The Neighborhoods Transformation Grant funding includes $413,533 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $131,345 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The total project cost is $1,012,481.00 with the remaining balance supported through Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits and donations. Additional financing is through a local community development financial institution.

A groundbreaking ceremony and ceremonial check presentation will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., marking a major milestone for families in the Hamilton Heights, West End, Wells-Goodfellow, and surrounding North St. Louis neighborhoods.

"This is more than a building. It is a strategic investment in the future of our community," said Cortaiga Collins, founder and executive director of the Foundation for Strengthening Families. "We are creating a space where boys in these neighborhoods will receive the support, structure, and opportunities they need to thrive from the very beginning."

"CDA is committed to using ARPA and other public funds in ways that create lasting growth for St. Louis residents and neighborhoods," said Matt Moak, CDA Executive Director. "The Good Shepherd Academy for Boys shows how investing in youth can strengthen families, support neighborhoods, and create opportunity from the start."

The Good Shepherd Academy for Boys will focus on early learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness. The academy is expected to enroll 20 boys and will be part of the broaderShow Me Family Zone, a place-based initiative that provides coordinated support for families across education, health, and economic stability.

About the Show Me Family Zone
The Show Me Family Zone is a bold, community-driven redevelopment led by the Foundation for Strengthening Families, transforming a five-block corridor in North St. Louis at Page and Hodiamont. Designed with direct community input, the initiative brings together early childhood education, housing, health, and family supports in one place.

Anchored by projects like the Good Shepherd Academy for Boys, the Zone will include an adult daycare center, expanded youth programming, and innovative care solutions - including safe, reliable care for children whose parents work non-traditional hours.

More than development, the Show Me Family Zone is a strategic investment in families - creating pathways to stability, economic mobility, and long-term community transformation.
Construction is expected to take approximately six months.

City leaders, community stakeholders, and residents are expected to attend the event.

Event Details

• What: Groundbreaking Ceremony and Check Presentation
• When: Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
• Where: Ceremony at 5990 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112
• Groundbreaking at 5957 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112

About Foundation for Strengthening Families (FSF):
The Foundation for Strengthening Families is a St. Louis-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and families by addressing disparities across education, health, and economic stability. Through a place-based, community-driven approach, the Foundation delivers direct support to families while advancing long-term solutions that strengthen entire neighborhoods.
Its work spans early childhood education, maternal and family health, and concrete support in times of need—including access to childcare, meals, and essential resources. By meeting immediate needs and investing in sustainable change, the Foundation is helping families move from crisis to stability and from stability to success.

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.
 

"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 employment

Priority 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/YouthEmpowerSTL

Call 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 a work site partner can express interest here: https://tinyurl.com/SLATEWorksiteForm

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 repeatedly stressed this. 

"It's simply not true," said Mayor Spencer. "Treating the Rams funds and reserves as general revenue means they would soon be exhausted because they lack recurring revenue streams. The Rams settlement was a singular allocation, and the City's reserves are designated for maintaining the City's solvency and must be safeguarded."

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 in
surrounding 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 community
and 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 63107
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
12:30 PM: Volunteer check-in
12:50 PM: Welcome and grounding ceremony
Activities: Tree planting and mulching

Who Can Participate: Individuals, families, and groups of all ages
Volunteers 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 Missouri
Through 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.

This program offers temporary, paid positions that allow residents to earn income while contributing to recovery across St. Louis. Participants may earn up to $25 per hour in roles such as utility workers, debris removal laborers, and repair technicians—focused on meaningful, hands-on work.

Attend an Information Session

SLATE is currently hosting daily information sessions for individuals interested in joining the program:

• Now through April 24, 2026
• Monday-Friday at 2:00 p.m.
• SLATE Missouri Job Center
  1520 Market Street, Suite 3050

These sessions are the first step to getting involved. Attendees will learn about available positions, eligibility requirements, and how to move forward with enrollment.

Where You May Work

SLATE has partnered with a growing network of local worksites to provide employment opportunities. Current partners include:

• AmeriCorps St. Louis
• Alpha & Omega Demolition
• Land Reutilization Authority (LRA)
• Golden Heights LLC
• MLK Construction
• NJW Construction Corp.
• Latter Glory Manor Apartments
• Kossuth Church
• Veterans Elite Development and Construction

Additional worksites are actively being recruited to expand placement opportunities.

Removing Barriers to Employment

The program is designed to make it easier for participants to get to work quickly. SLATE covers required pre-employment steps, including physical exams, tetanus vaccinations, and OSHA 10 safety training.

Depending on the employer, background checks and drug screenings may also be required.

Who Can Apply

This program is part of the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program and is intended for individuals who:

• Lost a job or income due to the tornado or other impacts
• Are currently unemployed or underemployed
• Are unlikely to return to their previous occupation

Eligible participants may also receive supportive services to help remove barriers to employment.

Get Started Today

If you're interested in these opportunities, the best way to get started is to attend an information session or complete a quick interest form.

Fill out the interest form to see if you qualify:
https://tinyurl.com/TornadoJobs

You can also call (314) 589-8000 for more information.

This program is about more than just jobs—it's about helping St. Louis recover together, one neighborhood at a time.

"Last year exposed serious weaknesses in how we prepared for and responded to emergencies," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "We did not shy away from those findings — we acted on them. Today, St. Louis is operating under a unified, coordinated system with stronger partnerships, better tools and clearer protocols. While there is more work to do, we are unquestionably more prepared to protect our residents."

Major Improvements Since May 2025

• Unified Command and Coordination
  The City now operates under a National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS)-compliant unified command framework, formalized through Executive Order 93. Over the past four months, City leadership has conducted approximately 50 unified command coordination calls addressing winter storms, Code Blue activations and severe weather events.
  
  This system was recently tested during severe weather on March 14, 2026, marking a major milestone in the City's progress. For the first time, City leaders received tailored meteorological briefings and coordinated response actions in real time.

• National Weather Service Partnership
  A formal partnership with the National Weather Service now provides twice-weekly, decision-ready weather intelligence briefings tailored specifically to City operations, NWS being embedded at CEMA operations two times a week, and open line of 24/7 communication between the two agencies. This real-time coordination ensures City leadership can make informed decisions quickly during developing weather threats.

• Regional and Mutual Aid Partnerships
  The City has strengthened partnerships with state agencies, regional emergency management partners and nonprofit organizations, including the American Red Cross. These partnerships enhance the City's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from major emergencies.

• Modernized Outdoor Warning Siren System
  The City's outdoor warning siren system has undergone extensive upgrades, including the addition of automatic, GIS-triggered activation. This eliminates reliance on manual activation and ensures faster public alerts.

"As of today, sirens are completely automated to trigger when a tornado warning is issued for St. Louis," said Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson. "What failed us last year is now being rebuilt with redundancy, automation and accountability. These upgrades are critical to ensuring timely warnings that save lives."

Siren enhancements include:

• Automatic activation tied to National Weather Service alerts
• New solar panels, batteries and control systems
• Transition to digital communication infrastructure
• Portable activation devices for emergency leadership
• A "ghost tower" early detection system for faster storm tracking

Despite substantial progress, City leaders acknowledge that critical work remains, including the continued recruitment to fill key positions in CEMA, updating the Emergency Operations Plan from 2003, continued strengthening of public works mutual aid agreements and development of new contracts for debris removal, shelter and cost recovery to improve speed and efficiency. 

"Emergency management is not a one-time fix—it's an ongoing commitment," said CEMA Commissioner Gregg Favre. "We've built a strong foundation with unified command, better intelligence for decision makers and upgraded systems. Now we are focused on staffing, planning and expanding our capabilities to meet national standards and ensure we are ready for what comes next."

City officials emphasize that while challenges remain, the difference between May 2025 and today is clear.

"Earlier this spring, when severe weather hit and prompted a tornado warning, we saw the system working; coordinated leadership, real-time information and automatic alerts," Mayor Spencer said. "Those capabilities did not exist a year ago. That progress matters, and it will continue."

Residents are encouraged to stay informed, sign up for emergency alerts through Notify STL and review personal preparedness plans as the severe weather season continues.

"In our busy lives, we may sometimes think of streets only as avenues for getting from one place to another," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "But streets can be thriving parts of our neighborhoods when they're open to people rather than just cars, so I am excited to see what St. Louisans do through this Open Streets Pilot Program to bring more life to our streets."

The Open Streets Pilot Program is open to anyone who owns or represents property adjacent to an underutilized street, or is part of a nearby business or neighborhood improvement district or a nearby City-recognized non-profit community-based organization.

"Summer in St. Louis is a wonderful time to enjoy our urban setting outdoors - whether that's heading out to meet with a neighbor or being part of a larger community gathering," said James Jackson, Street Department director. "The Open Streets Pilot Program allows for places to sit, gather and relax. We look forward to Open Streets Plazas throughout the city this summer to serve as hubs for markets, performances and community events, helping to energize our neighborhoods and support local businesses."

When considering applications for Open Streets Plazas, the Street Department will prioritize pedestrians, cyclists and community activities in locations where vehicle traffic can be safely redirected to effective alternate routes. Prime locations for these plazas are typically in active neighborhood areas where residents, businesses and visitors can gather for recreation, social interaction and local economic activity.

The pilot program has no specific eligibility criteria and welcomes applications for sites citywide. Three-month permits (May 29 through Aug. 31) will be processed by the Street Department. Permits for shorter periods of time may also be sought, as long as they fall within the same three-month window. The application process is now open, and applications are due by May 1.

Those participating in the program will be asked to provide feedback on the success and challenges of implementing an interim plaza, allowing the Street Department to evaluate potential future changes to these streets and the public right-of-way.

More information and a link to the application process can be found at our Open Streets Pilot Program website.

"CityStat measures what matters and gives my team the information we need to deliver better results. Through this platform, we are tracking a wide range of indicators that reflect the real, everyday experiences of St. Louisans," said Mayor Spencer. "While I'm pleased to see improvements in several areas over the past year, we want to keep doing better, especially in the areas where we're not yet reaching our goals. Making this data available to the public will help provide accountability for me, my office and our departments."

Among the improvements to city services that can be tracked through CityStat are:

• Our refuse operation increased route completion rates from 50-65% in early 2025 to over 90% in late 2025.
  • This was accomplished without additional cost by initiating a performance-based incentive system, shifting recycling to centralized drop sites and reforming paid family and medical leave.
• With our new recycling system, we increased the percentage of material successfully recycled from 37% to 78% between August 2025 and March 2026, while generating $450,000 in cost savings for the City.
• In the aftermath of the January snowstorm this year, our Neighborhood Stabilization Division and Streets Division reduced the average time-to-respond to citizen snow and ice requests from 17.4 days in January 2025 to 3.1 days in January 2026.
• And while we filled 1,805 potholes in the first 100 days of the administration, reducing the backlog of pothole service requests by 70%, addressing potholes in St. Louis remains a focus area. For the last 12 months, our Streets Division completed 2,227 pothole requests on time [46% on time from April 2025 - March 2026], as compared to 1,327 requests completed on time in the 12 months prior [17% on time from April 2024 - March 2025].

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

• In the first quarter of 2026, we restored 61.9% of emergency water main breaks to service within 8 hours. The City aims to restore 80% to service within that timeframe.
  • The Water Division is undertaking a Water Master Plan project and developing an aggressive plan to renew and replace water mains and valves in the distribution system. The plan is based on a data-driven condition assessment using a water main break model and the application of a risk and consequence scoring system.
• In the first quarter of 2026, 93.5% of Citizens' Service Bureau Requests were routed to the appropriate department within 2.5 days. That is just short of the City's goal of 95%.
  • CSB frequently exceeds the 95% goal.
  • Several improvement initiatives are planned for 2026, including expanded training and documentation.
• In the first quarter of 2026, 39.2% of hazardous trees were removed within 30 days. The City aims to remove all validated, hazardous trees within that timeframe.
  • Despite being well below the target, this does show a clear improvement over both 2025 and 2024, when the annual average was below 20%.
  • The City is currently analyzing options to further improve in this area.

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

CityStat will continue to expand and be updated with the latest data each quarter to ensure ongoing transparency. Expect to see City mow and tow updates next quarter.