Launched in 2023, the Vacancy Strategy Initiative (VSI) is a two-year collaboration between St. Louis City’s Community Development Administration (CDA) and the STL Vacancy Collaborative (STLVC).
Together, we are working to develop a strategic plan regarding resource prioritization
for vacant property prevention, stabilization, and reuse.
Together, we are working to develop a strategic plan regarding resource prioritization
for vacant property prevention, stabilization, and reuse.
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VSI Pillars
The VSI is anchored by three critical pillars. Together, they form a robust framework for our efforts to address vacancy issues and enhance quality of life in the St. Louis region.
1. Interagency Coordination & Community Engagement
Collaborate with City departments on vacancy prevention and reduction programs while also coordinating community events and STLVC project group efforts.
2. Metrics, Maps, and Cost Analysis
Develop and maintain public metrics and maps to track vacant properties and City expenditures.
Complete a Cost of Vacancy analysis.
3. Vacant Lot & Building Management & Redevelopment Strategy
Create prioritization models and policies for resource allocation in building stabilization, demolition, lot maintenance, and beautification.
Collaborate with City departments on vacancy prevention and reduction programs while also coordinating community events and STLVC project group efforts.
2. Metrics, Maps, and Cost Analysis
Develop and maintain public metrics and maps to track vacant properties and City expenditures.
Complete a Cost of Vacancy analysis.
3. Vacant Lot & Building Management & Redevelopment Strategy
Create prioritization models and policies for resource allocation in building stabilization, demolition, lot maintenance, and beautification.
VSI Coordination and Engagement
The VSI consists of the STLVC Project Groups and VSI Project Teams.
STLVC Project Groups
The STLVC Project Groups are volunteer-led initiatives that focus on addressing specific issues related to vacancy, such as code enforcement, policy, anti-displacement, and more. Want to get involved? Sign up to join an STLVC project group!
The STLVC Project Groups are volunteer-led initiatives that focus on addressing specific issues related to vacancy, such as code enforcement, policy, anti-displacement, and more. Want to get involved? Sign up to join an STLVC project group!
VSI Project Teams
The VSI Project Teams are composed of key City agencies, departments, and partners. Project Teams, such as the Data, Analysis, and Metrics and Building Stabilization, are typically organized around specific topics or areas of expertise.
Participating City Departments and Agencies: Building Division, City Counselor's Office: Problem Properties Unit, Collector of Revenue, Community Development Administration (CDA), Cultural Resources, Forestry Division, Information Technology Services Agency, Land Reutilization Authority (LRA), Neighborhood Stabilization Division, Planning & Urban Design Agency, St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC).
The VSI Project Teams are composed of key City agencies, departments, and partners. Project Teams, such as the Data, Analysis, and Metrics and Building Stabilization, are typically organized around specific topics or areas of expertise.
Participating City Departments and Agencies: Building Division, City Counselor's Office: Problem Properties Unit, Collector of Revenue, Community Development Administration (CDA), Cultural Resources, Forestry Division, Information Technology Services Agency, Land Reutilization Authority (LRA), Neighborhood Stabilization Division, Planning & Urban Design Agency, St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC).
VSI Maps and Metrics
VSI partners work together to develop and maintain tools that:
- Support cross-departmental coordination and communication
- Help prioritize the allocation of limited resources
- Inform residents about City investments in vacant properties
- Measure and monitor the impacts of City investments
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Coming in 2025: Cost of Vacancy Analysis
VSI Partners
The VSI is an interdepartmental collaboration between the STLVC and all city departments and agencies involved with vacancy issues. This initiative takes a holistic approach, incorporating diverse perspectives to tackle the complex and multifaceted nature of vacancy—recognizing that it requires input from multiple groups and organizations to find effective solutions.
The VSI is funded by the CDA from the City’s 2017 Economic Development Sales Tax.
