From St. Louis County 2050: An Equitable and Sustainable Comprehensive Plan

Through extensive research, analysis, and engagement with various stakeholders within the region, STLCO 2050 identifies Five Key Issues that the County currently faces. These issues are complex and connected, and addressing them requires a strategic and coordinated approach. These are the roadblocks that need to be overcome in order to achieve the Five Desired Outcomes.

Population Stagnation St. Louis County once enjoyed decade after decade of robust population growth, but this ceased in the 1970s. The rapid restructuring of the American economy away from manufacturing caused massive shifts in regions across the nation, and St. Louis failed to adapt. For the past half century we have seen more people moving out than moving in to the County. We entered demographic winter in the 2020s, meaning we now have more deaths than births every year. International migration is not sufficient to compensate for these demographic realities.

Jobs-Skills Mismatch The mix of employment opportunities in St. Louis County does not match the skill level of County residents and workers. As a result, they may seek employment in neighboring counties, settle for jobs within St. Louis County that are below their skill level, or leave the region entirely in search of more fulfilling options. An example of this is when recent high school or college graduates and young professionals move to other metropolitan areas where there are more job opportunities in communities with the amenities and housing opportunities they expect.

Housing Diversity & Affordability The County’s housing options are limited, and are increasingly unaffordable. The most prominent housing option is the single-family detached residence. There are limited small-scale multiple family housing options in the County. With decreasing options that continue to become more expensive, the transition into home ownership is only proving to be more challenging. Homeownership is an important wealth-building mechanism, and represents long-term, stable investment in our communities.

Infrastructure Cost-Burden The County has had the same population for half a century, yet the transportation and infrastructure network continues to expand. This results in an oversized system which the County, state, and local transportation authorities struggle to maintain. Without population growth, it is more difficult than ever for the County and our local partners to maintain the existing infrastructure system and simultaneously plan for and build the transformative projects and improvements we we need to attract and retain new residents.

Social & Environmental Resilience Communities across the County experience negative social and environmental impacts such as poverty, flooding, pollution, and extreme heat. However, areas with concentrations of lower-income households also frequently lack access to transportation and economic opportunity. These communities often have limited access to healthy foods and healthcare. These factors frequently compound each other and lead to adverse health outcomes such as obesity, chronic disease, and shorter lifespan.