The Arch City Report

A major week for downtown St. Louis may signal a turning point. A $230 million Rams settlement plan, new state-backed incentives, and long-stalled redevelopment projects could finally gain momentum for revitalizing downtown. But how much impact will they have—and how soon? This week on the Arch City Report, Greater St. Louis Inc. Managing Partner Ron Kitchens breaks down the funding plans, the policy changes, and what it all means for the future of downtown. Plus, why data centers could be critical to the region’s long-term growth. Show Links: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/05/07/rams-settlement-riverfront-arch-mississippi-river.html Mentioned in this episode:Cass Commercial BankCass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/

St. Louis has long overlooked the Mississippi River—but that may be starting to change. A proposed $15 million investment from Rams settlement funds could jumpstart new life along the riverfront, with big implications for downtown and Laclede’s Landing. Gretchen Minges, co-owner of Laclede’s Landing developer Advantes Group, joins the conversation to discuss growing momentum behind redevelopment, current projects on the Landing, and the challenges still standing in the way. She also weighs in on whether ambitious long-term visions for the riverfront are still within reach as interest in reconnecting the city to the river builds.Show Links: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/05/07/rams-settlement-riverfront-arch-mississippi-river.html Mentioned in this episode:Cass Commercial BankCass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/

What is St. Louis’ “north star” — and who should define it? On this episode of the Arch City Report, Erik Siemers breaks down a wide-ranging Advance STL panel featuring leaders from Invest STL, The Opportunity Trust and Beyond Housing. Joined by St. Louis Business Journal reporter Jim Drew, the conversation explores leadership gaps, political realities, the limits of waiting for a single savior, and the role the business community must play in driving regional change. Show Links: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/04/30/nonprofit-leaders-critique-st-louis-political-as.htmlMentioned in this episode:Cass Commercial BankCass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/