said Fefer
Community Development Week Returns to St. Louis After Five-Year Hiatus
After a five-year break, the City of St. Louis is once again hosting its highly anticipated Community Development Week. The Community Development Administration (CDA) is thrilled to bring back this award-winning event that celebrates neighborhood revitalization and public service. From April 21 to April 25, 2025, CDA and its partners will be hosting a variety of events, including walking tours, networking opportunities, workshops, and more, to showcase the individuals and programs that are transforming St. Louis.
CDA Executive Director Nahuel Fefer: “We’re Excited to Bring Back Community Development Week”
“We’re so excited to bring back Community Development Week for the first time since 2018,” said Nahuel Fefer, Executive Director of CDA. “Our team has grown significantly in recent years to administer COVID relief funds, and we have more than doubled our disbursement of federal funds and tripled the City’s affordable housing production pipeline. After everything our city has been through during COVID, it means so much to celebrate progress together again.”
CDA: A Three-Time Recipient of the John A. Sasso Award
CDA has been recognized for its outstanding work during Community Development Week, receiving the John A. Sasso Award from the National Community Development Association in 2016, 2017, and 2018. This prestigious honor is only given to fifteen cities nationwide that demonstrate innovation, partnerships, and impact during the week. CDA’s return to this tradition builds on its legacy of excellence.
Join in on the Exciting Events Planned for Community Development Week
This year’s Community Development Week will feature a variety of public events, including:
Choice Neighborhoods Walking Tour
On Monday, April 21, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, join the walking tour starting at Loretta Hall Park to explore the improvements made possible through the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, including housing, public art, and park enhancements.
Community Development Speed Networking
Connect with leaders in affordable housing, economic development, and neighborhood planning at the Community Development Speed Networking event on Monday, April 21, at 4:00 PM at UMSL at Grand Center. This is a great opportunity for one-on-one mentoring conversations.
CDA Open House
On Tuesday, April 22, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, visit the CDA Open House at 1520 Market Street, 2nd Floor, to meet CDA staff and learn about how federal funds are used to improve St. Louis City neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Transformation Grants + Housing Production NOFA Workshop
Attend the hands-on training for affordable housing applicants on Thursday, April 24, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 1520 Market Street and via Zoom. This workshop is mandatory for first-time applicants.
Partners in Progress: An Appreciation Event
Join in on the closing event of Community Development Week on Friday, April 25, at 5:00 PM at Intertwine Wine Bar, 4710 Virginia Ave. Enjoy light refreshments, a cash bar, and special acknowledgments to community partners.
Other Activities and Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to the public events, CDA will also be hosting stakeholder engagement sessions and a bus tour for media and CDA stakeholders. To request a seat on the bus tour or inquire about other events, contact Tom Nagel at nagelt@stlouis-mo.gov. CDA staff will also be participating in a day of service on Wednesday, April 23, by volunteering at a local child care center, food pantry, and clothing closet to support partner organizations they fund throughout the year.
Reflect, Reconnect, and Recommit to Community Development
Fefer states, “Community Development Week gives us a chance to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the work ahead.” Don’t miss out on this exciting week of events and opportunities to celebrate the progress and impact of community development in St. Louis.
