Show-Me State Times

The Housing, Urban Development, and Zoning Committee of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen has moved forward with legislation that could channel funds from the Rams settlement into underfunded areas of North and Southeast St. Louis, Downtown, water infrastructure, among other priorities. This development involves advancing Board Bill 131/153, known as The TRANSFORM STL Act.

Dustin Allison, Interim CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc., commented on the decision: "Job one is to get St. Louis growing again, and we will not grow if we don’t address depopulation in North St. Louis and economic stagnation Downtown." He emphasized that the Rams funds offer a unique opportunity for substantial investment in neglected neighborhoods in both North and Southeast St. Louis as well as Downtown.

Allison expressed gratitude towards Alderwomen Pam Boyd and Alisha Sonnier for their role in negotiating the bill: "We want to thank Alderwomen Boyd and Sonnier for their tireless work and collaboration in negotiating legislation that would make historic investments that will help drive growth in every neighborhood in the City." Additionally, he acknowledged Mayor Jones's administration and Comptroller Darlene Green for their support.

However, concerns were raised about some amendments made by the HUDZ Committee which reduced funding for Downtown: "Some of the amendments adopted today in the HUDZ Committee cut vital funds from Downtown, the economic engine of the City," said Allison. He warned that failing to allocate adequate Rams funds to Downtown could hinder essential growth and development.

The importance of Downtown was highlighted by several alderpeople including Boyd, Sonnier, Browning who noted its significant contribution to city revenue despite receiving less than 5% of expenditures: "Despite receiving less than 5% of its expenditures, Downtown St. Louis provides nearly 20% of the revenue to the City’s general fund that pays for all the services the City provides."

For further information or inquiries regarding this development, media contact Tony Wyche can be reached at 314-398-9991 or via email at Tony@GreaterSTLInc.com.