Urban League, Regional Business Council and STL Partnership Host Kinloch Block Builders Event
Corporate volunteers take part in first phase of Kinloch cleanup efforts
The Regional Business Council, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, St. Louis Development Corporation and St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership) have led the 2025 Kinloch Block Builders event, a large-scale property cleanup initiative taking place the week of March 10. The cleanup is part of a larger effort led by STL Partnership to help revitalize the historic City of Kinloch, the oldest incorporated African American community in Missouri with the first phase concluding on Friday, March 14.
As part of the cleanup’s first phase, construction and utility companies, as well as St. Louis City Forestry and St. Louis County Parks, have cleared away brush and widespread illegal dumping in Kinloch.
“I am grateful for all the organizations, businesses, government entities, and people who have teamed up to make this large-scale cleanup happen in Kinloch,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “The City of Kinloch has a proud history, and we know there is growing momentum for bringing back life and business, making positive and sustainable changes in this community.”
Local corporate and civic leadership joined the efforts on Wednesday, March 12 and shared their thoughts to participants and media in attendance on what this cleanup could mean to the region. The featured speakers included:
- Captain Jeremy Romo, commander of the St. Louis County Police Department
- Michael McMillan, president & CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
- Tishaura O. Jones, St. Louis mayor
- Rita Heard Days, St. Louis County Council Chair representing District 1
- Evelyn Carter, mayor of Kinloch.
- Karen Branding, president and CEO of the Regional Business Council.
- Rhonda Hamm-Neibruegge, CEO & Airport Director at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
- Sam Page, St. Louis County executive
- Rodney Crim, CEO and president of STL Partnership
“This is more than just a cleanup,” Dr. Page stated. “This is an investment in the past and in the future,” said County Executive Sam Page. “But we’re committed to the rebuilding of Kinloch and preparing it for redevelopment. This week represents the largest cleanup effort so far in Kinloch, so thank you to everyone who has come together to make this happen.”
Corporate and municipal partners that participated included: St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Regional Business Council, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Paric, Spire, St. Louis County and City Departments, Ameren, Missouri American Water, City of Kinloch, Fred Weber, St. Louis Development Corporation and St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
“We’ve looked at what could this area be,” Crim said. “Working with the city of Kinloch, the city administrator and the mayor, we are making sure we’re doing things that are in alignment with what the city of Kinloch wants, the quality of life that they want and development opportunities that they want.”
The next phase of Kinloch cleanup will include corporate partners and community volunteers and will likely take place in May 2025.