Filing Period: Opens: 8:00 AM, Tuesday, July 7, 2026; Closes: 5:00 PM, Tuesday,
July 28, 2026
 

November, 2026 School Board Filing Press Release

July 4 has previously presented issues with juveniles coming downtown late at night and causing unsafe conditions for themselves and others, sometimes extending through the summer.

The Mayor's Office has worked closely with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, downtown representatives of the Board of Aldermen, Celebrate St. Louis, and other stakeholders to determine a reasonable and enforceable juvenile curfew that enables young St. Louisans to enjoy our city during summer while limiting repeats of previous years' unsafe gatherings after dark.

The nightly curfew, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., will begin on the evening of July 3 and end in the morning on Sept. 8. It applies to individuals aged 17 and under and covers the Downtown and Downtown West neighborhoods.

"We look forward to celebrating our nation's independence this weekend and welcome families to what will certainly be spectacular celebrations downtown," said Mayor Spencer. "This curfew will make sure that teens taking part in the celebrations stay with trusted adults, and that we have another tool to keep both juveniles and our community safe, both this holiday weekend and the rest of the summer."

Exceptions to the curfew include being accompanied by an adult having the care and custody of the juvenile, being outside your home, or attending or traveling to or from a school or City-sponsored activity or an activity of a religious, civic, or other association, or a place of employment.

"As we move through a busy summer season filled with events and activities, our priority is maintaining a safe environment for residents, visitors, and families," said St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert J. Tracy. "This curfew provides another tool to help prevent unsafe situations, encourage parental involvement, and support a coordinated approach to public safety in Downtown and Downtown West."

This curfew is modeled after similar youth curfews in cities including Kansas City, Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

The Department of Public Safety, with support from the SLMPD and the Office of Violence Prevention, will establish a reunification center where parents or guardians must pick up juveniles who have violated the curfew on July 3 and 4. Multiple non-profit organizations working with youths will be at the center to connect juveniles with positive resources.

The Office of Violence Prevention is partnering with the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club to host Fourth of July celebrations for St. Louis city youth. The club will be open Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, from 6 to 10 p.m., providing a fun and safe environment for youths aged 12 to 17. Events will vary between the two nights but include fun activities like the Mobile Y Gaming Truck, art lessons by St. Louis Artworks, music, basketball, badminton and board games. Chess teachers will also be available to teach the game to potential future members of the World Chess Hall of Fame! 

In an effort to continue providing fun and safe activities for youths, the Office of Violence Prevention is in the process of establishing evening programming for youths for the remaining summer weekends. More information on this will be forthcoming. This is in addition to existing daytime summer youth programming through OVP, the Recreation Division and SLATE. 

Hayes brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in workforce development, economic development, government, and nonprofit management. Currently serving as a Business Development Specialist with the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), he has held numerous executive leadership roles throughout his career, including Director of the St. Louis County Department of Human Services and Executive Director of SLATE.

"I am truly humbled by this appointment to the St. Louis Workforce Development Board and consider it an amazing opportunity to serve our city," Hayes said. "Employment is vital to moving our city and its neighborhoods forward, and I am committed to supporting this critical work with great enthusiasm."

SLATE welcomes Hayes' continued leadership and looks forward to the expertise and perspective he brings to advancing workforce development opportunities for the residents and employers of the City of St. Louis.

About SLATE Missouri Job Center
SLATE is the City of St. Louis government agency providing no-cost services to job seekers and businesses, including employment assistance, job training, and career advancement opportunities. Since 1975, SLATE has remained committed to developing a strong, inclusive workforce that supports economic growth throughout the city. For more information, visit www.stlworks.com or call (314) 589-8000.

The City added the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services and the Towing Division to the list of nine departments and divisions already included in the CityStat initiative that Mayor Spencer publicly launched on March 31. The latest version of CityStat now also includes entirely new datasets for the Citizens' Service Bureau and the Forestry Division.

As promised at the launch, the City's quarterly update of all CityStat datapoints is now available, showing progress in key areas and enabling both the City and the public to easily understand where improvement is needed.

"By making more and more performance data on city services available to the public and our departments, we are setting ourselves up for better accountability and better results," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "This is about transparency, accountability and improving the city services that St. Louisans rely on."

Areas showing improvement in this past quarter include, but are not limited to:

• The Traffic & Lighting Division exceeded its goal of closing more than 80 percent of requests for lights going out on an entire block within 24 hours. This is the first time the division has exceeded that goal.
• The Street Division's repair times for potholes in alleys and residential streets both exceeded the goal of 80% of requests completed on time, with 98% of alley potholes completed on time and 91% of residential street potholes completed on time. Repairs times for potholes in major streets continue to fall short of the 80% goal, but are moving in the right direction. Additional focus will be placed on major street potholes in the coming months.
• The Parks Division is showing rapid improvement following years of being far behind its goal of meeting 80% of requests on time. In 2024 and 2025, the Division met less than 30% of requests on time, but the division showed improvement every quarter of 2025. In the quarter that just ended, the Parks Division reached an all-time high of 67.5%, nearing its goal.

CityStat also shows other areas where the City aims to do better, including:

• The Building Division has continued to see lagging performance in timely building permit issuance following the launch of the online permit application system in February. This may be due to the learning curve, the increased application volume since the portal launch, and several highly complex applications. We will continue exploring ways to improve the speed in this area before the next CityStat update.
• The Water Division continues to fall short of its goal of repairing 80% of water main breaks within 8 hours, reaching 64.2% in this past quarter. This is slightly up from the first quarter of the year, when 61% of water main breaks were repaired within 8 hours, but that improvement is likely attributable to more cooperative weather conditions. The Spencer administration and the Board of Aldermen are serious about addressing this issue by investing in our aging water infrastructure through allocating significant ARPA and Rams dollars and securing sustainable long-term funding through the recently signed water rate increase bill.

To view all available CityStat data, visit www.stlouis-mo.gov/citystat/. 

To ensure every young person receives a safe and meaningful work experience, prospective worksites must complete an interest form, sign a worksite agreement, and successfully complete SLATE's approval process before youth can be placed. Organizations can begin by completing the interest form on the SLATE Employer Services webpage.

Worksite approval is based on an organization's ability to:

• Operate as a legitimate business, nonprofit, or public agency in good standing with the required business documentation, including a valid FEIN.
• Provide a safe, brick-and-mortar worksite with meaningful learning opportunities and qualified supervision, with no more than five youth assigned to each mentor.
• Meet all applicable local, state, federal, and program requirements.

SLATE is currently accepting worksite applications for youth ages 17-24. While funding is not available at this time for participants under age 17, organizations are encouraged to complete the application process now so they are ready if additional funding becomes available.

We also welcome organizations interested in creating or participating in apprenticeship programs. An apprenticeship interest form is available on the SLATE Employer Services webpage.

We welcome organizations that share our commitment to preparing young people for successful careers and are willing to partner with SLATE through this process. Together, we can create meaningful opportunities that strengthen our youth, workforce, and community.

Sincerely,
Connie Johnson
Executive Director, SLATE Missouri Job Center

Update: The Precautionary Boil Water Advisory that was issued by the City of St. Louis Water Division on 06/30/26 for portions of North and South city has been lifted as of 10:32 AM 07/01/26.

The Water Division conducted several tests on water samples collected in the affected areas and has verified the water is not contaminated and is safe to consume.

Previous News Article as of 10:00am June 30, 2026

The City Water Division has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for portions of its service area due to low water pressure caused by a loss of pressure due to a pump unexpectedly tripping offline at the Chain of Rocks Water Treatment Plant.

There are two affected areas (one in North city and one in South city) under the precautionary boil water advisory. The neighborhoods are as follows:

Area 1

• Hamilton Heights
• Kingsway West
• Wells-Goodfellow

Area 2

• Hi-Pointe, Clayton-Tamm, Cheltenham and Kings Oak
• Franz Park, The Hill and Southwest Garden
• Ellendale, Clifton Heights and North Hampton
• Tower Grove South, South Grand and Gravois Park
• Tower Grove East, Compton Heights, Shaw, Benton Park West

See Map for more specific details of the affected area.

The Water Division has not detected any contamination to the water supply and has issued the boil water advisory out of an abundance of caution. The boil water advisory is in effect until further notice. The Water Division will analyze water samples before determining when to lift the boil water advisory. Test results will be in 24 hours. Details can be found at https://www.stlwater.com.

In a study from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires, 849 vehicle fires, 27,252 outside fires, and 441 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated 15 civilian deaths, 58 civilian injuries and $142 million in direct property damage.

"There just isn't a safe way to discharge consumer fireworks."
—Fire chief Dennis M. Jenkerson

In addition to the potential for injuries, fires, and property damage associated with discharging consumer fireworks, it is also unlawful in the City of St. Louis.

"It's evident that commercial grade fireworks are being sold and distributed in our community, which is illegal," Police Commissioner Robert Tracy said. "Celebratory gunfire is also illegal and poses a danger to everyone. What goes up, must come down."

The workshops will take place on:

• Tuesday, July 14, at My 180 Youth Program, Inc. (1428 Warren Street, St. Louis, MO 63106)
• Thursday, July 16, at Il Monastero (3050 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103)

Doors will open at 5:15 p.m., with programming from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at both locations. Registration, which is encouraged but not required, is at www.zoup-stl.com/get-involved.

Each workshop will begin with a presentation providing an overview of the project's progress, including key themes and feedback received, and a preview of the draft development standards. The project team will also share updates on how community feedback is informing revisions to the draft map and outline next steps in the Zoning Upgrade process. Following the presentation, participants will engage in facilitated small-group discussions focused on the draft development standards, such as lighting, signs and landscaping, and how they may shape future development throughout the city.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn how the draft zoning map is evolving, explore the proposed development standards and provide feedback on the regulations that will help shape the form, character and quality of future development in St. Louis neighborhoods.

Additionally, a virtual "Code Connect" meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 22, from 6 to 7 p.m. for those unable to attend the events in person. Join the discussion via Zoom by registering.

"Our zoning code sets the rules for how and where we build, but it was last overhauled in the 1950s, and it shows in how difficult it is to build housing and retail in St. Louis today," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "To turn around seven decades of population decline, we need a modern zoning code, and I'm so grateful to all the community members who are contributing to making this a code that works for St. Louis."

The workshops will focus on development standards that influence the physical form and character of development, including landscaping, signs and lighting, transitions between districts, screening, parking and other regulations that help shape how new development fits within existing communities.

"We are now moving from broad questions about where growth should occur to more detailed conversations about how development should look and function," said Zoning Administrator Mary Hart Burton. "These discussions will help ensure that the new zoning code is clear, predictable and aligned with community priorities."

The Zoning Upgrade project will continue through 2026, with targeted adoption in 2027, and will offer additional opportunities for residents to review and comment on draft code language, zoning districts, development standards and the zoning map. Public feedback gathered during these workshops will help refine the draft code before future releases.

Residents are encouraged to attend the workshop location most convenient to them. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information about ZOUP: the Zoning Upgrade project, upcoming engagement opportunities or project materials, visit www.zoup-stl.com or contact info@zoup-stl.com or 314-717-1434.

Residents who normally have their roll carts collected on Mondays (solid waste) and Thursdays (recycling) will receive trash collection on Monday, June 29, 2026 and recyclables collected on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Residents who normally have their roll carts collected on Tuesdays (solid waste) and Fridays (recycling) will receive trash collection on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 and recyclables collected on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

The yard waste collection will resume on Wednesday, July 08, 2026.

For convenient reference see the Refuse Division website where residents can also find answers to questions about Remodeling and Renovation, Illegal Dumping, Bulky and B.O.A.T. Items (Batteries, Oil, Appliances, Tires), Yard Waste and Christmas Trees, and Recycling.  Also for hazardous waste, please check out our program.

The committee will guide Mayor Cara Spencer in the selection of a new leader to drive the airport's strategic growth, infrastructure modernization and economic impact.

The newly appointed search committee comprises six distinguished leaders, bringing together deep expertise in aviation, governance and corporate leadership:

• Kim Becker: Recently retired CEO of San Diego International Airport, contributing direct experience in large-scale airport management, infrastructure development and aviation operations.
• June Fowler: Retired vice president of corporate and public communications at BJC HealthCare, adding deep expertise in regional public relations, community engagement and healthcare administration.
• Kathy Mazzarella: Chairman, president and CEO of Graybar, providing top-tier corporate governance, supply chain management and major regional business leadership.
• Casey Millburg: Chief of staff for the St. Louis Mayor's Office, ensuring direct alignment with city governance, regional public policy and civic priorities.
• Robert (Bob) Montgomery: Former airport affairs executive at Southwest Airlines and now independent consultant, offering decades of strategic commercial aviation leadership and deep airport industry knowledge.
• Ambassador Kevin F. O'Malley: Former U.S. ambassador to Ireland, bringing extensive experience in international diplomacy, legal affairs and federal regulatory frameworks.

The committee will also be supported by Jeff Mazur, partner at Greater St. Louis, Inc., and Jason Van Eaton of Soaring Hawk Consulting, former executive vice president, regulatory and corporate affairs, Southwest Airlines.

The City, with the support of Greater St. Louis Inc., has retained Korn Ferry (Michael Bell, Johnny Schumacher), a preeminent global executive search firm with deep expertise in the global airport industry, to support the recruitment. Individuals wishing to express interest in the role or to share their views on the position should contact Michael Bell at michael.bell@kornferry.com.

Having secured input from various stakeholder groups, the search committee and Korn Ferry are now actively engaging in candidate development in the marketplace with the goal of making a recommendation to the mayor within a few months.