St. Louis Economic Development News
July 2026
LATEST STL PARTNERSHIP NEWS
Velda Glen Townhomes LP to Renovate Multi-Family Living Facility in St. Louis County
Industrial Development Authority of St. Louis County approves $5 million bond issuance for renovation of townhomes
Velda Glen Townhomes LP will renovate Cambridge Townhomes, an affordable family rental housing development located at 2660 Lucas and Hunt Road in Velda City, Mo., in St. Louis County. The Industrial Development Authority of St. Louis County, which is managed by St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership), has approved the issuance of $5 million in tax exempt bonds for the $8.5 million renovation project.
After the renovations are completed, the 18 building, 2.75-acre property will be known as Velda Glen Townhomes and consist of 60 townhomes comprised of one, two- and three-bedroom units.
The St. Louis County Department of Human Services Office of Community Development provided $350,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funding to support the rehabilitation. This investment helps preserve affordable rental homes for families and other vulnerable residents in Velda City, reinforcing the County’s commitment to expanding access to safe, quality and affordable housing.
Governor Kehoe Signs Land Bank Legislation
St. Louis County one step closer to establishing land bank
On July 13, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 973, which will give most cities and counties in Missouri the ability to create a land bank to help acquire vacant and abandoned properties and put them back into productive use. This is a significant development for St. Louis County as St. Louis City, Jackson County and Buchanan County are the only areas in Missouri that could have a land bank.
A land bank is a government agency that may take title of abandoned properties that do not sell at public tax auctions, they may also accept vacant or abandoned properties. Land banks are responsible for maintaining their properties, this alleviates municipalities from the financial burden of caring for derelict and sometimes dangerous sites. In partnership with the local community, land banks work to determine the best use for these abandoned sites, whether it’s housing, retail, work, entertainment or community spaces. Ultimately, land banks work to improve and sell properties so that they can become net positive community assets.
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St. Louis Leaders Discuss Authentic and High-Impact Partnerships
Lunch
and panel discussion with cross-sector executives
On June 24, St. Louis leaders gathered at Delmar DivINe for a panel on authentic partnerships. The “A Seat at the Cross-Sector Table” lunch and panel discussion was sponsored by Access Point.
The discussion covered a range of topics, from common assumptions about the relationship between non-profits, businesses, and government, to the signs of collaboration-ready organizations. Panelists also addressed questions about the formation, maintenance, and even dissolution of partnerships.
These ideas were illustrated through real-world examples from each panelist’s organization. When talking about intentionality and impact, Crim highlighted recent work done in Wellston and Kinloch. The event concluded with a Q&A between the attendees and the panelists.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina Delegation Visits World Trade Center
Meeting highlighted strengths of St. Louis
On June 11, more than 20 business leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina visited the World Trade Center St. Louis (WTC) office as part of a delegation hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AmCham BiH).
During the meeting, organizations such as Greater St. Louis Inc. (GSL) and Missouri Partnership shared highlights and business attractions of the region. The delegation was educated on the history of the Bosnian community to the region. Also, a panel discussion took place that included answering questions from the delegation.
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WTC to host Trade Mission to Kenya, Rwanda
Trade mission set for Nov. 6-15
World Trade Center St. Louis, the international division of St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership), will host a trade mission to Kenya and Rwanda Nov. 6-15.
Kenya is the largest economy in East Africa and Rwanda is a dynamic hub for business, investment and innovation. Together, these markets provide a logical entry point and partner for doing business in Africa.
Mission participants will meet with African business, government and civic leaders, receiving market briefings from local experts, gain cultural experiences and attend networking events.
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PARTNER UPDATES
A Free Concert Series Seeks To Uplift St. Louis
The largest free concert series in the U.S. is happening right here in St. Louis.
Every second and fourth Sunday now through September 27, the Levitt VIBE STL Music Series brings live music, a Vendor Village featuring area small businesses, local food and drink, a kids play area, and more to Phillip Lucier Park at Delmar Boulevard and Hamilton Avenue.
Recent shows included performances by St. Louis artists Anthony David, Bashiri Asad, Blvck Spvde & The Cosmos, and Michael B. Whit.
The concert series is supported by the Levitt Family Foundation, which funds similar activations in 70 cities across the U.S. This marks the first year St. Louis has hosted the series, and St. Louis is the only city in the state to do so, thanks to the work of the team at Delmar Main Street.
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County Executive Sam Page Proposes Investing Extra Tourism Tax Revenue to Expand Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex
Mayor Spencer Announces City of St. Louis Strategic Priorities, Setting City’s Direction for Years to Come
RESOURCES & EVENTS
Events
August 11
Scale with Intention: A People-Focused Framework for Growth
August 20
Creating or Improving Your Free Company Page on LinkedIn with Kathy Bernard
September 22
Growing Global 2026 - Global Connectivity
IN THE NEWS
Fox 2-TV: Amy Hunter discusses St. Louis County Port Authority grants
St. Louis Magazine: Suzanne Sierra explains importance of immigrants to St. Louis economy
PR Log: ACC STL congratulates Howl Bean on corporate counsel award