In November 2023, I addressed our city’s residents after an important transition from 28 wards to 14, resulting in the most diverse group of lawmakers in our history. Discover how fresh perspectives and seasoned leadership are shaping our community’s future.
Megan Green:
Courtesy of Argus Staff
In November of 2023, I addressed residents for the first time since our city’s historic transition from 28 wards to 14. Years in the making, that single change led to the most diverse group of lawmakers in our city’s history. And it has paid dividends. Over the last two sessions, fresh perspectives and seasoned leadership have come together to replace decades of status-quo decision-making with forward-thinking solutions.
After more than a decade of public service, and in spite of the current political landscape, I can say with confidence that our city is on the right track. Today’s leadership is championing bold policies that address the urgent need for affordable housing, quality infrastructure, and a stronger workforce.
To address our city’s housing shortage and the impact short-term rentals have had on our communities, Alderman Narayan and I put Proposition S on the ballot in November. Voters overwhelmingly approved a 3% booking fee on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, with half of the revenue directed to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund—which subsidizes the construction of affordable housing and funds non-profit organizations whose services reduce homelessness. The remaining half will fund relocation assistance programs and legal services for tenants facing eviction.
To help those struggling to find housing, Alderwoman Sonnier and I passed legislation that updates our zoning code to allow shelters, transitional housing, and group homes to operate in our city. Moreover, programs like the Impacted Tenants Fund and Right to Counsel will keep more people in their homes and off the streets.
Alderwoman Schweitzer’s commitment to safer streets led to the City’s first Utility Coordination Policy and updates to our Complete Streets Policy. With these new plans in place, residents can look forward to fewer street plates, fewer potholes, and safer streets for all road users. Automated traffic enforcement, which is on its way shortly, will make our roads safer, reducing the number of traffic accidents we have seen in recent years.
And today, the Board passed legislation that fosters a diverse, skilled workforce reflective of our city’s population and guarantees fair pay for the hardworking people who are rebuilding our neighborhoods. The Board also approved raises for all city workers, including police officers, firefighters, and refuse workers, so we can attract and retain the workforce needed to deliver essential services and keep residents safe. We know a good paycheck and robust protections for workers are foundational to a thriving local economy.
These are just a few of the landmark pieces of legislation that passed this session.
Part 2, will cover my Deep Dive blog.
Video by St. Louis City/Youtube
city council session review, ward transition 2023, diverse leadership, community solutions, local government changes, policy innovation
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(The Argus, periodically aims to keep you informed about the latest developments at City Hall. Who better to provide insights than BOA President Megan Green, a familiar face to our publication? We recently interviewed her during her campaign and shared her Deep Dive Blog. In Part 2, we will also include that blog for your reading. that with you as well.)
