Missouri Growth Association

MGA LEGISLATIVE MISSION:

The economic health of Missouri and the vitality of the real estate industry are inextricably linked.  The Missouri Growth Association (MGA) supports policies and programs which spur economic growth across all business sectors, fosters immediate and long term job opportunities and creates a strong economy for the State of Missouri and its citizens.  The MGA supports programs and policies that have a proven track record and a measurable return on the State’s investment.

The MGA is committed to supporting a productive business climate in Missouri by advocating for the reform of cumbersome programs and policies which hinder Missouri’s ability to retain, grow and recruit new businesses and a robust workforce.  While based in the commercial real estate industry, the MGA maintains a broad view towards protecting a supportive business climate and reducing the burden of institutional hurdles on those seeking to invest in our state.

The MGA also supports efforts to establish a fair and equitable property taxing system for all Missourians.

2012 Legislative Focuses:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & JOB CREATION:

The MGA will work to retain existing and develop new economic development tools that efficiently support growth in job creation, commerce and investment in our state: The MGA opposes the implementation of policies that create an uncertain climate for lending and general industry growth.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT:

The MGA supports calculated efforts to strengthen and expand infrastructure funding that supports all modes of transportation: Transportation infrastructure is vital to creating an attractive business climate for the recruitment and expansion of new business for our state.

EMINENT DOMAIN:

The MGA is an advocate for the responsible use of eminent domain: The MGA is committed to preserving the ability of local municipalities to use this vital tool for the greater public benefit.

IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS:

The MGA monitors federal policy and works with local and municipal agencies as they implement mandates that impact commercial real estate: The local impact of federal policy implementation, such as the Clean Water Act, has a day-to-day, bottom line impact on project budgets and timelines.  The MGA is an advocate for the practical implementation of these policies in an effort to lessen their hindrance on development.

MGA Governmental Affairs Team

State Representative Tim Jones with Brian Grace and Rodney Boyd (pictured left to right)

Rodney Boyd is a Partner in SNR Denton’s Public Law & Policy Strategies practice group.  He has a distinguished history of legal and governmental relations experience. Rodney began his career two decades ago as a legislative assistant in the Missouri General Assembly. He went on to serve as a clerk for the Missouri Supreme Court. Rodney began his legal career as St. Louis city counselor, assigned to the Prosecution Division. A decade ago, he transitioned his practice to the areas of state legal, governmental relations and public policy services.  Rodney currently represents numerous private, public and non-profit sector clients as their registered state lobbyist and legal public policy advisor. Rodney has assisted his clients with, inter alia, the passage or defeat when needed of legislation, procurement or retention of state government contracts. He helps clients develop strategic governmental relationships with lawmakers and state agency employees and provides strategic political intelligence.  Rodney has extensive experience in Missouri and Illinois, while also providing services in various other states.

Brian Grace is a Managing Director in SNR Denton’s Public Law & Policy Strategies practice group.  He specializes in state and local legislative, regulatory and public policy advocacy for corporate, trade association, non-profit and local government clients.  He has an expertise in the creation and implementation of tax incentives for business development, job creation, infrastructure development, and non-profit support purposes.   Some of Brian’s successes since joining SNR Denton in 2007 include: passing of legislation, on behalf of a Kansas City-based business advocacy organization, creating the Missouri Mega Projects tax incentive program; leveraging Youth Opportunity Program tax credits, on behalf of a St. Louis-based non-profit, to help fund a program assisting at-risk youth enter the workforce; and securing an appropriation for a pilot program in the City of St. Louis to ease the transition of prisoner re-entry to the workforce.

Commercial Real Estate Industry Political Action Committee (CRI PAC)

In 2010 MGA in conjunction with the the Building Owners and Managers Association (MO Chapter), Institute of Real Estate Management (St. Louis Chapter), NAIOP (Kansas City and St. Louis Chapters) and the St. Louis Association of REALTORS® Commercial Division founded the Commercial Real Estate Industry Political Action Committee (CRI PAC) in order to compliment our legislative efforts in Jefferson City and locally.

The formation of the PAC gives us the opportunity to have a more balanced approach in our governmental affairs efforts by providing a mechanism to contribute to candidates that understand our issues or are open to hearing our position.   We must educate new candidates on industry issues, and support those who share our common goals for Missouri.

Please consider visiting the link to the right to contribute whatever you can to the Commercial Real Estate Industry Political Action Committee (CRI PAC).

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