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Webster Groves Honors City Manager Dr. Marie Peoples with Proclamation and Tributes
Summary
Council members, staff and community leaders paid tribute to Dr. Marie Peoples at her Feb. 17 farewell; the council proclaimed Feb. 27, 2026 as 'Dr. Marie Peoples Day' and attendees highlighted modernization, budgeting reforms and community engagement during her five-year tenure.
Webster Groves — The City Council and community paid tribute to departing City Manager Dr. Marie Peoples on Feb. 17, honoring her five years leading Webster Groves with remarks, a musical sendoff and a formal proclamation.
Council members and staff praised Peoples’ work modernizing city operations, improving community engagement and advancing major projects. Gregory Donovan, the city’s director of finance, described being “genuinely surprised and greatly saddened” by the resignation and said Peoples’ leadership did not resemble the negative portrayal he had seen in recent coverage; HR Manager Sherry Pittman and other department heads recounted modernization, policy updates and leadership development under her tenure.
Former council member Sarah Richardson and others lauded Peoples’ handling of the pandemic-era transition, digital access improvements and her approach to community outreach. Deputy City Manager Scott Davis and several department directors also highlighted mentorship, organizational improvements and policy changes credited to Peoples.
Mayor Laura Arnold read a proclamation citing ARPA expenditures, completion of Firehouse No. 2, passage of Proposition W and the adoption of a comprehensive and strategic plan; the proclamation declared Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, "Dr. Marie Peoples' Day" in Webster Groves.
In her remarks, Peoples thanked staff, boards and directors, and said she was proud of the organization’s accomplishments and grateful for the opportunity to serve. Colleagues and residents offered personal tributes, including a musical parody performed in her honor.
Next steps: The council will hold a reception and proceed with transition planning for the city manager’s office; staff will continue implementation of ongoing projects and provide updates to the council during the transition period.
