Governance & Professional Resources for Districts

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Missouri’s special districts have historically lacked a central platform for communication, information, and understanding of one another’s core governance and policy issues. As a result, many of the state’s special district leaders are left “out of the loop” and positioned to be reactive to policy issues and governance trends. 

MoSDA fosters the state’s all-districts communications network for leaders to connect with one another, get best practices on issues in district governance and operations, and be proactive on state and federal policy issues.

Missouri’s district leaders understand the need for consistent education and exposure to perspectives that help advance their local services. This is especially true on a wide range of governance needs that bind special districts together, regardless of type - from the Sunshine Law to levy calculation, human resources, and much more. 

MoSDA shepherds trusted resources that educate district officials on important elements of public service and advance understanding of the Missouri Sunshine Law, public finance, budgeting and fiscal responsibility, human resources, public records management, procurement, communications, and much more.

Special districts are, by their nature, specific purpose governments with limited resources and narrow scope of services they can provide. For this reason, it is important for special districts to build and sustain working relationships with their fellow local governments.

MoSDA offers education and assistance for special districts to navigate complex intergovernmental dynamics that exist among all facets of local government. This includes building statewide, regional, and local relationships with schools, cities, counties, regional planning commissions, community colleges, state departments and agencies, and federal agencies. 

As independent local governments, special districts find themselves with similar legal demands and situations as counties, cities, etc. Accordingly, special districts need legal counsel that is independent of conflicts with those neighboring entities. Importantly, special districts need legal counsel that understand and appreciate the special purpose structure of local government.

MoSDA strives to network special districts with trusted legal services that understand the special district sector of government. The Association aims to provide reliable options for special districts’ consideration.

Many special districts operate on lean resources, and countless district officials are volunteers with a drive and passion for service in their communities. Through the shuffle of meeting these demands, many special districts struggle with expertise and resources to invest in capital finance needs.

MoSDA works to network districts with professional resources to meet budgetary, savings and investment, capital improvement needs, and accurately calculating levies for special districts.

All local governments have a place in disaster preparedness and community mitigation needs. For special districts, their sole job is to provide critical infrastructure and essential services that must continue operating in times of emergency. It is important for districts to educate their employees on the importance of readiness, harden their systems, and ensure their community is best-protected. 

MoSDA endeavors to advance special districts’ needs on this important topic with direct resources and understanding of community risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and readiness needs. As a result, Missouri’s special districts will be better equipped to handle the next disaster, better service their communities, and help position themselves for mitigation funding opportunities.

Special districts across the state face hardship to access grant resources. Common hurdles include constraints to achieve match funds, demands for grant administration and reporting, and limited time to research and pursue opportunities. 

MoSDA fosters delivery of perspectives and resources for special districts pursuit of grant and financial assistance resources for all types of special districts.

Missouri’s special district leaders have expressed interest to pool resources for health, workers compensation, and other employee insurance benefits. The MoSDA Board of Directors considers this a priority issue and is actively exploring the viability of a districts insurance pool in the state.