The next time you buy something in the City of St. Louis, take note of the sales tax at the bottom of the receipt. A portion of that tax has been the city’s primary means of funding infrastructure improvements since 1993. Thirty years later, the process for allocating that tax funding, called “Ward Capital,” is being reconsidered. Here’s why that number on your receipt matters, how the funding is currently being used and why the funding process needs to change.
The City of St. Louis currently has a ½-cent sales tax in place. This tax collects, on average, $8 million per year for capital improvements in the city. That sum is currently the City’s primary means of funding infrastructure improvements in all 28 wards.
At the beginning of each fiscal year, the $8 million total is split into 28 equal parts and distributed evenly to each ward. That’s about $300,000 per year, per ward, to be spent on capital improvement projects—filling potholes, replacing streetlights, street trees, improving sidewalks, etc.
If an alderperson chooses to spend their Ward Capital, they must first submit a project proposal. Once the project is approved, the alderperson takes the necessary funding from their pot of accrued Ward Capital and gives it right back to a city department. Ninety-eight percent of the Ward Capital from all 28 wards ends up in the hands of the Streets Department.
The current system is convoluted. It also further divides our city.
Our streets do not stop and start at ward boundaries, nor do each of these wards have the same needs. This system allocates funding equally, not equitably, and results in fractured, short-term solutions applied at the whims of 28 politicians.
A convoluted system
Roundabout at Nebraska Avenue and Sidney Street
Let’s revisit the $300,000 per ward. That sounds like a lot of money, but according to St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Megan Green, recent traffic calming projects around Tower Grove Park cost over $1 million. Her ward received a grant for that work, but had Green relied solely on ward capital, she would have had to sit on her yearly allocation for at least four years to save enough money for those few improvements, and no other projects in her ward, such as street lighting or dumpster replacement, would have been funded in that timeframe.
In a recent interview with KSDK, Alderpersons Joe Vaccaro (Ward 23) and Sharon Tyus (Ward 1) also decried the system. Vaccaro, who consistently spends nearly all of his Ward Capital, is suspicious of his colleagues who sit on their funding. “’You can tell when you leave my ward,’ he said, pointing across the bridge into the 24th Ward. ‘This side’s paved. That side’s not.’”
Meanwhile, Tyus, who chairs the City’s Streets, Traffic, and Refuse Committee, has saved up nearly $2 million in Ward Capital over the years. Tyus has previously claimed obstacles to spending the money on her desired projects.
“‘They won’t spend it,’ she said at a board meeting in December. ‘They haven’t. I’ve been requesting. I can show you the letter.’”
Currently, alderpersons have $8 million in accumulated ward capital money that could be in use to repair our infrastructure.
Divisive and fractured
Whether they’re saving money for one big project or spending it on immediate needs, it’s clear that the current system leaves alders with no choice but to apply a patchwork of fixes to a city-wide network.
In her Riverfront Times Op-Ed, Mayor Jones hinted at a bigger-picture need, for which Trailnet has been desperately advocating—the need for a comprehensive plan in the City of St. Louis.
Ward-by-ward “piecemeal solutions” prevent the city from effectively planning for a safer, more accessible transportation network. If the Streets Department doesn’t know what projects lie ahead—if city departments are paralyzed by the inaction of individual leaders—they are not afforded the time or resources to plan for long-term fixes, staffing needs, or equipment purchases.
If the city continues to react only to the small-scale symptoms (potholes, crumbling curbs, etc.) of a large-scale, decades-old problem, our streets will never be safe for people outside of cars.
Inequitably distributed
Zoomed out map of Trailnet’s Complete Sidewalk Assessment of The Ville/Greater Ville
Whatever the new comprehensive system is, it needs to take into account the areas of greatest need.
Trailnet recently completed a full sidewalk assessment of The Ville and Greater Ville neighborhoods—the first complete study of its kind in the St. Louis area. Trailnet’s Community Planner walked over 30 miles of sidewalk, marking sections that were ADA-non-compliant, inaccessible or nonexistent. Forty-seven percent of the 61 miles of sidewalk assessed in The Ville and Greater Ville were in need of significant repair.
This study is emblematic of the largest issue with the current system—different wards have different needs. Trailnet’s annual Crash Reports identify the highest crash corridors across the city. Our analysis of crash data consistently reveals a glaring truth: Black and minority communities suffer from a disproportionate amount of traffic violence. The state of the streets, sidewalks and intersections on the Northside is one of the reasons why that disparity exists.
As a result of decades of disinvestment, Northside streets and sidewalks need far more attention and funding. It is unacceptable that all of these areas currently receive proportionate funding to address disproportionate realities.
The northside wards are the areas of highest need—the areas where it’s unsafe to walk, bike or catch a bus. These are the areas that must be identified as the highest priorities in the city’s comprehensive plan. These are the areas that must receive the largest investment from the ½-cent sales tax.
Our recommendations
A number of systems might work more effectively than the current one. What matters most is that the current system be replaced by something better, something equitable, something that makes sense.
Trailnet’s recommendation is that the city do away with the ward-based capital improvement system. Instead, centralize the funding structure under one city department, and ensure that the money is being invested based on the infrastructure needs identified by a future comprehensive street study, as well as demographics such as poverty levels and car ownership. Treat the whole body, not its disparate parts, in pursuit of a safe system for everyone.
If you agree, contact the President of the Board’s office and your alderperson to voice your opinion. As the city moves from 28 to 14 wards this year, there will be many changes. A new and improved system for funding infrastructure improvements must be one of those changes, so that when you pay that sales tax, you know your money is being used to make our whole city better.
Trailnet will continue to advocate for a new system that better serves the people moving around our city. To stay informed on our advocacy work in the City, subscribe to our newsletters here.
Board Bill 120: What is it, and why should you care?
The infrastructure bill that could reshape our most dangerous streets
A bill was recently sent to committee by the City of St. Louis Board of Aldermen that could finally address some of the issues plaguing our streets. Here’s what you need to know about Board Bill 120:
In 2021, The City of St. Louis received nearly $500 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, to be spent by 2026.
Thus, BB#120 was born. The initial version of the bill, sponsored by Ward 3 Alderman Brandon Bosley, allocates $74 million of ARPA funding to invest in infrastructure.
$40 million will go to the Board of Public Service for traffic calming, roadway and ADA improvements on corridors with the highest need.
$9.58 million will go to the Streets Department for sidewalk improvements and a mobility and transportation master plan.
Trailnet hopes, as this bill makes its way through the legislative process, the city considers adding a few details:
A provision for drivers education, which is not currently required in the state of Missouri,
A provision for equitably implemented enforcement, such as automated enforcement, which would reduce traffic violence and dangerous driving behaviors without adding to current racially biased enforcement strategies,
A line item that explicitly names the city’s commitment to Vision Zero, and the creation of a position to oversee and follow-through on said commitment to a Vision Zero plan.
This amount of money, if used correctly, could be seriously transformative—the first draft of the bill proposes over 4x the average yearly annual budget that goes toward street maintenance in the city.
This is a massive step in the right direction. Trailnet is proud of the part we have played in advocating for these changes. Now we look forward to helping the City make these improvements as quickly and effectively as possible, so that sometime in the near future, our Streets can truly be forAll.
St. Louis, MO – The Board of Directors of Trailnet support the following statement:
The Trailnet Board commends Mayor Tishaura Jones for proposing that the City commit $40 million to a comprehensive, city-wide street plan. We recommend the Board of Estimate and Apportionment and the Board of Aldermen pass this much-needed legislation with the provision that a portion of those funds be spent on a Vision Zero Action Plan and a media campaign to encourage responsible driving.
We also call on other organizations and individuals to get behind both initiatives and send letters and emails to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment and the Board of Aldermen. Together, we may make our streets safer for all.
Trailnet CEO: St. Louis Mayor Proposes Additional Funding for Safe Streets
Trailnet is excited that Mayor Tishaura O. Jones will propose that the Board of Aldermen approve the investment of an additional $40 million in ARPA funding for Safe Streets. This is a bold move by the Jones Administration to begin to address one of the most critical issues our City faces—the epidemic of traffic violence.
In her press release, Mayor Jones acknowledged that ward-by-ward street planning is not working: “Piecemeal solutions to a crisis that touches our entire city sets us up to fail time and time again,” said Mayor Jones.
Chief of Staff Jared Boyd also announced at a traffic safety town hall meeting Monday that there would be immediate work on “crash corridors” where vehicle crashes and fatalities are the highest.
While these are positive steps, Trailnet acknowledges that implementation may be the hardest part. There must be rigorous and sustained public input into road changes. How will this system take into consideration the drastically underfunded and underserved areas of our city? Will new street designs prioritize people who walk, bike and use transit? Will automated enforcement be incorporated into the new street system? Will all of this be enough to help us achieve our vision of zero traffic fatalities in the City in the near future?
Trailnet stands ready to assist the City moving forward with community engagement, planning and other critical support areas. It is our hope that the additional funding outlined in Mayor Jones’s announcement will help create safer Streets For All.
— Cindy Mense, Trailnet CEO
Trailnet Optimistic About Citywide Street Study
City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones told reporters in an interview session on Thursday, September 22, 2022 that the City intends to explore more comprehensive planning and budgeting in pursuit of Safe Streets for All in St. Louis.
Trailnet is excited about this announcement and encouraged that the Jones administration is looking to address the epidemic of traffic violence in our region. Read more in the press release below:
In response to the continued epidemic of traffic violence in our region, Trailnet is partnering with the Community Mobility Committee (CMC) to lead a series of discussions on street safety. The goal of these discussions will be to provide recommendations to the administration and the community on ways to make our city streets safer for all.
Trailnet is seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as the Membership Coordinator. The Membership Coordinator will lead by example promoting membership, providing excellent customer service, and stewarding members into longtime donors.
The ideal candidate will have a philanthropic mindset, enthusiastically seeking opportunities to connect people to our mission. They should find joy in meeting and working with people from diverse backgrounds with a shared vision of a safer region for walking, biking and using public transit.
Reporting Relationship:
The Membership Coordinator reports to the Development Director and works in collaboration with fundraising, marketing, planning, finance, rides, and program staff.
About the Organization:
Trailnet is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization with a 33-year history of making walking and biking a way of life in the St. Louis region. We believe everyone should have access to safe, comfortable walking and biking connections where we live, work, and play in our communities. Trailnet works within the St. Louis region and across the state to respond to the demand for improved walking and biking networks that attract and retain talent, strengthen our economy, and connect people to the places they love. We are leading the way by developing policy and on-the-ground solutions to help people of all ages and abilities reach community and cultural destinations by walking, biking, or taking transit.
Our team includes community planners, advocates, educators, bicyclists, transit users, and staunch supporters of local business. We advocate for spaces that are designed to encourage people to walk, bike, and take public transit. We believe that creating communities begins with understanding and appreciating the unique differences of all who live and work there. We embrace diversity and want to move our region forward with safe, equitable ways to get around that improve everyone’s quality of life.
Overview of the Position
Membership and Solicitation Programs:
Serves as the first point of contact for members and prospective members, and makes excellent customer service a priority
Executes routine and special initiative programs to acquire, retain and upgrade members to achieve financial and administrative goals
Works closely with the Director of Development to coordinate at least two annual membership drives and two online appeals including overseeing large scale-mail piece design, coordinating with a mail house, list exchanges, etc.
Implements membership renewal process with timely donor reminder letters and outreach to lapsed donors
Produces direct mail, personalized correspondence and online giving documents
Produces accurate and complete membership rosters in adaptive and intuitive formats
Monitors, analyzes and proactively reports on membership results using trends in member type, average giving, member total, total giving, and suggests corrective strategies
Maintains supplies and stationery for all membership correspondence and fulfillment
Supports annual member t-shirt ordering
Gift Processing and Tracking:
Provides excellent donor stewardship by quickly and accurately receiving, tracking, and acknowledging all gifts
Adheres to and updates gift processing policies and procedures
Creates and maintains transparent and easy-to-navigate paper and electronic files
Works with the Development Director to create insightful and accurate reports to the CEO, Development Committee and Board
Donor Database and List Management:
Maintains the donor database to ensure its highest possible function
Routinely updates donor records with information from a variety of sources
Provides timely, high-quality data output for a variety of requests and purposes
Updates data entry and management procedures
Works with Rides Director and ride registration program to ensure ride registration supports membership recruitment and provides an excellent experience for members
Assemble targeted mail and email lists and share with partners as needed
Development and Fund-Raising Activities:
Supports Development Director for annual Gala and donor recognition events
Serves as a resource for volunteer recruiting and registration; collects and tracks volunteer hours in the donor database
Provides energetic, donor-focused support at fundraising and member events
Determines Trailnet’s involvement at community and corporate wellness fairs, and coordinates staffing for those events, working the events as needed
Strategically promotes Trailnet’s brand and membership in all aspects of work
Co-chairs annual volunteer and member recognition events with Rides Director
Finance and Administration:
Serve as back-up to Office Manager for phones and bank deposits
Works closely with the Finance Manager to ensure an accurate interface between Development and Finance
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required, relevant field (Marketing, Communications, Business, Administrative Studies, Human Resources, Fundraising/Philanthropy, or other Social Sciences) preferred
One year of experience working in an office setting, preferably in a non-profit organization in fundraising or communications
Experience and knowledge of donor database systems preferred (Trailnet uses DonorPerfect and will provide training specific to its use)
Computer literate with the ability to effectively use technology (Google workplace, Microsoft Office, printer-copier, postage meter)
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Exceptional organizational and time management skills
Self-motivated—able to work alone, and as a member of a team
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a strong sense of prioritization
Strong customer service orientation with the desire to interact with a diverse community of staff, partners, participants, and volunteers
Able to work weekends and some evenings throughout the year supporting Trailnet events and outreach: 10-12 outdoor events in the bistate region, including distance bike rides and community rides throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Physical Responsibilities:
Transport up to 25 lbs. of tabling or outreach materials to events
Work at a computer
Staff tables at outreach events
Make phone calls
Work Environment
As of January 2022, the majority of our staff is in a remote-work environment, with limited time in the office. All employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
Compensation
Full-time, Exempt
Salary range is $33,000- $40,000.
Eligible for full-time benefits including Medical and Dental Insurance
Competitive benefits package, salary commensurate with experience, flexible hours, casual work environment, office located in downtown St. Louis, a short walk from MetroLink. A company car is available for some business-related local and regional travel. Free membership to the Downtown Bike Station.
Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity
Trailnet is committed to supporting diversity and equal opportunity in its services, administration, and employment, as well as research and activities. We strive to foster a working environment that values contributions from team members including those based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or veteran status. We work with a wide range of external partners and stakeholders, and we seek candidates that are committed to their own cultural competency. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.
Application Information
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to hr@trailnet.org. Applicants are encouraged to apply by February 27, 2022. The position will remain open until filled.
Corinne Austin: Our new Development Director
Trailnet is so excited to welcome Corinne back to the Trailnet team as our new Development Director! Corinne looks forward to getting to know Trailnet members, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and all of the incredible people who make up the Trailnet community.
She hopes to connect people who share our values and vision with opportunities to make our region safer for biking, walking and public transit. She brings 6 years of fundraising and relationship-building experience to the team, previously serving at the Humane Society of Missouri, Trailnet, and Pedal the Cause. Many members may recognize her from her time as Trailnet’s Membership Manager a few years ago.
Q & A with Corinne…
1) Talk about all your experience in non-profit development and career achievements you want to share…
I started my career at the Humane Society of Missouri, where I worked in the Development Department, where I experienced the joy of giving and the impact of philanthropy. I decided to continue to pursue a career in nonprofit fund development. In 2018, I had the wonderful opportunity to join the Trailnet staff as Membership Manager, where I got to meet Trailnet members and connect them with opportunities to support advocacy, education and community planning programs. For the last few years, I served as the Development Manager at Pedal the Cause where I recruited, trained and partnered with team captains and participants to raise critical funds for cancer research through an annual community cycling challenge. As a cancer survivor, I am proud to still be a part of the #PedalFamily.
I’m passionate about giving back to the nonprofit sector and the profession of fundraising. Last year, I was honored as the Association of Fundraising Professionals St. Louis Chapter’s 2021 National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Emerging Fundraiser. A few weeks ago, I earned a credential as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). I’ve had the opportunity to speak about engaging millennials in philanthropy at several professional conferences, including the 2018 AFP St. Louis Conference and 2019 AFP ICON International Conference.
2) What drew you to Trailnet?
I went to college in Boston, where I relied entirely on biking, walking, and public transit to get around. I loved getting to spend more time outside, staying active, and exploring the city. I felt like I got to know the city so much more intimately than I could have from behind a car window. One day while I was still in college, I stopped by the Trailnet office with my dad when he picked up his packet for Ride the Rivers, and I was drawn to the energy of the staff. I remember saying to my dad “It would be so cool to work there someday!” I got to fulfill that dream in 2018 as the Membership Manager, and now I get to continue it in a new way as Director of Development.
I share Trailnet’s vision of a more connected, equitable, healthy and sustainable community. That is the kind of place I want to work, live and play. I’m so honored to join our members, sponsors, donors, volunteers, board and staff in making that dream a reality, one day at a time.
3) What is your educational background?
Well, since I’m from St. Louis I guess I should tell you where I went to high school — Cor Jesu Academy. I went on to graduate with a BS in political science from Northeastern University in 2015. I continue to seek continuing education in my field of nonprofit management and fundraising.
4) What do you do for fun?
My husband and I have a menagerie of senior pets — our dog Rex, three cats (Kevin, Matilda and Elsa), and a tank of fish. I love staying active by biking, hiking, rowing, and lifting heavy stuff.
5) Anything else you want to share with our audience!
I can’t wait to get to know more of the Trailnet community, reconnect with our members, and spend more time on my bike!
Trailnet’s 33rd Birthday!
Today, November 29 Trailnet turns 33! That means 33 years of dedicated work in the community.
From the early days rehabbing the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and developing Grant’s Trail, to our work advocating for better biking, walking and public transit safety across the St. Louis region: We appreciate all our friends, members and partners who have supported our mission along the way!
33 years of your support helps us:
Bring awareness and advocacy for safer streets for all. We’re preparing for another year of committed advocacy, fighting distracted driving and connecting our St. Louis community.
Create a network of low-stress connections for people to get around the region by foot or or by bike. More than 6 miles of protected bike lanes are on track for construction in the coming years. Our work to champion this vital progress is thanks to support from people like you!
Advocate for policy changes to limit distracted driving in Missouri and improve safety for people walking and biking.
Host bike rodeos where kids and adults practice safe bike skills. We also get adults moving by hosting education sessions to build confidence commuting by bike and riding in all conditions.
Celebrate and support Trailnet
To celebrate Trailnet’s 33 years, our $55 friend-level membership will be $33 all day today! Support us by becoming a member to improve biking, walking and public transit in the St. Louis region. Become a friend-level member or gift a membership to a friend by: 1) Clicking here or the button below 2) Selecting the option “Join/Renew with a One-Time Gift” 3) Typing in $33 on the “Other” line
Share with us any of your favorite Trailnet photos, stories and memories by emailing communications@trailnet.org or connecting with us on our social media!
Trailnet is honored to offer enriching internships every year that allow people to gain experience building a better, more connected St. Louis. Trailnet interns come from dynamic backgrounds and are immediately plugged in to our exciting work. This month, we’re highlighting Hannah Hirsch, one of our talented 2021 summer interns.
Read on to learn about how Hannah is dedicated to working towards a more sustainable planet with active transportation options for all.
Hannah Hirsch
1) What you did this summer (outside of Trailnet)?
Outside of my work at Trailnet, I enjoyed my first summer in St. Louis where I was able to get to know the city without the stress of academics. I met a bunch of new, great people with whom I explored different local shops, neighborhoods, and events. To name a few examples, I spent a lot of time in Forest Park where I got to witness cool areas I had never seen before and enjoy nature in an urban environment. I love thrifting and I explored new shops where I enjoyed both browsing and the occasional purchase. I also attended live music shows in Tower Grove Park and frequented the farmers market.
2) What you’re studying in school?
I am pursuing a double major in Environmental Studies and Economics at WashU. I hope to use my knowledge in the future to play a role in developing climate solutions that challenge current norms and transition ourselves to a more circular economy.
3) What drew you to intern at Trailnet?
My interest in the environment both personally and academically drew me to intern at Trailnet as I desired to dig deeper into the organization’s efforts to connect neighborhoods and make streets safer for biking and walking, which are important carbon-neutral alternatives to most popular forms of transportation. My initial interest grew into an understanding of street connectivity as a goal not only to better the climate, but as a must for equity and a more cohesive city.
4) What about your time at Trailnet was valuable to your career?
Having an opportunity to work hands-on with a grant writing project is a unique experience that I was provided at Trailnet, which I cannot say I would have been offered elsewhere. I felt valued as a team member during meetings and working one-on-one with staff despite my role as an intern, challenging me to think more critically, quickly, and creatively. Taking ownership of a project and its timeline from beginning to end will prove to be critical experience in any career I ultimately pursue.
5) What has been the most fun Trailnet project to work on or learn about?
Apart from my grant writing project, I enjoyed accompanying Sam to tabling events and getting to know different St. Louis neighborhoods. In addition to immersing myself in local community events, it was interesting to take speed data at the same intersection over time and see for myself how infrastructure changes have the power to calm traffic and create safer streets.
6) What do you do like to do for fun?
In my free time I enjoy reading, listening to music, exploring and spending time with friends, and other relaxing activities. It has been harder to make time for these as the school year has started, but I’ve been doing my best to keep in the loop with local events. Recently I’ve seen live music at Blueberry Hill, visited the farmers’ market on the Delmar Loop, and explored the Hill, to name a few..
Thank you so much Hannah for you time and work at Trailnet! You are so wonderful, and we all wish you a wonderful school year!
