NOTE TO THE READER

This Five-Year Consolidated Plan Strategy has been prepared for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in response to their requirement for a single document that addresses the how the City of St. Louis plans to utilize Community Development Block Grant funds, HOME Investment Partnership funds, Emergency Shelter Grant funds, and Housing Opportunities for People with Aids funds. In 1999, the City of St. Louis received approximately $35 million through these programs. This plan examines the needs for these funds in the City of St. Louis and presents a series of recommendations, both short-term and long-term, to address those needs.

This document is the output of an extended community involvement process designed to engage the citizens of St. Louis in an analysis of the issues that exist in their neighborhoods and in the City overall. This process also involved a wide range of groups, including real estate agents, developers, bankers, and others with an interest in the needs, challenges, opportunities, and priorities of the St. Louis community as we look to the next five years.

Much of the work in this document was prepared by various subject matter experts who researched issues, contributed essays, and helped developed recommendations for future initiatives and priorities. Their work was placed in draft form in the branches of the St. Louis Public Library, as well as on the Internet, for public review and comments. This final document reflects the feedback received from these audiences.

For more information on the planning process, or to request additional copies of this report, please contact Charles Kindleberger at 314/6722-3400.