St. Joseph resident Dana Stickley runs for City Council District 3 seat
By: Noel Hardin
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Dana Stickley, a 36-year-old social worker, mother, and St. Joseph resident, is vying for a City Council seat, representing District 3, and is wanting to make better changes for the city she calls home.
As the only woman running for a council position this cycle, she is centering her campaign on the principle of reflective representation, increased transparency, and responsive leadership for the city’s northeastern neighborhoods.
Running against Dr. Andrew Trout, Stickley is a product of the St. Joseph School District, a Central High School graduate and Missouri Western.
She is now raising her own family in the Fairly Terrace area, the western edge of the district she hopes to serve, which encompasses the city’s northeast quadrant from Frederick Avenue north to the city line.
“I really believe in a government that looks like and represents the people it serves,” Stickley said. “I’ve just been a lifelong citizen of St. Joseph and I just feel like it’s time for some different folks to step up.”
Stickley’s priorities have been shaped by initial conversations with neighbors, where recurring themes have emerged.
She voiced deep concern over potential cuts to early childhood education, stating it places a significant cost and logistical burden on families.
While affirming the city council’s role is to support the school district by making St. Joseph attractive, she praised the new city-initiated Student Voice Alliance as an exciting partnership that engages youth in city government.
Having lived downtown for several years, Stickley said the issue of homelessness is “near and dear to my heart.”
She applauded the work of Community Missions and its transparency, as well as its collaboration with the police department, viewing the complex challenge as one requiring a coordinated, community-wide response.
A current member of the city’s Traffic Commission, Stickley also acknowledged the constant battle with streets and the limited walkability in most areas, aiming to find creative solutions.
On quality of life, Stickley agrees there is a deficit in entertainment and recreation, especially for youth, citing the closure of public pools and neighborhood gyms.
She supports existing initiatives to improve parks and trails, and expressed love for the city’s unique small businesses and growing food scene, vowing to support the local economy and tourist industry.
A cornerstone of her campaign is a promise to hold regular town halls, criticizing what she perceives as a lack of community engagement from some current officials.
“People value transparency above all else,” she said.
She believes her perspective as a millennial, a mother, and a social worker who spent seven years in child welfare mediation sets her apart.
“I think I could provide some fresh perspective and just be some relatable person that’s just an average worker here in St. Joe. I’m your neighbor, and I would like to represent you at city council. I am a compassionate leader and believe that the government should look like who it represents.”
More on Stickley can be found on here Facebook Page.
Elections are on April 7th, 2026.
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CITY COUNCIL 2026
