Who We Are

PLB is a public taxing entity, commonly known as a “Senate Bill 40 Board,” that enters into funding contracts with agencies that serve individuals with developmental disabilities in St. Louis County. While adhering to the state statute that makes our work possible, PLB leverages its resources to understand and meet the changing local community needs.

Our History

PLB was created by taxpayers in 1979, when options for people with developmental disabilities were more limited than today but expectations for inclusive opportunities were growing.

loading

Our Mission

PLB funds quality services, fosters collaboration, and drives innovation to create opportunities for
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in St. Louis County.

Our Vision

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are empowered to live the lives they choose.

PLB’s Continued Commitment

In 1969 a state statute was enacted that allowed the citizens of Missouri counties to vote on a property tax levy to support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The tax levy passed and the state boards that were created became commonly known as “SB 40 Boards” after the Senate Bill that created them. The voters of St. Louis County approved adopting a “SB 40 Board” in 1979, and PLB’s first Board of Directors was appointed in 1981. Since 1979, the needs and supports for individuals have changed and the SB 40 statutes (Missouri Revised Statutes 205.968 to 205.972) have been modified several times to allow for these changes.

A nine-member volunteer Board of Directors appointed by the St. Louis County Executive and approved by the County Council sets the financial and administrative framework for the agency and hires and directs the Executive Director to conduct the everyday operations of the agency.

The present tax is set at 8.8 cents per $100 assessed property value and generates approximately $25 million annually. Each year, the PLB contracts with agencies that will provide services to approximately 4,100 individuals with developmental disabilities in St. Louis County.

What is a developmental disability?

As a Senate Bill 40 Board, PLB is bound by Missouri State Statute definitions (630.005 & 178.900 Revised Statutes State of Missouri) of a developmental disability that is attributable to:

  • Intellectual disability
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Autism
  • Epilepsy
  • A learning disability related to brain dysfunction
  • An individual who has substantial functional limitations in at least two of the following life areas:
Self-care
Learning
Understanding and communicating language
Self-direction
Physical mobility
Living independently or being economically self-sufficient
Self-care
Understanding and communicating language
Learning
Self-direction
Living independently or being economically self-sufficient
Physical mobility

Who is eligible to receive services funded by the PLB?

St. Louis County residents may be eligible to receive services from Productive Living Board if they have a diagnosed developmental disability.

The disability must appear before the person is 22 years old and reflects the person’s need for individually planned and coordinated services throughout life or for an extended period.

Funded services include: community services, employment services (supported employment and sheltered workshops), advocacy services, family support, transitional programs, adaptive equipment, recreation and transportation. Learn more about our Funded Services.

Meetings

Click to view all upcoming meetings and events.

Snapshot of PLB

The Productive Living Board for St. Louis County Citizens with Developmental Disabilities was established in 1979 when St. Louis County voters approved to tax themselves for the purpose of developing services and supports for residents with developmental disabilities.

News & Events


Skip to content