Missouri and the City of Lake Ozark will celebrate their employees during Local Government Week May 2-8.
The week is an ideal time to thank city, county and school employees for their dedication to keeping essential services running in their communities, particularly with the challenges over the past year.
During the pandemic, local government has been at the front lines. Their guidance, quick adjustments, flexibility and creativity have kept our communities safe; clean water flowing; the lights on; meetings open via online tools; meal services and remote learning for students; and consistent customer service for citizens.
Working together, your cities, counties and schools are the backbone of your community. Now, more than ever, they are backbone for our neighborhoods.

Local Government Is…
•The first responders who willingly walk into danger to protect your community
•The paramedics whose ambulances arrive within minutes to save lives every day
•Law enforcement bringing security and safety during uncertain times
•Your school districts quickly regrouping for remote learning, while providing meals each day in creative ways
•Your municipal utilities bringing clean water to your home and facilitating sanitary sewer collection
•Local elected officials providing guidance during this unprecedented time
•Local emergency responders working to supply necessary equipment and resources
•The case workers who are tracking COVID-19 confirmed case contacts to stop the spread so we can get back to work
•Officials taking steps for resilience and recovery in your community
•Transportation adjustments to continue service in a safe and reliable manner
•The necessity of trash service right at your curb
•City employees who continue to serve under difficult situations
•Your local main street restaurants offering curbside service when dining in is not an option
•Your friends and neighbors serving on the school board setting a direction for the next school year 
Take time this week to thank your local government employees who are working tirelessly to make sure you and your family are safe, secure and moving forward.

Post on social media how local government employees have helped your community during this time.
The week is sponsored by the following local government organizations:
•Missouri Municipal League
•Missouri Association of Counties, www.mocounties.com
•Missouri School Boards’ Association, www.msbanet.org
•Missouri Association of Councils of Government, www.macogonline.org
•Municipal League of Metro St. Louis, www.stlmuni.org
•Mid-America Regional Council, www.marc.org
•Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System, www.molagers.org