The development of the new strategy was a united effort that involved elected representatives, neighborhood leaders, businesses that employ people and pay taxes, and City departments that provide direct public services. In addition, other public institutions were involved, like the Board of Education and Bi-State Development Agency, non-profits, foundations and above all, the residents and citizens of the City of St. Louis.

Our approach for updating the strategy included:

• Analyzing important changes that have occurred in the last five years - things like Welfare Reform, 2004, the Pierce Report, business consolidations and more.
• Considering trends that will impact the next five years - things like technology, educational reform, the economy, etc.
• Communicating through public meetings and roundtable discussions with a diverse array of impacted individuals so they have opportunities to articulate their concerns and aspirations.
• Reaching out to neighborhood groups and non-profits so they understand how they can shape the strategy.
• Ensuring that the strategy relates to other on-going initiatives, e.g. SafeFutures, Weed and Seed, 21st Century, Sustainable Neighborhoods, United Way Resource Center, etc.
• Including research already completed for recent studies such as the St. Louis EMA HIV/AIDS Housing Plan, Economic Development Strategic Plan by Sedway Group, St. Louis Homeless Services Continuum of Care Plan, St. Louis Housing Authority Comprehensive Grant Strategic Plan, the Supportive Services Plan for the Housing Authority, and the Blueprint for Youth Recreation.