Rick Lahr was elected Mayor in April 2000 and has since been re-elected to additional two-year terms in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012. Prior to his election as Mayor, Rick served as an Alderman from the second Ward having been elected to that post in 1992, 1994, 1996, and 1998.

During his tenure as an Alderman, Rick served as Acting Mayor and has served three terms as President of the Board of Aldermen. Rick has also served as aldermanic liaison to the Public Safety Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Board of Adjustment. In addition, Rick served as a member of the Tax Increment Financing Commission for the redevelopment project at West County Center and Campaign Chairman for Proposition P, enabling a funding source for The Lodge.

During his term as Mayor, Rick has been selected by his fellow elected officials to serve on the Board of Directors of both the St. Louis County Municipal League and the Missouri Municipal League.  Rick was elected President of the County Municipal League and served in that  capacity for his term of office 2009 - 2010, he currently serves The League as a member of its Board of Directors. In addition, he serves as the City’s representative to the Des Peres-Kirkwood Chamber of Commerce.

Rick is a graduate of Parkway West High School and has a bachelors in Economics and Finance from Drury College. He is also a graduate of the New York Institute of Finance.

Rick has been a resident of Des Peres since 1970 and lives with his wife Kim and two children in the Dougherty Ridge Subdivision.