The Classified Municipal Employees Association was first organized in 1929 when Elmer F. Bernhardt and Catherine H. Elliott petitioned Mayor William F. Broening for an employees organization. Subsequently, the petition was signed by employees of each department, submitted to the mayor and approved. Thereupon, a meeting was called of all members interested for the purpose of preparing the plans for an organization.

The organization committee drafted a constitution and by-laws and offered to every classified municipal employee an opportunity to establish an association for the purpose "to promote the welfare and interest of its members in the matter of social, educational, and other activities." The association was then established, officers elected, constitution adopted, and plans formulated to accomplish its various purposes as intended. In 1989, the Classified Municipal Employees Association disbanded as a representative body for municipal employees.