Key takeaways
- Missouri state government spent $41.7 billion in fiscal 2024, the 26th most of any state.
- Statewide purchasing runs through the Office of Administration, Division of Purchasing, and vendors register and find bids in MissouriBUYS.
- The fiscal year starts July 1; the governor's FY2028 budget proposal usually comes within 30 days of convening.
- The 2027 legislative session convenes Jan. 6 and is scheduled to adjourn May 14.
Missouri government at a glance
| Fact | Missouri |
|---|---|
| State spending, FY 2024 | $41.7 billion (26th of 50) |
| Fiscal year starts | July 1 |
| Next budget | FY2028 · proposal usually within 30 days of convening |
| 2027 legislative session | Jan. 6 to May 14 (129 days) |
| Central procurement office | Office of Administration, Division of Purchasing |
| Bid and vendor portal | MissouriBUYS |
| State CIO | John Laurent, Chief Information Officer |
| Local governments | 3,796 total, including 1,927 special districts and 529 school districts |
| Public power and co-op utilities | 84 public power utilities and 42 electric co-ops |
| State prison population | 24,223 (end of 2023) |
How Missouri buys
- Central purchasing. The Office of Administration, Division of Purchasing handles statewide contracts and purchasing rules for state agencies.
- Where bids are posted. MissouriBUYS is where vendors register and find state solicitations.
- Registering as a vendor. Our Missouri vendor registration guide walks through the steps, fees and documents.
- Agencies and local buyers. Many agencies, universities, cities, counties and school districts buy on their own or through cooperative contracts; see our cooperative purchasing guide.
Purchase thresholds
| Tier | Rule |
|---|---|
| Little or no competition | $10,000 or less |
| Informal quotes | Over $10,000 to under $100,000 |
| Formal solicitation | $100,000 and above |
Source: RSMo 34.040 (NASPO summary). Agency and local thresholds can differ; see our state procurement thresholds guide.
Budget and legislative calendar
- Fiscal year. Missouri's fiscal year starts July 1. The next budget covers FY2028.
- Governor's proposal. Usually released Within 30 days of convening. Status as of Nov. 8, 2026: not yet released. Track it in our governor budget proposals tracker.
- 2027 session. Convenes Jan. 6 and is scheduled to adjourn May 14. See the 2027 legislative session calendar.
Technology and AI
- State CIO. John Laurent, Chief Information Officer, leads the Office of Administration, IT Services Division. See the full state CIO directory.
- AI policy. Our tracker counts 1 executive order, no laws and no agency policies on government AI use. See the state AI policy tracker.
- How IT buying works. See how state agencies buy technology.
Largest public buyers in Missouri
The biggest Missouri entities on our national rankings. Each one runs its own budget and, in most cases, its own purchasing.
| Buyer | Type | Size | National rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | City | 521,220 residents (2025) | 37 of 100 largest cities |
| St. Louis | City | 278,144 residents (2025) | 80 of 100 largest cities |
| St. Louis County | County | 990,911 residents (2025) | 53 of 100 largest counties |
| Jackson County | County | 732,994 residents (2025) | 97 of 100 largest counties |
| Bi-State Development Agency | Transit agency | 19,690,800 trips (2023) | 40 of 50 largest |
| St Louis Lambert International | Airport | 7,483,526 passengers boarded (2025) | 35 of 100 busiest |
| Kansas City International | Airport | 5,613,974 passengers boarded (2025) | 40 of 100 busiest |
| KC Water | Water utility | 513,800 people served | 63 of 208 largest |
| City of St. Louis Water Division | Water utility | 304,709 people served | 114 of 208 largest |
| Springfield, City Utilities of | Public power utility | 121,603 electric customers (2024) | 27 of 50 largest |
| Kansas City (MO) Police | Police department | 1,364 sworn officers (2016) | 34 of 50 largest |
| St. Louis (MO) Police | Police department | 1,175 sworn officers (2016) | 37 of 50 largest |
Sources: KSG rankings of the largest cities, counties, school districts, public universities, transit agencies, airports, water utilities, public power utilities, police departments and other lists. Figures are from each list's source year.
Local government and utilities
- 3,796 local governments. That includes 1,927 special districts and 529 school districts. See special districts by state.
- Utilities. 84 public power utilities and 42 electric cooperatives serve 1,259,869 customers, 38% of the state. See Missouri utilities.
- Budget cycles. Cities, counties and school districts set their own fiscal years; see city and county budget calendars.
Missouri state holidays in 2027
Besides the 11 federal holidays, Missouri state offices close on these days in 2027:
- Lincoln's Birthday: Friday, Feb. 12 (Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri, New York)
See the full 2027 federal and state holiday calendar.
How KSG helps
Kensington Sales Group's SDRs book meetings with public agencies across Federal, SLED, K-12 & Higher Ed, Healthcare, Tribal, Special Districts and Utilities. We research Missouri buyers, time outreach to state and local budget cycles and get you in front of the people who own the problem you solve. See how our state and local sales development works.
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