“When I ran for mayor, I promised to bring fresh leadership and real solutions—and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered. We’ve balanced the budget while focusing on community priorities, addressed major public safety concerns, rebuilt trust in our infrastructure, and brought new energy to Cape’s economy. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made—and I’m just getting started.”
— Mayor Stacy Kinder
About Stacy
Leadership That Delivers
Mayor Stacy Kinder is a results-driven leader who has delivered real progress for the people of Cape Girardeau. Since taking office in 2022, Stacy has worked every day to build a safer, more vibrant, and financially stable community—rooted in transparency, smart planning, and the courage to challenge the status quo.
A longtime resident, mom of four, and former School Board President and City Council member, Stacy brings a deep love for Cape and a strong understanding of how city government can work for everyone. As mayor, she has built coalitions, stood up to entrenched interests, and never shied away from tough decisions.
Whether it’s improving public safety, passing major infrastructure initiatives, raising pay for city employees, or driving economic development, Stacy Kinder has shown what leadership that delivers really looks like.
Key Achievements
Fiscal Responsibility
- Balanced Budgets, Lower Debt: Stacy led the shift to priority-based budgeting, resulting in conservatively balanced budgets every year. A dedicated focus to reducing city debt has led to a $50 million reduction in the past five years, creating a stronger fiscal position for the City.
- Higher Pay for Public Servants: Average employee pay has increased by 24% since 2022—police officer pay rose 41%, firefighter pay rose 43%, overtime hours were drastically reduced, and overall morale has risen.
Public Safety
- Cape PD Fully Staffed: Thanks to Kinder’s leadership, the police department is on track to be fully staffed for the first time in years.
- New Technology & Crime Fighting Tools: Drones, ShotSpotter expansion, crime mapping, and body-worn cameras have all been added under her watch.
- Downtown Police Presence Expanded: Community-based policing and law enforcement presence has been strengthened by the partnership and opening of the downtown Police Substation.
- Juvenile Justice Reform: Kinder is leading the charge to address youth gun crime with real consequences and the possibility of a proposed juvenile detention facility in the city.
Infrastructure & Development
- Transportation Trust Fund 7 Passed: Voters overwhelmingly approved the extension of Cape’s most important road and infrastructure funding mechanism.
- Water System Upgrades Funded: Kinder led the effort to pass a major ballot initiative to fix Cape’s aging water treatment system and plan for future growth.
- Mall Redevelopment & Downtown Revitalization: Kinder helped bring life back to key commercial corridors and supported hotel and housing expansion.
- Airport Growth & Regional Partnerships: Infrastructure at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport has been dramatically improved, and collaborations with SEMO are creating vital training programs. Stacy has championed other economic development partnerships in the city and region.
Issues
Public Safety
Mayor Kinder believes that public safety is the foundation of any thriving city. That’s why she made it her first priority—rebuilding the police force, boosting pay, reducing overtime, and backing new technology to fight gun violence and keep Cape’s neighborhoods safe. Her administration created the Gun Violence Task Force, brought new tools and strategies to the Cape PD, and launched partnerships with the state and federal government to support long-term solutions.
What’s Next: Kinder will continue investing in a Real-Time Crime Center, support regional juvenile detention reform, and keep working to reduce crime and build trust between residents and law enforcement.
Infrastructure
Cape’s infrastructure had been underfunded and overlooked for too long. Mayor Kinder took on the tough conversations—about water, roads, and long-term planning—and led the successful campaigns to renew the Transportation Trust Fund and fund major water system upgrades. At the same time, she reduced the city’s debt, cut unnecessary expenses, and prioritized results over ribbon-cuttings.
What’s Next: Kinder will continue overseeing the implementation of major infrastructure projects, while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and transparently. Funds will be used in the most appropriate ways, and maintenance and operations budgets will be built into ongoing projects.
Economic Growth & Community Development
Under Mayor Kinder’s leadership, Cape is on the move. From mall redevelopment and downtown revitalization to parks and tourism growth, Kinder has built strong partnerships that are growing jobs, bringing in visitors, and strengthening our local economy. She’s prioritized development that benefits the whole community—not just a select few.
What’s Next: Kinder will continue working with SEMO, local businesses, developers, and civic organizations to expand housing, attract investment, and and grow Cape’s economy the right way. Attracting jobs and encouraging redevelopment are priorities of Mayor Kinder’s administration.
Volunteer
We need to continue Mayor Kinder’s vision and leadership in Cape Girardeau. Please join our team to help make that a reality!
Donate Today
I want to continue working to create a stronger Cape Girardeau that works for everyone, but I need your help in getting the message out! Please consider donating to our campaign to help us spread the word!
If you prefer to donate by check, please make it out to “Kinder for Cape”, and send to
5860 Dalhousie Dr. Cape Girardeau Missouri, 63701.
Missouri Law Requires we collect the Employer Occupation information for all political contributions.