Historical February–March 2019 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The end of one year and the beginning of a new one is always a time of reflection for me. 2018 was my first full calendar year as your alderwoman, and as I review the work that was accomplished and contemplate the challenges ahead, I want to share with you a few reflections on some of the issues that were significant for the 28th Ward in 2018. SAFETY AND SECURITY: Overall, crime in the 28th Ward is down.
The efforts of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council and the Central West End Neighborhood Security Initiative are responsible for keeping neighbors informed and aware of crimes. ENVIRONMENT: The 100% Clean Energy Resolution was passed in the fall of 2017 by the Board of Alderman.
The recently formed 100% Clean Energy Board is focused on developing metrics that ensure the city’s plan is cost-effective and promotes health, equity and jobs.
The tools and strategies they anticipate will help the city meets its goals, including continued benchmarking of energy use in city-owned buildings, participation in Ameren energy efficiency incentive programs, city-owned rooftop solar and community solar projects, and contracting for wind through Ameren’s Green Tariff. Additionally I worked with the Sierra Club and the Green Building Council to advocate for the passage of the 2018 building codes that will result in new homes being 25% more efficient. DEVELOPMENT AND INCENTIVE REFORM: I introduced the first redevelopment plan using tax assurance in lieu of traditional tax abatement – giving the developer an assurance of the tax amount without depriving schools and other entities of the taxes post-development. I’m also advocating for the use of a new map that describes what level of incentive is available and where in the city for residential projects under $1 million. Such an approach would establish a collective plan and consistent guidelines helping both developers and the city. RACIAL EQUITY: The Equity Indicators Project will quantify the state of racial equity in St. Louis and measure progress over time.
A report from the project was released at the beginning of January and is available on the city website.
The city has also been offering workshops on “Understanding and Analyzing Systemic Racism” in which I’ve been participating. WARD REDUCTION: In 2012, the voters passed a change to our city charter that reduces the number of wards in the city from 28 to 14 after the 2020 census.
As we go into 2019 it is critical that we look at what this means for the functioning of the Board of Aldermen and the delivery of constituent services.
I am co-chairing an advisory committee on ward reduction with Alderwoman Boyd. SHORT-TERM RENTALS: Legislation was introduced to regulate short-term rentals (e.g. airbnb, VRBO, Homeaway).
The legislation aims to help the city adapt to the opportunities presented by short-term rentals while protecting housing stock and our neighborhoods.
The current legislation is a starting point and companion legislation distinguishing between low-density and higher-density neighborhoods is also being worked on.
Please stay tuned in 2019 for more progress on Board Bill 183. Besides these issues, much of the work of an alderwoman is constituent services—making sure your trash is picked up, maintaining our streets and lights, helping you navigate city bureaucracy, and responding to neighborhood issues as they arise.
This work connects me with the people who live in our ward every day and the relationships that spring from this work are the most gratifying aspect of being the 28th Ward’s alderwoman.
This is just a sampling of all that happened in 2018. For more about last year and updates in the coming one, visit my website, www.heathernavarro.com and sign up to receive emails from me.
I hope that 2018 was a fulfilling year for you and your loved ones.
I look forward to another year of serving the 28th Ward in 2019. And remember to vote on March 5th!
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2019.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2019_02.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
