09/14/2026
Wednesday, September 16th at noon, at the Springfield Elks Lodge, we will be hearing from Niel Laudati - Springfield Assistant City Manager on Public Art in Springfield
Springfield’s public art story is about community change. Beginning with the City’s 125th Anniversary in 2010, Springfield began looking for ways to make its history and identity more visible throughout the community. This evolved into partnerships with local artists, regional arts organizations, businesses, community groups, and nationally recognized creative figures. With unwavering support from the City Council, public art became a deliberate part of Springfield’s approach to placemaking—bringing color and creativity to public spaces while celebrating the people, places, and stories that make Springfield unique.
The presentation will look at that evolution through some of Springfield’s most recognizable projects, including The Official Simpsons mural, Springfield’s Ken Kesey mural, the Springfield Flame, The Lionesses and more. We’ll also explore why art matters to a community—how public art can build civic pride, create memorable places, support tourism and economic development, honor local history, and give residents a sense of ownership in their community. The story is ultimately less about individual pieces of art and more about what can happen when a community sees creativity as an investment in its identity and its future.
Niel Laudati is the Assistant City Manager for the City of Springfield, Oregon where he provides administrative guidance and oversight to the Development and Public Works Department along with programs in the City Manager’s Office, including: the City’s legislative and economic development programs. He also serves on the City’s Executive Team and Budget Team and is responsible for the City Manager’s Office Public Art Program – and has been with the City for 22 years.
Niel is a graduate of the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a bachelor’s in communications and a master’s in urban leadership. He is a Past-President of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Lane County Board of Directors and has served on boards for Travel Lane County and the Wildish Community Theater in Springfield. Niel is a credentialed member of ICMA (International City/County Management Association.) In 2022 he was named Springfield’s Employee of the Year by Mayor Sean VanGordon, was awarded Springfield’s Arts Advocacy award in 2024 and LCOG’s Outstanding Leadership Award in 2025.
He lives in Springfield and is happily married with two grown kids. He enjoys following New York sports team, collecting vinyl records and keeping track of his family’s pack of Chihuahuas.
