Current City Council District 1 representative Madison Davis retains seat; vows further growth for St. Joseph
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- With the municipal election approaching, current City Councilman Madison Davis will remain un-opposed for his District 1 seat, but just because he doesn't have a direct competitor, doesn't mean he will be slacking.
Davis, who first took office in 2018 after winning a primary election, and was re-elected in 2022, has become a familiar and steady presence at council meetings.
What motivates him to seek reelection is a desire for continuous improvement rather than a specific checklist of unfinished goals.
"I think we've in this last term, and my first term, accomplished quite a bit," Davis said. "It's not necessarily that there's things on a checklist. It's how to continue every day in working for St Joseph and makes certain that we deliver the best product we can for the citizens."
A point of pride for the councilman is the significant investment in the city's park system, a key priority he has championed since his first campaign.
Davis highlighted the voter-approved parks program from 2021 as a major success, pointing to ongoing projects like the $12 million renovation at Krug Park as evidence of the city's commitment to quality of life.
"I think those things are important," Davis said of the park improvements. "It shows the investment that this council has made in trying to attract people to St Joseph, because I think quality of life plays a big factor."
Public safety remains a forefront issue for the council, and Davis emphasized the importance of not just reducing crime statistics, but ensuring residents feel safe in their daily lives.
He cited the council's collaborative efforts to address nationwide law enforcement recruitment challenges as a key action taken during his tenure.
"We were able to come together as a group and decide on a plan that would attract officers, whether it be new officers or officers back to St Joseph," he explained.
On other pressing citywide issues, Davis stressed a balanced approach.
Regarding unhoused individuals, he said the city's role is to connect individuals with existing resources like Pivotal Point and Community Missions.
On housing, he acknowledged the need for affordable options for young families and recent graduates, pointing to a recently announced apartment complex developed in partnership with the county as a step in the right direction.
He noted that while the city can offer incentives, development ultimately relies on private industry.
Davis also addressed the challenge of blighted and abandoned properties, an issue he says the council has consistently worked on throughout his time in office.
He detailed efforts to use code enforcement fees, vacant building rehabilitation programs, and demolition to tackle the problem, as well as working with the land bank to find productive uses for derelict properties.
On the relationship between the city council and the school district, Davis is unequivocal, citing state law as the defining factor.
"The state Revised Statutes are very clear. The school district controls the school district and the city council controls the city, and they don't really intermingle in any fashion," Davis stated.
While he acknowledged that a strong school system is "a strong indicator of a strong community," he maintained that the two entities operate in separate spheres as defined by Missouri law.
With a large field of candidates running for other seats, the potential for a dramatically different council dynamic is high.
However, Davis, who was one of only two incumbents reelected in the last cycle, expressed confidence in his ability to work with anyone to move the city forward.
In a final appeal to voters, Davis framed his candidacy around proven leadership and dedicated service.
"I think if you are someone who is wondering if there's someone in government who's for you, who's asking the right question, who is working hard to do the right thing, I think I'm the person you vote for," Davis said. "I have proven that I can do all of those things. I have proven that I will work with anybody to make certain that the goals and the objectives put forth by the voters come forth."
CITY COUNCIL COVERAGE 2026
