Intro
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 26-25
Title
By the authority vested in me as County Executive of Jackson County, Missouri, and in accordance with the Jackson County Charter, including the appointment authority set forth in Article III, Section 6, I hereby order as follows:
Section 1. Findings
On June 15, 2026, the County Legislature adopted Resolution No. 22306 (7-0), encouraging the establishment of a functioning Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission and presenting a recommended framework for its creation. The Resolution found that Jackson County is home to diverse LGBTQ+ residents who continue to face unique challenges related to housing, healthcare access, public safety, employment, education, and discrimination, and it encouraged “the prompt advancement of legislation or action by the County Executive” necessary to formally establish the Commission without unnecessary delay. This Executive Order constitutes that action.
Section 2. Establishment
There is hereby established the Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission (the “Commission”), an advisory body within the Office of the County Executive.
Section 3. Purpose
The Commission shall advise the County Executive on policies, programs, and practices affecting LGBTQ+ residents of Jackson County, and shall promote equity, inclusion, and responsiveness to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Section 4. Composition and Appointment
The Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, composed as follows:
(a) One (1) member appointed from each of the County's six (6) legislative districts; and
(b) Three (3) members appointed at-large, without regard to district of residence, to ensure broad representation of the County's LGBTQ+ community and allied stakeholders.
All members shall be appointed by the County Executive. As provided in Article III, Section 6 of the Jackson County Charter, written notice of each appointment shall be filed with the Clerk of the Legislature, and any appointment not disapproved by the Legislature within fifteen (15) days of such filing shall stand approved. Members shall be Jackson County residents, and district-seat members shall reside within the district they represent.
Section 5. Terms and Vacancies
Members shall serve three (3) year terms. Of the initial appointments, three (3) members shall be appointed to a one (1) year term, three (3) to a two (2) year term, and three (3) to a three (3) year term, as designated by the County Executive, in order to establish a staggered rotation. Members may be reappointed without limitation. A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term. Members shall serve without compensation, subject to reimbursement of reasonable expenses consistent with County policy.
Section 6. Officers
The Commission shall annually elect from among its members a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary, each serving a one (1) year term. The Chair shall preside at meetings and serve as the Commission's primary liaison to the County Executive. The Vice Chair shall act in the Chair's absence. The Secretary shall ensure minutes and records are maintained consistent with Section 7 of this Order.
Section 7. Meetings, Quorum, and Committees
The Commission shall meet no less than six (6) times per year. A majority of members then serving (five (5), assuming a full nine-member Commission) shall constitute a quorum. The Commission may establish standing and ad hoc committees as needed. All meetings shall be open to the public and conducted consistent with Chapter 610, RSMo (the Missouri Sunshine Law) and applicable County policy.
Section 8. Attendance and Ethics
Members are expected to attend meetings regularly; a member who incurs three (3) consecutive unexcused absences, or who misses more than half of the Commission's meetings in a calendar year, may be removed by the County Executive upon recommendation of the Commission. Members shall comply with all applicable County ethics and conflict-of-interest policies.
Section 9. Duties and Limitations
The Commission shall advise the County Executive on matters affecting LGBTQ+ residents, serve as a forum for community engagement, and submit an annual written report to the County Executive summarizing its activities and recommendations. The Commission shall have no authority to bind the County, expend County funds, or exercise executive or legislative authority; its role is strictly advisory.
Section 10. Bylaws
The Commission shall adopt bylaws governing its internal operations, consistent with this Order, at its inaugural meeting. The bylaws framework attached to Resolution No. 22306 shall serve as the Commission's initial bylaws unless and until amended by the Commission by majority vote, provided no amendment may conflict with this Order or applicable law.
Section 11. Administration
The County Executive shall designate a staff liaison to provide administrative support to the Commission. Staff and administrative support shall be provided through the existing budget of the Office of the County Executive; any dedicated appropriation for Commission programming shall require separate legislative action.
Section 12. Duration and Effect
This Order shall remain in effect until rescinded, superseded, or until the Commission is established by ordinance of the County Legislature, at which point this Order shall be superseded by that ordinance. The County Executive may amend this Order as circumstances require.
Section 13. Effective Date
This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon signature.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this _____ day of _______________, 2026.
Drafter
___________________________________
Phil LeVota
County Executive