Wood Heights, Mo. — In a historic first for the city of Wood Heights, residents have elected Michelle Lambert as their new mayor, making her the first woman to ever hold the position; a milestone that came as a surprise even to the new mayor herself.
“I hadn’t even considered that I’d be the first woman mayor until someone looked it up,” she said with a laugh. “That wasn’t why I ran. I just thought maybe I could make a difference.”
For Lambert, her path to public office began with simple walks around her neighborhood with her English bulldog, Mushu. After years of working from home and rarely leaving the house except for church and quick errands, the daily walks became a catalyst for community connection. “I just started waving at people as they drove by,” she recalled. “Then conversations started. My dog made friends. That’s how it began.”
Those informal neighborhood chats turned into something more. Inspired by her mother’s lifelong ability to make people feel seen and valued, the mayor found herself wondering how she might serve the community she had come to love. “I’ve experienced a level of care here I didn’t know existed,” she said. “Neighbors mow our lawn when we can’t. People show up for each other here. That made me want to give back.”
In April, she won the mayoral election with two-thirds of the vote, an overwhelming result in a small town where only about 120 residents typically cast ballots. “It’s flattering and terrifying,” she said. “But I’ve got a community around me that loves and supports me, so I just decided to go for it.”
Now, just weeks into her term, Lambert is already focused on some pivotal issues, starting with infrastructure. “The number one thing people bring up is roads,” she said. “We recently received a grant for water drainage improvements, and I’ve connected with a grant writer in Excelsior Springs to see how we can continue to find funding for other projects.”
She also hopes to promote a stronger sense of community identity. An arts and crafts enthusiast, she envisions turning City Hall into a welcoming space filled with photos and handprint art from local children. “It should reflect the people who live here,” she said. “I want kids to walk in and say, ‘Hey, that’s my picture on the wall,’ or ‘That’s my street in that photo.’”
Improved communication is another top priority. She hopes to introduce a digital sign for citywide updates and expand ways to reach residents who aren’t online, including through printed newsletters and postcards—possibly even penned by “Mushu’s Mom.” She’s also considering building a Neighborhood Watch program to help promote safety and strengthen relationships among neighbors.
In addition to logistical goals, Lambert is quick to emphasize the value of simply creating space for others to participate. “Sometimes leadership is just about creating opportunity,” she said. “I’ve seen that even in church, if you get something on the calendar, someone else will run with it. That’s a win.”
Though new to public service, Lambert is eager to learn. She’s already planning to attend Missouri Municipal League events and hopes that future terms might allow her to see longer projects through. “Progress takes time,” she said. “But I’m committed to trying.”
Her vision for Wood Heights is one of growth, not necessarily in size, but in heart. “People used to call us just a speed trap,” she said. “I think we can be more than that.”
For now, she’s focused on listening, learning, and giving back to a community that’s already given her so much.
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