FOCUS St. Louis views responsive and collaborative governance as vital to the progress of our community. With more than 860 units of government in our 16-county area, St. Louis is the second-most politically fragmented metropolitan region in the nation. Three rivers and two states divide the counties, challenging all sectors to develop workable, mutually accountable ways of solving shared regional problems.
To surmount these challenges, FOCUS St. Louis provides meaningful ways for citizens to actively ensure good government. Whether it’s through a citizen-based task force or a public engagement session, our staff and volunteer facilitators make certain that your voice is heard by those making the decisions. The result is government that better reflects the values of citizens, and works to move the region forward.
Related FOCUS Initiatives:
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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND STEWARDSHIP TASK FORCE — FOCUS' current task force is charged with identifying standards and best practices that can be applied by local governments to increase their level of environmental stewardship. The task force is working to create tools for governments to assess where they stand and identify potential obstacles and actions steps to improvement. |
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METROPOLITAN FORUM — Representatives from the boards of FOCUS St. Louis, East West Gateway Council of Governments and the Regional Chamber and Growth Association collaborated for more than five years (2003-2008) in this unique multi-sector partnership that successfully developed resources to strengthen and initiate regional fiscal reform. |
Historical Work:
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REGIONAL GOVERNANCE POLICY GROUP ISSUES ACTION PLAN — Forty-one leaders representing government, business, and civic interests united to make a difference in the St. Louis region. FOCUS St. Louis and the Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) partnered together to form the Regional Governance Policy Group (RGPG). |
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SMART CODES: A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE ON PLANNING AND GROWTH — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and FOCUS St. Louis joined forces to host "Smart Codes: A Local Perspective on Planning and Growth," a conference that highlighted the importance of smart growth in the St. Louis region. |
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ST. LOUIS COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN — FOCUS St. Louis partnered with Development Strategies Inc. to produce the 1999-2004 strategic plan for St. Louis County government. |
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INSIDE CITY HALL — In 1997, FOCUS St. Louis quietly disproved the old, ironclad maxim that you "can’t change city hall." At the request of Mayor Clarence Harmon, FOCUS St. Louis conducted a comprehensive assessment of city services and operations with the help of 60 dedicated citizens. As a result, many recommendations were implemented to improve operations. |
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ST. LOUIS EMPOWERMENT ZONE — In one of our most rewarding public engagement projects, FOCUS St. Louis partnered with the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Center in East St. Louis to coordinate nine public forums for the 1998 Empowerment Zone application. |
Related Resources