East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) is committed to strengthening local governmental jurisdictions (our membership) through the provision of technical assistance, information dissemination, policy analysis, and education to elected and non-elected officials and staff and the communities they serve. Through local government support, the agency provides tools, assistance, and resources for local officials to make better and more informed decisions and fosters collaboration and cooperation between units of federal, state, and local governments.
Local Government Briefings
Published by EWG, Local Government Briefings is a weekly email newsletter that serves as the St. Louis region’s source for local government information, current available grants, news, and job listings. You can sign up here to receive the newsletter and check out current and recent editions here. To have your job listing included in Briefings, go to post-a-job to add your listing online.
The 20 most recent issues of the newsletter are available at the link above. For older editions of Local Government Briefings, please contact staff at briefings@ewgateway.org.
Local Government Partnerships
EWG regularly collaborates with the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) Public Policy Administration (PPA) program, the American Planning Association’s St. Louis chapter and other regional organizations to increase the capacity of the region’s municipalities. The goal of these efforts is to create resources in the St. Louis region and statewide through which local government officials and staff can access quality information, technical assistance, and training that helps municipalities address and respond to the needs of their residents.
Training Opportunities
Chancellor’s Certificate in Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning
The Chancellor’s Certificate in Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning was developed by the UMSL Public Policy Administration, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, and the American Planning Association–St. Louis Metropolitan Section. This certificate program is designed for municipal and county planning and zoning commissioners, elected officials, including mayors and city council members, municipal staff interested in planning and zoning, and citizens seeking to become involved in local planning and decision-making processes.
Entering its 21st year, the Planning and Zoning Chancellor’s Certificate has educated hundreds of members of the St. Louis planning community. The 2024 in-person program will start in mid-October and will consist of seven modules covering planning practices, processes and topics that are crucial for local government success. Stay tuned for more information. Registration is expected to begin in early September.
ELGL St. Louis Chapter
The St. Louis chapter of Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) is an informal group that seeks to support and encourage those working in local government as well as anyone interested in a career in the field. You can subscribe to the chapter’s email newsletter for information on future events and other activities.
Public Officials Directory
The Public Officials Directory is a bi-state reference guide which contains contact information for key municipal and county elected officials and primary personnel for the eight counties in the St. Louis region as well as state elected officials, fire/ambulance districts, school districts, and resource organizations. EWG strives to keep the directory as current as possible, so, as information changes, please send any updates, additions, or corrections to POD@ewgateway.org.
Outstanding Local Government Achievement Awards
Each year, East-West Gateway presents the Outstanding Local Government Achievement (OLGA) Awards to recognize the extraordinary work of individuals, governments, and other public institutions in the St. Louis region. Award recipients are announced at EWG’s Annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony. Nominations are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination.
You can find a list of the 2023 OLGA recipients in the 2023 Awards Program or check out these awards videos to learn more.