Missouri Municipal League

05/28/2026

Looking for ways to strengthen trust in your community? Check out the April CitiesSpeak podcast from the National League of Cities: https://www.nlc.org/resource/citiesspeak-podcast-bridging-community-divides-strengthening-civic-trust/
“Bridging Community Divides & Strengthening Civic Trust.”

Hear how local leaders and partners like The Dignity Index are working to promote dignity, respect, and constructive dialogue.

But don’t just listen—take action.

TODAY is the LAST DAY to register for the Elected Officials Training Conference.

This is your final chance to hear directly from The Dignity Index team and gain tools to navigate difficult conversations, build trust, and lead more effectively.

Registration closes today! Secure your spot now: https://mocities.com/Web/Events/EOT%20Event%20Display.aspx

05/15/2026

Congratulations to El Dorado Springs Councilman Ryan Snow on earning his MML Municipal Governance Institute certification!

Programs like MGI help local officials strengthen their expertise in budgeting, municipal law, ethics, and leadership—building stronger communities across Missouri.

Read more: https://eldoradospringsmo.com/front-page/el-dorado-springs-councilman-ryan-snow-earns-rare-municipal-certification-may-be-first-in-city-history/

By Melanie Chance Newly elected El Dorado Springs City Councilman Ryan Snow has completed the Municipal Governance Institute certification program through the Missouri Municipal League, an achievement aimed at strengthening his understanding of local government operations. Snow said he pursued the c...

05/13/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday for the Northwest Regional Meeting at the Re*****on Nature Center in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Attendees heard a presentation regarding the policy impacts of the income tax elimination proposal, presented by Lindsey Baker, Research Director with the Missouri Budget Project.

A special thank you to the Re*****on Nature Center and the City of St. Joseph for hosting, and to Big Daddy’s BBQ for providing lunch.

We value the opportunity to connect with local officials in the Northwest region and look forward to continuing these important conversations.

05/08/2026

🏅 Runner‑Up — 2026 MML Innovation Awards (Metro City): Congratulations to Jefferson City for the River Market / Chestnut Street Extension Project!

2026 marks the first year the Missouri Municipal League is recognizing Innovation Award runner‑ups, allowing us to highlight even more impactful local projects.

As part of Missouri Local Government Week, we’re proud to recognize initiatives that enhance connectivity, access, and economic vitality in Missouri communities.

Join us in congratulating Jefferson City on this Innovation Awards runner‑up honor!

05/08/2026

🏅 Runner‑Up — 2026 MML Innovation Awards (Large City): Congratulations to the City of Lebanon for its Medical Simulation Lab!

This is the first year MML is honoring runner‑ups, recognizing more of the creative and impactful projects Missouri cities are advancing.

Celebrated during Missouri Local Government Week, these projects highlight the important role cities play in supporting education, workforce development, and community health.

Well done, Lebanon, on earning Innovation Awards runner‑up recognition!

05/08/2026

🏅 Runner‑Up — 2026 MML Innovation Awards (Medium City): Congratulations to the City of Branson for its New Police Station project!

New in 2026, MML is recognizing runner‑up projects to shine a light on additional outstanding city initiatives across Missouri.

As part of Missouri Local Government Week, we’re proud to celebrate innovative investments that enhance public safety and community well‑being.

Congratulations to Branson on receiving runner‑up recognition in the 2026 MML Innovation Awards!

05/08/2026

🏅 Runner‑Up — 2026 MML Innovation Awards (Small City): Congratulations to the City of Morrisville for its Municipal Addressing & Signage Modernization Project!

This is the first year the Missouri Municipal League is recognizing runner‑up projects, allowing us to highlight even more innovative work happening in cities across the state.

As part of Missouri Local Government Week (May 3–9, 2026), we’re proud to celebrate local innovations that improve services, safety, and quality of life in Missouri communities.

Join us in congratulating Morrisville on this well‑deserved Innovation Awards runner‑up recognition!

05/08/2026

🏆💧 Small City Winner — 2026 MML Innovation Awards: Congratulations to the City of Osage Beach for Sewerage Sustainability: Protecting Multi‑Million Dollar Assets at the Source!

As part of Missouri Local Government Week, we’re proud to recognize local governments for innovative solutions that protect infrastructure, improve quality of life, and deliver long‑term value to residents.

The City of Osage Beach faced an ongoing challenge with sewer odors and infrastructure deterioration caused by fats, oils, grease, and hydrogen sulfide gas within its complex wastewater system. Rather than continuing expensive, short‑term chemical treatments, the City implemented a permanent biological solution that addresses the problem at its source.

By introducing beneficial, non‑pathogenic organisms into the system, Osage Beach significantly reduced odor‑causing conditions while protecting multi‑million dollar assets from corrosion. The results have been measurable and immediate, including a significant reduction in odor complaints and substantial ongoing operational savings.

This innovative approach replaces reactive maintenance with a sustainable, data‑driven model that improves system performance, protects infrastructure, and supports long‑term financial stability—serving as a practical example for other cities facing similar challenges.
Congratulations to Osage Beach, our 2026 Small City Innovation Award winner, for delivering a lasting solution that strengthens both community quality of life and municipal operations.
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05/08/2026

🏆🎓 Medium City Winner — 2026 MML Innovation Awards: Congratulations to the City of Bridgeton for its innovative community partnership with Leonardo DRS and the Pattonville School District!

As part of Missouri Local Government Week, we’re proud to highlight local projects that create lasting value for residents by connecting economic development with education and workforce readiness.

As part of a redevelopment agreement between the City of Bridgeton and Leonardo DRS, the City negotiated real estate tax incentives tied directly to community benefit. In exchange, Leonardo DRS entered into a formal community improvement agreement with the Pattonville School District.

At the heart of that agreement is a structured internship program that provides students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences in a real-world engineering and advanced manufacturing environment. Students gain exposure to cutting-edge technology, professional mentorship, and potential career pathways in STEM fields.

The collaboration also includes expanded STEM-focused opportunities such as mentoring, job shadowing, facility tours, curriculum support, and extended learning initiatives designed to strengthen workforce readiness and better align academic preparation with industry expectations.

Importantly, this is not a short-term initiative. The internship program and related STEM opportunities are required to operate for the full 20-year duration of the redevelopment agreement—ensuring sustained, measurable community benefit.

Congratulations to the City of Bridgeton, our 2026 Medium City Innovation Award winner, for demonstrating how economic development incentives can be aligned with long-term educational and workforce outcomes.

05/08/2026

🏆🚶‍♀️🚲 Large City Winner — 2026 MML Innovation Awards: Congratulations to the City of Ozark for the Chadwick Flyer Multi‑Modal Bridge!

As part of Missouri Local Government Week, we’re proud to recognize local projects that improve connectivity, safety, and quality of life in Missouri communities.

The City of Ozark began exploring the idea of a multi‑use trail connection between Ozark and Springfield in 2016, inspired by the historic route once traveled by the Chadwick Flyer in the late 1800s and early 1900s. After years of planning and coordination, construction on the Chadwick Flyer Trail began in 2020—preserving local heritage while creating new recreational opportunities.

As the trail system grew, city leaders faced a key challenge: safely crossing Highway 65. Through strong partnerships, Ozark delivered a multi‑modal bridge designed to safely accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and other non‑vehicular users while expanding recreational access, supporting commuting options, and encouraging economic development.

With the bridge complete, residents can now move throughout Ozark and beyond on foot or by bike. Students have a safe route to Ozark High School, downtown employees can walk to work, and trail users can enjoy miles of continuous trail without barriers.

Congratulations to Ozark, our 2026 Large City Innovation Award winner, for a project that demonstrates how collaboration and creative problem‑solving can strengthen connections and create lasting community value.