Show-Me State Times

The amendments discussed during today's meeting were informed by a year-long public process conducted by the nine-member Charter Commission. The commission was formed in 2023 after 60% of voters approved a measure to create a decennial review of the Charter. Originally intended to place proposals directly on the ballot, the process was adjusted to include the city's legislative process to ensure compliance with state law under advisement from the City Counselor's Office.

"The original intention was to enable the Commission to present its proposals directly to city voters. We understand the rationale behind bringing the process to the Board of Aldermen and we're using this opportunity to ensure each proposal is vetted from an implementation standpoint before putting them on the ballot," said President Megan E. Green. "Moreover, the Board intends to form a Special Committee on St. Louis Charter Revisions to guarantee the Commission's remaining recommendations are considered for inclusion on a future ballot."

Voters will have the final say on whether to approve the following proposals:

Board Bill 30FS would expand the Board of Aldermen's budget authority to align with standard checks and balances practices used in other municipal, state, and federal legislatures. Currently, the Board only has the authority to remove items from the budget. Giving the Board authority to add items—so long as a balanced budget is maintained—gives residents a stronger voice in how city resources are allocated.

Board Bill 61AA proposes consolidating city departments to create a unified Department of Transportation. This newly created department would coordinate and oversee street design, maintenance, public safety measures, and other transportation projects; currently those responsibilities are managed by separate departments. If approved by voters, these changes would go into effect in 2029.

Board Bill 72CS would remove the $500 cap on municipal ordinance violations for holding owners of vacant and distressed properties accountable.

Board Bill 76FS would replace pronouns in the Charter with specific titles and rename the Board of Aldermen as City Council. Outdated job titles and departments would also be updated to reflect modern terminology. These changes acknowledge that positions within city government are held by women, men, and those who do not fit into that binary.

The Board of Aldermen will take a final vote on these proposals at its next meeting on Friday, August 16th. Proposals that receive final approval and the Mayor's signature will head to the Board of Election Commissioners for placement on the November 5th ballot. Adoption of any Charter amendments requires 60% approval from voters.