East-West Gateway Council of Governments

This week in Briefings: The Bosnian men's national soccer team stops in STL before the World Cup! Plus headlines, events, and local government jobs around the region. Read to learn more and remember to subscribe!

Local Government Briefings for June 4, 2026 Local government news, events, jobs, and more for the St. Louis region.

The Clean Air Act has played a vital role in protecting public health and improving air quality across the nation for more than 50 years. One of the biggest challenges during the warmer months is ground-level ozone which forms when pollutants from vehicles, industry, and other sources react in sunlight.

High ozone levels can make it harder to breathe, especially for children, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

East-West Gateway serves as a clearinghouse for ozone data assembled from Missouri and Illinois monitor networks to help insure quality control on all monitored data. Weekly and monthly reports are prepared by EWG staff and forwarded to monitoring agencies as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Learn more about ozone monitoring and air quality at www.ewgateway.org/community-planning/

Share the story of our region! Help us tell the St. Louis stories that make our region stronger by nominating a person or project for an Outstandling Local Government Achievement Award!

The OLGAs celebrate signature projects and initiatives of individuals, municipal and county governments, special purpose districts, and public education across the St. Louis region. Help us recognize these achievements in local government by nominating at www.ewgateway.org/olgas

Last week, the St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS) hosted a full-scale reunification drill at SIUE. The drill simulated the response and reunification process after an emergency, specifically focusing on reuniting students with their loved ones.

Read the full news story at https://www.firstalert4.com/2026/05/26/local-first-responders-prepare-active-shooter-scenario-schools/

East-West Gateway is inviting the public to review and comment on the draft of its FY 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Bi-state area residents will have the opportunity to engage with this important regional planning document by attending one of the public information meetings.

The 2026-2029 TIP outlined approximately $5.5 billion in planned or active federal transportation projects such as roads, bridges, transit, and supporting infrastructure throughout the region. It is part of Connected 2050, the region's Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

The draft TIP will be available online on July 1.

For more information about the TIP or to view the document online, visit www.ewgateway.org/transportation

As Bike Month comes to an end, check out our new Bike Month Benefits Calculator! Discover the cost, health, and environmental benefits of cycling to work with this interactive tool. Simply input your distance, commute days, and optional vehicle/health information for an estimated annual benefits summary!

Explore the calculator and other Bike Month resources at https://www.ewgateway.org/bike-month/

This week in Briefings: The storied history of the St. Louis Armory. Plus headlines, events, and local government jobs around the region. Read to learn more and remember to subscribe!

Local Government Briefings for May 28, 2026 Local government news, events, jobs, and more for the St. Louis region.

Emergency management teams are conducting preparedness exercises at the Fort Zumwalt School District Professional Development Center in O'Fallon, Missouri today, May 28. These exercises will help prepare the St. Louis region for future crises. There is no real world emergency! Please stay clear of the exercise and allow the participants do do their important work. Thank you!

East-West Gateway mourns the passing of St. Charles City Councilmember Scott Shipman.

His record of public service included working in the St. Charles County Assessor’s office and serving as St. Charles County Assessor for over two decades before being elected to the St. Charles City Council.

Councilmember Shipman's service to our region will be remembered.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who are affected by his passing.

Ground-level ozone is unlike the protective ozone layer, it forms right where we live. The reactions that create it are sped up on hot, sunny days, creating a smog that can irritate lungs, trigger asthma, and make it harder to both breathe and think. With the weather warming up, take extra caution on high temperature days. To help lower ground-level ozone, drive less, fuel your car early in the morning or evening, and avoid gas-powered tools like lawnmowers and leaf blowers.

East-West Gateway serves as a clearinghouse for ozone data assembled from Missouri and Illinois monitor networks to help insure quality control on all monitored data. Weekly and monthly reports are prepared by EWG staff and forwarded to monitoring agencies as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Learn more about ozone monitoring and air quality at www.ewgateway.org/community-planning/