Research Projects

Over the last few years, the Research Division has undertaken a variety of projects using three full time staff and many interns and associates.

• 5 Year Consolidated Plan Strategy. A major effort to articulate the priorities of city that was submitted to HUD in mid-November 1999.
• Central Corridor Condominium Study. An analysis of the condominium market in the area around and to the east of Forest Park.
• Year 2000 Census. A campaign to build awareness about the census that will be conducted in April 2000, in order to promote participation and reduce the traditional undercount.
• Geographic Information System Improvements. This is a citywide initiative to improve the ability to access and analyse information using state of the art GIS software.
• Data Collection and Analysis Systems. A related effort is promoted by the Research Division to assemble and to disseminate information about the neighborhoods, census tracts, wards and other sub-areas of the city.
• Grantsmanship. The Division has had a key role on numerous grants in recent years. Successful grant applications have included Ounce of Prevention (HUD - Children at Risk), Corporation for Public Broadcasting (Community Information Systems), Missouri Express (Community Information Systems), Enterprise Community, and the Empowerment Zone.
• Performance and Evaluation Report. Each spring the Division prepares a report on the extent to which progress has been made in carrying out the Consolidated Plan. The report is submitted to HUD.
• Annual Lending Study. An analysis of the residential and small business lending patterns in the City of St. Louis for all banks that indicate an interest in being a depository for city funds.
• Consolidated Plan Compliance Letters. The Division has traditionally coordinated the review of specific projects in light of their compliance with the Consolidated Plan.
• Fair Housing. Several initiatives are underway to educate the community about fair housing responsibilities, and to build a clearinghouse for those looking for accessible housing.
• Enterprise Community Assistance. The Division has provided advice on the design and implementation of the Enterprise Community Program and the new Empowerment Zone program.
• Technical Support. The Division is active in promoting professional information systems, both within the development agencies (Agency Computer Committee) and on a citywide basis (FOCUS Technology Task Force).
• Research Partnerships. The Division collaborates with research efforts that are coordinated by the United Way, ARCHS, SafeFutures, EWGCC and related groups.
• Community Information Network. The Division provides design and development support for the internet based system that serves the City of St. Louis, its neighborhoods, non-profits, businesses, and citizens.
• Information Support. The Division responds to requests for information and assistance from others throughout the planning and development agencies, other city departments and citizens throughout the region.
• Planning Support. The Division provides data and planning support for initiatives at the project, neighborhood, and citywide level.