Some people end up in Springfield. Nancy Newton chose it.

After a career in California, City Manager Nancy Newton went through the interview process for this job and came away certain — this was the place. She talks about that decision in a way that's genuinely moving, not performative. She also opens up about how Springfield's resilience showed up in the hard moments: the Holiday Farm Fire, and losses that were more personal.

Assistant City Manager Niel Laudati has lived in Springfield for 21 years. He's the kind of person who can tell you the story behind every mural downtown — including the iconic Ken Kesey mural, which he walked us through with obvious pride. His case for Springfield is simple: it doesn't matter who you are here. You belong.

This is one of those conversations that reminds you why community events like The Block Party matter. It's not just a party. It's 15,000 people saying out loud that they're proud of where they live — and inviting everyone else to feel the same way.

Warm, genuine, and worth every minute.

Recorded live at Springfield's The Block Party 2025, powered by SELCO Community Credit Union.