Hawkins issues statement on amicus brief filed in eminent domain case

June 9, 2026

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MOFB President Garrett Hawkins issued the following statement after the recent filing of an amicus brief in support of four local businesses involved in the case of 807 Manchester, LLC, et al. vs. City of Brentwood, Missouri. The case centers on the City of Brentwood's effort to designate the properties as "blighted," a determination that opens the door for the use of eminent domain to take the property from the current business owners and transfer the land to a proposed $436 million commercial redevelopment project. Missouri Farm Bureau partnered with Missouri Cattlemen's Association and the Law Firm of Haden & Colbert on the amicus brief.

"Missouri Farm Bureau has filed an amicus brief to defend all private property owners, whether they live in a big city or rural area. Eminent domain was never intended for government to take private property and hand it over to another private entity in the name of economic development. When business owners invest their time, resources, and livelihoods into their property, they deserve certainty those rights will be protected.

"The situation in Brentwood is a troubling example of how eminent domain can be stretched beyond its intended purpose. Missouri law is clear: eminent domain should be reserved for legitimate public use, not private redevelopment projects. Missouri Farm Bureau will continue to stand with landowners and fight against efforts that erode private property rights. If government can take property from one private owner simply to give it to another, every Missourian should be concerned."