St. Louis officials push for disaster relief funds post-tornado damage

The Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee of the St. Louis City Council convened on June 5, 2025, to address pressing issues related to housing recovery following a recent tornado. The meeting focused on the city’s financial strategies and the allocation of federal funds to support disaster relief efforts.

The session began with a review of the city’s financial resources in light of the tornado's impact. Director Pfeffer highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Community Development Agency (CDA) and expressed gratitude for the swift mobilization of resources. The committee discussed the necessity of submitting waivers to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to facilitate the release of funds for recovery initiatives.

Alderman Schweitzer raised a critical point regarding the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards, noting a discrepancy where the awards exceeded the appropriated sums. Director Pfeffer explained that this issue arose during the preparation of the city’s five-year consolidated plan, which involved a thorough review of HUD allocations. It was revealed that between 2018 and 2021, the city had not fully utilized available funds, which remained with HUD due to timing discrepancies in appropriations and grant agreements.

The committee also discussed the reallocation of approximately $2.4 million in previously appropriated funds that had not been fully utilized in past projects. These funds are set to be reobligated to new projects without requiring additional legislative action, as they were already accounted for in prior budgets.

In addition, the committee explored the implementation of a tornado emergency home repair program. Alderman Schweitzer commended organizations like Mission Saint Louis for their effective management of home repair initiatives and inquired about the application process for the new program. The committee anticipates that the application will be tailored to address specific needs arising from the tornado damage.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue advocating for a major disaster declaration, which the city has yet to receive, despite similar declarations granted to other affected areas. The committee expressed determination to expedite relief efforts and ensure that all available resources are utilized effectively to support the community's recovery.