Merit/Non-Merit Divisions
Merit Divisions
Division of Workforce Development - administers federal and state funds granted to provide training and employment opportunities. The division works with local Workforce Investment Boards, other state departments to plan, coordinate and implement statewide employment and training programs for adult and youth. The division also works with employers to identity specific training needs.
Division of Tourism - promotes the state's tourism industry, one of the fastest growing elements of the state's economy, and one of the top three revenue producing industries. Through an aggressive advertising and promotional campaign, the division works to accomplish five outcomes:
- Increase the number of trips domestic visitor's make to Missouri.
- Increase the number of international visitors to Missouri.
- Increase tourists' expenditures while in Missouri.
- Increase the number of Missourians employed by the travel and tourism industry.
- Increase tax revenues.
Office of Public Counsel - is Missouri's designated consumer advocate in the area of utility regulation. The Public Counsel is a voice for the interests of residential and small business consumers in proceedings before the Public Service Commission and the courts. With rapid changes in the utility sector, the Office of Public Counsel advocates for quality utility services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates.
Missouri Housing Development Commission - makes and ensures loans to nonprofit and limited-dividend sponsors of residential housing for low and moderate-income persons.
Administrative Services - provides departmental support in the following areas: fiscal, human resources, budget, graphic arts, facility management, information technology and communications.
Business and Community Services – responsible for enhancing international trade and investment, working in partnership with communities and business to retain, expand and attract new business to Missouri, promoting film production, conducting research and providing project financing. Also responsible for assisting Missouri communities and neighborhoods increase their economic self-sufficiency and prosperity by administering programs that promote community investment, redevelopment activities, planning and leadership development and infrastructure development.
Missouri Arts Council - stimulates the growth of the arts in the state and fosters increased awareness of Missouri's artistic and cultural.
Women's Council - advances opportunities for women in economic areas and in civic and family issues.
Missouri Public Service Commission - ensures that public utility consumers receive safe and adequate services at just and reasonable rates that will provide utility companies' shareholders a reasonable return on their investment. The PSC regulates utility rates, service and safety for investor-owned electric, gas, telecommunications, sewer and water companies. The PSC also monitors the construction of manufactured housing and mobile homes to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.