St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting – May 21, 2026

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen convened on May 21, 2026, with 12 members present, establishing a quorum. The meeting featured a special order celebrating the Transgender Day of Visibility, multiple unanimous approvals, and introductions of new legislation. Key actions included the adoption of a resolution recognizing March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, approval of appointments to the Lighthouse Community Improvement District, and suspension of rules to introduce a bill concerning Homer G. Phillips Senior Apartments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the May 15, 2026 meeting.
• Adoption of Courtesy Resolution Consent Calendar: Adopted by voice vote without opposition.
• Adoption of Board Bills for Perfection Consent Calendar: Board Bill 2 (Water Division funding for community water fluoridation equipment repair/replacement) and Board Bill 11 (installation of speed humps on the 5100 block of Vernon Avenue) were advanced unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jordan Braxton (resident of the 14th Ward, Miss Trans USA 2026) delivered an opening reflection on the Transgender Day of Visibility. She noted that 747 anti-transgender bills had been proposed nationally, 23 passed, and 12 signed into law, while 58 anti-LGBTQ bills were defeated in Missouri during the current legislative session. She estimated that up to 4,000 transgender adults live in the St. Louis area. She expressed gratitude for the city’s support and urged year-round visibility.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 28 – Transgender Day of Visibility: Sponsored by Alderman Aldridge (14th Ward), the resolution formally recognized March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility in St. Louis, commending the organizers of the “Visibility for Our Lives” events. Alderman Aldridge and several colleagues voiced strong support for the trans community, emphasizing solidarity amid state and federal attacks. The resolution was adopted by unanimous voice vote and then “embanked” (all Board members signed on as co-sponsors).
• Suspension of Rules for Board Bill 27: Alderman Tyus (12th Ward) moved to suspend the rules to introduce Board Bill 27, which concerns the transfer of an amended lease for the Homer G. Phillips Senior Apartments (2601 Whittier Street). The motion passed with 13 aye votes.
• First Reading of Board Bills:
  • Board Bill 24 (Fire EMS funding for emergency medical transportation) – sponsored by Alderman Velasquez, Devoting, and Clark Hubbard.
  • Board Bill 25 (Water rates increase) – sponsored by Alderman Browning and Cone.
  • Board Bill 26 (Position classifications and salaries in the Treasurer’s Office) – sponsored by Alderman Aldridge.
  • Board Bill 27 (Homer G. Phillips lease) – sponsored by Alderman Tyus.
• Second Reading and Committee Report: Board Bill 12 (employee compensation plan for classified service) was reported out of the Budget and Public Employees Committee with a “do pass” recommendation. It includes an emergency clause effective June 14, 2026.
• Appointments to Lighthouse St. Louis Community Improvement District: The Board approved Mayor Spencer’s appointments: new appointment of Philip Schrack and reappointments of Dan Cook and Scott Riley. The roll call vote resulted in 13 ayes.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 28 adopted unanimously – all members co-sponsored the resolution.
• Lighthouse CID appointments approved (13 ayes).
• Rules suspended for Board Bill 27 (13 ayes) – placed on first reading and referred to the Housing, Urban Development, and Zoning (HUDs) committee.
• Board Bills 24, 25, 26, and 27 received first reading and were referred to committees (Budget & Public Employees; Public Infrastructure; HUDs).
• Board Bill 12 advanced from committee for further consideration.
• Meeting adjourned until Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Board of Aldermen Chambers.