The Connection March Edition

March 2026

March 2026

Quen Agnew Community Outreach Liasion

Moving Forward, Together As we step into March, we want to start with gratitude. The Connection is a community-centered newsletter designed to keep residents, partners and stakeholders informed about what’s happening across the region – from resources and opportunities to local stories and events that bring people together.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share what you’d like to see in “The Connection” — your voice is helping shape this space. Based on your feedback, the topics that rose to the top were community spotlights highlighting neighborhoods, people, and local stories, resources.

We are leaning into these areas and taking steps to what matters to the community.

Inside This Issue

Spanish Lake Report Around the Community Resources and Events

Community Hidden Gem Sioux Passage Park is one of the largest parks in the North County area, offering miles of trails, open green space, and access to the Missouri River.

Tip of the Month As the weather begins to shift in March, it’s a great time to make small changes at home that can help you save over time. Try adjusting your thermostat a few degrees or opening your windows on warmer days — simple steps that can lower energy use and ease monthly costs.

Did You Know?

St. Louis is home to more than 100 parks and 7,000 acres of green space, and many of them start to see increased use in March as residents return outdoors for walking, events, and neighborhood gatherings.

Is That a Giraffe in My Backyard?

With the anticipated public opening of Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park in 2027, the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) recently examined potential economic development opportunities in Spanish Lake.

The CRE team interviewed elected officials, regional planners, economic development leaders, university leadership, community stakeholders and representatives from the WildCare Park and other sectors to examine opportunities to grow economic development in the Spanish Lake area.

Read Report Here

Report Recommendations: • Public Transit Access • Long-Term Land Leasing • Capital Programming

Around the Community

Investment in Infrastructure The Investment in Infrastructure Expo was a trade show that drew over 800 contractors, engineers, construction industry partners, and service providers. This high-impact event features a trade show floor where local, state, and federal agencies, major utilities, and private project owners engage directly with industry professionals - making the Expo a key opportunity to gain early project insight, explore trends, and build valuable relationships. Attendees connect with more than 30 public and private agencies presenting billions of dollars in upcoming capital improvement projects across Eastern Missouri and the surrounding region.

State of North County North County Inc (NCI) collaborates with local businesses, civic and community organizations, residents, and governments to advocate for a vibrant and prosperous North St. Louis County.

Since 1977, NCI has represented the 45 municipalities and unincorporated areas that make up North County.

Rodney Crim, CEO and president of St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, was among ten area leaders who spoke at North County Incorporated’s (NCI) State of North County Luncheon.

Among the projects highlighted at the event were: the major housing development coming to Lulu Heights in Wellston, the Urban Training Center that will be built in Wellston, efforts to clean up Kinloch, Performance Food Group’s new facility in Berkley, the expansion of Boeing in North County and many other projects.

North County Business Collective Breakfast The North St. Louis Business Collective is an initiative created by the Neighborhood Transformation Team Managers: Melissa Garcia, Curtis Griggs, and Shavette Wayne, designed to ensure that local businesses have the support they need to thrive, strengthen their neighborhoods, and contribute to a more vibrant local economy. The first “Business Breakfast” offered a chance for the community to network and learn about business development resources.

St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Business

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 2026 Salute to Excellence in Business Awards and Networking Luncheon brought together the region’s top executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders for an afternoon of recognition and connection. The annual event celebrates outstanding leadership and impact across corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors while creating space for meaningful networking and collaboration.

Resources & Events

Resources & Events

Resources & Events

Resources & Events

Resources & Events

Resources & Events