Webster Groves Council Adopts Resolution Urging State and Federal Support for Local Government

Webster Groves — The Webster Groves City Council on Feb. 17 adopted Resolution 2026-11, a lengthy statement urging state and federal leaders to restore funding and respect municipal authority so cities can continue providing core services.

Council member Franklin framed the resolution as nonpartisan and structural: “This resolution is not partisan. It’s structural. It’s about federalism,” he said, arguing municipalities deliver frontline services and should not absorb unfunded mandates. The resolution lists impacts across infrastructure, housing, environmental resilience, social services, civil liberties, libraries, disaster preparedness and cybersecurity.

Council members read the resolution in full and spoke about local implications, including concerns that funding reductions and policy shifts could reduce the city’s ability to repair roads, support emergency services and maintain programs that benefit vulnerable residents. The resolution specifically calls on the Missouri General Assembly, the governor, the U.S. Congress and the president to cease actions that undermine municipalities and to restore critical funding and authorities.

Mayor Laura Arnold and council members expressed bipartisan concern that recent state and federal actions have placed new responsibilities and costs on local governments. After discussion, the council adopted the resolution on a roll-call vote.

The council encouraged staff to distribute the adopted language to municipal associations and peers, with former Mayor Williams urging that the resolution be shared with the National League of Cities and state and county municipal leagues to build wider support.

Next steps: council asked staff to circulate the resolution to municipal networks and consider advocacy steps that amplify the request for restored funding and greater deference to local decision-making.