All in-person meetings have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Meetings may take place in the form of video calls and other virtual formats. If you are interested in participating in a working group but are not already on that group's email list, please connect with the appropriate working group co-chair listed below. We appreciate your patience as we figure out how best to serve our community given the circumstances. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns through our contact form. We look forward to a time when we can all meet again soon!

These six groups advance priority areas for addressing vacancy and tackle specific projects related to community input and the Vacancy Collaborative’s action plans. To see the calendar for upcoming meeting dates and locations, click here. 

Anti-Displacement
The Anti-Displacement Working Group identifies ways to help St. Louisans stay in the homes and neighborhoods of their choice. Topics discussed are equitable development, preventing displacement, and the quantity and quality of affordable housing in St. Louis. ​

Meets every fourth Thursday of the month from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.
Contact stldisplacementwg@gmail.com for more information. 

Data Analysis
The Data Analysis Working Group creates and interprets digital resources to conceptualize the impact of vacancy. Projects include the vacant property portal, demolition tracker, and LRA Homefinder.

Meets every other fourth Tuesday of the month from 4:30 - 6:00 pm at UMSL at Grand Center. 
Contact tara@communitybuildersstl.org for more information.

Marketing and Engagement
The Marketing and Engagement Working Group focuses on broadening the impact of the Vacancy Collaborative. Topics include neighborhood engagement, communications planning, and marketing
​
Meets on the first Thursday of the month from 12:00 - 1:30 pm at SLU Law. 
Contact: dana.malkus@slu.edu for more information.

Reinvestment and Reuse
The Reinvestment and Reuse Working Group identifies and promotes financial and sustainable solutions to equitably reinvest in vacant property. Topics include alternative land use through greening, small contractor/rehabber development, and financial reinvestment tools. 

Meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 10:00 - 11:30am at UMSL at Grand Center.
Contact: naimgry@yahoo.com  for more information. 

Stabilization, Maintenance, and Demolition
The Stabilization, Maintenance, and Demolition Working Group is concerned with managing vacant properties comprehensively and increasing the transparency of related processes and policies. Topics include stabilization, maintenance, deconstruction, demolition*, and strategic code enforcement.  

Meets every fourth Wednesday of the month from 11:00 - 12:30 pm at Jubilee Community Church. 
Contact: ginnl@stlouis-mo.gov for more information.

*The Demolition and Public Health Task Force, a subgroup of this working group, are trying to improve public health outcomes for residents living in the areas of nearby demolitions. The Task Force is asking for resident participation in this survey and is seeking new members.
​You can find more information here 

Vacancy Prevention
Vets and promotes vacancy prevention strategies. Topics include beneficiary deeds, home repair loans, and eviction prevention.

Meets every third Thursday of the month from 4:00 - 5:30 pm at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. 
Contact: stlvacancypreventionwg@gmail.com for more information.