Springfield is the urban, cultural, and economic center of the Pioneer Valley. Did you know that basketball was invented here?
Once a national hub of manufacturing, Springfield suffered from the loss of many jobs after World War II, when factory owners sought lower wages and weaker unions down South. In the 1980s and 1990s, Springfield’s government fell into the clutches of political corruption, making it even harder for residents to find jobs and raise a family here. That’s why we founded a Neighbor to Neighbor chapter in Springfield in 2004.
People of color just became the new majority of Springfield’s 150,000 residents. Together, we are weaving our diverse cultures to create new opportunities for our families. With more jobs, more affordable housing, better schools and a fair justice system, we will build the lives for our children that our parents dreamed for us.