Springfield and the Changing American Dream

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. So many changes are happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities. At Patch, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are handling the challenges and opportunities facing us.

There’s no longer a singular American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams. Looking at  nearly almost 900 Patch sites across the country, we see business owners holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills. We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated and locals who've taken these challenging times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Springfield neighbors, fit into the national picture.

Nationally, there's a debate about which government-building efforts are "shovel-ready." Locally, Springfield officials are anticipating and actively searching for new sources of revenue, ranging from to . Meanwhile, the tough economy of the last few years has made it difficult for business to stay afloat. While Springfield businesses are corralling their resources in a new , Morris Ave. is littered with empty storefronts as even well received new ventures like the Latin Quarter . 

Nationally, there's a debate about the education system, which is at the center of our dreams of a better life for children. Locally, we know Springfield’s schools are getting squeezed in an , following a year where the district’s state aid was completely withheld with a year where it was drastically reduced from previous years. Attempting to avoid having direct impact on students, Springfield education officials have looked to cut costs of payments to the and . 

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our Patch sites. And, of course, we want and need your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Springfield go to the heart of your American Dream.