Public Safety Committee Meeting: November 24, 2025

The Public Safety Committee convened on November 24, 2025, to review applications for Prop S funding, address the lack of neighborhood representation for Gravois Park in the current grant cycle, and hear public testimony regarding youth violence prevention and jail safety following recent deaths in custody. The committee received a presentation from the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) regarding the review of 62 proposals, resulting in nine recommended organizations. Despite a full presentation and discussion, the committee deferred the final vote to the following Thursday to allow for further inquiry.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously (4-0) approved the minutes from the committee meeting held on October 16, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lauren Ming (Archway, MO Chapter, Lynx Inc.): Representing the Archway, MO Chapter of the Lynx Incorporated, Ms. Ming explained that her organization submitted a proposal for funding to support STEAM enrichment programs at Marion Middle School and Jennings Junior High. She emphasized the organization's 30-year history of service and requested approval to expand career exploration and cultural exposure for students. (Position: Seeking grant approval for existing enrichment programs).
• Anne Louise Schmidt (Freedom Community Center): Ms. Schmidt raised concerns regarding the St. Louis City Justice Center, highlighting that 21 deaths have occurred in less than five years, a rate significantly higher than historical averages. She expressed strong opposition to the current incarceration conditions, citing understaffing, lack of mental health care, and the failure to implement recommended reforms. She advocated for systemic change to prevent future deaths and argued that locking people in cages does not benefit society. (Position: Urgent opposition to current jail conditions and demand for systemic reform to stop deaths in custody).
• Samantha Hayes: Speaking as the sister of Samuel Hayes, a man wrongfully murdered in the St. Louis City Justice Center on July 19, 2025, Ms. Hayes demanded justice and transparency. She described her brother's torture in protective custody and criticized the city for a lack of compassion, apology, or support. She expressed deep opposition to the handling of inmate safety, stating that no family should endure this pain and that leadership must set an example to prevent future deaths. (Position: Demanding justice, transparency, and immediate action to stop jail deaths following her brother's alleged torture and murder).
• Joy Smith (Believe It Youth Organization): Ms. Smith advocated for her organization, describing their mentorship and vocational programs (barbering, sewing, line care) in partnership with Roosevelt High School and reaching into Dutchtown alleys. She expressed hope that the committee would reconsider funding for her organization, noting its success in providing productive pathways for youth and reducing street involvement. (Position: Seeking reconsideration and support for community-based youth programs).

Discussion Items

• Prop S Funding Review: Brett Delaria of the Office of Violence Prevention presented findings from the review of 62 proposals requesting over $15 million against an $890,426 budget. Nine organizations were recommended for funding based on weighted scoring criteria (programming description, equity, delivery record, data, and budget). The recommended organizations include Communities First, Mission St. Louis Beyond Schools, Chad's Coalition for Mental Health, Harambi Youth Training, Boys and Girls Club, The Doctor's Touch, Heal Center for the Arts, William and Associates, and Criminal Justice Ministry. Delaria noted that 53 proposals were not recommended solely due to insufficient funds.
• Neighborhood Representation Query (Alderwoman Sanyer): Alderwoman Sanyer questioned the absence of Gravois Park from the list of priority neighborhoods in the RFP and the recommended proposals, noting it is a priority area impacted by violence. She requested confirmation of whether Gravois Park was included in the targeted neighborhoods; Delaria admitted the specific neighborhoods for the recommended proposals were not delineated in the presentation but agreed to provide the data. Sanyer stated that if Gravois Park is excluded from the funded proposals, it requires a larger conversation about redoing the RFP given the neighborhood's high crime and need.
• Process and Application Integrity: Alderwoman Clark Hubbard asked about follow-up with rejected applicants and the verification of application completeness. Delaria confirmed that online form safeguards ensured no required documents were missing and that a detailed audit of all documents was conducted. He offered the committee access to the full application files and scoring spreadsheets for further review before the vote next week.
• Committee Sentiment on Expertise: Alderwoman Clark Hubbard expressed confidence in the OVP's expert research and the review process. Alderwoman Sanyer emphasized the value of lived experience and community presence alongside professional expertise, advocating for ensuring that administrative scores do not overlook the quality of community work. The committee agreed to review the materials and deliberate further before the final vote next Thursday.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Adjourn: The committee moved to adjourn after excusing Alderman Velasquez and Vice Chair Aldricker for absence (4-0 vote).
• Deferral of Vote: No final vote was taken on the Prop S grants during this session. The committee deferred the final decision to the meeting scheduled for the following Thursday to allow time for additional questions and review of the application specifics, particularly regarding Gravois Park.
• Data Request: The OVP committed to providing Alderwoman Sanyer with the specific neighborhood data for the nine recommended proposals.