Neighborhoods are stronger when residents are organized and engaged in the decisions that shape their communities. Many community groups already organize to solve problems and support each other—but they don’t always have a consistent way to access information about decisions affecting the neighborhood.
Board Bills 44 and 45, sponsored by Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard (Ward 10), seek to change that by creating a Registered Neighborhood Organization system – a public registry of neighborhood associations paired with a centralized notification platform that allows City departments to share reliable information with registered groups.
Board Bills 44 and 45, sponsored by Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard (Ward 10), seek to change that by creating a Registered Neighborhood Organization system – a public registry of neighborhood associations paired with a centralized notification platform that allows City departments to share reliable information with registered groups.
What is a Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO) System?
A Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO) is a group of residents from a defined geographic area who meet regularly to address local issues and represent the interests of their neighborhood to city government (e.g. neighborhood associations). Through a formal RNO system, neighborhood groups will gain official recognition from the City, giving them key benefits—like receiving timely notifications about proposed developments, zoning changes, ordinances, and other public notices that affect their community.
RNOs Empower Neighborhoods with Timely, Reliable Information
Being a part of an RNO system comes with benefits. Board Bills 44 and 45 would:
A St. Louis RNO System would ultimately level the playing field by creating a clear, consistent, and equitable process for neighborhoods to stay informed and engage in decisions that affect their neighborhood. It would also help city agencies more effectively communicate with neighborhoods, understand local concerns, and increase participation in public meetings.
- Create a clear process for neighborhoods to become officially recognized RNOs.
- Require the city to notify RNOs about relevant notices – like liquor license applications, zoning changes, and historic designations – that affect their geographic area.
- Require city agencies to include relevant RNOs in their community engagement efforts—not as the sole method of engagement, but as one key and consistent point of input.
A St. Louis RNO System would ultimately level the playing field by creating a clear, consistent, and equitable process for neighborhoods to stay informed and engage in decisions that affect their neighborhood. It would also help city agencies more effectively communicate with neighborhoods, understand local concerns, and increase participation in public meetings.
The Process Behind the LegislationBoard Bills 44 and 45 represent the culmination of over three years of effort by residents, community leaders, and civic organizations. Convened by the STL Vacancy Collaborative through a volunteer-led group, it began with one question: How do we create stronger, more connected neighborhoods? As the result of research and public input, that question became the RNO model we have today — created to support communication, connection and equity across St. Louis neighborhoods. |
Resources for Residents and PartnersHow does the RNO registration process work? Who is eligible? Do RNOs exist in other cities? Find that information and more below! |
