The License Collector’s Office is authorized by Missouri State Statute to license businesses that operate in the City of St. Louis. It is a fee-revenue-generating office that collects business license fees and distributes approximately $61 million annually to the city’s general fund and other city and state agencies, such as Saint Louis Public Schools, Public libraries, MSD, and a State fund for the blind.

Pursuant to statute, a percentage of these fees are retained to operate the office. The office doesn’t receive any revenue, cars or salaries from the City of St. Louis.

I, Mavis Thompson, am running for re-election as the License Collector in the City of St. Louis to continue my journey as a public servant leader.  I stand firm on my record of providing good government, by implementing innovative programs to help better serve St. Louis business owners and residents.

As an incumbent, I will not rely on name recognition alone to earn votes. The campaign is another opportunity to remind voters of the vast improvements and advancements we have made in the License Collector’s Office. 

Since my appointment in 2013 and subsequent re-elections, we have achieved major accomplishments, including but not limited to the following:

• Introduced our informational literature in Braille, Spanish, Bosnian, and Vietnamese to accommodate the evolving demographics of the city.

• Provided new methods of payment.  In addition to in-person payments, other payment options now include telephone, credit, debit, online and PAYIT.

• Increased staff professional development, tuition reimbursement and salaries.  Prior to city and state mandates, we raised our minimum salary to $15.00 an hour for entry-level positions.
• Initiated our City Business Open House series.  At these monthly events, businesses can showcase and/or sell their products and services in the City Hall Rotunda.
• Convened forums quarterly, related to business topics. Topics included: Tax preparation; Entrepreneurship for youth, seniors and veterans; The impact of the Affordable HealthCare Act; MBE/WBE/DBE certification, and many more.
• Created a new revenue source via negotiating an agreement with Airbnb. 
• Launched the process of applying for a business license on-line.
• Expanded our summer internships to include veterans and retirees.
• Partnered with an alderman to draft Ban the Box legislation. 
• Hosted our annual Food Truck Festival. 
• Navigated through the tumultuous times associated with COVID -19 by
  • Hosting webinars for businesses to apply for PPP Federal grants and loans.
  • Kept our office open to serve taxpayers and issue licenses for those needing time-sensitive Federal assistance
  • Distributed PPE packets to small business owners.

 While these are significant and long-term achievements, they do not reflect the full scope of the accomplishments made during my tenure.  Therefore, I am seeking your endorsement for re-election, as I continue to champion advancements in office technology, and improve the overall efficiency of helping St. Louisans secure a business license.