March 11, 2025
During the State of the County Address on Tuesday morning, St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page invited University of Missouri–St. Louis Chancellor Kristin Sobolik and St. Louis County Council Chair Rita Heard Days to the stage at the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater in the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. A table and chairs were placed beside the lectern, where Page proceeded to sign a bill directing $10 million to support the UMSL North County Business and Workforce District, planned for the university’s South Campus. Page highlighted that working with the council, including Chair Rita Days, made it possible to appropriate these funds to UMSL, furthering their efforts in campus transformation and community involvement.
The St. Louis County Council had previously voted in December to appropriate the funds for the project, complementing UMSL’s $110 million Transform UMSL initiative. This initiative aims to modernize the campus, establish a more cohesive academic core on North Campus, and open 35 acres of land on South Campus for mixed-use redevelopment. Additionally, the State of Missouri has directed $80 million in ARPA funding to support the initiative, along with private donations. The district's plans include attracting businesses, employees, and amenities like childcare centers, grocery stores, and restaurants to positively impact the community. Sobolik expressed gratitude to Page, Days, and the St. Louis County Council for their continuous support in advancing UMSL's mission and development.
