Missouri’s special district leaders gathered in Springfield for a summit tailored to address common issues impacting their services across the state and began to consider next steps for a potential state organization to enhance resources to meet their needs.
The American Association of Special Districts coordinated the two-day Mid-America Special Districts Summit that offered a range of perspectives on shared governance and policy issues. The event included a full-day program tackling modern challenges for America’s library districts.
After a two successful days, multiple special district stakeholders expressed interest to explore the viability of a special districts organization in Missouri to serve the broad/common interests of the state’s 1,900 or so special districts through advocacy, governance education, and networking. An objective of such an organization would be to create a permanent flow of resources for the Show-Me State’s special districts through events like the Mid-America summit and a stronger, more united voice in Jefferson City.
Special district directors, managers, administrators, and stakeholders interested in joining the Missouri Special Districts Steering Committee are encouraged to read more here and to share their interest with completion of this Microsoft Form. AASD will coordinate the Steering Committee of Missouri’s district leaders, which will aim to meet virtually at the end of May.
Photo above: visualization of special districts across Missouri, by proportion of property tax.
Mid-America Governance Summit
More than 30 special district leaders gathered over the course of the event, with the Mid-America Summit taking place at the Springfield-Greene County Library District’s Library Center. The Summit not only provided a forum for conversations on governance and leadership, but also provided a first-time opportunity for many of these district leaders to connect and learn more about pressing issues they must tackle in their daily service.
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office’s Sunshine Unit offered district leaders a deep dive into the Missouri Sunshine law, providing a direct audience for a hard-hitting question-and-answer session covering the state’s pinnacle open governance and transparency law.
Efficiency is key for districts’ lean operations, and cooperative purchasing serves as a tool to fast-track and reduce costs associated with procurement. Founding AASD Professional Network Member Cooperative Services, LLC and Founding Vanguard Member Sourcewell, provided an overview of how to leverage the approach.
Granicus, Founding AASD Vanguard Member, also provided insights into the importance of engaging with communities and offered ideas for understanding the audience. As AASD’s first-ever Summit vendor, a display of Granicus’ tools for constituent engagement was also offered.
Special districts’ human resources needs were a hot topic throughout both days of the Mid-America events. AASD thanks CPS HR Consulting for sharing perspectives with library districts on trending library considerations as well as insights to Mid-America attendees on new approaches to recruitment. The Standard Insurance Company gave a rundown of responsibilities associated with deferred compensation plans, a panel of library district leaders talked through their lived experiences in sometimes charged public environments, and we covered how to navigate complicated board/manager relationships with Interim Solutions.
Advocacy for special districts was also front and center. EveryLibrary provided updates on the latest funding issues for library services and stressing the importance of ongoing community engagement. AASD also provided tips for intergovernmental engagement along with a call to advocacy for the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act. Grant Management Associates completed the spectrum of policy and funding with a rundown of the grant and finance processes, and how district leaders can best prioritize projects.
Join the Missouri Special Districts Steering Committee
More than 1,900 special districts provide local public services in all of Missouri’s 114 counties and St. Louis City – covering all 6.2 million Missourians. Special districts are by far the most common form of local government in the state, altogether providing emergency services and public safety, water utilities, library, flood control, soil and water conservation, hospital, healthcare, road, park, transit, and more. Under Missouri law, this even includes University of Missouri Extensions and “SB 40 Boards” that provide employment opportunities for developmentally disabled Missourians.
Complete this form to share your interest in joining the Missouri Special Districts Steering Committee or email contact@americasdistricts.org to declare your interest or for questions.
Are you interested in exploring the potential for a special districts organization in your state? Let’s connect!