Des Peres, MO was incorporated as a village in 1934, however by 1953, Des Peres' population had outgrown its status as a village and residents approved a change in status to a Fourth-class city to provide broader taxing authority to support the demand for city services. While its population has grown to allow a further change in status under state law, Des Peres has retained its Fourth-class status and has not pursued options to seek a change to third class or charter status. In 1973, Des Peres adopted the City Administrator form of government providing for employment of a full-time professional to assist the mayor and Board of Aldermen in the day to day management of City affairs.