Two St. Louis alderpersons representing the downtown area have introduced legislation aimed at supporting redevelopment and street-level activity.
Alderwoman Jami Cox-Antwi and Alderman Rasheen Aldridge introduced an ordinance at last week’s Board of Aldermen meeting to establish the Downtown St. Louis Sports and Entertainment Community Improvement District, commonly known as a CID.
Supporters say the proposed district would create a funding mechanism for infrastructure, safety and public space improvements.
“The creation of this district gives downtown access to new resources — for things like safer streets, better lighting, cleaner public spaces and long-term improvements,” Cox-Antwi said.
She described the proposal as “a smart and practical way to invest in downtown.”
The proposed CID would cover an area bounded by Cole and Carr streets to the north, the Mississippi River to the east, Interstate 64 to the south and Jefferson Avenue to the west.
Under the ordinance, the district would function as an independent political subdivision with the authority to issue bonds of up to 20 years to finance improvements.
“As one of the aldermen who represent downtown, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of this area,” Aldridge said. “This CID gives us focused tools to support long-term investment.”
The ordinance calls for a seven-member board of directors and requires annual budget and performance reports intended to provide oversight and transparency.
The measure has been referred to committee for further review. Sponsors said they hope the bill will advance to a full board vote.
Separately, state legislation introduced last week could create additional redevelopment tools.
Missouri state Sen. Brad Christ, a Republican from St. Louis County, introduced House Bill 3231, which proposes establishing “innovation districts” as part of a new statewide economic development program.
Under the proposal, qualifying districts could retain up to 50% of new state sales tax revenues and income-tax withholdings generated within designated boundaries.
According to the bill, those funds could be used for police services, lighting, cameras, signage, sidewalks, streets, landscaping and other public safety or infrastructure-related needs.
The legislation defines innovation districts as locally designated geographic areas that may include historic downtowns, central business districts or Main Street corridors.
Regional authorities would apply for designation through the Missouri Department of Economic Development.