Business districts ask council for marketing, lighting and parking support as revenue questions loom

Webster Groves — Business leaders from the city’s four commercial districts briefed the City Council Tuesday on events, marketing efforts, streetscape projects and budget requests as the city begins broader budget talks.

Representatives from the Business Development Commission (BDC), the Crossroads (Big Bend & Elm), Old Orchard and Old Webster described programs that aim to draw residents and visitors year‑round and detailed specific asks for district programs and maintenance.

Why it matters

Business districts are key local revenue generators and influence land use, parking and public‑space planning. Council members said they will review district funding requests alongside the city’s budget and upcoming discussion about municipal revenues.

What the districts reported

Business Development Commission: Chair Tammy Boehm told the council the BDC has expanded outreach with after‑hours events in partnership with the Chamber, a quarterly working group to develop recurring seasonal events and a monthly newsletter. The BDC’s 2026 budget request centers on outreach and hospitality/outreach events; Boehm said roughly $2,000 per event (matched by the Chamber) is realistic given venue minimums. The BDC’s Explore Webster Groves initiative aims to create an amplified, year‑round marketing voice for the city’s businesses.

Crossroads (Big Bend & Elm): Dr. Heidi Buttswegan (Crossroads) focused on a coordinated streetscape and beautification project the district has been planning with St. Louis County and property owners and said façade grants and rooftop lighting were priorities. She said building‑owner control over lighting schedules will be part of any lighting plan because of adjacent residences.

Old Orchard: John Barr summarized Old Orchard’s events (gazebo series, holiday festival), infrastructure priorities (parking signs, bike racks) and a recent re‑launch of a merchants’ trade association. Barr said many Old Orchard businesses are small, mom‑and‑pop operations with limited volunteer bandwidth and that the district wants to protect parking and aid marketing during nearby construction.

Old Webster: Ron Klipp said Old Webster has essentially eliminated vacancies in recent years but has seen business‑license revenue declines. Old Webster asked for help with two‑hour parking sign refurbishment (31 signs), ongoing rooftop lighting repairs and continued support for district events.

Council reaction and context

Council members probed how much general‑fund support is appropriate for business marketing versus what should be funded by business‑district revenue. Some council members urged clearer budget breakdowns from districts and recommended that districts use reserve funds for start‑up costs (Old Orchard indicated its reserve could fund an initial trade‑association subsidy). Council members also encouraged continued coordination among districts on shared projects (lighting, parking, marketing) and asked staff to work with district chairs on scope and measurable outcomes.

Decisions and next steps

Council did not approve additional city funding at the meeting. Staff and council members agreed to review district budget requests during the broader budget process and to consult on amendments to the city budget, if needed. Several council members said they would prefer clearer itemized budgets for proposed marketing, events and signage work before approving new general‑fund support.

Ending note

District leaders told the council they will continue to focus on events, façade beautification, rooftop lighting and parking improvements to sustain business activity and tax revenue while staff integrates those requests into the pending budget deliberations.