We love starting the day talking about progress in our community, and this week there’s plenty of it to share! Representatives from SSGA and The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce recently traveled to Washington, D.C., April 21–23, to advocate for federal funding that could make a big difference right here in the Springfield area.
During the trip, the group met with federal leaders to request support for several key projects aimed at strengthening our local economy. These projects are designed to attract investment, create jobs, and build long-term infrastructure that benefits residents and businesses across the region.
Momentum is already building locally. On April 7, the Sangamon County Board voted 17–10, with one abstention, to approve a major data center proposal. As a result, a $500 million data center is slated to be built in southwest Sangamon County near Waverly. This project represents a significant investment in our area and is expected to bring construction jobs, long-term employment opportunities, and expanded economic growth.
Now that the county has given its approval, the project moves into its next phase. Upcoming milestones include detailed site planning, infrastructure coordination, and continued collaboration with local and state partners to keep the project moving forward.
It’s exciting to see Springfield and Sangamon County taking bold steps toward a strong future. If you’d like to learn more about the work behind these efforts and what’s ahead for our region, visit www.thriveinspi.org.

