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SHOWING 31–40 ENTRIES
31
JUL 17, 2026 · ST LOUIS, MISSOURI · BOARD OF ALDERMEN
St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting: Data Center Regulations and Transit Sales Tax Appropriations - July 17, 2026

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen met on Friday, July 17, 2026, with 14 members present. The meeting focused heavily on Board Bill 49, which would create comprehensive zoning regulations for data centers. After extensive debate and multiple amendments, the bill was placed on the informal calendar to return to the Planning Commission due to substantive changes. Other actions included final passage of transit sales tax appropriations totaling $13,529,900 and a Bloomberg grant for youth climate programs. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from July 10, 2026. - Moved Board Bills 44, 62, and others to the perfection consent calendar. Discussion Items - Board Bill 49 – Data Center Zoning Regulations (Sponsored by Alderwoman of Ward 1): The sponsor presented a detailed overview of the bill, including definitions, use tables, application requirements, setback standards, noise controls, water usage, backup power restrictions, and renewable energy requirements. The bill originally required 100% renewable energy within 10 years. - Amendment 4 (Alderwoman of Ward 8): Proposed allowing data centers to exceed the 30% cap on floor area within 300 feet of another data center if a community benefits agreement was reached. After debate, the amendment failed on a roll call vote (2 ayes, 5 nays). - Amendment 6 (Alderwoman of Ward 8): Sought to allow data centers serving medical or research institutions on the same campus without adhering to certain setbacks, provided they are micro or standard size and all other setbacks apply. After revision, the amendment passed (9 ayes, 5 nays). - Amendment 5 (Alderman of Ward 2): Introduced a waiver process for the renewable energy requirement if the utility provider is verifiably unable to supply bundled or unbundled renewable energy credits, subject to Board of Public Service approval with documentation. The amendment passed (12 ayes, 3 nays). - Following the amendments, the sponsor moved to place Board Bill 49 on the informal calendar to return to the Planning Commission, as substantive changes were made. Key Outcomes - Board Bill 49 was placed on the informal calendar and must be reviewed again by the Planning Commission before returning to the full Board. - Board Bill 32 (Bloomberg Philanthropies grant for youth climate action) received final passage with a roll call vote (approximately 11-2, but exact tally unclear from transcript). - Board Bill 52 (appropriation of $13,529,900 from 1994 transit sales tax for Metro operations) passed 14-1, with Alderwoman of Ward 12 voting no. - Board Bill 53 (identical appropriation from 1997 transit sales tax) passed 14-1, with the same dissenting vote. - Resolution 78 (urging SLPS to engage in public input on the Future Ready Plan) was referred to the Health and Human Development Committee. - Resolution 79 (honoring Gary Stoff, former Republican director of the Board of Election Commissioners) was adopted unanimously. - The Board adjourned until Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10 a.m.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 28% · PROCEDURAL 17% · ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 15% · LEGISLATIVE PROCESS 12%
32
JUL 17, 2026 · ST LOUIS, MISSOURI · BOARD OF ALDERMEN COMMITTEES
Board of Estimate and Apportionment Regular Meeting – July 17, 2026

Note: The raw transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, while the provided date is July 17, 2026. This summary uses the latter per instructions but notes the inconsistency. Consent Calendar - Items 1–11 were presented for the first time and approved unanimously without discussion. The items included: - Item 1: Approval of contracts and leases from various city departments (Exhibit A). - Items 2–4: Appropriations from the public transit sales tax trust fund and transportation trust fund to the Bi-State Development Agency (totaling $13,529,900 each for accounts one and two, and $26,056,000 for transportation purposes). - Item 5: Sale of property at 4052 Camellia Avenue. - Item 6: Table of organization change in the Director’s Office (add one executive assistant one, remove one from the Division of Civilian Oversight). - Item 7: Law Department table change (add attorney one, remove paralegal supervisor). - Item 8: Problem Properties Unit table changes (add two client service coordinator ones and one client service coordinator two). - Item 9: Health Department table change (add clerical supervisor, remove program manager one). - Item 10: Supply Division table change (add government service administrator, remove one account clerk and one clerk typist one). - Item 11: Corrections Department table change (add correctional training officer, remove one clerk typist). Key Outcomes - All 11 items were approved unanimously (3–0) on a motion by an unidentified member, seconded, with roll call votes: Mayor Spencer (aye), Controller Banger (aye), President Green (aye). - No other business was discussed, and the meeting adjourned shortly after the vote.

PROCEDURAL 100%
33
JUL 15, 2026 · ST LOUIS, MISSOURI · BOARD OF ALDERMEN COMMITTEES
Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee Meeting - July 15, 2026: Board Bill 62 Passed

The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee met on July 15, 2026, to consider Board Bill 62, the annual allocation of the St. Louis Works Money (a half-cent utility tax). The bill allocates approximately $6 million (up from $5.6 million last year) for streets and sidewalks, with an estimated $270,000 per ward. The committee passed the bill with a due pass recommendation (5-0) and scheduled it for full board consideration on July 20, 2026. The meeting also included updates on the 5050 sidewalk program and paving operations. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, was moved by Alderman from the 10th Ward, seconded by Alderwoman from the 1st Ward. The vote was 4 in favor (Alderman Boyd, Alderman Clark Hubbard, Vice Chair Schweitzer, Alderman Devotee, and Chair Browning). Minutes were approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was taken. One individual (Yasmin) attempted to join via Zoom but was not admitted as a panelist. The committee directed that any public comments be emailed to the chair or vice chair. Discussion Items - Board Bill 62 – St. Louis Works Money Allocation - Chair Browning (sponsor) presented the bill, noting it is the annual allocation of the St. Louis Works tax revenue distributed among alders for streets and sidewalks. He emphasized the need to pass the bill before the legislative break so funds can be used. - Mr. Darren Girdler, new 5050 program manager (30 days on the job), stated the bill's intentions are good overall. He reported a backlog of approximately 5,000 service requests (4,600 at last count) in the 5050 sidewalk program and is building a plan to address it. - Commissioner Flake provided a detailed breakdown: the bill is boilerplate with four major accounts (including 5050 sidewalk, camera maintenance, and asphalt material/supplies). Total fund is $6 million, yielding about $270,000 per ward (up from $240,000 last year). He confirmed paving is underway in several wards (e.g., Alderman Son Ya's ward, Alderman Browning's ward next week, Alderman Aldrich's ward). He expressed confidence in meeting paving goals this year and praised Mr. Girdler's competence for the 5050 program, noting that the program will eventually transition to the Department of Transportation (DOT). - Several aldermen (Devotee, Clark Hubbard, Cox Anthony, and others) requested to be added as co-sponsors. Alderman Devotee noted the 5050 program is a hot topic in his ward. - Alderwoman Schweitzer inquired about the $250,000 per ward figure; Chair Browning clarified it is approximately $240,000–$270,000 per ward, split between asphalt and supplies categories. Key Outcomes - Motion to pass Board Bill 62 with a due pass recommendation was moved by Alderman from the 9th Ward, seconded by Alderwoman from the 10th Ward. The roll call vote was 5 in favor: Alderman Boyd, Alderman Clark Hubbard, Alderman Devotee, Alderwoman Cox Anthony, and Chair Browning. Vice Chair Schweitzer did not vote (she was chairing the discussion). The bill passed out of committee. - Next steps: The committee will ask the full board to suspend the rules on Monday, July 20, 2026, to move the bill to perfection, with a final third reading and passage expected on Friday, July 24, 2026. - No other committee discussions or announcements were scheduled. The meeting adjourned.

ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 75% · PROCEDURAL 25%
34
JUL 15, 2026 · ST LOUIS, MISSOURI · BOARD OF ALDERMEN COMMITTEES
St. Louis Legislation Rules Committee Meeting - July 15, 2026

The Legislation Rules Committee met at 10:16 a.m. on July 15, 2026, under Chair Velasquez with all six members present. The meeting included approval of previous minutes and attempts to engross three board bills, but procedural issues and documentation errors prevented any bills from advancing. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the July 1, 2026, meeting (6 ayes). Discussion Items - Board Bill 50 (Floor Substitute): The clerk explained that the floor substitute restored a section mistakenly removed during committee amendment. During the engrossment checklist review, initial uncertainty about legal and fiscal sign-offs was resolved when the deputy clerk confirmed reviews had been completed. Alderman Cohn expressed strong concerns that such checks should be confirmed before the meeting. The motion to engross failed (only 3 ayes, insufficient for a majority). Subsequently, the committee unanimously reconsidered that vote (6 ayes) and then held the bill in committee by voice vote. - Board Bill 41 (As Amended in Committee): The clerk described the amendments, but it became clear that Amendment 1 (changing "shall give priority" to "may give preference") had not been adopted yet remained in the bill. Alderman Cohn called it a significant clerical error and emphasized that the clerk should verify motions from meeting recordings. The committee held the bill in committee without a vote on engrossment by unanimous consent. - Board Bill 34 (As Amended in Committee): Chair Velasquez, the sponsor, identified errors including an incorrect exhibit. She moved to send the bill back to the Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee, which was done without objection. Key Outcomes - No bills were engrossed during the meeting. - Board Bill 50 (Floor Substitute): Motion to engross failed (3 ayes). Later reconsidered unanimously and held in committee. - Board Bill 41 (As Amended): Held in committee by unanimous consent. - Board Bill 34 (As Amended): Returned to the Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee for corrections. - Members emphasized the need for better pre-meeting preparation and accuracy, with the chair acknowledging ongoing improvements to the review process.

PROCEDURAL 94% · ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 6%
35
JUL 10, 2026 · ST LOUIS, MISSOURI · BOARD OF ALDERMEN
St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting - July 10, 2026

The Board of Aldermen convened on July 10, 2026, at the Board of Aldermen Chambers. The meeting covered introduction of honored guests, approval of minutes, first and second readings of several board bills, perfection of bills, third reading and final passage of consent calendar bills, adoption of resolutions supporting labor unions and graduate student workers, and announcements of additional meetings for data center regulations. Consent Calendar - Board Bills 42, 45, and 46 were placed on the consent calendar for third reading and final passage. They were adopted unanimously with 15 aye votes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment period was held; however, several individuals testified during resolutions and board bill discussions: - Alderwoman from the 10th Ward introduced her brother Joseph Clark as an honored guest, noting his achievements and traumatic brain injury, and praised the Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis. - Alderwoman from the 7th Ward spoke in support of Resolution 67 (graduate student workers at SLU), noting graduate students earn $25,000–$30,000/year, are prohibited from outside employment, and face high healthcare costs. - Alderman from the 4th Ward spoke in support of Resolution 76 (Teamsters strike at Breakthrough Beverage), listing brands to boycott and urging support for organized labor. - Representatives from Beaumont High School alumni spoke in support of Resolution 75, highlighting the legacy of the school and the leadership of Lee Jojo Johnson. Discussion Items - Board Bill 62 – First Reading: Sponsored by Alderman Browning, authorizing $6 million from the Street Improvement Fund for the 2026 St. Louis Works and 50-50 sidewalk program. Referred to Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee. - Board Bill 32 – Perfection: Sponsored by Alderman Cohn, authorizing acceptance of a sub-award from Bloomberg Philanthropies for a youth climate action fund, administered through the President’s office. Debate centered on the appropriateness of the office of the president administering grants. The Alderwoman from the 12th questioned legal basis and precedent; the sponsor noted review by the city counselor’s office. The bill was perfected with 13 ayes, 1 no (Alderwoman Tyers), and 1 present (Alderwoman Boyd). - Board Bill 50 – Floor Substitute: Sponsored by Alderman Aldridge, correcting vending district boundaries in downtown and downtown west. Adopted by voice vote after discussion. - First Reading of Board Bills 59, 60, 61: Bills concerning a sales tax election for mass transit, transportation trust fund appropriations, and liquor license moratorium exclusions were read and referred to committees. - Second Reading of Committee Reports: - Board Bill 49 (data center zoning regulations) reported out of HUD committee with a do-pass recommendation. - Board Bills 13 and 58 (speed hump installations) reported out of Public Infrastructure Utilities committee with do-pass recommendations. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Minutes from July 2, 2026 (Thursday) were approved unanimously. - Board Bill 62 Introduced: First reading completed; referred to committee. - Board Bill 32 Perfected: Passed on perfection vote (13-1-1). Will proceed to third reading. - Board Bill 50 Floor Substitute Perfected: Approved by voice vote; referred to Legislation and Rules Committee for engrossment. - Board Bills 42, 45, 46 – Third Reading & Final Passage: Passed unanimously (15-0). - Board Bills 52 and 53: Placed on informal calendar at sponsor’s request. - Resolution 75 Adopted: Honoring Lee Jojo Johnson for his leadership of the Beaumont High School Alumni Association. - Resolution 67 Adopted: Solidarity with graduate student workers at St. Louis University; all aldermen co-sponsored. - Resolution 76 Adopted: Solidarity with Teamsters Local 600 and 688 on strike at Breakthrough Beverage; all aldermen co-sponsored. - Forest Park Advisory Board Appointments Approved: Appointments by Mayor Spencer were confirmed with a correction to a name spelling (Venco, not Venzo). - Additional Board Meetings Scheduled: July 20 and July 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for final passage of data center regulations. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at [time not specified]; next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

PROCEDURAL 45% · EDUCATION 17% · YOUTH PROGRAMS 13% · WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 12%
36
JUL 9, 2026 · ST LOUIS, MISSOURI · BOARD OF ALDERMEN COMMITTEES
Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee met on July 9, 2026, at 3:33 p.m. to consider two board bills for speed humps and to hear a presentation on volunteer-led litter cleanup efforts. The committee approved minutes from the June 24, 2026 meeting, passed both board bills with do-pass recommendations, and discussed a proposal by Aaron Dehone, founder of Trash Retrees, to expand paid litter pickup in city wards. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the June 24, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (5 ayes). Board Bills for Review - Board Bill 13 – Speed Humps in the 14th Ward: Introduced by Alderman Aldridge. A committee substitute was adopted, and an amendment was added to include two additional speed hump locations in the St. Louis Place neighborhood (North 21st Street and Rosh and Bach). The committee noted typographical errors (e.g., "speed bumps" instead of "speed humps") and a duplicate subsection numbering, which the sponsor agreed to correct. The bill was passed with a do-pass recommendation (5 ayes, no opposition). - Board Bill 58 – Speed Hump on Pennsylvania Avenue: Introduced by Alderwoman Schweitzer for the 401 block of Pennsylvania in the Crownette neighborhood. The bill was passed with a do-pass recommendation (5 ayes, no opposition). Committee Discussion – Litter Cleanup Proposal - Presentation by Aaron Dehone, Founder of Trash Retrees: Mr. Dehone presented data on the organization’s volunteer litter cleanup efforts since 2022. Key statistics: over 500,000 pieces of litter collected, 1,700 bags, 850 volunteers, 1,400 volunteer hours, and 300 native trees planted. In the 2025-2026 season, the group worked 480 hours, engaged 214 volunteers, and collected 176,000 pieces of litter (560 bags). He estimated that a dedicated paid crew of three workers (3 hours/week for 50 weeks) in one ward would cost $7,200 and yield 560 bags. He proposed a pilot program using ward capital funds or a $1-per-household optional city beautification fund. He also highlighted partnerships with the Bounce Back Project (employing unhoused individuals) and Anna Garcia Properties (real estate sponsor). - Committee Responses: Members expressed strong support. Alderman Browning noted the psychological benefits of visible cleanup. Alderwoman Boyd praised the work and noted the value of consistent presence. Alderman Clark Hubbard asked about costs (U-Haul rentals, dump fees) and suggested city partnership opportunities (e.g., using dump trucks). Alderwoman Schweitzer thanked Mr. Dehone and offered to host the program in her ward. Alderman Cox Antwee (presumably) also commended the presentation and offered support. Alderman Clark Hubbard and others noted the added value of employing unhoused individuals. Mr. Dehone confirmed that the $7,200 figure is a baseline, actual costs may be higher, and that city resources could reduce logistical expenses. He also mentioned a pop quiz (95% of Americans think litter is a problem) and gave a prize to the chair. Key Outcomes - Board Bill 13 (committee substitute as amended) and Board Bill 58 were passed out of committee with do-pass recommendations. - No formal action was taken on the litter cleanup proposal, but committee members expressed interest and offered to support future pilot efforts or grant applications. - The committee adjourned after announcements about an East-West Gateway event.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 38% · ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 25% · TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 16% · PROCEDURAL 12%
37
JUL 9, 2026 · ST LOUIS, MISSOURI · BOARD OF ALDERMEN COMMITTEES
Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee Meeting - July 9, 2026: Data Center Regulations (Board Bill 49) Advanced

The committee met on July 9, 2026, with six members present, to consider Board Bill 49, which would establish zoning regulations for data centers in St. Louis. After extensive public testimony and deliberation on four amendments, the committee voted 6-0 to advance the bill with a due pass recommendation to the full Board of Aldermen. The meeting included a brief recess due to a tornado drill. Public Comments & Testimony - Adolphus Pruitt (President, St. Louis City NAACP, Ward 9) spoke in opposition, arguing the bill does not address workforce development for the city's poorest residents. He cited that African American unemployment in St. Louis is 13% vs. 7% for whites, and the median net worth for African Americans (excluding real estate) is $8,000 vs. over $100,000 for whites. He noted 35,000 open positions requiring AI certification in the city (2025 data from Tech STL) and said the bill blocks potential funding for training. - Kathleen Logan (Ward 7) expressed support, thanking the sponsors for an inclusive process and urging inclusion of public consent mechanisms. - Elise Schaeffer (Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Ward 6) spoke in support, stating the renewable thresholds are feasible. She gave cost comparisons: utility-scale solar $58/MWh, wind $61/MWh, gas $78-200/MWh, coal $122/MWh, nuclear $180/MWh. She noted new solar takes 6-15 months and wind 18 months to build, while data centers take 3-6 years. - Ryan DeBoel (Party for Socialism and Liberation, works in Ward 10) spoke in support of regulations, warning of rising electricity bills (projected 40% increase) and health impacts, and called for stricter regulations and public consent. - Abby Gunther (online) urged passage of regulations as soon as possible. - Roslin Addison (Ward 8) expressed concerns about development patterns, drawing parallels to past urban renewal (Mill Creek Valley) and suggesting data centers could be a form of eminent domain. - Maxine Giel (Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Ward 6) spoke in support, noting 70% of Americans oppose local data center construction and that redlining has placed industrial areas near Black neighborhoods. She asked for a community consent mechanism similar to liquor store regulations. - Eddie Schmidt (resident) spoke in support of regulations. - Jackie Schmidt (Ward 7) spoke in support, requesting strong guidelines and community input. - Dave Sweeney (resident, works in city) spoke in opposition, arguing that despite claiming not to be a ban, the renewable requirements make major data centers impossible. He stated developers have not been included in the process and that stakeholders should have a say. - Dr. Casey Fowler Finn (Ward 6, professor of biology, noise expert) testified as an expert on low-frequency noise. He explained that data center noise (low frequency) travels further than other industrial noise, citing that wind turbine literature shows measurable increase at 1,600 feet (triple the 600-foot setback in the bill) and audible up to 2.5 miles. He recommended G-rated or octave band measurements, wider setbacks, city-selected testing, and a nighttime noise ceiling. - Carrie McCullin (Ward 2, Eco Socialist Green Party) opposed, alleging the process was rushed and that residents' right to consent was violated. She referenced a hot mic moment and urged bravery against forceful bullies. - Sylvia Cuny (Ward 5, mechanical engineer) spoke in support, arguing that regulations should start somewhere even if imperfect. - Joe Delay (business owner, Wards 4 and 6, master's in public policy) opposed, saying the bundled renewable energy credit requirements are impossible because Ameren cannot be forced to develop renewables. He requested more consultation. - Lewis Hamilton (representing Globe Democrat Building and coalition of existing data centers) stated support for the bill as amended, contingent on a final tweak. - Matt O'Leary (representing Wash Ave Side, coalition) echoed support with the final language changes. - Nick Hartzler (Sedfast City, lifelong city resident) opposed, arguing the renewable language creates a de facto ban and that Ameren has stated requirements are not achievable. - Sean Faust (IBEW Local 1, Ward 1) asked for a combination of bundled and unbundled renewable energy credits, not discrimination against clean energy sources. - Nicole Murz (Renew Missouri, former PSC staff) spoke in support, calling it a great compromise with flexibility, noting Ameren has a 1,000 MW solar and battery storage project that could serve such facilities. Discussion Items - Alderman Schweitzer (sponsor) presented Board Bill 49, clarifying it does not ban data centers but regulates them as a land use by size categories (micro, standard, major). She noted renewable energy requirements are thresholds tied to the city's sustainability plan. She introduced four amendments (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) to address feedback from stakeholders and Ameren. - Amendment 12 adjusted renewable energy requirements: day one allows full flexibility between bundled and unbundled RECs; year five increases unbundled allowance to 25% of the 50% total; year ten maintains 75% bundled / 25% unbundled. Adopted 6-0. - Amendment 13 clarified applicability and triggers for existing data centers regarding structural alterations and expansions, with input from current operators. Adopted 6-0. - Amendment 14 added that baseline noise measurements must be conducted by a third-party professional approved by the city. Adopted 6-0. - Amendment 15 removed the outdated definition of "local renewable energy credits" since the bill now uses "bundled" and "unbundled" definitions. Adopted 6-0. - Amendment 16 specified that annual renewable energy reports must document efforts to meet requirements, providing clarity for potential year-five waivers. Adopted 6-0. - Miriam Keller (Planning and Urban Design Agency) confirmed the planning staff supports the amendments and that the Planning Commission will review them at its July 10 meeting. - Caitlin Smith (Policy Advisor to the Mayor) stated the mayor's office fully supports the bill as amended. - The committee approved the minutes from the June 30 and July 1 meetings. Key Outcomes - Board Bill 49, as amended, received a due pass recommendation from the committee by a vote of 6-0 (Aldermen Cone, Schweitzer, Sonier, Browning, Aldridge, and Chair Clark Hubbard voting aye). - The bill will proceed to a second reading at the Board of Aldermen on July 10 (Friday) and then to perfection and final passage. The president has committed to additional summer meetings to finalize the regulations. - The Planning Commission will review the amendments at its July 10 meeting at 5:30 PM. - No additional resolutions or committee discussions were considered. - The meeting adjourned with a motion from Vice Chair Sonier, seconded by Alderman Browning.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 31% · ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 29% · ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 21% · ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 7%
38
JUL 9, 2026 · ST LOUIS, MISSOURI · BOARD OF ALDERMEN COMMITTEES
Health and Human Development Committee Meeting – July 9, 2026: Appointments to Forest Park Advisory Board

The Health and Human Development Committee met on July 9, 2026, at 9:10 AM. The primary agenda was the consideration of appointments to the Forest Park Advisory Board. Three candidates were nominated and unanimously approved. The committee also discussed future agenda items and noted the absence of a scheduled presentation on park rangers. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously (5 ayes) without discussion. Discussion Items - Appointments to Forest Park Advisory Board: Director Greg Hayes of the Forest Park Advisory Board introduced the candidates and described the board's role in advising the parks director, meeting 9-10 times per year. Alderwoman Clark Hubbard advocated for the candidates and noted that one candidate, Mr. Rosenberg, was unable to attend due to teaching commitments. The committee heard from each candidate present: - Maria Cavden: Event operations manager at the St. Louis Art Museum, with experience balancing public access, institutional needs, and environmental stewardship in Forest Park. She highlighted her project management, operational leadership, and sustainability work. - Vin Co: Director of community engagement at Nine PBS, with a background in community and economic development. He expressed a strong personal connection to Forest Park and a desire to contribute to its stewardship. - Mr. Rosenberg (not present): A teacher nominated for a non-voting seat; his resume was provided and committee members spoke in support of his appointment. - Future Committee Agenda: Chairwoman Boyd noted that the committee oversees matters related to children, health, parks, recreation, and park rangers. She suggested scheduling presentations from the recreation department and other entities for the next session. No specific additional speakers were identified at the meeting. Key Outcomes - Appointment of Maria Cavden: Motion to accept; approved unanimously (5 ayes). - Appointment of Vin (Ben) Co: Motion to accept; approved unanimously (5 ayes). - Appointment of Mr. Rosenberg: Motion by Alderman Odenberg, seconded by Alderwoman Keys; approved unanimously with no objections. - Adjournment: Motion carried, meeting adjourned.

PROCEDURAL 63% · PARKS AND RECREATION 37%
39
JUL 2, 2026 · ST LOUIS, MISSOURI · BOARD OF ALDERMEN
St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting: July 2, 2026 - Rams Settlement and CDC Certification

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen met on July 2, 2026, to consider several key pieces of legislation, including the certification of Community Development Corporations (CDCs), updated food truck regulations, and the allocation of $255 million in Rams settlement funds. The meeting was marked by technical difficulties with remote participation and a heated debate over the distribution of funds to North St. Louis. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes from the June 26, 2026 meeting by voice vote. - First reading of board bills 56, 57, and 58 were conducted and referred to committees. - Board bills 34, 42, 45, 46, 52, and 53 were adopted on the perfection consent calendar without objection. Discussion Items - Board Bill 41 (CDC Certification): Sponsored by Alderwoman Sonier, this ordinance establishes a definition and certification framework for Community Development Corporations (CDCs) in St. Louis. Key requirements include being place-based, having a board with at least 25% of members from the service area, meeting at least three of four activity buckets (housing, economic development, neighborhood stabilization, community organizing), and having at least one full-time paid employee. Alderwoman Tyus expressed concern that the 25% board membership requirement was too low, allowing outside entities to control neighborhood organizations. She voted present. The bill was perfected with 14 aye votes and 1 present. - Board Bill 50 (Food Truck Regulations): Sponsored by Alderman Aldrich, this bill updates regulations for mobile food vendors, allowing operations in designated commercial vending areas (downtown, Cherokee Street, Grand Center) and includes provisions for the Cardinals' South Downtown redevelopment area. The bill was perfected by voice vote after being adjusted to correct language regarding the Cardinals. - Board Bill 22 (Rams Settlement Allocation): Sponsored by President Green, this ordinance appropriates $255 million from the Rams settlement to three main areas: 1) North St. Louis and Tornado Recovery ($120 million, including $89 million for long-term recovery and $31 million for neighborhood plan implementation), 2) Citywide Infrastructure ($80 million for water, sidewalks, vacancy reduction), and 3) Downtown Neighborhood Plan Implementation ($55 million). Alderwoman Tyus strongly opposed, arguing that only $31 million was specifically designated for North St. Louis, not the $120 million claimed, and that the bill was a "downtown bill" with the convention center receiving $45 million separately. She called for a higher allocation to North St. Louis. The bill passed with 12 aye votes and 3 no votes (Alderwoman Tyus, Alderman Devotee, and one other). - Board Bill 43 (ARPA Reallocation): Sponsored by Alderwoman Sweitzer, this bill reappropriates $3.67 million in unspent ARPA funds for water infrastructure replacement and food assistance. It passed with 12 aye, 1 no, and 2 present. - Resolution 59 (State Audit): Alderwoman Boyd introduced a resolution requesting the Missouri State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of city funds related to COVID, ARPA, Rams, and tornado dollars. A motion to suspend the rules to hear the resolution immediately failed (5 aye, 6 no, 3 present), and the resolution was sent to the Legislation and Rules Committee. - Library Board Appointments: The board approved Mayor Spencer's appointments to the Library Board (Sharon Shahid, Catherine States, and Gregory Glore) with 11 aye votes and 2 present. Key Outcomes - Board Bill 41 perfected and sent to final passage. - Board Bill 50 perfected and sent to final passage. - Board Bill 22 passed third reading and final passage (12-3). - Board Bill 43 passed third reading and final passage (12-1-2). - Resolution 59 referred to committee. - Library Board appointments confirmed. - The meeting adjourned until Friday, July 10, 2026 at 10 a.m.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 41% · PROCEDURAL 26% · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 18% · RACIAL EQUITY 7%
40
JUL 2, 2026 · ST LOUIS, MISSOURI · BOARD OF ALDERMEN COMMITTEES
St. Louis HUDZ Committee Approves Data Center Regulations on July 2, 2026

The Housing, Urban Development, and Zoning (HUDZ) Committee of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on July 2, 2026 to continue deliberation on Board Bill 49, which would establish zoning regulations for data centers. The meeting featured extensive public comment, a presentation on urban heat island effects, and the adoption of three amendments. After discussion, the committee chose to hold the bill for another meeting rather than vote it out, setting a next meeting for Tuesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Public Comments & Testimony - Joe Delea (businessperson, Wards 4 & 6): Opposed passing Bill 49 out of committee, arguing that the sole utility provider, Amran, has indicated the renewable energy credit requirements in the current bill are "on a but unattainable." He urged the committee to understand the difference between bundled and unbundled renewable energy credits and to consult with Amran before advancing the bill. - Wash App Sid representative: Reported that after extensive work, a general agreement has been reached with the sponsor and expressed support for Amendment 4 and for passing the bill out of committee. - Abigail Gunther (Ward 7): Expressed support for regulations, stating community consent is important and that if renewable energy credits are not available, the industry may not belong in the city. - Lauren Fila (Co-chair, Socialist Green Eastern Missouri, Maplewood): Thanked Alderwoman Schweitzer for her work and asked each committee member whether residents should have the right to consent to a risky facility near their neighborhoods, calling the request urgent. - Lewis Hamilton (Ward 8, representing downtown data center The Globe): Spoke in favor of the bill as amended, expressing confidence that amendments would address concerns of existing operators. - Ryan Daibo (works in Ward 10): Opposed data centers in St. Louis, citing health and environmental hazards, and urged passage of strong regulations or a ban. - Henry Eubank (Director of Public Policy, Greater St. Louis Inc.): Argued that the renewable energy requirements (50% pre-occupancy, 95% by year 10) and the public impact agreement (PIA) process act as de facto bans on data center development. He urged the committee to slow down for more fact-finding. - Tina Sweet T. Peel (city planner, former alderwoman, Ward 9): Opposed rushing the legislation, calling the summer recess deadline "manufactured." She requested a community consent provision similar to the liquor license process and highlighted distrust from past failed development projects. - Henry Robertson (former lawyer, Great Rivers Environmental Law Center): Questioned Amran's reasoning on renewable energy goals and criticized unbundled RECs, suggesting they do not guarantee new renewable energy investment. - Mary Ellen Parmenter (Ward 5): Supported greater regulation and community consent, and pushed back on the argument that "AI is here to stay" as lacking evidence of long-term economic benefit. - Nick Hartzler (Steadfast City, Ward 1): Echoed Henry Eubank's concerns about renewable energy credits and asked that the definition of data centers in Board Bill 55 be tied to the zoning regulations in Bill 49 for consistency. - Nahela Pittman (R Synod Board): Supported firm regulations, stating that anything less than 100% clean energy is inappropriate and that community consent must be included in writing. - DC (works in Ward 11): Expressed concern about health and environmental effects, noting insufficient monitoring, vague environmental study requirements, and a risk of setbacks being narrowed. Discussion Items - Alderwoman Schweitzer (sponsor) addressed public comments, emphasizing that the regulations are not a ban (micro data centers are exempt from renewable requirements) and that the city must meet its comprehensive plan and sustainability goals. She stated she does not regulate Amran and that the community should not face unchecked proliferation of data centers. - Elise Schaefer (Missouri Coalition for the Environment) presented on urban heat islands, showing data that data centers increase local temperatures by an average of 4 degrees within 10 kilometers. She noted that the number of 100-degree days in St. Louis has doubled in the past 30 years and is expected to double again in 30 years, and that heat impacts extend far beyond the proposed setbacks (300 feet for standard, 600 feet for major data centers). - Alderman Browning asked Schaefer whether micro data centers pose the same heat threat, and she confirmed the distinction is well-addressed by the bill. - Alderwoman Boyd raised concerns about existing environmental injustices in the city and cautioned against using the heat presentation to create fear, while noting that other environmental issues (COVID, tornadoes, cancer, asthma) have not received the same attention. - Alderman Cone expressed frustration with the rushed process, noting that Bill 49 was introduced less than two weeks ago and that 11 amendments had been proposed in 48 hours. He requested more time for deliberation, citing ongoing concerns from constituents and unanswered questions about the renewable energy credits. - Alderman Aldridge thanked Schweitzer for working with existing data centers but stated he would vote "present" on the bill due to remaining concerns about the renewable energy credit requirements. He asked for more time to understand the economics of unbundled vs. bundled credits. - Vice Chair Sanye argued that the distrust from residents stems from the city's approval of a major data center without proper process. She cautioned that failing to pass regulations on the floor would further erode public trust and urged a clear timeline if the bill is held. - Alderman Browning moved to add himself as a co-sponsor and opposed further delay, noting that recent success on the Rams settlement bill showed the board can compromise. - Alderwoman Schweitzer agreed to hold the bill in committee and schedule another meeting for Tuesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM. She asked members with outstanding questions to submit them by the end of the day on July 3. Key Outcomes - The committee adopted three amendments to Board Bill 49 (all by unanimous voice votes of 6-0): - Amendment 9: Addresses applicability for existing data centers (non-conforming uses), expansions, and structural alterations. It specifies that new facilities must fully comply, while existing facilities are grandfathered but must meet certain conditions when expanding or altering, including noise/vibration controls, electronic waste disposal, and reporting on renewable energy use (no minimum requirement for existing centers). - Amendment 10: Clarifies that standalone fuel storage must be screened with masonry; generators with integrated fuel storage are subject to different screening requirements. - Amendment 11: Specifies that generator enclosures may include sound-attenuated or soundproof enclosures as standard from the original equipment manufacturer. - The committee did not vote on advancing Bill 49 to the full board. Instead, chair Clark Hubbard announced the bill would be held in committee for further discussion, with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM. - Committee members with unanswered questions were asked to submit them to Alderwoman Schweitzer by the end of the day on July 3, 2026.

PROCEDURAL 34% · TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 31% · ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 21% · ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6%
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