Shortly before publication of this report, our region experienced a devastating tornado. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the storm. We extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and stand ready to support our community as it recovers. The Downtown CID is committed to providing assistance wherever possible to those in need.
The Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District (CID) is committed to making the area a vibrant, safe, and thriving destination for everyone who lives, works, and visits. Through initiatives such as public safety patrols, street cleaning, and beautification projects, the CID ensures Downtown remains clean, welcoming, and accessible. Additionally, the CID works to attract businesses, support local events, and foster a strong sense of community. By collaborating with local stakeholders, CID plays a key role in keeping the city’s core dynamic and inviting to all.
Without the Downtown CID, our city’s heart would beat a little slower — fewer supplemental safety initiatives, minimal beautification aims that enhance vibrancy, and less of the unique care that keeps Downtown St. Louis clean, connected, and thriving. The CID drives progress and pride in the urban core.
STEVE O’LOUGHLIN, PRESIDENT AND COO, LODGING HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT (LHM)
OUR IMPACTFUL strategy
CULTURE. VIBRANCY.
COMMUNITY. That’s what St. Louis means to us. Over the years, our interest with downtown St. Louis has grown into a deep appreciation and understanding of how vital this space is to the success of our entire region.
As Kelli begins her 5th year as the Executive Director of the Downtown St. Louis CID, we are proud of the progress we’ve made with our partners and mindful of the important work that lies ahead. Our efforts are guided by three core pillars: CLEANER. SAFER. BETTER. These three words embody our mission and vision for downtown St. Louis.
Whether it’s our Clean Team members maintaining the downtown streets or CID’s partnership with Behavioral Health Response (BHR) connecting individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges to appropriate resources, we are making a tangible difference.
The CID is advancing public safety through its 2024 launch of the Downtown Strategic Operations Center (DSOC). The DSOC has been successful by coordinating CID resources to be proactive and responsive to quality of life matters reported by stakeholders. We have also integrated cutting edge AI-powered security technologies to redefine how safety threats are identified, engaged, and resolved. These efforts reflect the CID’s commitment to enhancing safety, visibility, and community engagement through innovative, tech-driven solutions.
As we move forward together, let us remember that every action we take and every decision we make has the potential to transform lives and uplift our community. I hope this impact report, titled Downtown St. Louis: Together We Thrive, informs and inspires everyone who shares our vision of making Downtown St. Louis a better place to live, work, and visit.
With hope and determination,
Kelli J. McCrary EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nicholas Garzia CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
what CID does
The St. Louis Downtown Community Improvement District (CID) was officially established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2000 by property owners dedicated to enhancing a 180-square-block area within the core of downtown St. Louis. The CID is primarily funded through a special property assessment within the district’s boundaries. These funds are used to support initiatives that improve safety, cleanliness, and economic development in the area, including:
ENHANCED street cleaning and maintenance
SAFETY patrols to support the city’s police force
BEAUTIFICATION projects, such as landscaping, public art, and events to ATTRACT visitors and businesses to downtown.
BY THE numbers
$
100,000
5,700 maintenance issues addressed
60,000 dog waste bags distributed public safety hours
5,000 emissions trees
1,157 plant & flowers 82% money spent
Maintenance issues Clean Team members addressed including graffiti removal, overflowing trash cans, street debris, and special projects.
Number of dog waste bags distributed annually in support of our pet friendly community.
Number of hours supplemental public safety resources spent making downtown safer, including business checks, mobile safety patrols, conducting behavioral assessments, and assisting emergency responders.
Amount of CO2 emissions trees in the CID absorb.
Collective number of planters, corner pots, and hanging baskets maintained in downtown St. Louis.
Percentage of CID assessment funding returned to the community in programs and services.
OUR focus areas
PILLAR 1
cleanliness through collaboration
A cleaner Downtown reflects a community that cares and pays attention to detail. The CID’s Clean Team complements the city’s efforts to provide a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all who visit, live, or work downtown.
PILLAR 2
A safer Downtown is essential to realizing the vibrant, thriving neighborhood we all envision. To support this goal, the CID launched the Downtown Strategic Operations Center (DSOC) — a centralized communication hub that monitors, analyzes, and coordinates responses to non-emergency public safety and nuisance incidents affecting the Downtown St. Louis community. Additionally, our deployment of Off-Duty Police Officers, Crisis Behavioral Interventionists, and real-time coordination with the City of St. Louis, SLMPD, and other partners are key elements of a comprehensive, collaborative approach to public safety.
PILLAR 3
beautification and community relations
Through our annual beautification program, physical improvements, and the dedicated efforts of our community partners, the CID works to make Downtown inviting for everyone.
cleanliness
We take immense pride in what we do to keep downtown St. Louis clean and welcoming. A well-maintained urban space is essential for fostering a sense of community, and a place where people want to connect.
TOSHORN NAPPER, CLEAN TEAM SUPERVISOR AND 18-YEAR CID EMPLOYEE
CLEAN TEAM
For more than 20 years, the Downtown CID’s CLEAN TEAM has played a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout the district. Recognizable by their purple uniforms — and affectionately known as the “Purple People” — this dedicated team helps shape first impressions and boost the overall appeal of downtown St. Louis.
The Clean Team performs essential daily services, including litter pickup, sidewalk and street cleaning, graffiti removal, and trash can maintenance. They also manage special improvement projects, support community events, and assist the public when needed.
Their work improves the district’s appearance, supports public safety, fosters community pride, and contributes to a healthier urban environment — ultimately enriching the experience for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
TRASH FORCE
The CID, in collaboration with Explore St. Louis, organizes the TOURISM TRASH FORCE initiative twice a year to bring volunteers together to clean up trash along downtown streets and entertainment spaces. Equipped with trash bags, disposable gloves, and branded t-shirts, volunteers gather at America’s Center before dispersing to various locations throughout the District. The CID’s Clean Team supports the effort by identifying areas in need of attention and ensuring proper disposal of the collected trash. This initiative exemplifies community collaboration to maintain a clean and welcoming downtown space.
SCOOP TROUPE
The CID supports a cleaner and more pet-friendly Downtown through its participation in the DOGGIE BAG PROGRAM. This initiative involves purchasing, supplying, and regularly refilling pet waste bag dispensers located throughout the District, ensuring pet owners have the resources needed to keep public spaces clean and enjoyable for everyone.
S
DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC OPERATIONS CENTER
The DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC OPERATIONS CENTER (DSOC) serves as a citizen-supported resource for addressing service requests and coordinating solutions through internal efforts or partner collaborations. The DSOC manages responses to non-emergency public safety and nuisance incidents, contributing to a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Downtown. The strategic installation of Responsive Observation Security Agent (ROSA) technology, a robotic platform, has not only helped deter unwanted activity but also attracted positive attention and created unique opportunities for community engagement. Open to all — business partners, residents, and visitors alike — the DSOC ensures an inclusive approach to maintaining and improving the Downtown St. Louis community.
CONNECT TO THE DSOC: (314) 924-2222 (call or text) | better@stlcid.org
BIKE UNIT
The CID proudly funds the 4th District SLMPD POLICE BIKE UNIT, the only neighborhood-dedicated bike unit in the city. This unit provides an enhanced, mobile police presence, ensuring greater safety and security throughout Downtown. Through a partnership with Steven Stone, the unit has relocated to the newly renovated Globe Life Building on North Tucker. The CID’s support includes funding for this substation, specialized police bikes and equipment, and officer training, demonstrating a strong commitment to innovative and effective community policing.
SUPPLEMENTAL SAFETY PATROLS
The Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District (CID) employs supplemental safety officers who work in close coordination with the ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT (SLMPD) and other partners to enhance safety in the downtown area. These officers provide an additional security presence, conduct safety workshops, and engage in real-time coordination to promptly address safety concerns. In addition to traditional security measures, the CID has integrated a behavioral health component into its public safety approach. The Downtown St. Louis CID and Behavioral Health Response, Inc. have joined forces to deploy the STABILIZING TREATMENT ACTIVATED RESPONSE TEAM (START) across the downtown district. START delivers rapid, on-site behavioral health crisis intervention — conducting assessments, developing safety plans, connecting individuals to urgent resources, and coordinating with secondary officers — to ensure timely, compassionate care. By integrating mental health expertise with public safety operations, the program strengthens community resilience and enhances well-being throughout the downtown core.
Responsive Observation Security Agent (ROSA)
Roameo and Raddog
urban improvements
As a downtown resident, I’ve seen firsthand how the CID’s safety efforts make a real difference—helping create a cleaner, safer, and more livable neighborhood for all of us.
MIKE DEVEREAUX, DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS RESIDENT
beautification
LANDSCAPING
The CID’s LANDSCAPING TEAM has planted and maintains over 1,200 trees and 7,400 flowers in 600 hanging baskets and more than 200 corner planters throughout the district. Their dedicated efforts ensure the district remains vibrant and inviting year-round, with seasonal plantings that add color and character to public spaces.
The strong partnership between CID and SFP Landscaping has created a diverse and dynamic landscape that flows throughout Downtown St. Louis. When experience, creativity, and quality align — people notice. Providing curated landscapes in an urban environment awakens the senses of visitors and residents alike. Well-maintained green spaces evoke a sense of community and safety while offering places for positive social interaction.
In addition to landscaping, CID advocates for decorative lighting, public art installations, and street scape projects that enhance the district’s aesthetic appeal and improve the pedestrian experience.
community relations
DOWNTOWN AMBASSADORS
In 2021, the CID relaunched its Ambassador Program based on a recommendation from the Design Downtown STL neighborhood plan adopted by the City of St. Louis. Ambassadors, easily recognized by their signature yellow shirts and bright yellow bicycles, travel throughout the District on foot or bike.
GRANTS
In 2023, the Downtown District launched the DISTRICT DOLLARS MICRO-GRANTS PROGRAM, awarding $25,000 to support projects aimed at fostering local, small-scale improvements. All grants were used by organizations aligned with one of three key Impact Areas: PUBLIC SAFETY, PUBLIC ART/BEAUTIFICATION, and COMMUNITY BUILDING. The program provided funding to seven recipients, driving meaningful enhancements across the District.
LUNCHTIME LIVE
CID co-sponsors LUNCHTIME LIVE, a signature weekly event that energizes Old Post Office Plaza every Wednesday from April through October. By bringing together live local music and a rotating lineup of diverse food trucks, the event draws hundreds of workers, residents, and visitors into the heart of downtown St. Louis. The event fosters a sense of community while supporting small businesses.
YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District (CID) has implemented a YOUTH AMBASSADORS PROGRAM aimed at enhancing safety and community engagement in the downtown area. This initiative involves young individuals who assist in mitigating issues related to unsupervised teens, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment.
PARTNERSHIPS
Anders CPA
Behavioral Health Response
The City’s Finest Security
City of St. Louis
Downtown Neighborhood Association
Explore St. Louis
The Globe Building
Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Laclede’s Landing
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nicholas Garzia, CHAIRMAN
Associate General Counsel, St. Louis Cardinals
Jason Bittle
COO, St. Louis Parking Company
Chris Collins
General Manager, Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch
Jessica Courtway Partner, UB Greensfelder
Michael Devereaux
Downtown St. Louis Resident and CPA
Alicia Elsner
General Manager, KSDK-TV
Eric Gilbert
General Manager, City Museum
Amrit Gill
President, Restoration St. Louis
Brad Maxwell
Director of Corporate Security, Stifel Financial Corporation
Amy Phillips Vice President, CannonDesign
Lodestone Solutions
Locust Business District
Pocketparks
SFP Landscaping
St. Louis Police Foundation
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
T-REX
Vector Communications
Ex-Officio
Rasheen Aldridge
Alderman, 14th Ward
Pierre Benoist
Major, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
James Page
Executive Director, Downtown Neighborhood Association
Laura Radcliff
Immediate Past Chair and Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus
Kurt Weigle
Senior Vice President and Chief Downtown Officer, Greater St. Louis, Inc.
We are grateful to the St. Louis Community Improvement District Board of Directors for their integral role in shaping and strengthening our community. Your leadership, dedication, and vision have made a lasting impact, and we appreciate your continued support in making St. Louis a better place for all.
I am proud to oversee a Hyatt property located in the heart of St. Louis. Everyone affiliated with CID genuinely cares about Downtown St. Louis, and the organization is an asset for businesses and industries operating in this area.
CHRIS COLLINS, GENERAL MANAGER, HYATT REGENCY ST. LOUIS AT THE ARCH
Together, we thrive IN DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS
As we move forward, with our mission and vision guiding us, we are developing a new strategic plan to lead us into the future. CID’s success — driven by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and partners — will continue as we challenge ourselves to be innovative, bold, and persistent in meeting the needs of the space we cherish.
As this report illustrates, collaboration can yield remarkable outcomes, and we are eager to embrace the opportunities ahead for our beloved city. Together, we thrive in Downtown St. Louis.
