During the 2024 Mayor's Celebration of Businesses Luncheon, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones announced a goal for the City of St. Louis to develop 5,000 affordable housing units by 2030. She highlighted the importance of housing for raising families, creating memories, and building wealth. According to the City of St. Louis, she stated that "The ability to acquire and hold affordable housing is crucial to economic justice," linking the shortage of affordable housing to the city's ongoing issues.
St. Louis City, supported by ARPA funds, has seen the completion of about 3,000 affordable housing units, with an additional 572 currently undergoing repairs, according to the city's announcement. These numbers reflect the progress made by Mayor Jones's administration in addressing the housing crisis. However, the luncheon also served as a call to action, encouraging private investors, philanthropic organizations, and community members to participate in a collaborative effort to pursue economic justice through housing.
The HomeSTL program, which provides significant home buying assistance, along with the Community Development Administration's (CDA) announcement of over $17 million in Neighborhood Transformation Grant awards.
Mayor Jones urges stakeholders to invest through various channels, viewing innovation and grassroots efforts as significant components of this initiative aimed at providing residents with opportunities.
