St. Louis Government News | STL Homelife

City of St. Louis Reaches ARPA Performance Deadline and Moves Into Processing Final Invoices

Lou — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:01:00 +0000

September 30, 2026, marked the City of St. Louis’ deadline for contractors, subrecipients and grantees to complete work and incur costs under their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contracts and awards. The milestone closes the delivery phase of the City’s $498,076,054 allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). It opens a final, three-month closeout period before the federal expenditure deadline of December 31, 2026.Under ARPA, the City received one of the largest per-resident ARPA allocations of any major U.S. city: $498 million. A resident Stimulus Advisory Board, a revived Citizen Advisory Committee and a seven-language survey answered by more than 5,000 residents shaped how the money was split.Over five years, the City appropriated its full allocation through 17 ordinances. While many cities placed their ARPA funds in a few large buckets; St. Louis spread its allocation across 416 distinct projects, and executed more than 868 contracts approved by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment.”When I took office, 55% of the ARPA funds were not spent and we had 18 months left to spend those funds, or face returning them to the federal government,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “Our administration took this mandate seriously, starting weekly tracking meetings, and consistent reporting. This year alone we paved 34 miles of road, replaced 5,300 feet of water pipe, and updated more than 70 hydrants.”The vast number of projects and contracts was a new challenge for the City. More than a dozen City departments and agencies managed them including the ARPA Compliance Team, the City Counselor’s Office, the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, the Board of Aldermen, the Comptroller’s Office, the Budget Division, and the Treasurer’s Office.”Behind each of these 416 projects is a City employee who wrote a scope, reviewed an invoice, checked a payroll or walked a job site,” Mayor Spencer said. “They took on federal compliance requirements they had never seen, on top of their regular jobs. St. Louis owes them real thanks.”Many programs were delivered by community organizations, public agencies or contracted private firms. No ARPA program was run by City employees alone. Departments built a network of more than 50 nonprofits, public agencies and private firms to deliver vaccines, food, housing, legal help, behavioral health care, youth jobs, small business grants and construction. Through those partnerships, the City put the dollars to work in extraordinary ways. While a more comprehensive report is forthcoming, here are a few highlights:Improved more than 30 miles of main roadways, including Kingshighway, Grand Ave., Jefferson Ave., Goodfellow, Union, and Broadway, and overhauled the city’s 10 most dangerous intersectionsSupported tornado recovery with home weatherization, home repairs, home inspections, asbestos surveys, title searches, and program and case managementInstalled free public Wi-Fi across downtown streets, city parks, and com

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Be Well Cafe & Market to Celebrate Ribbon Cutting of New Be Well Pavilion in Hyde Park

Lou — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:01:09 +0000

Be Well Cafe & Market will celebrate a ribbon-cutting for the Be Well Pavilion ceremony on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 in the Hyde Park neighborhood of North St. Louis. The community is invited to join Be Well, neighborhood residents, community partners, supporters, and local leaders in celebrating this important investment in the neighborhood.The Be Well Pavilion is part of a larger project that includes a community garden and rainscape, transforming the 2030 Salisbury Street vacant property into a community space. The project was made possible in part through a $217,000 Neighborhood Transformation Grant from the Community Development Administration (CDA), funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).”We are excited to see this vision come to life in Hyde Park,” said Fatimah Muhammad, Executive Director of Be Well Cafe & Market. “The Be Well Pavilion is a highly visible investment in this neighborhood and in the people who live here. It is a place to gather, enjoy the outdoors, participate in wellness and outdoor markets, gardening activities, and build connections. Its completion is a special moment for Be Well and for Hyde Park.” “The Be Well Pavilion is an investment that Hyde Park residents can see and feel. We’re taking a vacant property, and we’re turning it around to align with the future of this neighborhood,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “I’m thrilled to see this market and pavilion open and be assets to the community.”The Pavilion builds on Be Well’s ongoing work to increase access to fresh wholesome produce as well as support local farmers, entrepreneurs, and economic development. The Be Well Pavilion, along with the community garden and rainscape, creates an opportunity for residents and visitors to connect food, wellness, environmental stewardship, education, and community engagement.The October 14 ribbon cutting marks an important milestone, but also the beginning of the Pavilion’s next chapter — putting the space to work for the Hyde Park community and North St. Louis.BE WELL PAVILION RIBBON CUTTINGWednesday, October 14, 2026, 3:30-4:30 p.m.2030 Salisbury Street St. Louis, MO 63107 About the Community Development Administration (CDA):Established in 1974, CDA invests approximately $25 million each year in affordable housing, community development, and public services across St. Louis. As the City’s housing and community development agency, CDA works in partnership with HUD, the Planning and Urban Design Agency and the St. Louis Development Corporation to ensure that funding priorities are transparent, competitive, and community-driven.

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Notice of Electioneering Policy

Lou — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:57:16 +0000

Pursuant to § 115.637(18), RSMo, the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners gives notice that, with respect to any candidate or question to be voted on at the November 3, 2026, General Election, on election day or during the absentee voting period, the following activities may not take place inside the building in which a polling place is located, or within fifty feet of the building’s outer door closest to the polling place: ● Exit polling ● Surveying ● Sampling ● Electioneering ● Distributing election literature ● Petitioning ● Placing vehicles bearing signs Note that, while the above activities are strictly prohibited within the full fifty-foot zone, an exception applies from twenty-five feet out to fifty feet from the building’s outer door closest to the polling place whereby a candidate who is not seeking to vote at that polling place may be present within this zone and may distribute election literature, and campaign signs may be placed within this zone.

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Mayor Cara Spencer Announces Kia Murray as New Press Secretary

Lou — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:55:39 +0000

Kia Murray is joining Mayor Spencer’s communications team bringing eight years of broadcast, digital, and crisis communication experience to City Hall. As press secretary, Murray will serve as a liaison between the Mayor’s Office and members of the media to ensure St. Louisans receive timely, accurate information. “The press secretary position is a critical one, and I am thrilled to have Kia joining our team,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “Her background in media and politics makes her a valuable asset to the City and the right person for the job.”Murray joins the Mayor’s Office after serving in multiple roles in television news, including news anchor and reporter in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Charlotte, North Carolina. As a self-proclaimed lover of data, Kia has demonstrated experience in reporting on government transparency and communicating complex information to the public. She has worked with elected officials and subject-matter experts to ensure public spending and policies are accountable to residents, and worked on an original series tracing present-day disparities in education, food access, and economic opportunity back to 1930s redlining maps. She also secured exclusive interviews with a sitting U.S. president and national government leaders, and used public records requests to correct misinformation about a widely assumed COVID-crime correlation. “I am incredibly honored and excited to join Mayor Cara Spencer’s team,” said Murray. “I look forward to serving the City of St. Louis and working closely with our residents to communicate both the administration’s vision, and its progress.” Murray has completed a B.S. in Communication Studies and a B.A. in Political Science. She is known among colleagues for a straightforward, fact-first approach to public communication.Murray’s first day in City Hall is today, October 5, 2026. Holly Roberts, Communications Director, will continue to operate as the main point of contact for media inquiries until Monday, October 19, 2026.

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Vacant Building Initiative Fund

Lou — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 01:51:41 +0000

The City of St. Louis Community Development Administration (CDA) is seeking proposals from nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, and community development corporations (CDCs) for innovative programs and strategies to reduce and prevent vacant and blighted property across St. Louis.Up to $300,000 is available through the competitive Vacant Building Initiative Fund NOFA. CDA anticipates making a small number of large awards that can be leveraged with additional public and private resources to create meaningful neighborhood impact. The funding opportunity follows the passage of Proposition V by St. Louis voters in November 2024 and subsequent City legislation strengthening enforcement of vacant and deteriorated properties. Proposition V removed the City Charter’s longstanding cap on fines for vacant and deteriorated properties, allowing the City to increase penalties for property owners who fail to maintain their properties.Under Ordinance 71990, revenue collected from certain increased vacant-property fines is deposited into the City’s new Vacant Building Initiative Fund. Half of the funding supports increased vacant-property code enforcement, while the other half is distributed to CDA to provide grants that reduce and prevent vacant and blighted property.CDA is intentionally seeking a broad range of approaches. Organizations may propose programs and strategies that address existing vacancy or help prevent properties from becoming vacant and blighted. Proposals could include advocacy, neighborhood-based efforts on vacant and problem properties, as well as new strategies. Funding may not be used for housing development or rehabilitation or for street-related improvements.The funding opportunity builds on the CDA-funded Vacancy Strategy Initiative, a two-year effort led by the STL Vacancy Collaborative that brought together data analysis, working groups, and community partners to better understand the causes, costs and impacts of vacancy in St. Louis.The findings informed “From Policy to Progress: A Ten-Year Strategy to Reduce Vacancy in the City of St. Louis,” released by the STL Vacancy Collaborative and CDA in 2025. Through the Vacant Building Initiative Fund NOFA, eligible organizations can seek funding to carry out practices and recommendations identified in the report, expand existing efforts, or pursue new approaches to reduce and prevent vacancy.The Vacancy Strategy Initiative found more than 24,000 vacant parcels citywide and documented the significant financial impact of vacancy, including an estimated $310 million in lost property value and unrealized family wealth, $25 million in lost potential annual real estate tax revenue, and approximately $20 million each year in City services associated with maintaining vacant property.Excerpt from “From Policy to Progress: A Ten-Year Strategy to Reduce Vacancy in the City of St. Louis.”Of the nearly 9,000 vacant buildings identified in St. Louis, about 1,000 are owned by the Land R

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City of St. Louis Makes Major Improvements to Tuskegee Airmen Field in Tandy Park

Lou — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 01:51:34 +0000

The City of St. Louis has completed $2.4 million of improvements to Tuskegee Airmen Field in Tandy Park and held a re-dedication of the field today. The field has newly-installed artificial turf – the only field of its kind in the city. Additional improvements to the field, next to Sumner High School, include a new track, bleachers, scoreboard, fencing, and an updated public address system.”The City of St. Louis, along with our Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department, is proud to make this investment in the Tuskegee Airmen Field and in the lives of all the young people who will come here to play,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “We know this field will be home to many competitive sports events, but it will also be a place where community is built, where wonderful memories are made, where teamwork is celebrated, and where young people have the opportunity to gain the skills and confidence they need as they grow.”Funded by the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department, the project is bringing new life to a field that was once home to the Sumner High School football team, but needed improvements that have now been made.”Our department chose to invest available funding into Tuskegee Airmen Field and our Recreation Division’s sports programming,” said Greg Hayes, Director, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry. “The result is a state-of-the-art field and amenities that our City’s youth truly deserve.”Tuskegee Airmen Field was first developed by the late Alderman Sam Moore and was named in honor of the first Black aviators and ground crews who served with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.The newly renovated field includes a midfield logo with the Tuskegee Airmen emblem. Permission for this logo was granted by the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. National Office.

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Sustainable Neighborhood Toolkit, V2.0

Lou — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:49:14 +0000

The Office of Sustainability has released the 2026 Sustainable Neighborhood Toolkit, Version 2.0 (the Toolkit). Designed to complement the City’s 2025 Sustainability and Climate Plan (SCP), the Toolkit provides practical, community-driven strategies to help residents advance sustainability in their neighborhoods. What’s Included in the ToolkitThe Toolkit features 16 actionable community tools aligned with the three overarching pillars of the SCP:Promote a Safe, Healthy, and Climate-Resilient City: Guidance on planting trees, establishing community gardens, creating healthy corner stores, installing rain gardens or bioswales, and using rain barrels.Expand City and Community Capacity for Climate Resilience: Steps to build recycling outreach programs, support community tool libraries, create bike hubs, organize walking school buses, host fitness groups and clean-up events, repurpose vacant lots, and start neighborhood safety initiatives.Advance Energy Efficiency While Reducing Energy Burden: Instructions for adopting cool roofs, improving home energy efficiency, and preparing for extreme weather with neighborhood contact lists.Each section explains how the proposed initiative can benefit the community, its associated time and financial costs, alignment with the SCP, planning and maintenance tips, resources for getting started, and local St. Louis examples. Behind the ProjectThe updated toolkit fulfills Priority Action F.2 of the SCP. Version 2.0 is a complete redesign of the original Toolkit and builds upon the goals and strategies outlined in the City’s 2025 Sustainability and Climate Plan.The Toolkit was researched, written, and designed by undergraduate Impact Intern Sophie Beltran of Washington University in St. Louis, in collaboration with Sustainability Director Elysia Russell and Sustainability Manager Shawn Finnegan.

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City of St. Louis Announces Sarah Mangapora as the Next Building Commissioner

Lou — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:48:53 +0000

The City of St. Louis Department of Public Safety announced the appointment of Sarah Mangapora as the next Commissioner of the Building Division, bringing experience in architecture and construction management to the role. “Sarah’s appointment is a huge win for the City,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “Her strong vision for streamlining and modernizing operations is backed up by experience implementing complex strategic initiatives and managing large teams. She brings both private sector experience and a deep commitment to public service and I am thrilled she has stepped up to lead the department at this pivotal time.” Mangapora is a registered architect with the State of Missouri and currently serves as Organizational Development Manager at Tarlton Corporation, where she leads strategic process improvement, technology implementation, workforce development, and organizational initiatives across the company. Prior to that role, Mangapora spent a decade as a project manager at Tarlton, delivering healthcare and historic renovation construction projects throughout the St. Louis region. “Sarah brings the combination of technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to St. Louis that we need to lead the Building Division into its next chapter,” said Director of Public Safety Shawn Dace. “The work of the Building Division touches neighborhoods and residents across our city every day. Her experience navigating complex construction projects, working across organizations, and solving problems will be an asset as we continue working to make City government more responsive and effective for St. Louis.” Throughout her career, Mangapora has worked closely with architects, engineers, contractors, property owners, code officials, and building inspectors. Taking a collaborative team-based approach, she aligns diverse stakeholders on a shared vision for each project, from early planning through final inspection. “Preserving St. Louis’s architectural heritage and welcoming new development are both essential to the city’s future,” said Mangapora. “I’m honored to lead the Building Division at this critical moment. Behind every permit is a story: a business investing, a family growing, a neighborhood rebuilding. My goal is a Division that is easy for everyone to navigate, from application to final inspection.” Mangapora will assume the role of Building Commissioner on October 19, 2026.

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New Commissioner of Towing

Lou — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:36:15 +0000

Street Department Director, James Jackson, MPA, PWE, has named Dale Lee asCommissioner of Towing. A veteran of the United States Army, Dale brings to the roleexperience in leading high impact field operations teams, managing resource allocation andaccountability, and coordinating public safety and community stabilization measures.”After an extensive search, our team chose a candidate who will bring the necessary disciplineand rigor to towing operations,” said James Jackson. “These services of removing vehicles thatpose a public nuisance from City streets, alleys, and properties are critical to the quality of life in our community. Dale has the qualifications needed for this leadership role, with a combination of operations and logistics management skills and a high commitment to public service.”Most recently, Dale served as an Emergency Management Specialist-Logistics with the City ofSt. Louis Emergency Management Agency. Prior to that, he held a variety of leadership roleswith Boeing and the Department of Defense. His experience is anchored by 26 years ofdistinguished military service, culminating in his retirement from the U.S. Army as a FirstSergeant and senior organizational leader responsible for operations, workforce development,resource management, and community and stakeholder engagement.”Our Towing Division is responsible for providing services 365 days a year, 24/7, and we needthose services to be as efficient as possible for the safety and quality of life of our residents,”said Mayor Cara Spencer. “With his experience in managing large teams and high impactoperations, I trust that Dale can take the division to the level of services our City deserves.”Approximately 25 vehicles are brought to the Tow lot each day, and the division is responsiblefor the secure storage, inventory, and release of thousands of vehicles each year.”Keeping the needs of the community front and center has been a driving force for methroughout my career,” said Dale. “I look forward to bringing my skills and my experience intranslating service concerns into coordinated action for the betterment of the City of St. Louis.Edwin Young, Operations Manager, has led the Towing Division in an interim capacity sinceDecember 2026, and will continue in his role.”I am extremely grateful to Ed for his dedicated leadership of the Towing Division for these many months as we searched for a new permanent Commissioner,” said James Jackson. “Ed has shown tremendous commitment to our operations and led the team to improve services. The Towing Division is in a stronger place thanks to his commitment.

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Street Department Names Dale Lee as New Towing Commissioner

Lou — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:36:08 +0000

Street Department Director, James Jackson, MPA, PWE, has named Dale Lee as Commissioner of Towing. A veteran of the United States Army, Dale brings to the role experience in leading high impact field operations teams, managing resource allocation and accountability, and coordinating public safety and community stabilization measures.”After an extensive search, our team chose a candidate who will bring the necessary discipline and rigor to towing operations,” said James Jackson. “These services of removing vehicles that pose a public nuisance from City streets, alleys, and properties are critical to the quality of life in our community. Dale has the qualifications needed for this leadership role, with a combination of operations and logistics management skills and a high commitment to public service.”Most recently, Dale served as an Emergency Management Specialist-Logistics with the City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency. Prior to that, he held a variety of leadership roles with Boeing and the Department of Defense. His experience is anchored by 26 years of distinguished military service, culminating in his retirement from the U.S. Army as a First Sergeant and senior organizational leader responsible for operations, workforce development, resource management, and community and stakeholder engagement.”Our Towing Division is responsible for providing services 365 days a year, 24/7, and we need those services to be as efficient as possible for the safety and quality of life of our residents,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “With his experience in managing large teams and high impact operations, I trust that Dale can take the division to the level of services our City deserves.”Approximately 25 vehicles are brought to the Tow Lot each day, and the division is responsible for the secure storage, inventory, and release of thousands of vehicles each year.”Keeping the needs of the community front and center has been a driving force for me throughout my career,” said Dale. “I look forward to bringing my skills and my experience in translating service concerns into coordinated action for the betterment of the City of St. Louis.Edwin Young, Operations Manager, has led the Towing Division in an interim capacity since December 2026, and will continue in his role.”I am extremely grateful to Ed for his dedicated leadership of the Towing Division for these many months as we searched for a new permanent Commissioner,” said James Jackson. “Ed has shown tremendous commitment to our operations and led the team to improve services. The Towing Division is in a stronger place thanks to his commitment.

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