Show-Me State Times

STL Vacancy Collaborative and the City of St. Louis' Community Development Administration (CDA) have announced the Vacancy Strategy Initiative (VSI) Community Convening on August 15, marking one year of progress in their two-year partnership. This initiative aims to develop best practices and policies for revitalizing vacant properties and strengthening neighborhood communities. The event will be held on Thursday, August 15, from 5-7 p.m. at the Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis, MO.

The convening will feature a roundtable discussion focused on improving code enforcement efficiency, effectiveness, and equity in St. Louis City through strategic cross-sector partnerships. The panel will include:

- Myia Wood - Attorney Manager, City of St. Louis Counselor's Office - Problem Properties Unit

- Sunni Hutton - Founder and Fund Development Manager, Tenants Transforming Greater St. Louis

- Henry Brown - Prop NS Program Specialist, St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) and Co-Chair of the STL Vacancy Collaborative Code Enforcement and Property Improvements Project Group

The public and media are invited to attend the VSI Community Convening to discuss the successes and challenges faced during the first year of VSI. Attendees will gain insights into tools and resources available for empowering residents and enhancing neighborhood revitalization efforts. Panelists and VSI partners will be available for questions from the media.

Established in 2023, VSI addresses the issue of vacant and abandoned properties in St. Louis by formalizing a partnership with city departments and agencies. The initiative focuses on preventing vacancy, maintaining properties, stabilizing neighborhoods, beautification efforts, and reusing vacant spaces effectively.

The www.STLvacancy.com website offers resources for individuals, neighborhood groups, and organizations concerned about vacancy issues including a Vacancy Explorer map that empowers users to take action within their communities.

St. Louis faces significant challenges with over 24,000 vacant properties including approximately 9,000 buildings and more than 15,000 lots posing threats to public health and safety while draining city resources for maintenance.