District 4 City Council member Michael Grimm seeking re-election for seat
By: Noel Hardin
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Councilman Michael Grimm was elected to City Council in 2022, and throughout his first term has worked with other members to create change in St. Joseph, his lifelong home.
Grimm worked more than thirty years as a corporate pilot, chief pilot and director of flight operations and vowed to give back to his hometown upon retirement.
“I stay here by choice, not by chance. I stayed here after I retired because I wanted to,” Grimm said, noting that decades of travel to other cities never diminished his love for St. Joseph’s friendly, community-oriented culture.
Throughout his term, Grimm said he has accomplished many things with his fellow councilmembers.
Over 400 bills have been approved since last year alone, including improvements to infrastructure, public amenities, public safety and economic development.
“Every penny that’s spent is somebody’s tax dollar. We’ve been extremely cognizant of the fact that we’re spending tax dollars,” Grimm said, adding that his approach as a fiscal conservative ensures the city gets the most value for its money.
A major focus of his first term has been infrastructure, with over 20 road projects, 40 park projects and significant investments in bridges.
He pointed to specific accomplishments like the creation of a new swimming pool with free bus passes and reduced rates based on income, the remodeling of City Hall and Civic Center Park and a $5 million upgrade to the Civic Arena, including its first exterior paint job and a new lighted sign.
Grimm takes a different approach to the school district than some other candidates, emphasizing that the district and City Council should have little to no relation to each other.
While the council has invested in Hillyard Technical Center and the Houlne Center to support workforce development, Grimm believes the two bodies should not “run” each other’s responsibilities.
“They need to run their side of the street, and we’ll run ours,” he said, clarifying the City’s role is to provide infrastructure support like water, streets and sidewalks if needed for new school construction.
On other key issues, Grimm highlighted the coordinated program between the police department and Community Missions to address homelessness by offering shelter, food, clothing and medical help directly at encampments.
He acknowledged the city’s need for more housing and entertainment options, especially for youth and said council is actively listening and planning, though specific projects are still in development.
He expressed a strong desire to see the current council remain intact for another term, citing their proven ability to collaborate effectively despite initial disagreements.
“When we go into a meeting, we may not agree. When we come out, we all do,” Grimm said. “We stay there until we work out all the differences.”
Running against Russell Moore, Grimm believes his proven record sets him apart.
His final pitch to District 4 voters is to look at the tangible progress in the city.
“Look at the programs and what’s really being accomplished in St. Joe,” he said. “That’s what I’ve managed to help do.”
General Municipal Elections are on April 7, 2026.
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CITY COUNCIL COVERAGE 2026
