St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and the Community Development Administration (CDA) have launched a new digital tool—a Neighborhood Transformation Investment Map—aiming to promote transparency and show how over $250 million of Economic Justice Action Plan (EJAP) funds have been invested across the city over a four-year span, as reported by the City of St. Louis. Developed to track progress in areas such as housing, business development, and transportation, Jones stated, "This map makes every project, every allocation, and every impact accessible," explicitly inviting residents to witness how their tax dollars are utilized to forge a more equitable urban landscape.
It's a notable stride for development, the interactive map singles out the fusion of over $1 billion in private development funds, which, when twinned with the $300 million allocated for transportation infrastructure improvements between 2024 and 2027, sets the groundwork for the city's long-term strategic revitalization; this plan addresses a historical decline in population and focuses on fostering a regenerative ecosystem. Nahuel Fefer, Executive Director of CDA, commented, "though necessarily incomplete, this map embodies our commitment to transparency," as he underscored the benefits of federal-local partnerships while encouraging community participation in the journey toward economic justice and urban sustainability, detailed by the City of St. Louis.
On the digital platform, users can view a diverse array of projects encompassing everything from housing and vacancy issues to community development and childcare, along with transportation initiatives. While not exhaustive of every single fiscal commitment, the array of investments depicted is comprehensive; the CDA has confirmed its scope and utility for those keen to understand where and how funds are channeled into the city's revivification.
To engage with the Neighborhood Transformation Investment Map, residents of St. Louis merely need to visit the City of St. Louis' official website and employ the map's interactive capabilities which include panning, zooming, a variety of filters to sift through data by wards, neighborhoods, organizations or specific types of projects—it offers a legend as well to clarify different data presented on the map, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones asserts this technological asset exemplifies the city's commitment to making sure every constituent sees value returned on their local tax contributions.
