In the News
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Mayoral candidate Cara Spencer quits board of embattled St. Louis development agency
Alderwoman Cara Spencer resigned from the board of the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), expressing concerns over its management. She stated, “Recent events have destroyed my confidence in SLDC as well as community trust that this organization is properly managed or is serving the best interests of the city.” Her departure follows controversies involving the agency's leadership and operations.
Alderwoman Cara Spencer resigned from the board of the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), expressing concerns over its management. She stated, “Recent events have destroyed my confidence in SLDC as well as community trust that this organization is properly managed or is serving the best interests of the city.” Her departure follows controversies involving the agency's leadership and operations.
5 On Your Side: Scrutiny mounts over federal relief money for north St. Louis businesses; city denies wrongdoing
Scrutiny surrounds St. Louis' distribution of $33 million in federal COVID relief funds for North St. Louis businesses, with some feeling excluded. St. Louis Ward 8 Alderwoman Cara Spencer has called for more oversight, stating, “We are 2.5 years in; many of these businesses applied in the summer of 2022, and here we are still vetting them. The faith in the system is gone.”
Scrutiny surrounds St. Louis' distribution of $33 million in federal COVID relief funds for North St. Louis businesses, with some feeling excluded. St. Louis Ward 8 Alderwoman Cara Spencer has called for more oversight, stating, “We are 2.5 years in; many of these businesses applied in the summer of 2022, and here we are still vetting them. The faith in the system is gone.”
A Once in a Generation Opportunity Slipping Away
How will the deployment of historic ARPA funds be graded by future generations?
How will the deployment of historic ARPA funds be graded by future generations?
The City of St. Louis was awarded just shy of $500 million in pandemic relief money through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This was more than any major city in the U.S. per capita because of our city’s vacancy, population loss, and lack of economic opportunity for residents. A historic and once-in-a-generation opportunity for our community.
Here we are, a few months shy of four years since we received these funds, and as of this morning, the city has only spent $155M. That’s less than a third of the awarded funds.
While the funds don’t need to be spent until 2026, they do need to be obligated by the end of 2024. That’s just 10 weeks from now. Today, we have $316M obligated. That means we still have $184M on the table that is still unaccounted for, with the expiration date drawing near.
The mayor's chief of staff, Jared Boyd, acknowledged last month that it was too late to get new requests for proposals out—a devastating blow to projects promised but not yet contracted for. So what does that mean?
Here we are at the finish line, and the administration is presumably putting together an omnibus bill to obligate a whopping $184M in the last two months of a 48-month timeline provided by the federal government. This is happening without any public communication about how they plan to allocate such a large amount of funding. As Chair of Budget and Public Employees, I can confirm there has been no communication with our committee about the mayor’s plans.
ARPA funds were an enormous opportunity to invest in our communities—and, just as importantly, to build trust. We have seen the opposite of that. From a failure to deploy funds in a reasonable timeframe to the debacle with the North Side Grant Fund and, just today, egregious oversights are coming to light in the Private Building Stabilization Program. What's next is a last-minute dash to the finish line with no time left for robust community discussion or even thoughtful planning. This is no way to spend $184M.
The current administration’s actions do not optimize results. Where was the data-driven decision-making we were promised? Maximizing results takes careful planning, true transparency, and competent and timely deployment of resources.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Big business wants Rams money for downtown, north St. Louis. Leaders are skeptical.
Cara Spencer applauded Greater St. Louis’s proposal to use the Rams settlement money on downtown — on street repairs, safety upgrades, beautification, and rehabilitation of older buildings, even while getting pushback from Megan Green. But Spencer did not agree with putting SLDC in charge of the money, noting that the city’s economic development arm is currently struggling to properly administer a $37 million grant program for north-side businesses.
Cara Spencer applauded Greater St. Louis’s proposal to use the Rams settlement money on downtown — on street repairs, safety upgrades, beautification, and rehabilitation of older buildings, even while getting pushback from Megan Green. But Spencer did not agree with putting SLDC in charge of the money, noting that the city’s economic development arm is currently struggling to properly administer a $37 million grant program for north-side businesses.
Cara’s Vision for Restoring Trust and Transparency in City Government
Trust and transparency are core tenets of democracy and critical to a functioning society. Without trust, a system cannot work well, jeopardizing its legitimacy, stability, and the collective well-being of its citizens.
Trust and transparency are core tenets of democracy and critical to a functioning society. Without trust, a system cannot work well, jeopardizing its legitimacy, stability, and the collective well-being of its citizens.
The past several years have seen a troubling but consistent lack of transparency in the functioning of St. Louis City government: failure to respond in a timely manner to sunshine requests, failure to allow for oversight into the very troubled jail system, and most recently, failure to disclose records around some of the largest awardees of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Failures in transparency have real consequences. A recent lawsuit against the St. Louis Division of Corrections has led to a judge determining that the facility “purposefully violated the Sunshine Law.” This not only results in statutory penalties against the division but also a breakdown in trust in the criminal justice system — a system that badly needs trust.
More recently, the failures of transparency in the North St. Louis Small Business & Non-Profit Grant Program, funded by ARPA, have badly damaged the impact $32 million will have in North City. As a member of the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) board, Cara refused to vote on the program. She stood with the public, who continue to have concerns and questions about the distribution of the money, as outlined by both the St. Louis Post Dispatch and KSDK. It's unacceptable that two years into implementing this program, these questions remain.
As mayor, trust and transparency will be more than words used during campaign season. They will be core tenets of Cara’s administration. These are some of the objectives Cara will prioritize from day one:
Providing transparency in the jails. Allowing members of the Detention Facilities Oversight Board into the city jail and working to improve, not hide, conditions in the detention facility.
Enforcing conflict of interest policies. Developing and adhering to real, disclosed conflict of interest policies across city agencies, including quasi-governmental entities such as SLDC.
Complying with the law. Complying with the state Sunshine Law across the board in a timely manner and reasonable prices. Period.
Building reliable reporting systems. Making it easier for citizens to engage and report problems by implementing a 3-1-1 system for nonemergency issues and finally fixing the 9-1-1 system so citizens can have a trusted set of reporting options.
Sharing data to provide accountability. Publishing data related to city services through a platform similar to Baltimore’s CitiStat program to disclose performance metrics and hold city government accountable.
Residents deserve to know how and where their tax dollars are spent and how the city government is operating its departments. As mayor, Cara will use transparency and reporting to build trust and improve systems.
St. Louis Business Journal: City Justice Center commissioner on leave, status uncertain
After confirmation that jail director Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah is on leave, concerns about transparency at the City Justice Center have intensified. Spencer remarked, “It’s clear that things aren’t working over there from the staffing issues to the safety of those in our custody, and to the general public just having questions that are not answered.” She and others have called on the mayor to address the situation and its impact on jail operations.
After confirmation that jail director Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah is on leave, concerns about transparency at the City Justice Center have intensified. Spencer remarked, “It’s clear that things aren’t working over there from the staffing issues to the safety of those in our custody, and to the general public just having questions that are not answered.” She and others have called on the mayor to address the situation and its impact on jail operations.
Hard No: Cara’s Statement on the Transparency of the North City Small Business and Non Profit Grant Program
“The more we learn about the North St. Louis City Small Business and Non Profit Grant Program, the more troubled I become with the program.”
“The more we learn about the North St. Louis City Small Business and Non Profit Grant Program, the more troubled I become with the program. The Post Dispatch reported that some of the businesses appeared to be vacant, abandoned buildings, among other issues of transparency and due diligence. Yesterday, I was a hard no on reallocating funding dedicated to the administration of this program. If we still haven’t vetted these businesses before awarding businesses the city has more work to do.
“The lack of transparency in this process has impacted the trust and validity our institutions have in our community: we must ensure that the organizations we empower to handle our development and growth are held to the highest standards. The ongoing concerns make clear that the residents who need these funds the most are now worried they may not have been given a fair shot.
“In the coming weeks you will hear more from me on why transparency and trust are important pillars to uphold in our government. We need to implement measures that will help build back the faith our community demands; I will share how I plan to do just that.
“We have work to do and transparency should be our top priority.
“If you can, help fuel our campaign to make transparency a priority in city government through a contribution or volunteer to help us spread the word about my commitment to good government.”
– Cara Spencer
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If you'd like to read more on the situation, check out some of the articles below:
St. Louis Business Journal: Amid questions, north St. Louis grant recipients to be vetted, officials say
Spencer questioned why awardees in the Northside Grant Program were not vetted before they were announced, stating that vetting should at least include, whether or not it’s a real business, whether or not it’s located in north St. Louis, whether or not its located in an abandoned building, whether or not that business owner is willing to share any level of details about what they are going to do with the funds.
Spencer questioned why awardees in the Northside Grant Program were not vetted before they were announced, stating that vetting should at least include, whether or not it’s a real business, whether or not it’s located in north St. Louis, whether or not its located in an abandoned building, whether or not that business owner is willing to share any level of details about what they are going to do with the funds.
Fox 2 Now: St. Louis trash woes reach retired teacher’s backyard
“We need to get serious about hiring the people that we need to pick up the trash on a regular basis and right now our refuse department is woefully understaffed, but we need to make sure that they have the right equipment too,” Spencer said.
“We need to get serious about hiring the people that we need to pick up the trash on a regular basis and right now our refuse department is woefully understaffed, but we need to make sure that they have the right equipment too,” Spencer said.
5 On Your Side: Spencer’s gun bill “allowed officers to seize” guns on a downtown rooftop overlooking July 4 parade route
Officers arrested Trentston Sappington, a 23-year-old from Granite City, who was found armed and observing the large crowds gathered for the festivities. Sappington, who lacked a concealed carry permit, violated the city's new open carry ban. This ordinance, introduced by 8th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer, enabled officers to confiscate his weapons and hold them as evidence while prosecutors review potential charges.
Last Thursday, thousands of people celebrating Independence Day along the parade route in downtown St. Louis were unknowingly being watched by an armed wanted man. St. Louis police responded to a report of a suspicious individual on the rooftop of a parking garage at 604 Pine Street, which overlooks Kiener Plaza and Market Street, areas bustling with paradegoers and protesters.
Officers arrested Trentston Sappington, a 23-year-old from Granite City, who was found armed and observing the large crowds gathered for the festivities. Sappington, who lacked a concealed carry permit, violated the city's new open carry ban. This ordinance, introduced by 8th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer, enabled officers to confiscate his weapons and hold them as evidence while prosecutors review potential charges.
5 On Your Side (Video): Alderwoman Cara Spencer joins 'The Record'
Alderwoman Cara Spencer talks about her proposed gun legislation and the response to it. She also discusses a proposed water rate hike.
Alderwoman Cara Spencer talks about her proposed gun legislation and the response to it. She also discusses a proposed water rate hike.
St. Louis Post -Dispatch: Cara Spencer kicks off bid to be St. Louis mayor. ‘Our city is at a crossroads.’
Spencer pledged to get “the basics right again.” “We have to rebuild trust in the functions of our city government.” She emphasized that she could turn things around – pointing to her recent successes as alderwoman – open-carry legislation, redevelopment of downtown vacant buildings. She pledged to make basic services, like trash pick-up and answering 911 calls her top priority.
Spencer pledged to get “the basics right again.” “We have to rebuild trust in the functions of our city government.” She emphasized that she could turn things around – pointing to her recent successes as alderwoman – open-carry legislation, redevelopment of downtown vacant buildings. She pledged to make basic services, like trash pick-up and answering 911 calls her top priority.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Cara Spencer kicks off bid to be St. Louis mayor. ‘Our city is at a crossroads.’
Alderwoman Cara Spencer kicked off her second campaign for mayor Tuesday night, telling a room full of supporters at the old Post-Dispatch building downtown that she’ll get the basics right again.
Alderwoman Cara Spencer kicked off her second campaign for mayor Tuesday night, telling a room full of supporters at the old Post-Dispatch building downtown that she’ll get the basics right again.
St. Louis Public Radio: Alderwoman Cara Spencer plans second run for St. Louis mayor
An alderwoman from south St. Louis is taking a second crack at the mayor’s office. “I believe in St. Louis - but we have a lot of work to do,” 8th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer wrote in a Facebook post announcing her candidacy on Thursday. “Our city isn’t meeting the needs of her people.”
An alderwoman from south St. Louis is taking a second crack at the mayor’s office.
“I believe in St. Louis - but we have a lot of work to do,” 8th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer wrote in a Facebook post announcing her candidacy on Thursday. “Our city isn’t meeting the needs of her people.”
First Alert 4: Video showing line of cars running red light downtown shows need for more traffic enforcement, aldermen say
A video showing multiple cars running a red light in downtown St. Louis has prompted calls for increased traffic enforcement. Alderwoman Cara Spencer emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to address traffic violations and enhance public safety in the area. “We’re absolutely not doing enough. We have a pedestrian fatality rate three times the national average. We have lost 11 pedestrians just this year and it is only April,” says Spencer .”When you get pulled over for recklessly driving, [I propose we] put a boot on your car to stop the car from continuing to drive recklessly and endangering lives.”
A video showing multiple cars running a red light in downtown St. Louis has prompted calls for increased traffic enforcement. Alderwoman Cara Spencer emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to address traffic violations and enhance public safety in the area. “We’re absolutely not doing enough. We have a pedestrian fatality rate three times the national average. We have lost 11 pedestrians just this year and it is only April,” says Spencer .”When you get pulled over for recklessly driving, [I propose we] put a boot on your car to stop the car from continuing to drive recklessly and endangering lives.”
Riverfront Times: Alderwoman's Plan to Target Reckless Drivers: Let Cops Boot Their Cars
A new bill introduced at the St. Louis Board of Aldermen would give police the power to boot the cars of drivers they deem “reckless.” Ward 8 Alderwoman Cara Spencer says the move is necessary to prevent more pedestrian deaths in the city.
A new bill introduced at the St. Louis Board of Aldermen would give police the power to boot the cars of drivers they deem “reckless.” Ward 8 Alderwoman Cara Spencer says the move is necessary to prevent more pedestrian deaths in the city.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: St. Louis alderwoman wants reckless drivers booted on the spot
Alderwoman Cara Spencer said more needs to be done to stop out-of-control driving after another high-profile fatal crash downtown. She proposed a bill to allow police who stop a reckless driver to immediately remove them from behind the wheel and instead of issuing a ticket, boot the car.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: St. Louis tees up eminent domain against Railway Exchange owner
Spencer filed legislation to enable City Hall to take possession of the Railway Exchange Building now that it has been condemned as a threat to public safety. Spencer’s BB130 allows the city to use eminent domain for the building and the garage just south of it. BB123 allows the Building Division to board up vacant buildings larger than 500,000 square feet that pose “significant” public safety concerns with steel plates, hire security and bill the owner.
Spencer filed legislation to enable City Hall to take possession of the Railway Exchange Building now that it has been condemned as a threat to public safety. Spencer’s BB130 allows the city to use eminent domain for the building and the garage just south of it. BB123 allows the Building Division to board up vacant buildings larger than 500,000 square feet that pose “significant” public safety concerns with steel plates, hire security and bill the owner.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Editorial): Jones' gun plan won't solve the crisis. She should take the fight to Jefferson City.
The Post-Dispatch Editorial Staff takes issue with a proposal by Mayor Jones to rid the city’s streets of “military-grade” weapons and labels it a “misfire.” Comparing Jones’ plan to Cara Spencer’s, they claim the one Jones proposes is clearly illegal and will then require the city to defend it in court, while they praise Spencer’s plan as a victory.
The Post-Dispatch Editorial Staff takes issue with a proposal by Mayor Jones to rid the city’s streets of “military-grade” weapons and labels it a “misfire.” Comparing Jones’ plan to Cara Spencer’s, they claim the one Jones proposes is clearly illegal and will then require the city to defend it in court, while they praise Spencer’s plan as a victory.
5 On Your Side: St. Louis alderwoman introduces bill banning openly carrying guns without a permit
8th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer introduced Board Bill 29 to ban open carry of firearms in St. Louis for individuals without concealed carry permits, aiming to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety. The bill utilizes a state law exception allowing local regulation of open carry and mirrors measures in Kansas City.
8th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer introduced Board Bill 29 to ban open carry of firearms in St. Louis for individuals without concealed carry permits, aiming to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety. The bill utilizes a state law exception allowing local regulation of open carry and mirrors measures in Kansas City.