Prop T: The Road Ahead for STL City DOT

We at Trailnet are excited to welcome fall, and with it, voting season. With a proposition for transportation improvements on the ballot for the City of St. Louis, we believe voter education is vital. We recently shared a bit of information about Prop T, which would alter the city charter, making the Streets Department into the City Department of Transportation (City DOT). Let’s explore how Prop T came to be and what it means for St. Louis residents. 

Trailnet has long advocated for a City DOT. Charles Bryson, Trailnet’s Policy Catalyst, has been instrumental in the initiative towards a City DOT. Charles first formally testified for a City DOT at the Charter Commission on November 16th, 2023, thus bringing attention to St. Louis’ demonstrated need for a more efficient process of transportation decision-making. Over the course of 16 meetings with the Charter Commission, Charles continued to discuss the importance of considering ALL users of St. Louis’ transportation infrastructure. On June 28th, 2024, the bill was proposed by Alderman Michael Browning of Ward 9 to the Board of Aldermen, where Charles continued to testify. Now, residents of St. Louis City will be deciding on Prop T, which requires 60% approval to pass. When passed, sufficient time will be given for all parties to prepare for the change, with the Streets Department being transformed into the City DOT on July 1st, 2029. 

St. Louis City deserves infrastructure planning and engineering that is safe, functional, and enjoyable for all users, no matter their method of mobility. Changes must be made to protect residents, with Prop T acting as a vital aspect of long range planning to guarantee a future in St. Louis that prioritizes sidewalk and street safety. With the passing of Prop T, the City DOT would have the authority and improved capacity to make improvements that simply are not possible without a City DOT. Let’s focus on the road ahead as we prepare for November and beyond, where St. Louis streets are a safer place for all. 

Don’t forget to make a plan to vote on Tuesday, November 5th. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Trailnet’s Policy Catalyst Charles Bryson at charles@trailnet.org.