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Published on January 15, 2025
St. Louis Aldermen Advance TRANSFORM STL Act for Urban Revitalization Aiming to Enhance Downtown and Surrounding NeighborhoodsSource: Wikipedia/Benn257, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen's TRANSFORM STL Act has made significant progress with the Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee's unanimous approval of a key amendment. This amendment directs resources from the Citywide Infrastructure Fund and Citywide Housing Fund to support key neighborhoods such as Downtown, North City, and Southeast City.

According to the City of St. Louis Government release, Alderman Aldridge, Alderwoman Sonnier, and Aldermanic President Megan E. Green have been instrumental in advancing the framework for urban renewal. President Green highlighted the collaboration with GSL representatives and Alderwoman Boyd, noting the shared goal of investing in the city's communities. "After meeting with and listening to GSL representatives and Alderwoman Boyd last week, we believe this amendment offers a way to prioritize Downtown, North City and Southeast City neighborhoods while honoring our commitment to investing in the people who live and work in our city," Green said.

The bill also includes key provisions, such as the exclusion of unlicensed childcare providers from the Children and Families Endowment Fund and the eligibility of city workers for childcare subsidies during the pilot program. These amendments are intended to ensure the appropriate use of resources.

City departments involved in the programs have shown strong support. Community Development Administration Executive Director Nahuel Fefer stated in the same release, "...we see how we can leverage this $70 million in funding for the Housing Development Fund into more than $405 million in development." This sentiment is shared by the St. Louis Housing Authority, which supports the approach outlined in Board Bill 153 to address housing affordability and workforce development challenges.

Alderwoman Green expressed optimism that such initiatives would continue to align with proposals that support children, families, and city workers. The TRANSFORM STL Act aims to revitalize areas that have faced long-term disinvestment. As President Green pointed out, the effort reflects the priorities of over 16,000 residents who participated in a yearlong engagement process focused on infrastructure, neighborhood development, and community welfare. The HUDZ Committee plans to reconvene today to continue gathering input from the public.