Joplin City Government

10/21/2026

📢 An update from MoDOT on the scheduled St. Louis Avenue closure. This project will start after the signals at Florida Avenue are completed.

⏳ The closure is projected to last three weeks once it begins.

Contractor crews were scheduled to begin installation of new storm sewer, sidewalk crossings and concrete approach at St. Louis Avenue in October 21. That work has been postponed until further notice pending completion of work at Florida Avenue.https://www.modot.org/node/98685

10/20/2026

🎉 The City of Joplin has selected Eric Parker as its next Director of Information Technology.
A longtime Joplin-area IT professional, Parker brings more than 25 years of technology leadership experience to the role. He spent 26 years with TAMKO Building Products and previously held IT positions with NPC International and Leggett & Platt.

💬 “This was a competitive national search, and when we had the opportunity to meet Eric, it was clear that his broad level of experience would be a very good fit for the City,” said Joplin City Manager Nick Edwards.

🎓 A graduate of Missouri Southern State University, Parker holds a bachelor's degree in computer science with a double major in mathematics and computer information systems.

🖥️ Throughout his career, he has built expertise in ERP systems, cybersecurity, and the management of hardware and software lifecycles.
As Director of Information Technology, Parker will oversee the systems and infrastructure that support the City's 15 departments and approximately 600 employees. The position plays a critical role in advancing technology initiatives, maintaining secure and reliable systems, and helping City staff serve the community effectively.

💬 “I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve as the City of Joplin’s new IT Director. I look forward to working alongside City leadership and staff to support technology needs, strengthen IT services, and help ensure our systems continue to meet the needs of our employees and community,” he said. “I can’t wait to build relationships, contribute to the City’s success and embrace the opportunities ahead.”

🗓️ Parker will begin his new position on October 26.
Please join us in welcoming Eric to the City of Joplin Team! 🤝

10/19/2026

This work has been rescheduled for today, Monday October 19, and the closure will be the same as previously stated.

UPDATE 10/15/26: Rainy weather has delayed this work. We will let you know when it is rescheduled.

🚧 Lane Closure - Florida Ave 🚧

Traffic on Florida Avenue will be reduced to one lane for one day as crews make improvements to guardrails along the sides of the road.

📍Florida Ave
⚠️ Newman to Buchanan Roads
🕦 Beginning at 8 AM
🗓️ Wednesday, October 14
⏳ Expected Duration: 1 day

Flaggers will be stationed at each end of the repair zone, directing traffic through the area over the course of the day.

🚗 Drivers are asked to use caution while the guardrails are repaired.

10/17/2026

Three Planners. One Mission: Community.

Every neighborhood, business district, park, and development project reflects the thoughtful planning and collaboration that helps move Joplin forward.

This National Community Planning Month, we're highlighting the team that helps guide growth, support quality of life, and shape Joplin's future.

💙 Thanks for all you do!

10/16/2026

💙 Every day, City employees help keep Joplin moving forward. If you're looking for meaningful work, great teammates, and the opportunity to make a difference, there's a place for you on Team Joplin.

👉 View current openings: https://www.joplinmo.org/Jobs.aspx

10/15/2026

🍲 A Recipe for Success 🏆

Vickie handles the primary administrative responsibilities for the City's Legal Department, drawing on more than 30 years of legal assistant and paralegal experience earned at respected law firms. She keeps the legal department organized, patiently helps citizens with their legal questions, and diligently takes pride in her work.

Known for her positive and outgoing personality, Vickie brings both professionalism and warmth to the workplace. Around the office, she has become known for her creative crock-pot creations, turning leftovers into surprisingly delicious meals that bring a little extra fun to the day.

10/14/2026

UPDATE 10/15/26: Rainy weather has delayed this work. We will let you know when it is rescheduled.

🚧 Lane Closure - Florida Ave 🚧

Traffic on Florida Avenue will be reduced to one lane for one day as crews make improvements to guardrails along the sides of the road.

📍Florida Ave
⚠️ Newman to Buchanan Roads
🕦 Beginning at 8 AM
🗓️ Wednesday, October 14
⏳ Expected Duration: 1 day

Flaggers will be stationed at each end of the repair zone, directing traffic through the area over the course of the day.

🚗 Drivers are asked to use caution while the guardrails are repaired.

10/13/2026

♻️ Roll With It, Joplin! Recycling can be a family affair.
Load up your accepted recyclables and roll on over to the Joplin Recycling Center.

With convenient hours throughout the week, it’s easy to make recycling
work with your family’s routine.

🛞 Ready to roll? Visit joplinrecycles.com to learn more about the Recycling Center and accepted materials.

10/10/2026

City Nears the Final Stretch of Nearly $100 Million in Federal Grant Spending for Major Improvement Projects

Thanks to three programs – the American Rescue Plan act of 2021 (ARPA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (B.I.L.), and the Inflation Reduction Act – the City of Joplin has strategically addressed major infrastructure, economic opportunity, public safety, and parks/trails/beautification projects.

After aggressively applying for grants over three years to address a list of projects, City officials are reflecting on an unprecedented level of major project development that has benefited citizens.
✅ 50 Grants Applied For.
✅ 26 Grants Awarded.
✅ Nearly $58 million in federal money.
✅ $34 million in required City matching funds.
✅ $97.3 million total approved project costs.

What’s been done, what’s happening, and what’s to come: https://www.joplinmo.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/4063

10/09/2026

🚧 Temporary Road Closure Notice – Main Street 🚧

Missouri Southern is celebrating Homecoming 2026 with its annual parade, and a portion of Main Street will be temporarily closed to accommodate parade staging and the parade route.

📍 Main Street Closure
⚠️ 2nd St. to 7th St.

🗓️ Saturday, October 10
🕗 Road closed beginning at 8:00 AM for participant and float staging
🎉 Parade begins at 10:00 AM
🕚 Expected reopening around 11:00 AM

🚗 Drivers should plan alternate routes and expect increased pedestrian activity in the area during the event. 🚶