What is the LBD?
The Locust Central Business District is a political subdivision of the state of Missouri located in the heart of St. Louis City between Downtown and Grand Center, including parts of Downtown West and Midtown. Established by City Ordinance in 1982, the LBD provides funding for neighborhood improvement projects and services to improve the safety, appearance, and marketability of the area.
What are the LBD’s boundaries?
The LBD’s boundaries, shown in the map, are between 18th St. to the east and Compton Ave. to the west. The northern boundary fluctuates but is approximately Washington Ave. to the north west of Jefferson and Delmar Blvd. to the north in Downtown West. The southern boundary also fluctuates and is approximately Market St. at the eastern corner and Olive St. west of CITYPARK. The LBD includes the CITYPARK campus south to I-64.
Who runs the LBD?
The LBD is managed by an all-volunteer Board of Commissioners appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Board of Aldermen. The composition of the board is determined by Ordinance and includes up to seven-members including five real property owners or their representatives and two renters of real property or their representatives.
When does the Board of Commissioners meet?
The Board usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are posted on this website. The LBD operates under the open meetings and records laws of the state of Missouri.
Where does the LBD’s operating budget come from?
The LBD is funded by a tax levy on real estate within the boundaries of the District. The LBD is required to provide an annual report and its annual budget to the Board of Aldermen.
How can the LBD spend and raise money?
The LBD has a long list of permitted uses for its funds, including but not limited to street closures and openings, sidewalk and infrastructure construction, public art installation, landscaping and maintenance, ground transportation, security personnel, leasing of sidewalk tables, purchasing of parking facilities, and promotion of business activity. The LBD has the power to carry out these improvements through cooperation with government agencies and businesses; contracting, and accepting of gifts, grants, loans, or contributions; and, hiring professional support and contractors. The LBD may incur indebtedness and issue general obligation and/or revenue bonds and notes.
What are the LBD’s top priorities?
The LBD spends the bulk of its program funds on supplemental security services and beautification, including trash cans, dog waste stations, and weed control.
How was the LBD established?
By Ordinance in 1982 in accordance with the Special Business District laws in the state of Missouri.
How and when is the LBD renewed?
In 1987, based on performance, a supplemental Ordinance removed an original time limit.