About the Study

The West Loop / South Growth Area Study is a long-range planning initiative focused on identifying opportunities for growth, development, and infrastructure investment in the western and southern areas of Springfield, Illinois. Led by the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission (SSCRPC) and supported by a team of planning consultants, this study will help guide land use decisions, transportation investments, and economic development strategies in the years ahead. This planning effort seeks to update two previous studies done in 1999 and 2005, with a refreshed look at growth opportunities that exist today. 

As the region continues to grow, this effort will ensure that new development is thoughtful, coordinated, and sustainable—balancing housing, jobs, services, and infrastructure needs.

Study Area

The study focuses on growth areas west and south of Springfield, where development makes sense to connect existing communities sustainably. It includes both developed and undeveloped land, with opportunities to support housing, transportation, utilities, open space, and future business growth

Study Goals

  • Understand existing land use, infrastructure, and development conditions

  • Engage community members and stakeholders in shaping the area’s future

  • Explore future growth scenarios and their infrastructure impacts

  • Identify best practices from similar communities

  • Create a clear and actionable plan to guide future development

What’s Included

  • The study includes:

    • Technical analysis of land use, infrastructure, utilities, and traffic

    • Input from the public, stakeholders, and technical committees

    • Scenario planning to test different growth approaches

    • A final plan document with recommendations and implementation strategies

Meet the Team

This study is led by the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission with support from planning and engineering consultants at CMT and Hanson. Together, this team brings local insight and technical expertise to help shape a shared vision for growth in Springfield’s west and south areas.


  • SSCRPC is overseeing the West Loop / South Growth Area Study, coordinating engagement, and guiding the development of a long-range, community-supported plan.


  • CMT is the lead planning and engineering consultant for the study. Their team is responsible for project management, public engagement, infrastructure analysis, growth scenario planning, and preparation of the final plan.


  • Hanson is serving as a planning and engineering partner, providing expertise in transportation, environmental analysis, and public engagement. Their experience with local infrastructure and previous planning studies in the area brings deep knowledge to the team.

Project Timeline

Spring 2025

Project Kickoff

Initial meeting with SSCRPC and consultant team to launch the study and define goals.

Summer-Fall 2025

Existing Conditions Analysis

Fieldwork, map creation, data review, and local interviews.

Fall 2025

Public Open House #1

Community feedback on current conditions and future vision.

Winter 2025–2026

Future Growth Scenarios

Testing possible growth patterns, infrastructure needs, and land uses.

Spring 2026

Draft Plan & Open House #2

Presenting draft recommendations to the public and stakeholders.

Summer 2026

Final Plan Completed

Plan finalized and presented to SSCRPC for future implementation.

Contact us

If you have questions about the study, would like to request more information, or want to provide input, please use the contact form or email us directly. Your feedback is important to this planning effort.