although manufacturing and construction continue to post solid gains. The area’s September unemployment rate was 3.1% on a not-seasonally-adjusted basis.
Why it matters: Our regional economy continues to create jobs, and the broader trend remains encouraging. I wouldn’t read too much into any single monthly report, but the slower overall growth is worth watching for signs of modest softening.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, October 28
East Sunshine improvements: A better project because businesses were heard
Construction begins next week on MoDOT’s East Sunshine improvements, a project designed to improve safety and traffic flow along one of our busiest commercial corridors. MoDOT’s analysis, as I understand it, suggests the improvements could increase traffic capacity by as much as 15%.
The Chamber has worked closely with affected businesses, City Council, MoDOT and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission throughout this process. When the original proposal raised concerns, additional engagement led to meaningful changes in median design and driveway access.
Why it matters:Â Safer roads and greater traffic capacity can support more commercial activity. Construction will be disruptive, and not everyone agrees with the final design. But I believe the process worked: business concerns were heard, the plan improved, and an important investment is moving forward.
Source: MoDOT, October 23
Data-center definitions: Getting the first step right
Springfield City Council heard public input this week on proposed definitions for different types of data centers and an extension of the city’s administrative pause. These definitions would not yet determine where data centers can locate or what requirements they must meet. They would establish the foundation for those later decisions.
I’ve addressed Council on this issue several times, including this week. City staff deserves credit for listening and working through a genuinely difficult question. But definitions must account for smaller technology companies as well as the evolving computing needs of hospitals, financial institutions and other major employers.
Why it matters:Â Getting the definitions right is important. So is preserving the ability to revisit them if changing technology or unintended consequences reveal problems later.
Source: KSMU, October 27
Helping young people imagine their futures in the Ozarks
Last week, approximately 875 seventh- and eighth-grade students from 29 schools visited 24 local employers through the Chamber’s 7th & 8th Graders Go to Work program. They experienced workplaces and career opportunities they might otherwise never have considered.
Why it matters: Young people begin forming ideas about their futures long before high school. Early career exposure is an essential part of the workforce development continuum, alongside the work we do with high schools, colleges and other education partners. I’m proud of our Chamber team, the participating employers and our education partners for making these experiences possible. They’re helping students see productive futures right here in our region.