History

The Southern Illinois Mayors Association (SIMA) provides a means for municipalities in the Southern Illinois area to cooperate in matters of mutual concern. Established in 1975, mayors from several municipalities came together to discuss common problems. In 2006 SIMA members voted to welcome “Supportive Members”. Supportive membership is open to local and national organizations. There are now more than 100 municipal and associate SIMA members.

From the beginning, SIMA has emphasized the theme of cooperation among area communities in solving common problems and in voicing concerns in the state capital. SIMA also has a strong working relationship with the Illinois Municipal League (IML). 

Collective Action

In 2012 SIMA adopted a strong stance against the proposed closures of state facilities in Southern Illinois. It is the position of SIMA that such a massive plan to close services that are essential to the safety and the economy of the region will reduce the quality of life in Illinois and will cost the state more than the expected short term savings will produce. Further, the closures disproportionately affect Southern Illinois, since nearly half of the planned layoffs are being imposed on a region that contains less than 10 percent of the state's population. Action taken by SIMA led to a rally in the Capitol Rotunda December 5 that was attended by nearly 200 local and state elected officials and community members.

In 2015 SIMA continues to work closely with state officials to develop a viable solution that will address state budget issues while also preserving essential services that are critical to the well being of the people of Southern Illinois. This time, the focus is retaining the local share of sales tax revenue through the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF).

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Service Area

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Alexander, Bond, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Cumberland, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Union, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson counties. 

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MEMBER MUNICIPALITIES

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Addieville

Albers

Altamont

Alto Pass

Anna

Ava

Baldwin

Beckemeyer

Benton

Bluford

Breese

Bridgeport

Broughton

Brownstown

Cambria

Campbell Hill

Carbondale

Carmi

Carrier Mills

Carterville

Central City

Centralia

Christopher

Clay City

Crainville

Crossville

Cutler

DeSoto

Dix

Dowell

DuQuoin

East Cape Girardeau

East Carondelet

Eddyville

Effingham

Elkville

Ellis Grove

Energy

Fairfield

Freeman Spur

Germantown

Golconda

Goreville

Grayville

Greenville

Harrisburg

Hecker

Herrin

Hoffman

Hurst

Hutsonville

Irvington

Iuka

Johnston City

Jonesboro

Joppa

Karnak

Keyesport

Kinmundy

Lawrenceville

Livingston