St. Louis Government News | STL Homelife

CDA Opens 2026 HOME-ARP Supportive Services NOFA

Lou — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:32:36 +0000

The City of St. Louis – Community Development Administration (CDA) released today its 2026 HOME-ARP Supportive Services Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), making up to $1.5 million available to support nonprofit organizations serving HOME-ARP qualified populations within the City of St. Louis. The funding will help expand supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or trafficking, veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet one of the preceding criteria, and other populations those who require services to prevent homelessness or at a great risk of housing instability) under the federal HOME-American Rescue Plan program. Applications are due June 5, 2026, and eligible applicants must be nonprofit supportive service providers with the staff and financial capacity to carry out the proposed program. CDA will host a virtual informational workshop on May 1, 2026, at 9 – 11 a.m. to provide general guidance on the application process. Applications must be submitted through Salesforce at CDAgrants.stlouis-mo.gov.Eligible uses of HOME-ARP funds include a wide range of supportive services and housing-related assistance, such as case management, child care, food, legal services, mental health services, transportation, housing counseling, rental assistance, security and utility deposits, and moving costs. The NOFA also includes bonus points for programs serving people affected by the May 16, 2025, tornado who are homeless or at risk of homelessness as a result of the storm.”CDA is committed to using federal resources in ways that help St. Louis residents find stability and move forward,” said Matt Moak, Executive Director of CDA. “This funding opportunity will support trusted nonprofit partners providing critical services to people facing housing instability, while also helping the city respond to ongoing needs connected to the May 16 tornado.”All applicants must be registered with SAM.gov and meet CDA eligibility requirements, including City of St. Louis tax and business license compliance.CDA will announce award selections after applications are reviewed and evaluated through a competitive process. Legal agreements must be executed by September 30, 2026, and all funds must be fully expended by September 30, 2030.For more information, all application materials, and updates, visit the 2026 HOME-ARP NOFA document webpage.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.

The post CDA Opens 2026 HOME-ARP Supportive Services NOFA first appeared on STL Homelife.

City of St. Louis Approves Permit for Data Center Project, Announces Significant Conditions and Community Benefit Framework

Lou — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:01:23 +0000

Today, the City of St. Louis Board of Public Service unanimously approved a conditional use permit for the construction of a data center at the old Famous-Barr warehouse property.This approval comes with a significant number of required conditions to address concerns raised by the community, including noise, walkability, sustainability and the use of power and water. The City has also negotiated robust terms for a community benefits agreement to ensure the St. Louis community comes out ahead.”While St. Louis is already home to 12 data centers, which we know are important to the modern economy and local industries like geospatial, finance and healthcare, we as a City are committed to a simple principle,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “We want St. Louis to be open for business, but business on our terms; that means we’re only going to allow the development of data centers if the community benefits.”At Mayor Spencer’s direction, over the last month, the City has significantly strengthened the required conditions and their enforceability, and established a foundation for ongoing monitoring. These conditions are designed to mitigate potential environmental and economic impacts to the community. The entire list of conditions has been made publicly available with this press release, but includes these highlighted items requiring that the developer: Use a closed-loop system and air-cooled chillers to minimize water consumption. Pay any new large load or data center-specific water rates determined by a cost-of-service study, as well as fund a hydraulic model study and rectify any detrimental impact the development may cause on existing customers. Prior to the study completion, an agreement may establish a short-term rate for this use. Recycle all electronic waste with the highest environmental certification (R2), which requires independent, third-party audits of facility operations, worker safety and downstream vendor tracking. Achieve and maintain compliance with all wastewater discharge standards set by the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, once the facility is operating. Ensure that at least 50% of the data center’s energy load comes from renewable sources within five years of commencing operations. Additional target may be set in a community benefits agreement. Maintain a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.25 or better, or 1.35 or better if more than 50% of the existing building on the parcel is repurposed. Annually report waste heat rejected to the outdoor environment, the quantity of waste heat recovered or reused, and the peak heat rejection rate during summer design conditions or the hottest observed days. Never use on-site generators as a general operating power source. Place noise-emitting equipment, including backup generators, away from primary frontages and enclosed within acoustically treated structures. Only test backup generators between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and never test on

The post City of St. Louis Approves Permit for Data Center Project, Announces Significant Conditions and Community Benefit Framework first appeared on STL Homelife.

Disaster Recovery Jobs Program Recruiting

Lou — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:01:16 +0000

ST. LOUIS, MO — The SLATE Missouri Job Center is continuing to recruit participants for its Disaster Recovery Jobs Program, an initiative designed to connect St. Louis residents to paid employment opportunities while supporting ongoing tornado recovery efforts across the city.This initiative was made possible through a $1.5 million award from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) to support residents impacted by the devastating tornado that struck the St. Louis region on May 16, 2025. The funding is part of a larger $4 million Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant awarded to MDHEWD by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide temporary employment and workforce training to individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or have been impacted by recent economic disruptions.Participants in the program may earn up to $25 per hour while contributing to critical recovery projects, including debris removal, site cleanup, and rehabilitation efforts at impacted properties and community spaces. Current worksites include AmeriCorps St. Louis, Alpha & Omega Demolition, the Land Reutilization Authority (LRA), Golden Heights LLC, MKL Construction, NJW Construction Corp., Latter Glory Manor Apartments, Kossuth Church, and Veterans Elite Development and Construction, with additional worksites actively being identified.”Through the Disaster Recovery Jobs Program, we are not only helping residents return to work, but also empowering them to play an active role in rebuilding their communities,” said Connie L. Johnson, Executive Director of SLATE. “This initiative reflects SLATE’s commitment to connecting people to meaningful employment while addressing urgent needs across the City of St. Louis.”Eligible individuals include dislocated workers, unemployed or underemployed residents, and those seeking to re-enter the workforce. The program is not limited to individuals directly impacted by the tornado.In addition to paid work experience, participants receive a range of supportive services to ensure success, including job readiness training, career coaching, and assistance with employment-related requirements such as physicals, OSHA-10 certification, and necessary screenings.While the program’s scheduled information sessions will conclude next week, SLATE will continue enrolling participants on a rolling basis. Interested individuals are encouraged to connect with the SLATE Missouri Job Center to learn more and begin the enrollment process.For more information about the Disaster Recovery Jobs Program or to express interest, individuals are encouraged to complete the interest form at https://tinyurl.com/TornadoJobs. SLATE is also inviting local businesses, contractors, and organizations engaged in tornado cleanup and recovery efforts to partner as worksites for the program. Through this partnership, employers can access a motivated workforce while contributing to the city’s recovery.Employers interested in part

The post Disaster Recovery Jobs Program Recruiting first appeared on STL Homelife.

Proposed Compensation Ordinances for Fiscal Year 2027

Lou — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:23:13 +0000

The Department of Personnel will this week submit proposed new compensation ordinances for review to the Civil Service Commission, which is designed to regulate the working relationships, benefits, and salary structures for the Classified Service of the City of St. Louis.The compensation ordinances are informed by the results of the Citywide Compensation and Classification Study published by the Department of Personnel in 2025.Pending consideration and approval by the Civil Service Commission, the proposed ordinances will then be considered by the Board of Aldermen, and finally, by the Mayor for approval.These ordinances represent a comprehensive update to our existing pay structures (repealing Ordinance 71963) to ensure the City remains competitive in attracting and retaining a high-quality workforce. The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure fair and equitable rates of pay while observing the principle of “like pay for like work”. The ordinances balance the needs of our dedicated civil servants with our responsibility to the taxpayers of St. Louis. Notable Changes and Provisions Updated Pay Schedules: The ordinances establish new bi-weekly pay ranges for General, Management, Trades, and the St. Louis Fire Department. Lump Sum and Conversion Increases: Full-time employees on the General, Management, or Trades schedules as of May 31, 2026, will receive a one-time $1,000 lump sum payment in June. Furthermore, these employees will see a 3% bi-weekly rate increase for Fiscal Year 2027. Public Safety Adjustments: The lowest graded employees in the Fire Schedule (suffix F) will receive a 7% increase to their bi-weekly rates in order to match the parity that SLMPD gave to the Police Officer classification. All other employees in the “F” schedule will receive increases as recommended by the consultants, with the new fiscal year. Updated Pay Ranges: We are updating our pay structure to move from a 30-step pay matrix to an open-range plan. This will ensure our rates remain competitive with the modern job market.Effective:The provisions of these ordinances will become effective after consideration and approval by the Civil Service Commission, Board of Aldermen, and the Mayor.

The post Proposed Compensation Ordinances for Fiscal Year 2027 first appeared on STL Homelife.

Mayor Spencer’s 2026 State of the City Address

Lou — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:01:14 +0000

Good evening, St. Louis! Neighbors, city workers, community partners, members of the Board of Aldermen, friends, distinguished guests, and those who are watching from home.It is an honor—and truly, a privilege I do not take lightly—to stand here tonight for my first State of the City address.To everyone this evening, I want to tell you that the State of Our City is promising.Despite some big challenges, there has been so much good and quite a bit of fun this first year. The SLU Billikens made it to March Madness, we hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship and the 2026 Olympic Figure Skating events – gave Alyssa Liu her iconic hairstyle, and announced that we will host the LA28 Olympic Soccer games.We also secured a direct flight to London, and celebrated both Powell Symphony Hall’s official reopening after their beautiful renovation, and our beloved Gateway Arch’s 60th anniversary. Our zoo welcomed five cheetah cubs and two critically endangered leopard cubs. We still haven’t found the four monkeys and the goat- but we are still looking!Our City workers also continue to win, with the Forestry Division and Board of Public Service winning multiple national awards. And just this week, it was announced by USA Today that Forest Park was named the best park in the nation.Those are a few of the new and exciting things, but as you know, when I took the oath of office a year ago, I promised a government focused on the basics: core services, public safety, and growth. I promised that we would start proving, pothole by pothole, brick by brick, that this city government can set standards and meet them.The change has started. Our city is on the path to a turnaround, and we are not nearly as far away as some people think.I want to begin with a sincere thank you. To the workers in our City departments who have been doing more with less for far too long—thank you for your dedication. To our community partners—thank you for reminding us what it means to truly be with the City. The state of our city is a direct reflection of the work you all do every single day.I also want to thank our Board of Aldermen for representing their constituents with passion and purpose. Alderwoman Clark Hubbard passed several tornado relief funding bills. Alderwoman Sonnier led discussions on Code Blue and other efforts to support our City’s unhoused. Alderman Narayan has continued to champion Short-Term Rental regulations, and Alderman Aldridge passed a bill allocating an additional $1 million for displaced tenants.Alderman Devoti passed legislation to modernize our City’s Charter, and Alderwoman Velazquez has long been a strong champion of charter modernization, especially in collaborating on Personnel reform. Alderwoman Cox Antwi deserves recognition for getting the Earnings Tax renewal on the ballot. Can we all take a moment to celebrate that this critical funding for city services passed with a massive 85% support? It’s the largest marg

The post Mayor Spencer’s 2026 State of the City Address first appeared on STL Homelife.

Community Invited to Baden and North Pointe Neighborhood Plan Open House and Public Hearing

Lou — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:02:20 +0000

St. Louis community members are invited to attend the final open house for the Baden and North Pointe neighborhood plan on Tuesday, April 21, and the Planning Commission public hearing on May 13.The open house on April 21 will take place at the Walnut Park Library, 5760 W. Florissant Ave., from 4 to 7 p.m. Community members are welcome to attend at any point during the event.The Baden and North Pointe open house will feature interactive stations where attendees can review and provide feedback on the draft neighborhood plan. Plan topics include: Housing & Vacancy Economic Development Arts, Culture & Community Sustainability & Resilience Public Space, Architecture & Design Transportation & Mobility The draft recommendations for Baden and North Pointe (PlanSTL Plan Area 3) have been shaped by extensive community engagement and outreach conducted over the past year.”This neighborhood plan reflects the strength and commitment of Baden and North Pointe, where wonderful residents and neighbors, mission-driven community partners and dedicated City staff have come together to shape a shared vision for the future. Together, we are unlocking the untapped opportunities at the northern entrance to our great city and setting a clear, community-led path forward for investment, growth, and long-term success,” said City Planning Executive Jonathan Roper.The Baden and North Pointe draft neighborhood plan is available online, and a physical copy can be read at the Baden and Walnut Park libraries.Public comments are being collected through an online survey, available here:The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. at North Park United Methodist Church, 1525 Orchid Ave. to consider adopting the plan. Residents are encouraged to join and share their thoughts about the plan during the public hearing.

The post Community Invited to Baden and North Pointe Neighborhood Plan Open House and Public Hearing first appeared on STL Homelife.

Youth Empowerment Program Launch

Lou — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:01:15 +0000

ST. LOUIS, MO — SLATE Missouri Job Center is now enrolling participants in its Youth Empowerment Program, designed to help young adults build skills, gain work experience, and take the next step toward long-term employment. The program is funded by the City of St. Louis Department of Human Services.”I’m thrilled to partner with the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment on this project,” said Dr. Adam Pearson, Director of the Department of Human Services. For decades, SLATE has been driving workforce development in the city, and what better time to invest in this development than now. Empowering young workers is critical as we continue to move forward as a community, and we advise everyone to spread the word about this program if they know of any young adults who might benefit from these resources.”The Youth Empowerment Program provides paid job readiness training, hands-on work experience, and personalized career support for eligible participants. Participants will earn $20 per hour and may work up to 40 hours per week for up to 10 weeks. The initiative connects young adults to meaningful employment opportunities while offering wraparound services to support their success. Participants will be placed at work sites aligned with their career interests, including municipal departments within the City of St. Louis – such as Parks, Recreation and Forestry and Register’s Office – as well as multiple YMCA facilities and other community-based organizations. Program Eligibility:Participants must: Be between the ages of 19-24 Reside in the City of St. Louis Be ready to work and committed to building skills for employmentPriority will be given to youth from communities impacted by the May 16, 2025 tornado.Program Benefits:Participants in the program will receive: Paid participation Real-world work experience Job readiness and life skills training Career coaching and mentorship Supportive services such as transportation and childcare assistance”This program is about creating real pathways to career opportunities,” said Connie Johnson, Executive Director of SLATE Missouri Job Center. “We are investing in young adults by giving them the tools, experience, and support they need to enter the workforce with confidence and build sustainable careers.”Young adults interested in participating can learn more and apply online: Program webpage: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/slate/slate-mo-career-center/youth-empowerment-program.cfm Interest form: https://tinyurl.com/YouthEmpowerSTLCall for Employer Partners:SLATE is also inviting local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to partner as work sites for the summer. Employers have the opportunity to host program participants, support workforce development efforts, and help shape the next generation of talent in St. Louis.Partner organizations will gain access to motivated young workers while contributing to a stronger, more inclusive workforce. Businesses interested in becoming

The post Youth Empowerment Program Launch first appeared on STL Homelife.

2026 Summer Camp Registration Opens

Lou — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:01:16 +0000

2026 summer camps for City residents ages 5-13 opens April 13.

The post 2026 Summer Camp Registration Opens first appeared on STL Homelife.

Community Invited to Help Reforest O’Fallon Park After Devastating Tornado

Lou — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:01:31 +0000

The City of St. Louis Forestry Division and Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, in partnership with the O’Fallon Community Development Organization, Great Rivers Greenway, and Black Healers Collective, are calling on the community to come together for a large-scalevolunteer tree planting event at O’Fallon Park on Saturday, April 11, 2026, rain or shine.Following the May 16, 2025 tornado that destroyed more than 5,000 trees across St. Louis, including 350 in O’Fallon Park, this event represents a major step in the city’s long-term recovery and reforestation efforts.”We plan to replant in every tornado-damaged park and invest in partnerships that help those trees thrive,” said St. Louis Forestry Commissioner Alan Jankowski.Over 100 of the expected 250 volunteers have already signed up to plant the 350 new trees, helping rebuild canopy, restore beauty, and support long-term environmental health insurrounding neighborhoods.”This is about more than planting trees,” said Meridith Perkins, Executive Director of Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. “It’s about collectively investing in a space that belongs to the communityand building a future that is cooler, healthier, and welcoming for generations to come.”The event will begin with a grounding ceremony led by Black Healers Collective, honoring the community’s resilience and setting intention for renewal and growth.Event Details:Location: O’Fallon Park Boathouse, 2001 E Harris Ave, St. Louis, MO 63107Date: Saturday, April 11, 202612:30 PM: Volunteer check-in12:50 PM: Welcome and grounding ceremonyActivities: Tree planting and mulchingWho Can Participate: Individuals, families, and groups of all agesVolunteers are encouraged to register in advance at www.moreleaf.org/events.Urban tree canopy plays a critical role in improving public health, reducing urban heat, managing stormwater, and enhancing neighborhood livability. Replanting efforts like this are especially important in historically under-canopied communities, where tree loss is felt most acutely.This planting is part of Forest ReLeaf’s broader commitment to disaster recovery and equitable canopy restoration through programs like ReLeaf St. Louis and Priority ReLeaf.Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmental leader, Wangari Maathai, teaches that “when we plant trees, we plant seeds of peace and seeds of hope.” This event is an opportunity for St.Louis residents to do exactly that; and do it together.About Forest ReLeaf of MissouriThrough the power of people and partnerships, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri is building a resilient tree canopy across the state by growing and planting trees that support healthy people, healthy habitats, and a healthy planet. Since 1993, the organization has supported the planting of more than 270,000 trees.Learn more at www.moreleaf.org.

The post Community Invited to Help Reforest O’Fallon Park After Devastating Tornado first appeared on STL Homelife.

Mayor Spencer Seeks Legal Action on State Control to Protect City Employees and Services

Lou — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:01:22 +0000

Mayor Cara Spencer announced today that the City of St. Louis, alongside taxpayer and Budget Director Paul Payne, has filed a lawsuit challenging the State Takeover Law (HB 495) as unconstitutional.The mayor expressed disappointment that legal action is now required, but also acknowledged this was a necessary step as the City and the Board of Police Commissioners have been unable to reach an agreement over the budget for the Police Department, which affects the budget of every other City department.”This is a measure we do not take lightly. Regrettably, we are at an impasse in terms of what the law requires the City to provide, so we must ask the courts to intervene and provide that necessary clarity,” said Mayor Spencer. “While difficult, this is an essential step to prevent a financial crisis and bring legal certainty back to our City’s governance.”The lawsuit seeks to overturn the law entirely and stop significant unfunded mandates from being forced on St. Louis taxpayers. It is filed to advocate for the City’s financial stability and the constitutional rights of city officials and residents.”My commitment to the officers who put on the uniform every day and do dangerous work remains non-negotiable. My disagreement is with the Police Board’s approach and the harm that would cause to all City services and residents,” said Mayor Spencer. “This lawsuit seeks clarity and to protect all those who work for our City, and our right to provide a safe, clean and healthy place to live for all St. Louisans.”The decision to file a lawsuit was made following a challenging budget season with the Board of Police Commissioners. The Police Board certified a budget of $250 million on Feb. 25, excluding costs that would raise the actual expense to the City to $274 million. That is a cost that the City cannot cover without resorting to layoffs and severe cuts to essential services, including refuse, street repair and water service.Yesterday, the City’s budget director recommended a fiscal year 2027 budget for the SLMPD that includes the 7% pay increase approved by the Police Board in January. It represents a 4.3% increase over the fiscal year 2026 budget, reflects $7.5 million more in General Fund dollars above fiscal year 2026, and is an estimated 25.4% of City general revenue.The budget certified by the Police Board of $250 million did not include line items for retirement or Park Rangers, and excluded City Marshals costs. These required costs would mandate the City expend $274 million. The BoPC has also failed to provide allocation figures for contract funds, grants and asset forfeiture revenues.What is even more concerning is the Police Board’s printed assertion that, under their calculations, the city could be on the hook for as much as $333 million. They also continue to assert that their position is that the Rams settlement funds and the City’s reserves should also be considered general revenue. The City simply sees no argument for that, and has repe

The post Mayor Spencer Seeks Legal Action on State Control to Protect City Employees and Services first appeared on STL Homelife.