The City was notified of the security shortfall, due to ranger vacancies, days before the pool season was set to begin. Due to the lack of a constant security presence during pool hours by Park Rangers or an SLMPD-contracted alternative, the City's free pools risked not being able to open for the summer.

Fortunately, under the leadership of Sheriff John Hayden, the Sheriff's Office has offered to take on this additional duty until private security can be onboarded, allowing pools to open as planned this weekend. Constant security presence during pool hours is necessary to ensure the safety of everyone at the pools while allowing lifeguards to remain fully focused on those who are swimming. Park Rangers have historically provided this security, in line with their responsibilities of "maintaining order, and ensuring the safety of visitors at city parks, recreation centers, and forest facilities."

"The St. Louis summer is just around the corner, and our kids are going on summer break, with many looking to cool down and have a fun, safe time at our free outdoor pools," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "It's extremely disappointing that state control means that the Park Rangers, which City taxpayers pay for, won't be providing this basic security service at some of our key Parks Department facilities this summer. I am very grateful to the Sheriff's Office for stepping up to make sure our kids can take advantage of our outdoor pools while we find a long-term solution."

While the Sheriff's Office is able to cover these Park Rangers duties in the short term, it cannot - and is not meant to - provide these services the entire summer. The City is therefore pursuing contracted security services, which should be paid for out of the Park Rangers budget using excess salary dollars from current vacancies.

Accordingly, the mayor urges the Board of Police Commissioners to amend its Resolution No. 2026-19, which requested the transfer of $250,000 out of the Park Rangers salary account to fund police vehicles, and instead transfer those excess salary funds to contracted security services to fulfill the mission of the Park Rangers. It is standard procedure for City departments to cover the cost of contracted services to fill service gaps when needed. Park Ranger security responsibilities are no different and should be covered by SLMPD.

FEMA-eligible demolitions are being conducted by state-contracted firms under the oversight of SEMA, in close coordination with the City of St. Louis Recovery Office, Building Division and Department of Health. Both City and State demolition programs are now fully active, with combined funding to support more than 470 demolitions in the tornado zone, over 70% of which were vacant or condemned pre-tornado.

"For the families on these blocks, every damaged structure is a daily reminder of what they lost. Demolishing the buildings that can't be salvaged doesn't make the community whole, but it does mean we're seeing long-awaited progress and clearing a path for rebuilding," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "I'm grateful for the efforts of our Recovery Office and Building Division to get these properties ready for demolition, and to FEMA and the State of Missouri for their partnership with the City."

FEMA PPDR Program at a Glance

• Properties cleared for demolition in this phase: 19 permits issued, with up to 65 identified in the pipeline
• Neighborhoods: Greater Ville, Kingsway East, Academy/Sherman Park, Fountain Park, Lewis Place, The Ville, Vandeventer, O'Fallon, Penrose
• Start date: Thursday, May 14
• Resident hotline: STLRecovers at 833-925-0977

How the Program Works

Properties included in this phase have been identified through owner requests for demolition, verified with structural assessments by the City's Building Division and approved by the State and FEMA based on criteria for federally reimbursable demolition. Demolitions in this program proceed only after the property owner has signed a right-of-entry (ROE) agreement authorizing the State and its contractors to perform the work at no cost to the owner.

Property owners who have not yet signed a right-of-entry agreement and believe their property may qualify can contact the Recovery Office at 833-925-0977. ROE applications closed on February 28, but late applications will be considered if the property is likely eligible under the FEMA program.

For non-FEMA eligible tornado-damaged properties, $10 million in state funding from Senate Bill 1 was allocated to the City for a pilot project to cover demolition costs for 120 properties along major street corridors.

"Debris removal is underway, and we recognize the multiple barriers and obstacles that our team has overcome in this process. In an area where many families did not have insurance and many properties did not qualify for federal assistance, it was critical for us to find a path forward to rebuild and make progress," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "On behalf of my office and our state agencies, I want to thank Mayor Spencer and city partners, as well as Missouri's federal delegation and FEMA, for their continued efforts to make St. Louis whole again, and even better than before."

Safety and Neighborhood Protections

Safety precautions and neighborhood notification are built into every demolition. Crews distribute door hangers to surrounding residents at least 48 hours before work begins, pre-wet structures the night before and apply continuous water suppression throughout the demolition to control dust. All asbestos and lead-containing materials are handled and disposed of in accordance with state and federal requirements, and the Recovery Office is actively developing partnerships to provide continuous air monitoring at active sites.

"This is what coordinated recovery looks like. For this FEMA-funded program, the City has been the front door for residents, the State is running the demolition operation, and FEMA is funding the lion's share," said Julian Nicks, chief recovery officer for the City of St. Louis.

Federal Disaster Assistance

This phase of demolitions is funded through FEMA disaster assistance authorized under the federal disaster declaration for the May 2025 storms (DR-4877-MO). The federal funding covers 75% of eligible costs, with the remaining costs covered by the State of Missouri under Senate Bill 1.

For Residents

Residents with health concerns or requests can contact the City of St. Louis Citizen Service Bureau at 311 or visit https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/csb/.

In 2025, SLDC launched Learn2Tech as part of the ConnectSTL initiative to help residents build real-world digital skills for work, school, and everyday life. For additional information about other programs, please visit the ConnectSTL portal (https://connect-stl.org/).  

The free, 4-week trainings have been held across the city in locations such as the Northside Economic Empowerment Center, Marquette Recreational Center, and Tandy Community Center, and now the classes will also be offered at SLATE's computer lab. 

The classes at SLATE will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 2 to 4 p.m. The SLATE's computer lab is located on the third floor of the SLATE Missouri Job Center at 1520 Market Street.

The program will introduce participants to essential computer skills, digital tools, and emerging technologies that are increasingly shaping today's workplaces. As artificial intelligence and digital platforms continue to transform industries, digital literacy and computer confidence are becoming important pathways to future career success and economic opportunity. 

"Technology skills are becoming essential in nearly every career field, and programs like Learn2Tech help ensure St. Louis residents are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow," said Connie Johnson, Executive Director of SLATE. "SLATE is proud and excited to open our office to this advanced computer training opportunity and to partner in creating greater access to digital skills, career readiness, and long-term success for our community." 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must live and reside in a qualified census tract
• Eligibility is verified prior to device and internet distribution
• Devices and internet access are awarded after successful program completion

The first cohort of students at SLATE starts on June 1, 2026. The second cohort begins July 6, 2026. Participants can sign up through this link.

About St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) 

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is the independent economic development agency serving the City of St. Louis, Missouri. It is an action-oriented organization that exists to empower, develop and transform St. Louis through a vibrant, just and growing economy where all people can thrive. Learn more at developstlouis.org/homestl.

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.

This bill is the result of many weeks of collaborative efforts between the Mayor's Office, Office of the President of the Board of Aldermen, the Comptroller's Office, the Board of Aldermen and a long list of community stakeholders, and is sponsored by President Green.

"The ways we invest these one-time funds must be ambitious, realizable and catalytic, creating a positive cycle of growth that lifts up every St. Louisan and, especially, St. Louisans living in tornado-impacted and generationally disinvested neighborhoods," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "We must also be clear that the Rams funds by themselves are not enough to fully address any of these issues. We have to use each dollar in ways that leverage additional investment from the business and philanthropic communities, as well as state and federal governments. This plan sets out to do exactly that."

The bill will be introduced by President Green on Friday, May 15.

"I see this bill as an opportunity to bridge long-standing divides in our city through targeted investments, and I want residents to know that we don't see this as a first or last step—it's just one of many next steps we need to take to rebuild our city," said President Green.

The total appropriation is divided into three key funds, each designed for high-impact, catalytic results.

1. Tornado Recovery & North St. Louis: $110 Million

This fund supports both recovery and revitalization, investing in housing and neighborhood stability for long-term community resilience.

• Tornado Housing and Neighborhood Stabilization ($70M): Dedicated to home repair, housing preservation and production with a focus on CDCs, emergency FEMA/State ineligible demolition, sidewalk repairs and tree removal.
• Tornado Resident Support & Rehousing ($5M): Provides critical rental and deposit assistance, non-profit case management and direct goods to aid residents' recovery.
• Program Delivery & Administration ($4M): Ensures proper fiscal compliance, systems and staffing to effectively manage the large-scale tornado recovery effort.
• North St. Louis Neighborhood Plan Implementation Fund ($31M): Funds the implementation of Neighborhood Plans adopted by the Planning Commission, including supporting housing accessibility, land assemblage, site preparation and small business funding.

Critically, this board bill represents the next phase of the City's recovery strategy, following the initial targeted appropriations. The $110 million for North St. Louis Rebuilding scales and creates the long-term strategy from the original $30 million for recovery efforts appropriated in BB31 (2025), the $3.4 million for winter shelter for unhoused and displaced residents in BB94 (2025) and the $1 million to provide rental relocation assistance through the Impacted Tenants Fund in BB93 (2025). The new appropriation transitions initial relief efforts into sustained, long-term renewal.

2. Citywide Infrastructure & Neighborhood Improvements: $65 Million

These funds address long-term infrastructure needs and prioritize projects based on data-driven planning and equitable distribution.

• Water Infrastructure ($30M): Supports long-term maintenance and improvements with dollars that can be leveraged to secure additional funds through loans, bonds and federal and state grants.
• Public Infrastructure ($30M): Investments in street paving, traffic calming, sidewalk repairs, hazardous tree/stump removal and recreation center redevelopment. Projects are prioritized using comprehensive plans, such as the High Injury Network and the City's ADA Transition Plan.
• Vacancy Reduction ($5M): Supports City functions essential for blight reduction, including expanding dedicated staff to enforce vacancy and nuisance laws against absentee property owners and collect related fines and a "Pre-Approved Plans Library" to streamline Building Division processes for development of property.

3. Downtown Revitalization: $55 Million

Investments to strengthen the central economic core to increase revenue for the entire city.

• Strategic Major Capital Projects ($15M): Dedicated to projects like the acquisition and site preparation of major vacant buildings (e.g., Railway Exchange).
• Riverfront Fund ($15M): Supports planning, design and infrastructure for the Riverfront from Chouteau to Biddle, including increasing commercial activity, pedestrian access, signage, wayfinding, beautification, accessibility, urban activation support infrastructure, incentivizing riverfront ground-level development and improving river-oriented attractions.
• Downtown Infrastructure ($15M): Focuses on creating safer, more walkable streetscapes, one-way to two-way conversions, spot sidewalk repair/ADA compliance and expanded street/walkway lighting.
• Downtown Retail & Corridors Program ($7.5M): Incentivizes strategic retail and restaurant activation through grants for tenant improvements and new business relocation.
• Event Attraction ($2.5M): Creates a public-private partnership fund to build upon the city's prior success hosting large sporting, entertainment and conventions (requires an at least two-to-one private match).

This preserves $25 million in Rams settlement funds for a safety net and long-term fiscal stability.

Residents who normally have their roll carts collected on Mondays (solid waste) and Thursdays (recycling) will have their trash collected on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 and recyclables collected on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Residents who normally have their roll carts collected on Tuesdays (solid waste) and Fridays (recycling) will receive trash collection on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 and recyclables collected on Friday, May 29, 2026.

The yard waste collection will resume on Wednesday, June 3, 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 SB1 demolition program allocates $10 million directly to the City of St. Louis to demolish tornado-damaged properties that are not eligible for federal private property debris removal assistance. The majority of properties in the pilot, 74%, were already vacant and condemned before the May 2025 tornado. The disaster made these properties acutely dangerous, but FEMA and standard insurance do not cover demolition for properties in this condition. SB1 is the funding mechanism that allows the City to address them. Approximately 50% of demolitions are involuntary condemnations, in which the property owner did not apply for or was deemed ineligible for the City's Private Property Assistance, and will ultimately be billed for demolition costs.

"Rebuilding the neighborhoods that were devastated by the tornado has to start with visible progress on removing dangerous properties like these that have no chance of getting repaired, while supporting residents repairing and moving back into their homes," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "I am grateful for our partnership with the State, helping us move forward on these demolitions of properties that are not FEMA eligible."

Where the work is happening

The more than 120 approved properties focus on major street corridors and span 12 North St. Louis neighborhoods, with the heaviest concentrations in Greater Ville, Fountain Park, and Academy. Significant additional work is underway in Penrose, O'Fallon, Lewis Place and Kingsway East. Together, the properties total approximately 362,000 square feet of structures to be cleared.

Why SB1 was needed

FEMA's Private Property Demolition Removal program does not cover demolition costs for properties that were vacant, condemned, commercial, or entity-owned, such as LLCs, prior to the disaster. For tornado-damaged properties in St. Louis that fall outside federal eligibility, the SB1 pilot is the funding pathway that allows the City to clear them. Without SB1, these properties would remain in their tornado-damaged state. The State of Missouri enacted Senate Bill 1 in late 2025 to create this pathway, allocating $10 million to St. Louis for the pilot. The City and State agreed on a direct reimbursement model with a 7% administrative fee paid by the State.

"This is the work of partnership between a city and a state. The properties we are clearing are properties no one else was going to address. SB1 makes this possible," said Chief Recovery Officer Julian Nicks.

This work will occur alongside more than 350 potential FEMA private property debris removal, city emergency, and LRA DED-funded demolitions. The City estimates that as many as 1,600 potential demolitions are required in the tornado zone, with over 80% of these properties vacant or condemned prior to the tornado.

Protecting public health during the demolition

Safety and neighborhood notification are built into every demolition. Crews distribute door hangers to surrounding residents at least 48 hours before work begins, pre-wet structures the night before, and apply continuous water suppression throughout the demolition to control dust. All asbestos-containing materials are handled and disposed of in accordance with state and federal requirements, and the Recovery Office is actively developing partnerships to provide air monitoring at active sites.

What comes next

Demolition will be executed on State-approved properties in the coming months. Additional submissions may be added or swapped out through the balance of the pilot. Active demolition sites will be marked with branded STLRecovers signage, and the Recovery Office maintains an online public tracker at app.stlrecovers.com so residents and stakeholders can see the work as it progresses.

Demolitions under the FEMA Private Property Debris Removal, led by the State, are expected to begin in May.

Recovery from the May 2025 tornado is not finished. Families are still rebuilding. Repair work continues alongside demolition, funded through primarily city pathways. The SB1 pilot is one piece of a longer recovery, addressed in partnership with the State because no other funding source could reach these properties. The Recovery Office continues to coordinate across federal, state, and city resources to support residents still navigating loss and displacement.

Examples of Approved Involuntary Demolition Properties

Below is a subset of 45 damaged properties that have been condemned and approved for involuntary demolition in the SB1 pipeline:

• 1112 N KINGSHIGHWAY BLVD
• 1245 WALTON AV
• 1246 AUBERT AV
• 1260 AUBERT AV
• 1326 WALTON AV
• 1333 WALTON AV
• 1533 MARCUS AV
• 1916 DICK GREGORY PL
• 3042 VINE GROVE AV
• 4159 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING DR
• 4239 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING DR
• 4241 W SACRAMENTO AV
• 4277 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING DR
• 4358 LABADIE AV
• 4400 SAN FRANCISCO AV
• 4401 COTTAGE AV
• 4403 COTTAGE AV
• 4412 KOSSUTH AV
• 4412 SAN FRANCISCO AV
• 4433 KOSSUTH AV
• 4439 SAN FRANCISCO AV
• 4443 LABADIE AV
• 4445 PAGE BLVD
• 4453 KOSSUTH AV
• 4457 LABADIE AV
• 4459 LABADIE AV
• 4482 SAN FRANCISCO AV
• 4561 COTE BRILLIANTE AV
• 4563 PAGE BLVD
• 4565 PAGE BLVD
• 4593 ALDINE AV
• 4617 NEWBERRY TER
• 4622 NEWBERRY TER
• 4706 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING DR
• 4800 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING DR
• 4830 ST LOUIS AV
• 4850 NATURAL BRIDGE AV
• 5026 MINERVA AV
• 5035 PAGE BLVD
• 5040 CATES AV
• 5050 CATES AV
• 5139 ENRIGHT AV
• 5172 KENSINGTON AV
• 5222 KENSINGTON AV
• 5226 ENRIGHT AV

In addition to these, the City has received approval for 76 owner-requested demolitions with rights-of-entry, and 19 are undergoing further review and discussions with owners.

"Summer break is one of the most fun times of the year, but it's also a stressful time for parents and a part of the year when it's extremely important that our kids have fun and safe activities to take part in," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "That's why I'm so proud of our City departments for continuing to offer free, high-quality programming for children and youths throughout the summer months."

In an effort to further expand the number of opportunities for young St. Louisans, the fiscal year 2027 budget that the Board of Estimate and Apportionment sent to the Board of Aldermen in April includes an additional $1 million for summer youth employment programming.

To make it easier for families to connect with summer camps, pools, sports, youth employment programs and more, information and registration links are available on the Summer Activities for Youth and Families web page.

Recreation Division Programs

Learn to swim, join one of the City's youth sports programs in basketball, baseball, soccer and more, sign up for a dance program or take up boxing. These are just a few of the programs the City of St. Louis Recreation Division is offering around the city this summer. Learn more and register here.

Summer Camp

The City of St. Louis is offering free full-day summer camps at several recreation centers between June 1 and August 7. Camps feature several fun activities in fields including the outdoors, STEM, golf and cinema production. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are served each day. Spots are filling up quickly, so learn more and sign up today.

City Swimming Pools

The 2026 Outdoor Pool Season begins on Saturday, May 23, and runs to Labor Day weekend. There is no entry fee or charge to swim.

A one-time registration is requested in advance of arriving at the pool using the City of St. Louis Recreation Programs site. After clicking the link, scroll to the pool you plan to visit to register.

Outdoor Pool Schedule

• Chambers Pool, 3115 Franklin Ave., at Compton Ave., 314-534-7953.
  Hours: 7 days a week, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed during shift change, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
• Fairground Park Pool, 4011 Natural Bridge Ave. @ Grand Blvd., 314-534-9219.
  Hours: 7 days a week, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed during shift change, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
• Marquette Park Pool, 4025 Minnesota Ave., 314-353-1250.
  Hours: Monday - Sunday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Marquette requires its own pre-registration for a pool pass for all individuals, including children. You may register for a pass at any time. Passes may be picked up at the Marquette Recreation Center Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.) and Saturdays (9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.).

An adult must accompany children 13 and under.

The City of St. Louis is hiring lifeguards ($17.00/hr). Applicants must be at least 15 years old. Learn more and apply here.

Indoor Pool Schedule

Due to staffing limitations, indoor pools at our Recreation Centers are reserved for summer camps, and only the following pools are open for lap swimming during the Outdoor pool season.

• 12th & Park Pool: Open for lap swim Mondays & Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Wohl Recreation Center Pool: Open for lap swim Tuesdays & Thursdays 12 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

Summer Youth Employment Program

The SLATE Summer Youth Employment Program is for youths ages 16 to 24 and aims to provide them with valuable work experience and prepare them for tomorrow's careers. Through paid on-the-job training, young adults develop soft skills and the work readiness skills necessary to build a career while building their resumes. Each youth is partnered with a job coach to assist them in exploring their career interests, creating a career plan and resume, gaining financial literacy skills, and helping them find employment beyond the program.

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the State of Missouri, and Local government, SYEP-STL City is more than just a job. It is a learning experience on topics like obtaining a job, keeping a job, and how to become a professional. The program aims to increase access to employment for hundreds of city youth and prepare young people for job opportunities of the future. Learn more and apply.

Out-of-School Youth Program

SLATE provides educational and employment services to youths ages 17 to 24 who are either at risk of dropping out of school or already have.

SLATE Missouri Job Center collaborates with regional partners and local organizations to provide educational, job training, and employment services to youth, ages 17 to 24, that are out-of-school or dropped out of school. Learn more and register.

Youth Empowerment Program

The Youth Empowerment Program is designed to help young St. Louis residents, ages 19 to 24, build a stronger path toward employment and long-term career success. Funded by the City of St. Louis Department of Human Services, the program focuses on connecting eligible youth with meaningful work-based opportunities, supportive services, and career exposure that can help them prepare for the future.

Through this initiative, participants will have the opportunity to strengthen job readiness skills, gain hands-on work experience, and explore career interests in real-world settings. Activities may include assessment, job placement support, worksite orientation, career development, and ongoing guidance throughout the program. Participants may also receive supportive services that help remove barriers to success, such as transportation assistance, work-related attire, and other basic supports tied to participation. Learn more here.

The updated framework, based on additional research and community feedback, treats data centers even more cautiously than the initial framework, includes many changes to the minimum conditions to address specific concerns and requires a community benefits agreement for any large project.

The updated framework is available to the public. All changes, including new requirements and updated language, are highlighted in the report. Key changes include:

• Lowering the megawattage threshold between the "standard" and "major" data center types to better control appropriate development outside of industrial districts
• Establishing new e-waste recycling requirements
• Reorganization of the regulations for clarity and legibility
• Heightened standards for generators to minimize environmental health impacts
• Revising the approach to data centers Downtown and in mixed-use districts to preserve office, retail and housing opportunities, and to remove barriers to adaptive reuse projects
• Revising renewable energy requirements in accordance with technical advice, acknowledging the constraints of limited renewable supply in the region
• Requiring agreements that avoid negative impacts to the City's water system
• Requiring ongoing reporting and monitoring

Community members have shared feedback in writing and at the Feb. 11 Planning Commission public hearing. 

A second public hearing will take place in the Kennedy Room (room 208) of City Hall, 1200 Market St., at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18.

The public hearing may be attended in person and virtually. The Zoom details are:

• https://stlouis-mo-gov.zoom.us/j/81699258307?pwd=Ry90QWdlc2hUZ1ZNeHB5UG4wNXVadz09
• (253) 215-8782
• Meeting ID: 816 9925 8307
• Password: 149154

Written comments may be submitted to the Planning Commission in advance of the May 18 hearing via an online form or by emailing planning-commission@stlouis-mo.gov.

Staff will also present this framework during a Zoom-based informational webinar on May 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This webinar is intended to further explain the updated framework to the public to facilitate further understanding and refinement. The public can join at: https://stlouis-mo-gov.zoom.us/j/82986212175.

The Planning Commission may vote on whether to recommend approval of new data center regulations at the May 18 meeting. Any new zoning rules would only come into effect once passed by the Board of Aldermen and signed by the mayor. Once in effect, new rules would replace the interim approach established by Executive Order 92 and Resolution 111.

"With 109 parks in the City of St. Louis, maintenance and upkeep is a challenge our department faces each day." said Kim Haegele, City of St. Louis Parks Commissioner. "We welcome the support from the State Farm Red Nets Program to outfit our basketball courts where nets are missing or have become worn. These new nets will go a long way to improve the courts and the players' experience. Nothing beats the swishing sound of a basketball dropping into a net." 

An estimated 90 percent of public basketball hoops are missing nets. Throughout the country, State Farm is building community and working to turn courts back into symbols of neighborhood pride.

"Being a good neighbor means showing up for the community. For us, that includes the local basketball court, which is a hub for neighborhoods everywhere," said Alyson Griffin, Head of Marketing at State Farm. "Our Red Nets program is about more than just replacing worn or missing nets; it's about restoring the energy, pride, and joy that comes with every swish. We're teaming up with the City of St. Louis, to make sure these courts remain a space where players of all ages can gather, play, and connect. Because when a community plays together, it grows stronger together." 

Basketball courts in Sherman Park and Wohl Recreation Center, which is located within the park, are among those receiving new nets. 

"Throughout the year, St. Louis Recreation Centers provide welcoming and safe places for children and adults alike to exercise, play their favorite sport, and learn new ones," said Juakena Callion, City of St. Louis Recreation Commissioner. "Basketball is a favorite sport, and having quality courts where residents can gather and play helps provide a positive outlet and a place to build and maintain friendships. These nets are good for both the players and the neighborhoods that are home to our basketball courts."

Learn more about City of St. Louis Parks, Recreation, and Forestry and State Farm® Red Nets. 

"This is a responsible budget that ensures our City's fiscal stability while investing in our hard-working staff, better city services, and public safety," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "Budgets are the art of the possible and of compromise, and I am confident that this budget will help us make St. Louis a better place to live, work and visit."

A Balanced and Transparent Financial Future

The fiscal year 2027 budget is balanced and maintains healthy reserves despite economic uncertainties.

• Strong Reserves: The General Fund reserve stands at $154.1 million, or 24.2% of the FY27 budget, which exceeds the Government Finance Officers Association's best practice of 16.6%.
• Fiscal Stability: Revenues are stabilizing as earnings and payroll tax refunds level off. The General Fund is projected to grow by 1.7% to $637.1 million.
• Pension Management: Due to improved market performance, budgeted pension contributions will decrease by $6.5 million. Current pension systems remain fairly well-funded at approximately 80%.

Key Provisions and Community Benefits

The FY2027 budget outlines several critical initiatives designed to improve city services and quality of life for all residents:

Investing in the City Workforce

• Competitive Pay: $18 million is allocated for pay adjustments for City workers, including bringing entry-level salaries to market-competitive levels to aid recruitment.
• Retention: Most City employees will receive a 3% salary adjustment, while uniformed police and firefighters will see a 7% increase.

Enhancing Public Safety

• Police Funding: The Police Department will receive an $8.6 million (4.3%) increase to cover salary and operational needs.
• Infrastructure: $5 million in ARPA interest is reappropriated to complete the 911 Dispatch Center project.
• Emergency Planning: Funding for the City Emergency Management Agency will increase by $300,000 for additional staffing and emergency planning.
• Violence Prevention: Office of Violence Prevention funded with $8.8 million, to reduce crime and improve neighborhood safety by addressing root causes of violence, providing crisis response, youth programming, re-entry services and more.

Neighborhood Stabilization and Social Services

• Housing and Blight: The budget includes a $4 million increase for derelict building demolition (totaling $9.3 million) and $2 million for Forestry Division clean-up efforts.
• Emergency Support: $2 million is dedicated to the "Code Blue" emergency housing program.
• Community Investment: Local Use Tax funds are allocated for affordable housing ($6.7 million), violence prevention ($8.8 million), and a Health Care Trust Fund ($5 million).

Improving City Services

• Infrastructure Maintenance: Funding includes $6.8 million for road and bridge projects and $10.7 million for ward-specific improvements.
• Streets and Refuse: The Street Department will receive a $1.3 million increase for snow removal and salt, while $0.5 million is designated for street signage and striping inventory.

Summary of Funds