A plan to create a new downtown St. Louis Sports and Entertainment Community Improvement District aims to improve safety, lighting, and infrastructure in the heart of the city.
Alderwoman Jami Cox Antwi of the 8th Ward and Alderman Rasheen Aldridge of the 14th Ward introduced the ordinance on Friday.
The proposed district would run from Cole and Carr streets on the north, the Mississippi River on the east, Interstate 64 on the south, and Jefferson Avenue on the west, covering major venues including Busch Stadium, Enterprise Center, Energizer Park, the Dome and the convention center.
If approved, the district would operate as an independent political subdivision with the ability to issue bonds for up to 20 years to fund long-term improvements.
Cox Antwi said the goal is to bring in new resources to help downtown areas generate revenue for infrastructure and public safety.
“By having these resources and this tool that was created at the state level, we now have better ways that we can put in new lights, do traffic calming,” Cox Antwi said.
Supporters say the funding could be used for lighting, security, road improvements, beautification and cleaner public spaces.
Aldridge said the additional revenue would allow the city to tackle larger infrastructure projects without relying solely on existing city funds.
“When you have additional funds outside of city funds that can be used to make streets safer, to fill potholes, but not just fill them, but actually redo the whole street, it gives the city a benefit to have additional funds to do infrastructure needs that probably we would have had to wait for,” Aldridge said.
The legislation, which started in Jefferson City, allows municipalities to form entertainment districts to help drive economic development.
“Typically, you don’t see Jefferson City doing things to support Saint Louis, so when these opportunities arise, we definitely have to take full advantage of it,” he said.
Cox Antwi said residents have long called for improvements downtown.
“We know that residents have been asking for increased safety, better lighting, better opportunities,” she said.
Supporters also point to major upcoming events, including the 2028 Olympic soccer matches at Energizer Park, as a reason to invest in the area now to make downtown more attractive to visitors year-round.
The proposal would establish a seven-member board to oversee the district and require annual budgets and performance reports for transparency.
The bill will now move through the Board of Aldermen committee process before a full board vote. A public meeting is scheduled for March 3.
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