Health and Human Development Committee Meeting – July 28, 2026

Note: The raw transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 9:07 a.m., but the provided date for the summary is July 28, 2026. This discrepancy is noted here.

The meeting of the Health and Human Development Committee, chaired by Alderwoman Boyd, convened to approve minutes from July 9, 2026, and to consider Board Bill 63, which authorizes acceptance of a U.S. Department of Labor grant for the Youth Build program. The committee heard testimony from SLATE (St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment) staff, discussed program outcomes, and unanimously voted to advance the bill to the full Board of Aldermen.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the July 9, 2026, committee hearing were approved by a unanimous roll call vote (4-0, with Chair Boyd and four members present; Alderwoman Keys joined later).

Discussion Items

• Board Bill 63 – Youth Build Grant: Introduced by Alderwoman Clark Hubbard. The ordinance authorizes acceptance of a three-year grant (2026–2029) from the U.S. Department of Labor for the Youth Build program, administered by SLATE. The program provides education, occupational training, and leadership development to youth aged 17–24.
  • SLATE Director Connie Johnson testified that since 2015, nearly 200 youth have participated. In the current grant cycle (2023–2026), 60 participants enrolled; 48 achieved measurable skill gains, and 85% gained permanent full-time employment. The new grant will continue the “construction plus” model, including opportunities for CDL licenses, IT, logistics, and healthcare.
  • Program Manager Carlos emphasized that Youth Build opens doors to multiple career pathways and connects participants to SLATE’s adult programs.
  • Program Manager Shakima Hunter described the program’s 50-40-10 model (50% education, 40% occupational training, 10% leadership development) and noted that participants receive case management, mentorship, financial literacy, and civic engagement opportunities.
  • Committee members expressed strong support:
    • Alderwoman Odenberg: “Let’s go get this money.”
    • Alderwoman Keys: Shared her history with Youth Build and SLATE, calling the program essential.
    • Alderwoman Sonye: Noted that the program’s exit employment rate exceeds the national average and requested to be added as a co-sponsor.
    • Alderwoman Cox-Antwer: Praised the presentation and also requested co-sponsorship.
  • Chair Boyd discussed the historical success of SLATE and expressed concern that city funds are increasingly outsourced to nonprofits rather than directed to the city’s own agency.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Advance Board Bill 63: A motion to “embank” (advance) the bill was made by Alderwoman Keys, seconded by Alderwoman Cox-Antwer. The committee voted 5-0 in favor (Ayes: Alderwomen Times, Odenberg, Keys, Sonye, Cox-Antwer, Chair Boyd).
• Motion for Final Approval of Board Bill 63: A subsequent motion to pass the bill was made by Alderwoman Keys, seconded by an unidentified member. The vote was again 5-0 unanimous, approving Board Bill 63 to proceed to the full Board of Aldermen.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned without further business.

No public comments or written statements were presented.