Springfield could soon see signs up at major intersections encouraging people not to give money to panhandlers, but to donate to local organizations for the homeless instead.
Mayor Misty Buscher floated the idea during a question-and-answer session following her remarks at the “State of Greater Springfield” luncheon downtown Wednesday.
Buscher says she expects to ask the city’s sign department to create some of those signs, based on a similar effort in Rockford that says “Panhandling is not safe,’ and includes a phone number for those in need to get help.
In Buscher’s speech, she steered clear of pressing needs and focused on opportunities like the upcoming transportation hub and Scheels Sports Park.
