COLUMBIA, Mo. – A multi-state organization of municipal utilities has honored State Representative Cody Smith with its Richard E. Malon Public Service Award.
The award, presented by the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA), recognizes a publicly elected or appointed official whose activities have furthered the objectives of municipal utilities, making contributions that have lasting impact in the field.
Representative Smith is an influential leader who, as Chair of the 2022 House Budget Committee, was central to the development of Missouri’s 2022 budget.
In his leadership of a challenging budget process, Smith was open to the voice and concerns of hometown utilities, especially pertaining to Missouri’s appropriations of federal funding for LIHEAP, broadband, and water and wastewater infrastructure.
“Throughout Representative Smith’s career as a lawmaker, he has been accessible and fair-minded as we’ve worked with the legislature on solutions to funding, energy and environmental matters,” said Ewell Lawson, MPUA Chief Association & Development Officer. “During his time in the General Assembly, he has been responsive to the concerns of cities with hometown utilities.”
Representative Smith has served in the Missouri House since 2016. His district includes the cities of Carl Junction and Carthage. In addition to his service as Chair of the House Budget Committee, in 2022 he served as Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Legislative Research.
The annual Alliance Awards are made to recognize of achievement and distinction among and on behalf of MPUA member hometown utilities.
