Neighborhood Economic Development Plan

Soulard CID recently issued a RFP seeking professionals to assist with a neighborhood economic development plan. The CID is excited to start work with St. Louis-based firm PGAV. The project’s goal is for the CID and PVAG to create a practical roadmap to guide economic growth and reinvestment across the Soulard and Kosciusko neighborhoods.

In their proposal, PVAG notes that the plan “must strengthen the business environment, attract and retain diverse commercial uses, identify infrastructure priorities, and promote tourism while preserving neighborhood character. It should align with current and future citywide planning efforts and provide clear, implementable steps for short- and long-term success.”

PVAG’s work will take place in three phases, the first of which is underway. Phase one reviews existing conditions and develops a neighborhood steering committee to provide local input and guidance. The steering committee members are Mary Hart Burton (CID), Mike Crossno (Kocziusko), Kevin Wilkins (MGI), Laura Leister (SBA, CID), Jimmy Roberts (SRG), Mary Beth Wallace (Realtor), Liz Henry (Property Owner), Dan Prater (Property Owner), and Theresa Schafer (Property Renter).

In addition to the steering committee, the CID and PVAG will also engage the larger community and gather broad input through surveys, informational pop-up events and more. Follow the Soulard CID on Facebook for updates in your news feed.

Phase two transitions from analysis to strategy by identifying where economic growth is most appropriate, what types of industries and uses should be prioritized, and what actions are required to support reinvestment in Soulard and Kosciusko.

Phase three is the final product: the creation of a clear, measurable roadmap, connecting vision to action by defining what the Soulard and Kosciusko districts aim to achieve and how progress will be successfully implemented and tracked over time. This final plan is expected to be delivered by PVAG in early 2027.