City of Manchester Annexation Analysis

The City of Manchester is a city of approximately 18,000 in St. Louis County. Annexation is a multi-step process in St. Louis County. There is a six-year cycle in St. Louis County divided between a “Map Plan” phase and a “Proposal” phase. A “Map Plan” reserves the right to pursue annexation during the “Proposal” phase. While the City had previously submitted a “Map Plan” of potential future annexation areas, like most cities, Manchester did not have a complete picture of the potential fiscal impacts of their proposed annexation area.

The i5Group, along with Community and Economic Development Solutions, led an annexation analysis for the City of Manchester. The annexation analysis analyzed multiple factors associated with future annexation including: population, streets and infrastructure, community services, land use, and financial impacts. The annexation analysis evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of two possible annexation options.

Annexation provides Manchester with the opportunity to enlarge its geographic footprint, increase its population, expand development opportunities and broaden its commercial/retail, employment, institutional and recreational offerings, all of which can help grow its tax base and make it a more desirable place to live. At the same time, additional residents, businesses and infrastructure also may require the expansion of city services with the resulting increase in municipal costs. Analyzing the quantitative and qualitative costs and benefits of a proposed annexation was an important step in helping to determine how each potential annexation fits within the broader context of Manchester’s long-term fiscal outlook.

Prime Consultant: The i5Group

Sub-Consultants: Community and Economic Development Solutions

Client: City of Manchester, Missouri