“When reflecting on my service as mayor of Clayton for the past six years, I'm especially grateful for this wonderfully supportive community, the effective leadership of our aldermen and the dedication of our amazing staff," says Michelle Harris, regarding achievements and community initiatives since taking up the city's gavel in 2019.
Michelle was elected mayor, after serving as an alderwoman and on a number of city commissions for 11 years. She also served as president of the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis, and currently chairs the Metro Mayors and the Metropolitan Zoo-Museum District Board. She has contributed to several key nonprofit boards, and was a founding board member of both the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis and the Clayton Community Foundation. She's also an honorary docent at the St. Louis Art Museum.
The first 20 years of Michelle's career were spent at Nestle and DuPont companies, and as a business consultant. She earned an MBA from University of Missouri.
As a resident of Claverach Park for 35 years, Michelle and her husband, Scott, have two grown children who both graduated from Clayton High School.
"I believe my legacy is working with others to make Clayton and the region an even better place," she shares. "I strived to give Clayton a strong voice in regional affairs, by bringing together the mayors of St. Louis County for the Mayors for Meals food drive during COVID-19, by participating in the regional Crime Reduction Plan, and being a catalyst for addressing homelessness."
During this mayor's leadership, Clayton’s downtown grew more vibrant, with new office buildings and residential spaces, along with adding approximately 1,000 new residents. Specifically, Michelle helped to guide more than $550 million of investment into Clayton, as evidenced by global businesses, such as Emerson and Energizer, having made Clayton their new headquarters. Additionally, the city's staff continues to provide outstanding daily basic services.
To enliven and diversify Clayton’s downtown environment, there are now two new hotels, one with a rooftop restaurant, and new entertainment venues. Michelle says she's especially proud of new events she initiated, such as the annual Jazz Festival and the Dia de los Muertos Family Festival. Another welcomed initiative is celebrating the city’s history through recognition of forgotten communities, such as the former Black Neighborhood, the Philippine Village and the Osage Nation.
“I believe the key to success is developing strong partnerships; with residents, neighbors, cultural organizations, institutions and developers,” adds Mayor Michelle. “I hope the next mayor will build on this foundation to benefit Clayton as well as the broader community.”
"Being a mayor has been an incredibly enriching experience, mostly because of the many accomplished and interesting people I've come to know. I'm full of gratitude." ~ Clayton Mayor Michelle Harris