Dave Messner for St. Louis County Assessor

---

"I’m not a career politician; I’m a real estate professional. My door is open, my phone is on, and I am ready to work for a fairer, more transparent St. Louis County." — David Messner

Experience • Integrity • Common Sense

I am a real estate professional, entrepreneur, and community advocate running for St. Louis County Assessor. With a career rooted in economic development, deal structuring, and conflict resolution, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership to the office of St. Louis County Assessor.

I believe that the Assessor's office should be a "fair and honest dealer." I am committed to four core pillars:

1. Fair Assessments: Restoring predictability and ensuring consistent valuation standards across every neighborhood.
2. Proactive Service: Improving communication with property owners before reassessment cycles to reduce confusion.
3. Accurate Data: Investing in modern valuation tools and technology to improve reliability and reduce errors.
4. Transparent Process: Providing clearer explanations of methodologies so taxpayers aren’t left in the dark.

I understands that property assessment is more than a line item on a tax bill—it is the foundation of how we fund our schools, police, parks, secure our infrastructure, and build lasting communities.  But our municipal budgets have grown faster than our paychecks.  Property is more expensive to buy, keep, and maintain than ever before - and the economic uncertainties in our communities keep multiplying.  I see it with my own eyes, I hear it in my conversations, I read about it in the news, and I am deeply concerned about the trajectory our policy is heading.  But that's why I need your vote! 

The St. Louis County Assessor became an elected office in 2011 and only one person has held the position. 15 years is long enough - It is time for new leadership.

We have an opportunity to stop the tax surge, bring fairness and predictability into our tax system, leverage our data through AI applications, GeoSpatial systems, and other technology initiatives.  

This isn't an administrative job for a legislator, lawyer, or specialist.

This is an executive position for a real estate expert with experience in technology and software, a firm grasp on the complexity of our municipal funding system, and a firm belief that the taxpayer is the customer, not the government.

Focus: Technology-driven accuracy, real estate expertise, and taxpayer advocacy.

The real estate market is changing faster than our current systems can keep up. I believe that St. Louis County deserves an Assessor who understands the complexities of modern valuation and the real-world impact of property taxes on families and businesses.

As the Managing Partner of New Legacy Development Partners, I have led high-stakes adaptive reuse projects and managed critical relationships with public agencies to drive economic growth. My entrepreneurial spirit is showcased by the revival of the iconic Old Judge Coffee Company, a historic St. Louis brand, and his success in the hospitality industry running a top rated restaurant and lodging business in Missouri wine country.

I know what it means to individuals and business when taxes, fees, and operating costs increase or are unpredictable.

I will be an advocate for the taxpayer and a cheerleader for St. Louis County.

Key Background: Real Estate Development, Economic Strategy, and Small Business Ownership and operations

I earned an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis (Olin Business School) in their Executive program with extensive elective coursework beyond the curriculum.

Additionally, I earned a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management from Southern Methodist University. This unique background in negotiation, mediation, and systems change is vital for an Assessor's office, where fair communication and the ability to resolve property appeals with transparency and respect are paramount.

My undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University were in History and my thesis paper was on the history of consumer credit.  I believe it is important to understand history, dig in to the documents and deliberations of decisions, and apply those lessons to achieving better outcomes for the future.

Education Summary: 

Washington University in St. Louis, Masters of Business Administration

Southern Methodist University, M.A. in Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management 

Southern Methodist University, B.A History.

A deep believer in the future of "Opportunity Central," I am committed to keeping St. Louis County a place where families can thrive and businesses can grow. I am an advocate for a balanced approach to property valuation that respects the tax burden of residents while ensuring our regional infrastructure is supported.

I live in Wildwood with my wife of 12 years and my two school aged sons.  Her parents have lived in Wildwood/Ballwin for 40 years, I have moved my parents here from Southern California - we all live 5 minutes away from one another.

I want St. Louis County to be a place where my extended family can stay, where my boys look forward to returning to, and where they believe they could start their own families and thrive.

Our best days in St. Louis can be ahead of us -  But we need a common sense expert who understands real estate, appraisals, taxing districts and the taxpayers for that dream to become a reality.