“Ready to grow”: New city manager eager to further St. Joseph’s development

St. Joseph’s new city manager Mike Schumacher is taking a thorough and calculated approach as he takes the next step forward leading day-to-day operations at City Hall.

Much like a sponge, the veteran city administrator has been absorbing as much information as he can since his first official day on Jan. 21, speaking with elected officials, department directors and senior staff to get a pulse on ongoing work and long-term strategies.

“The only way the organization will be successful is if members who work here with the city of St. Joe have a chance to be heard and participate in whatever direction we’re going,” Schumacher said. “Whether it’s a long term or a short term, how do we all work together to get there?”

Schumacher brings more than three decades of experience in local government to St. Joseph, including six years as assistant city manager in Kansas City from 2012 to 2018 before serving as city administrator for the last six years in Lebanon, Missouri.

Looking at the city through a wider lens, Schumacher sees a strong foundation in place in areas like commerce, education, military, public safety and manufacturing. The next step will be expanding upon that foundation.

“I think it’s a community that’s ready to grow. And I really want to be part of that experience and do what I can to help St. Joseph grow,” Schumacher said. “We want to be the most attractive city anywhere near us to foster development growth.”

Residential and workforce housing remains a top priority for the city and Schumacher, an area he’s determined to help improve. The city has ramped up efforts to pinpoint existing and future housing opportunities by commissioning a 6-month study in 2024. The demolition of the old Washington School for new housing is one example.

In Schumacher’s view, collaboration with the Housing Task Force and community partners has and will continue to play a vital role in efforts to improve housing and spur overall economic development.

“Whether it’s the Chamber of Commerce or Community Alliance ... (Discussions) have been incredibly positive, and impressive to be honest. Their leadership is solid,” he said. “There’s a real opportunity for residential growth. We need to hear from builders and developers, business owners, what can we do better?”

Along with the Chamber, The Community Alliance network is comprised of partners including Buchanan County, 139th Airlift Wing, United Way, the St. Joseph School District, Mosaic Life Care, Missouri Western and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Schumacher is eager to dive into upcoming budget work and evaluate challenges and opportunities for financial growth.

With a background in criminal justice, Schumacher sees a strong public safety network as vital to any city’s success. He’s had productive conversations with leaders and labor representatives with police and fire, two departments that have made large gains with hiring of late.

City-wide however, vacancies remain a key area of concern that officials hope to improve.

Close to 40 positions are open across 11 of the city’s 13 departments, including key positions that have lingered for months in Public Works, the St. Joseph Health Department and Planning and Community Development.

“I look forward to positive conversations in making sure that our employees are well taken care of,” he said.

In the world of job growth, continued development on the 350-acre Eastowne Business Park remains a prime opportunity to attract new high wage positions. The park will see an infusion of $7.7 million in grants and ARPA funds for key utility, infrastructure and roadway access improvements to grow its base of seven companies, including Cereal Ingredients, Schuetz Container and BMS Logistics.

A potential sports complex and goals for Riverfront development, two long-term projects with considerable economic growth potential, also lie on the horizon.