The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will commence its 2026 Public Affairs Coffee series with a Mayoral Forum on January 28, 2026. Scheduled from 07:30 to 08:30 a.m., the event will take place at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, located at 1201 N. Woodbine Road in St. Joseph, Missouri. This forum aims to engage the local community with candidates vying for the mayoral position ahead of the upcoming elections.
The forum will be moderated by Kevin Walkman of Eagle Media and recorded for subsequent broadcast on 680 KFEQ the following day at 09:00 a.m. In addition to the mayoral candidates, the Chamber will also host forums for candidates seeking two open seats on the St. Joseph School District Board of Education on March 4, 2026, and for candidates running for the St. Joseph City Council on March 25, 2026. Both of these events will also take place at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center.
All candidates for the respective forums have been invited to participate, providing voters with an opportunity to engage with them directly. Natalie Hawn, president and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of these forums, stating, “The Public Affairs Coffee series is a way for the Chamber to bring issues revolving around economic, governmental, and legislative activities to Chamber members and the public. Political forums before local elections are a perfect way to get to know candidates and make informed decisions before heading to the ballot box.”
Attendance at the Mayoral Forum requires registration and a fee of $15 for Chamber members, while non-members will be charged $20. The fees are intended to cover the costs of a full breakfast provided during the event. Those interested in attending can register online at saintjoseph.com or by calling 816-232-4461.
The Public Affairs Coffee series serves as a significant platform for community members to discuss critical issues directly with candidates, fostering a more informed electorate as the elections approach.
