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Affiliate Holiday Open House
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The League's annual Affiliate Holiday Open House will be held on Wednesday, December 10th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the Maryland Heights Community Center (2300 McKelvey Road). All elected officials and staff are invited to attend. The event serves as a great opportunity for our Affiliates and Members to network and celebrate the holidays together.
Along with spreading the holiday cheer to one another, there is a chance to spread it to your community as well. We are partnering with the St. Louis Area Foodbank to help replenish their shelves for the holidays. Please bring canned goods to the open house to kick off our new campaign - Mayors for Meals!
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Important Statutory Deadlines
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- Early December - Municipalities must publish newspaper notice of opening filing date for municipal office, the offices to be filled, the proper place for filing and the closing filing date of the election. Must publish before Dec. 9th, the seventeenth Tuesday before the April municipal election (§ 115.127.5)
- Dec. 1 – Pre-filing of legislation begins for the 103rd General Assembly, Second Regular Session. See pre-filed House Bills HERE and click "Bill List"
- Dec. 9 – The first day of candidate filing for 2026 municipal election, the seventeenth Tuesday prior to the election. Office must open at 8 a.m. (§115.127.5)
- Dec. 30 – The last day of candidate filing for 2026 municipal election, the fourteenth Tuesday prior to the election. Office must remain open until 5 p.m. (§ 115.127.5)
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Mayors for Meals:
Twelve Days of Christmas Food Drive
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The Municipal League of Metro St. Louis is proud to partner with the St. Louis Area Foodbank for the "Mayors for Meals: Twelve Days of Christmas" canned food drive, running December 10-23.
This regional initiative unites cities across the St. Louis area in the spirit of service—helping local families facing hunger during the holiday season. Each participating city will host a collection site at City Hall or another public building where residents can drop off canned and shelf-stable food items.
The Foodbank will provide collection bins and coordinate pick-ups directly with each city. Together, our communities can make a real impact: every dollar donated helps provide up to four meals for families in need.
For more information or to register your city, contact the Municipal League office or visit here. Let's come together this December to show that St. Louis area cities care—and that our mayors lead with compassion.
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In a recent press release, American Water announced their merger with Essential Utilities. The combined company will serve 4.7 million water and wastewater connections across 17 states. American Water President and CEO John C. Griffith said, “This combination brings together two industry leaders united by our shared mission to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to our customers. By joining forces with Essential, the combined company’s enhanced scale and operational efficiency will support continued investment in our critical infrastructure, enabling us to continue providing superior customer service at affordable rates..."
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Community Conservation Forum
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The Missouri Department of Conservation is hosting the St. Louis Region Community Conservation Forum at the Jarville House in Queeny Park on Monday, December 8th from 9am - 3pm. This forum will provide an opportunity for organizations and local municipalities to connect. If you would like to register, follow this link. Registration closes December 3rd.
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St. Charles County Appeals Tax Stacking on Recreational Marijuana
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The Missouri Supreme Court RULING in Robust Missouri Dispensary v. St. Louis County, et al that eliminated "stacking" of municipal and county local option sales taxes on marijuana was appealed by St. Charles County. The motion for rehearing was overruled, affirming that a county's marijuana sales tax only applies in unincorporated areas.
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Judge Hears Arguments Over Legality of Missouri Congressional Map
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Cole County Circuit Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of the Missouri First Map that was signed by Governor Kehoe after a special session was called in September. Challengers of the map argue that, because the Missouri Constitution does not contain language regarding redistricting maps at will, it was unconstitutional for the General Assembly to do so. Defenders argue that, if redistricting mid-decade was not allowed, there would have been a specific prohibition included rather than being silent on the matter. The case is pending, along with multiple others regarding the constitutionality of the redistricted map. This ruling may set precedent on the General Assembly's scope of legislative authority on matters not enumerated in the state constitution.
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New Affiliate Dues Program Partial Roll-Out
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Over the course of the last few months, staff has been working diligently to redesign our Affiliate Member program in order to maximize benefits for affiliates. Affiliates will be able to select which membership tier to apply for based on their desired participation level as well as their budget, making the experience much more customizable! Since dues have already been paid for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the League is doing a partial roll-out of the program and crediting already paid dues toward the membership upgrade. The two membership types available for the 2026 calendar year are League Leader (4 spots available) and Municipal Champion (6 spots available), which both offer a wide array of benefits that our typical membership does not! To discuss exactly what comes with joining at one of these levels and to apply, please email [email protected] or call the office at 314-726-4747.
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Sports Wagering Begins in Missouri
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Amendment 2, an initiative petition passed in the November 2024 election, established Article III, Section 39(g) of the Missouri Constitution to create the framework for regulated sports wagering in Missouri. Sports wagering became available in Missouri as of December 1st, according to the Missouri Gaming Commission, and patrons must be 21 years of age and physically present in the state.
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Beyond Housing 50 - Year Report
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Beyond Housing is celebrating 50 years of helping families thrive, strengthening entire communities, and building a stronger St. Louis region. Their 50-Year Anniversary Report showcases their efforts in home building, supporting families, empowering children, and renewing neighborhoods. Read the full report HERE.
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The last Cool Cities STL Pop Up of 2025 is being hosted December 3rd at THE HEIGHTS (8001 Dale Ave, Richmond Heights, MO 63117). The topic is Building Codes for a More Efficient Future. Registration is not required but requested. Register HERE.
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Civic Power of Greenways Panel Discussion
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Great Rivers Greenway wrapped up their 25th anniversary celebrations with a panel discussion on The Civic Power of Greenways, which included conversations on the social, cultural, and economic impacts that greenways have on communities. Watch the recording HERE.
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| DATE |
EVENT |
LOCATION |
| Dec 10 |
Affiliate Holiday Open House |
Maryland Heights Community Center |
| Jan 22 |
Membership Meeting |
Wild Acres Park (Overland) |
| Feb 26 |
Membership Meeting |
Chesterfield City Hall |
| Mar 26 |
Membership Meeting |
UMSL - ED Collabitat (Barnes Building) |
| Apr 23 |
Membership Meeting |
Brentwood Park Event Pavillion |
| May 28 |
Installation Dinner/Awards Ceremony |
Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel |
| Oct 1 |
Municipal League Golf Tournament |
Florissant Golf Club |
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