It’s week 10 of Missouri’s legislative session, with many items moving out of committees and being recommended for fiscal review and floor action. We are rapidly approaching Spring Break, marking the unofficial “halfway point” of the session.

SMCC is keeping track of various bills and topics affecting our economic development landscape here in Christian County. Please CLICK HERE to view a more comprehensive overview of certain bills and topics we are monitoring - this is not an exhaustive list. 

A few items of note: 

• Child care tax credits: HB 269, establishing three tax credit programs aimed at increasing access to childcare for working Missourians, has passed the house. Its companion bill, SB 455, was heard in committee March 11. 

• Local revenues: Several proposals have been filed to eliminate local state and sales tax on grocery items. It is paramount to our communities that local sales tax revenue remains intact, as grocery sales tax contributes significantly to general revenue funds for stormwater, police, parks, maintenance, and other vital municipal services. As of now, none of these bills have been referred beyond a second reading. 

SMCC Board Meeting

The next investor-only board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Nixa City Hall.

Be sure to mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Christian County Community Betterment Fund supports initiatives that drive growth, enhance local infrastructure, and improve quality of life in Christian County. Contributions help fund key projects, from workforce development to economic initiatives, ensuring a thriving future for our community. Donate today to make a lasting impact!

Exciting news for Show Me Christian County! We’re pleased to welcome the Sparta Chamber of Commerce as a new investor. Their dedication to fostering local growth and supporting businesses strengthens the economic landscape of Christian County. Partnerships like these help create new opportunities and build a thriving future for our communities!

Missouri State Parks, in partnership with the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources, is updating the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)—a five-year plan that guides outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.

Your input is needed! By taking this quick 10-minute survey, you can help determine future grant funding priorities for parks, trails, and outdoor spaces in Missouri. Responses are anonymous and will directly impact recreation planning.

📋 Take the survey here.

The April 8, 2025, General Municipal Election is right around the corner! Make sure you're registered and ready to vote.

Important Deadlines:

✔️ March 12 – Last day to register to vote

✔️ March 25 – No-Excuse Voting begins

✔️ March 26 – Deadline to request a mailed absentee ballot

✔️ April 5 – Saturday absentee voting available

✔️ April 7 – Last day for in-office absentee voting

✔️ April 8 – Election Day!

Not sure if you're registered? Check here.

View sample ballots here.