The Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) acknowledges and appreciates the recent action of the City of Joplin Charter Review Commission to retain the requirement that the City’s Public Works Director be a professional engineer licensed in the State of Missouri.

At a recent meeting, the Commission considered the question of whether the City Charter should be amended to remove the professional engineer requirement. A motion was made to leave the Charter unchanged. The motion passed unanimously, with a 9–0 vote.

In reaching its decision, the Commission cited input received during public hearings from stakeholders who provided multiple justifications for maintaining the existing provision. The Commission concluded that it is important for the City of Joplin to have a licensed professional engineer serving as Director of the Public Works Department, including for responsibilities such as reviewing contracts and supervising the work of other engineers.

Last fall, MSPE participated in the public process sharing why the professional engineer is necessary. MSPE appreciates the Commission’s consideration of stakeholder input and its recognition of the value that licensed engineers bring to public health, safety, and welfare. MSPE also thanks the members of the MSPE Southwest Chapter who helped advocate for the qualifications to remain unchanged.  

MSPE will continue to monitor similar policy proposals across Missouri and encourages members and communities to engage early when professional licensure requirements for public infrastructure leadership roles are under consideration. For additional information or to report similar issues in other communities, please contact info@mspe.org.