About Olivette

"In the Center of It All," the City of Olivette is a charming suburban community centrally located in St. Louis County. Incorporated in 1930, Olivette is home to approximately 8,000 residents and is strengthened by its diverse population, invigorated by its opportunities for community connection, and distinguished by its dynamic sense of place. Olivette is served by the nationally ranked Ladue School District and is committed to offering its residents an exceptional quality of life, with a wide variety of housing options ranging from single-family homes to apartments.

With an operating budget of $8.7 million, Olivette provides a wide range of essential services, including police and fire protection, building inspections, and public works, supported by 104 full-time employees. The Olivette Police Department is internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), ensuring the highest level of police service through national standards of excellence in policies, procedures, and practices. The Olivette Fire Department offers both fire protection and ambulance services, with all firefighters trained as State Licensed Paramedics. The city offers 100 acres of parkland and open green spaces. Olivette’s Parks & Recreation Department provides more than 30 classes and programs at the community center, Five Oaks on Warson.

Guided by the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update and the Olive Boulevard Concept Master Plan, Olivette’s development landscape emphasizes new developments and strategic growth initiatives. Our industrial parks are home to over 50 commercial and corporate businesses serving both local and national markets. These efforts align with the city’s vision for the future, with a particular focus on revitalizing the main commercial corridor. 

The expansion of the Centennial Greenway, which connects Olivette to a broader regional network of trails, is another major infrastructure project that highlights the city’s focus on sustainability and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities. In addition, Olivette’s partnership with organizations like 39 North and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is positioning the city at the forefront of agricultural technology and innovation.

The city’s commitment to transformation, along with a growing residential base and ongoing support for local businesses, continues to shape Olivette into the vibrant community it is today.

Governance

Olivette is a Home Rule Charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is composed of five members, each elected at-large to serve three-year terms. Annually, one council member is selected to serve as mayor. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, oversees all city departments.

History of Olivette

The history of Olivette begins with the indigenous population of Osage (Wazhazhe) people who lived on the land dating as far back as the 1600s. In the 1820s, Olivette was known as Centerton, the central point on the overland route between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers settled by the Germans and French. The City of Olivette was officially incorporated in 1930 by combining four communities: Central, Olive, Stratmann, and Tower Hill. As a quiet country village, farming area, booming residential suburb, and a growing industrial and business center, Olivette has met each challenge with energy and initiative.