The FY2026 Budget Can Save Lives on Our Streets

Trailnet believes all St. Louis residents should have a voice in shaping the City budget. As part of that conversation, we’re sharing key transportation infrastructure priorities that we believe will make our streets and sidewalks safer, more equitable, and more accessible for everyone.

In our 2024 Crash Report, we identified the deadliest year on record for pedestrians in St. Louis City. Although reported crashes involving people walking and biking declined from 2023, pedestrian deaths surged — up 187% in the City. We deserve better. Budget decisions play a vital role in funding the safe infrastructure needed to prevent serious injury or tragic loss of life.

Every year the Board of Alderman begins with a Board Bill for the next fiscal year budget, which begins July 1. The process to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 budget was first read on May 2, 2025 and then referred to the Budget and Public Employees Committee. 

To improve mobility for all St. Louisans, Trailnet recommends the following revenue neutral budget priorities:

Create a Planning Division within the Streets Department

In November 2024, St. Louis City voters approved the creation of a City Department of Transportation (CDOT). On July 1, 2029, the current Streets Department will officially transition into the new CDOT — streamlining transportation infrastructure decision-making and improving long-range planning.

In the interim, Trailnet strongly recommends establishing a Planning Division within the Streets Department, through both legislation and the budget process. This division would be critical for continuously studying and planning the maintenance and repair of our transportation infrastructure.

Importantly, a Planning Division would bring much-needed efficiency to the Streets Department during the transition to a full City DOT. With $46 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding already allocated for street and sidewalk safety improvements, a dedicated team is needed to coordinate and sustain this investment. Existing positions within city government could be reassigned to staff the division, minimizing the need for new hires.

Elimination of the 50/50 Sidewalk Program

St. Louis’s 50/50 Sidewalk Program is designed to split the cost of sidewalk repairs between property owners and the City — each paying 50%. While well-intentioned, the program still leaves many residents unable to afford necessary repairs.

In practice, the 50% cost share is still too high for many households, especially in lower-income neighborhoods where sidewalks are used most frequently for daily mobility. Without affordable repairs, sidewalks remain impassable, creating hazardous conditions. Even for those who can cover their share, long delays between the request and actual repairs can mean the funds are no longer available when needed.

To improve mobility for all St. Louis residents, sidewalk repair and replacement funds should be consolidated under the Streets Department. Centralizing these funds would make it easier to coordinate repairs and prioritize the most urgent needs. With a Planning Division in place, sidewalk projects could be evaluated in alignment with the City of St. Louis Transportation & Mobility Plan — ensuring investments are strategic, equitable, and effective.

These changes are more than just administrative — they’re essential for making St. Louis safer and more accessible for everyone who walks, bikes, rolls, or drives. The 2024 Crash Report makes it clear: our streets need urgent improvements. The FY2026 budget is an opportunity to prioritize that need and invest in a safer future for all.