VSI Quarterly Convening: The State of Vacancy in St. Louis City

Join us for the Vacancy Strategy Initiative (VSI) Quarterly Convening: The State of Vacancy in St. Louis City & The Path Forward!

Date and time: Wednesday, May 7 · 5 - 8pm CDT

Location: Deaconess Foundation
1000 Vandeventer Avenue St. Louis, MO 63113

About this event:

Vacancy has negatively impacted St. Louis for far too long – it’s time to change course! You’re invited to be a part of the conversation about what comes next. 

Join us on Wednesday, May 7 for the VSI Quarterly Convening: The State of Vacancy in St. Louis City and the Path Forward. You’ll get a firsthand look at key data findings from our upcoming VSI Report – and most importantly you’ll have the opportunity to provide input on our proposed solutions to addressing vacancy. 

Stay around for trivia to test your knowledge on all things St. Louis and vacancy! We’ll have raffle drawings through the evening (you’re entered to win just by attending), and light refreshments. 

This is your opportunity to help shape the future of vacancy strategy in your neighborhood and city. We can’t wait to see you there! 

Here's What to Expect:

• Preview of the VSI Report: Get a sneak peek at key findings and proposed recommendations from the VSI Report (to be released Summer 2025).
• Public Input: Share your ideas and suggestions as we present our recommendations for tackling vacancy.
• Vacancy Trivia Challenge: Ready to test your knowledge of vacancy in St. Louis? Join us for a fun-filled trivia challenge.
• Refreshments & Raffle: Enjoy light refreshments while you mingle, and enter our raffle just by attending for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP (optional) on Eventbright.

The St. Louis Vacancy Collaborative (STLVC) is a coalition of community members, private and non-profit stakeholders, and City agencies committed to reducing vacant property in St. Louis. 

The STLVC helps to coordinate existing vacancy efforts under one umbrella and empowers the public and private sectors to work together toward solutions. We convene committees and project groups to facilitate systemic change, advance new policies, share success stories, and support neighborhood-centric solutions

A New Partnership for 2023-2025: The Vacancy Strategy Initiative (VSI)

     The Vacancy Strategy Initiative is a two-year-long partnership between the City of St. Louis's Community Development Administration and the STL Vacancy Collaborative (STLVC). 
     This initiative is the culmination of years of grassroots engagement, research, and work done by the STLVC to develop resources and enable communities to more effectively, efficiently, and equitably address vacancy. This effort will solidify the intended partnership between the City and the STLVC and will ensure that solving the vacancy crisis in St. Louis happens intentionally, with all stakeholders at the table.

Goals of the VSI

• Interagency Coordination & Community Engagement: This pillar includes interagency planning, implementation, and coordination meetings with various City departments and agencies responsible for administering vacancy prevention and reduction programs.  The STLVC will also expand on their community engagement efforts and hold at least 4 public meetings a year articulating and soliciting input on the City’s vacancy strategy.
• Metrics, Maps, and Cost Analysis: This pillar involves the creation and maintenance of public-facing metrics and maps that track vacant properties and associated city expenditures, building on the STLVC’s existing tools and with the support of the St. Louis Regional Data Alliance. Additionally, a comprehensive cost of vacancy analysis will provide insights into the direct and indirect costs of vacancy, including impacts on property values and tax collection, impacts on neighborhoods, and the cost of City services.
• Vacant Lot & Building Management & Redevelopment Strategy: Based on the engagement and data analysis conducted (see above) the vacancy strategy initiative will develop prioritization models and policies to support the equitable and efficient allocation of resources for building stabilization, demolition, lot maintenance, and beautification. In addition, at the conclusion of the engagement, the STLVC will deliver a final report including operational, programmatic, and policy proposals with broad support from City stakeholders and the public.

  Vacant Property Explorer interactive map.

Event Type: Community Event
When: Wednesday, May 07, 2025 at 05:00 PM
Location: Deaconess Foundation
Neighborhood: City-Wide
Ward: Many Wards
Admission: Free.
Contact:
Contact Phone: (314) 657-3813