Katie Kull | News-Leader

Dozens of residents told city officials in workshops last week which problems they see in Springfield:

Poverty. Housing issues. Crime. A lack of public transportation. A need to beautify public streets.

Many said they knew which properties in their neighborhoods are eyesores, which parts of the city needed better landscaping, and which intersections people should approach cautiously as a driver or pedestrian.

Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader

City spokeswoman Cora Scott said planners were excited about the turnout at the workshops and have already heard from over 300 people since launching the effort to create zoning, development and community improvement goals for the next 20 years.

But they still want more input.

"Everyone comes at this from a different perspective with different life experiences," Scott said. "The more voices we hear, the better we can work together to create the future of Springfield."

So if you didn't make it to one of last week's public planning workshops, there are still several ways to weigh in on the best and worst parts of Springfield without leaving your home or office.

1. Add your comments to an interactive map

The first is an online interactive map that allows users to select locations and provide comments about the city's assets, problem intersections and areas that need improvement.

Katie Kull/Springfield News-Leader

As of Friday afternoon, 43 people had added just over 300 comments about all areas of the city — the "beautiful homes" on historic Walnut Street, the need for "re-imagining" Glenstone Avenue, great neighbors in Doling Park, an "unregulated junk yard" in northwest Springfield.

Anyone can log on and give their input by following the link at https://map.social/CreateMap.php?CommunityID=176 or visiting the "Forward SGF" website and following the "Map Your Priorities" link at http://www.forwardsgf.com/.

Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader

2. Fill out a questionnaire

People can also take an online survey, which allows them to give input either as a resident or business owner. That link is also available on the Forward SGF website under the "Take a questionnaire" tab.

The survey asks people for their opinions about housing, commercial and industrial development and image and identity.

3. Email the project team or host a pop-up workshop

Folks can also click on an "email the project team" button on the Forward SGF website to submit input there.

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Scott also noted people can host their own pop-up planning workshops for other groups by contacting Randall Whitman at rwhitman@springfieldmo.gov.

She said the city will send detailed information in a kit for the workshop and can even schedule a time for city staff to facilitate the process.

Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader

An ongoing process

The comprehensive plan is expected to take shape over about 18 months, and the city will be hosting more events with opportunities for input.

Scott said over the next year, the process will include business workshops, focus groups, pop-up events and surveys.