About Us
The Municipal League of Metro St. Louis is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, voluntary association of cities, villages and county governments dedicated to improving the quality of life for area residents.
Mission
The Municipal League of Metro St. Louis, formerly the St. Louis County Municipal League, was founded in 1918 in order to:
- Provide a network for the municipal officials of St. Louis County and St. Louis City as a means to congregate, collaborate and educate
- Advocate for county, state and federal legislation that helps municipalities better serve their residents
- Improve the quality and efficacy of municipal governments in metro St. Louis through training, education, research and the promotion of best practices
Organization
With nearly 100 years in service to promoting stronger local government, the League is the official advocacy organization for municipalities in metro St. Louis. Members represent 98% of the population of St. Louis County and St. Louis City.
The League general membership meets regularly throughout the year to discuss policies and form positions that promote effective government of local communities.
Each of the League’s Executive Board members – including the President, Vice President, Finance Chairman, and Immediate Past President – must hold an elected position within their respective municipalities. The League staffs three full time employees, including an executive director.
As a nonprofit organization, the League relies primarily on membership and affiliate dues to finance year-round operations. The League offices are located in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Member Resources
The League saves its members time, resources and tax dollars by providing four key services that carry out its mission of linking local communities and strengthening local government.
1. Publications
The League publishes the Directory of Municipal Officials, a regular newsletter, legislative updates, as well as special reports and studies. The League also assists the Missouri Municipal League, local universities and other agencies in the collection of relevant data for reports and studies.
2. Research
The League maintains an updated resource library of reference materials on a wide variety of subjects of municipal interest such as model ordinances, tax structures, and legislation. It supports its members with research assistance and coordination.
3. Legislation & Advocacy
During the legislative session, the League monitors important legislation, testifies on League priorities and provides relevant updates to members. In recent years, the League has supported regional initiatives, including:
- 2013 Proposition P, a 3/16 cent sales tax increase in St. Louis City and County to support the City-Arch-River project, Great Rivers Greenway and municipal parks.
- 2010 Proposition A, a 0.5% cent sales tax to fund mass transit for the St. Louis metro region
- 2009 Proposition E911, a 1/10 cent sales tax to construct a countywide public safety communication system, upgrade an early warning siren system, and install 911 cell phone locator capability
- 2000 Proposition C, a 1/10th cent sales tax for improving parks. The League supported the funding for the Great Rivers Greenway project and established the St. Louis County Park Commission, which has awarded over $45 million for some 270 park projects in St. Louis County.
4. Networking
The League fosters collaborations with municipal officials, other government organizations and business leaders to link communities and strengthen local government for the benefit of the St. Louis region.