Community Leaders Urge St. Louis to Increase Funding for Project Connect and Public Health

The St. Louis City Council's Budget and Public Employees Committee convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss critical funding initiatives aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and addressing pressing community needs. A significant focus of the meeting was the request for funding to support the Project Connect initiative, which encompasses six neighborhoods: JBL, Car Square, St. Louis Place, Old North, Hyde Park, and Columbus Square. Over the past five years, these communities have engaged in extensive planning to develop strategies for infrastructure improvements, economic development, public safety, and cultural enrichment. However, without financial backing, these plans risk remaining unfulfilled.

Community leaders emphasized that investing in these neighborhoods is not just about improving local conditions but also about fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The committee heard calls for additional funding to address deteriorating sidewalks, particularly those damaged by city trees, which have created accessibility issues for individuals with disabilities.

The meeting also highlighted the need for increased investment in public health. Several speakers, including representatives from the Community Health Commission, urged the committee to prioritize funding for the Department of Health. They pointed out that public health is essential for addressing systemic inequities and improving overall community well-being. The current budget allocates only a small fraction of the city's resources to public health, which many argued is insufficient given the pressing health challenges facing St. Louis.

Additionally, the committee discussed the Right to Counsel program, which provides legal assistance to tenants facing eviction. Advocates called for a significant increase in funding to meet the growing demand for this service, citing the alarming number of evictions in the city.

The meeting concluded with a strong consensus on the need for strategic investments in both neighborhood revitalization and public health. As the city navigates its budgetary constraints, the voices of community advocates underscored the importance of prioritizing these initiatives to ensure a healthier, more equitable future for all St. Louis residents. The committee's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of these vital programs.