BB153 Sonnier/Green Rams Settlement Board Bill

A significant concern I have is that, while the TRANSFORM STL Act addresses important areas such as infrastructure and workforce development, it does not explicitly include support for the Department of Health, which plays a foundational role in achieving the bill’s broader goals of economic mobility. Without proper funding for the DOH, we risk undermining the long-term health improvements that are essential for sustaining the positive impacts of the bill. Ensuring that the DOH is adequately funded to support its critical initiatives is key to addressing the health disparities that persist in our city, particularly in low-income and minority communities.

I suggest exploring opportunities to allocate a portion of the Rams Settlement Funds to the Department of Health specifically, prioritizing funds for Intersection of Health and Economic Mobility and Maternal and Child Health would align well with the goals of the TRANSFORM STL Act, especially in supporting vulnerable communities. By investing in these areas, the City can create a sustainable impact that complements the infrastructure and workforce development efforts already outlined in the bill.

Given the critical role the Department of Health plays in addressing health equity and community well-being, how can we ensure that the Department of Health receives adequate funding to support its priorities—particularly those outlined in the 2023 Strategic Plan, such as maternal and child health, health and economic mobility, and addressing systemic health disparities—in the context of the TRANSFORM STL Act?

Stable housing is essential for health, and improving the conditions of homes, particularly in high-risk neighborhoods, will reduce exposure to health hazards like lead, mold, and poor air quality—issues that disproportionately affect low-income and minority families. Please consider a portion of the housing budget to support the Department of Health to ensure City residents have SAFE housing and that infrastructure does not pose additional risks (health risks) to city residents.

I strongly believe that a great portion of the funds should be allocated toward youth out-of-school programming and/or upgrading our city community recreation centers. These facilities are in need of significant improvements to better serve the community and meet the needs of today’s youth.

From surveying youth in the north side community, many have expressed that they lack safe, fun spaces to spend their time. Investing in these recreation centers could make a tremendous difference by upgrading the buildings, purchasing new technology, and even hiring armed security or establishing police substations for added safety.

As they use to say "A idle mind is the devils play ground.", and currently, the city’s youth have virtually no safe places to go, which contributes to the challenges facing our community. By addressing this need, we could not only provide positive outlets for young people but also foster greater respect and connection between generations.

I strongly believe that a great portion of the funds should be allocated toward youth out-of-school programming and/or upgrading our city community recreation centers. These facilities are in need of significant improvements to better serve the community and meet the needs of today’s youth.

From surveying youth in the north side community, many have expressed that they lack safe, fun spaces to spend their time. Investing in these recreation centers could make a tremendous difference by upgrading the buildings, purchasing new technology, and even hiring armed security or establishing police substations for added safety.

As they use to say "A idle mind is the devils play ground.", and currently, the city’s youth have virtually no safe places to go, which contributes to the challenges facing our community. By addressing this need, we could not only provide positive outlets for young people but also foster greater respect and connection between generations.

Although the Department of Health is not currently mentioned in this bill, there are key health department priorities that align directly with the strategic allocation of funds in this bill, and those priorities deserve to be supported with funds from this settlement. This is especially important, given the Health Department receives a miniscule amount of the annual city budget, despite the critical importance of public health's impact on the ability of city residents to thrive.

Recommended Aligned Priorities and Allocation of Settlement Funds:

*CHIP Priority 1- Intersection of Health and Economic Mobility
Health equity is central to both economic stability and social justice. By improving access to healthcare in under-resourced neighborhoods, the City has the potential to create lasting, positive change. This initiative builds on the commitment to addressing systemic health disparities and aligning with CHIP’s priority to reduce inequities and improve access to healthcare services, ultimately fostering economic resilience and a healthier population. This also aligns with the Citywide Housing Fund (Section 5A) and the Citywide Mobility Infrastructure Fund (Section 3B) of the proposed bill. It’s critical that we focus not only on affordable and accessible housing but also on safe housing. Stable housing is essential for health, and improving the conditions of homes, particularly in high-risk neighborhoods, will reduce exposure to health hazards like lead, mold, and poor air quality—issues that disproportionately affect low-income and minority families.

*CHIP Priority 3: Maternal and Child Health
Section 4A (Children and Families Endowment Fund) and Section 4B (City Workforce Fund) support efforts to improve maternal and child health. The Children and Families Endowment Fund will increase access to affordable childcare, which directly aligns with CHIP’s focus on ensuring quality services for mothers and children with an emphasis on reproductive justice. This emphasizes the need for expanded health-related workforce training and resources. Institutions providing services will require support from the City DOH to ensure that mothers and their families are cared for in environments that promote their well-being. For example, the creation of a “safe haven” model for maternal and child health directly supports the CHIP’s priority of improving outcomes. By investing in resources that support women and children, we aim to reduce the generational impact of poor health outcomes, ensuring that families feel supported and empowered in navigating their healthcare needs.

I would also appreciate funding for the City's Health Department. There are many infectious diseases in particular that are escalating in the city that won't be addressed if investments are not made. Like many other areas, the city is also struggling with mental health and substance use. There are not enough resources for all of the need in the community currently.

Many homes demolished in recent years are owned by the City or Paul McKee. Is there intention to increase first time home ownership by preventing large-scale ownership and abandonment of properties so that entire neighborhood blocks dont fall into disrepair/demolishment, thus disincentivizing others from moving in to the area?

it is important to identify more clearly the intention here. The original proposal was intended to address traffic calming, pedestrian safety, and focus on transportation safety and access beyond single owner vehicles, though this does not clearly identify those intentions anymore. When "mobility" "access" and "safety" are considered, it should be on the basis of who has the least now and working upward (i.e. pedestrians with disabilities, users of the bus or public transit system, those at risk of being hit by a vehicle whether on foot or on bike) rather than starting at the top (making streets more driveable)

If using funds for lead pipe targeting/removal, you may consider reaching out to Dr. Dan Giammar at WashU who has developed a method for time-averaged lead sampling of drinking water

I believe it is important to also consider users of public transit on the streets and sidewalks - is there shade (from trees or manufactured), shelter, seating at bus stops to make them accessible to all users?

This should also include specific addressing of pedestrian and bike mobility. As evidenced in the recent snowstorm, mobility of vehicles is the first to be addressed, and if someone uses bikes, mobility devices such as wheelchairs and canes, or walks to access food, work, housing, etc. they are deeply underserved

Like others have said, the city government is not a social service organization. Although there are good intentions behind this and I see the benefits, I do not feel this is how we should spend the Rams money. Public safety should have been at the top of any bill presented.

While every idea has merit, however we will not achieve our long range goals for growth and sustainability until we address the core issues that plague our city. They are, not necessarily in this order, Crime, Youth Development Programs, Housing and Jobs Creation. I have reached out to Mayor Jines and Alderperson President Green, no response to date. 314-458-7585 or via email vetmcfarlin@gmail.com. Thank you. God bless!! Coach Elvin Douglas McFarlin

Can we please add funding for Public Health? On behalf of being a proud citizen, I know this will help our community be fully able to contribute as citizens in St. Louis; whether that be to work, live, learn, serve, build healthy relationships, enjoy our beautiful city, find purpose and directly lower rates of violence.

I appreciate the thoughtfulness and inclusivity of this approach as well as the transparency and intentionality of community engagement efforts. This was no small feat. My strongest recommendation is to apportion funds specifically for the strengthening and enhancement of our public health infrastructure as a vital factor in our City's overall wellbeing.

appreciative of this commitment to our city's present and future as well as the opportunity to supplement and grow this fund through private investment

appreciative of this visionary investment that will have immediate and long-term impact

Curious whether infrastructure can be broadened to include strengthening of critical departments to ensure resilience in the face of unanticipated crises (including, but not limited to, DOH in the event of future outbreaks or pandemics, etc.)

this is such a worthwhile investment across all of our city's departments

continued improvement in critical health indicators (including STIs) as well as access to information and resources to support family planning are critical factors in this regard - each critical roles of the DOH

please consider including access to information and resources necessary to achieving optimal individual and community health (critical to maintain resilience in the event of future pandemics or public health crises)

suggestion: I recommend considering the City's Public Health Department as part of the critical infrastructure for our city's vibrant future

This sentence should be removed. If there are funds already being set aside to recruit and develop better city employees, they should have more wages to secure housing in the city. This would be considered a pseudo repayment into the increased employment opportunities they captured from other parts of this money.

The Rams settlement money should be spent on improvements for the quality of life of residents, particularly those who live in the downtown area. This area was most impacted by the Rams leaving the city. This bill has little mention of what would actually be done to help the residents of downtown. Additionally, there is little mention of how we will try to attract new residents, new businesses, and visitors to the city.

I support the Citywide Neighborhood Development Fund. The bill lists a number of participants on Community Development Innovation Fund Board. My main criticism here is that this process and this board do not include the neighborhood association. Each neighborhood must give its input into this process because it knows best what it need. I know we have SLACO and it may serve in some capacity. However, some form of input from each neighborhood is essential to make residents feel included in how these funds are distributed. The Neighborhood Development Fund should live up to its name.

Streets and sidewalks need to be safe for people with disabilities. As a blind person, I can hardly walk on my sidewalks in North Hampton because sidewalks are so uneven. In many places, there are no sidewalks, just grass. As a blind person, how can I walk on grass? I use sidewalks to navigate with my guide dog. I have to go to the curb and try to follow with my guide dog in the street. Funds should be provided to put in sidewalks where there is grass in front of people’s houses. There are curb cuts for wheelchairs at intersections which angle into the intersections which are dangerous for blind people. They do not provide an accurate crossing because they angle into the intersection and into traffic. See example at Hampton and Chippewa, northeast corner by Walgreens. Funds should be used to fix this problem.

I would love for the board to explore how effectiveness of infrastructure projects using these funds could be measured. Modal share, air quality, and traffic fatalities or injuries, should all be considered as measures for effectiveness of infrastructure.

What options would the board of aldermen be open to considering to ensure these funds can make a notable impact to our built environment while also lasting for many years to come? I think requiring these funds to be matching would help, but I'm wondering if there needs to be other protections.

There should be language that emphasizes a few key priorities in relation to mobility: environmental sustainability and public accessibility. Accessibility should include access regardless of socioeconomic class.

Is there any existing examples from other cities that prove a youth opportunities account could improve resident retention?

I think this is a noble and lofty goal... but I don't think it really connects to the items addressed in the previous Ram's Settlement engagements. I think we should go all in on childcare and youth services.

I'm wondering if we should choose between the City Workforce Fund or City Worker priority for these proposed funds. I would love to hear more discussion on this.

Do we need to include the term "city-wide" if it is already a given that these funds function to serve city-wide needs?

I want to support this, but I need to learn more about how this can sustain decent worker wages or benefits while considering potential growth in the city work force if this fund achieves its goal of drawing more workers to the city. Would it need to be focused toward employees in specific departments for the city such as waste management or another department to really focus impact in specific areas? Would love to hear more on this.

I'm concerned that the Children and Families Endowment Fund attempts to do too much. Among the top ten ideas, residents wanted support for (1) Free or Municipally Subsidized Child Care for Residents, and (2) Before- and After-School Care. I believe all the issues presented here matter, but not all of them were present during earlier engagements related to the Rams Settlement.