[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6156079,"mediaKeyId","5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9","parentId",5471673,"title","Legal aid, SBDC and other partners offer free counseling, document help and technical assistance","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",6391000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9&start=6391&end=6391","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9/thumbnail_6391000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6156079/St-Louis-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/Legal-aid-SBDC-and-other-partners-offer-free-counseling-document-help-and-technical-assistance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156079-ada8637de8455abac478b403af7b6ce2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770957474&Signature=CesqgkO95Apxh0aQXtLYVgLNj5xsGxesYwuk553u4ZrPNVjda3clPcbM7pS05sOADpDhdn8y8W6n6giwb81eV-mgEZkb-~~DA0Yr-CPBeNLqSFo8qWE1-LdTqyGEQzd0oBteWN23enuFXnSKBHxgDlnbb3yC~w1jgrisxS5maCUVPkgsLPpPyilR-cyA6uW9Je-PYPAf8J45HKx3Hbh8Aetdx0AIdyqD~FuTuzhpXAIQaImloXOBZfnTWECStcEvICjAPiEkAQTWXzMIYHKDqA0DCN35f7u4i~Bs57zoZvsYAiF52fJcI-DR1oRBrFHPZNyJX~enmfgjlvH7gfUg3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MO / City of St. Louis","date","2025-07-24T00:00:00Z","article","Several nonprofit and nonprofit‑partner organizations described services available to residents and small business owners affected by the May 16 tornado, with an emphasis on low‑income access and document and legal assistance.

Marlene Elliott, managing attorney for Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s micro‑enterprise program, said the nonprofit provides free legal advice to eligible low‑income residents and helps small businesses and nonprofits with formation, lease review, contracts, trademark questions and disaster‑related issues such as replacing lost documents and navigating contractor disputes. “We want to kind of step in and be that extra muscle,” Elliott said, citing assistance with deed and title issues, SNAP/Medicaid card replacement and school enrollment problems that arise with displaced families.

Lynette Watson, regional director for the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC), described counseling and technical help for businesses, including continuity planning, cash‑flow forecasting, access‑to‑capital assistance and help preparing applications. Watson emphasized pre‑disaster resilience planning as well as post‑disaster support: “This is a good time for you all to start working on your business and stop just working in the business,” she said. Watson said the SBDC provides templates and hands‑on help with business plans, market research and training, and will offer AI/automation training later in the summer.

Both organizations urged attendees to visit their recovery tables and to request combined support when multiple issues overlap. Legal Services noted it can handle multiple legal matters for qualified clients and will coordinate with other recovery partners to avoid duplicative intake.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of St. Louis 2025 Business Resource Forum","oneSentenceSummary","Nonprofit legal services, the Missouri SBDC and other partner organizations described free or low‑cost legal and business advisory services for disaster‑affected residents and small businesses, including document replacement, eviction help, insurance claim navigation and business planning support.","taxTitle","St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Missouri","taxId",2587,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6156083,"St. Louis assessor: residential occupancy law aids some homeowners, commercial owners face limits",134,4356000,4490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9&start=4356&end=4490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9/thumbnail_4356000.jpg","/articles/6156083/St-Louis-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/St-Louis-assessor-residential-occupancy-law-aids-some-homeowners-commercial-owners-face-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156083-0f342ba993ef7d2e2c76e29c52727ba3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770957474&Signature=HJHk4~ZlgcaJ~yy28LgM8g1ILY~eM02k6xT5rKKuJlmtor8rFEKhgBz2X0ZN57v1hDfhDALyssq2OdQD3-CnCFyPGbozCtqBZL8UoJpr~vTPVrgark-mJ0XZbPDpL2z4LGFE~Bqgr86ETEPhOXQ1FHR76YfLfPNmKDrsIFbsneF2ral4enPHQFzaCb56MWeD~vIGqddzg5l45t8QIl0VG2T-N7WlPv3YbFpc-HReAmIeKM6lnMVMEbIROYHEw1gPKZVzPD9kCYRvlm196JNWUPZZkt8k0~sCmm4PYalFpxfVe702uG6d6LVltN4Cn3xFevbiuxk1ObOiXQYxu0V0sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Assessor’s office explained how assessment law governs property taxes for properties damaged in the May 16 tornado and how local emergency measures apply.

Acting City Assessor Sean Ardway said Missouri assessment statutes tie property values to the condition on Jan. 1 of the tax year, leaving little flexibility for ad‑hoc adjustments during the year. However, Ardway said the Board of Aldermen enacted a local “occupancy law” allowing assessors to adjust values for residential properties that are unoccupied and uninhabitable due to the natural disaster. “It only affects residential property,” Ardway said, and requires that a property be uninhabitable and unoccupied to qualify.

Ardway told business owners the state’s assessment framework does not provide a similar, statutory mechanism for commercial or industrial parcels; therefore, commercial owners with vacant or damaged storefronts generally will not see assessment relief for the 2025 tax year based on the post‑storm condition. He said the assessor’s office will review affected parcels again for the 2026 tax year and that owners should document repairs and replacement activity so that 2026 valuations reflect the property’s condition on Jan. 1, 2026.

Ardway encouraged owners with questions to consult the assessor’s office and city staff at recovery tables outside the forum. “We will come out and we’re gonna review all 12,000 to 15,000 parcels that have been affected by the storm,” he said, and added the office would help owners understand how rehabilitation or replacement will affect future assessments.

The assessor’s explanation stressed the difference between immediate relief programs (grants, emergency funds) and assessment law, which governs taxable value and is set on a statutory schedule.","The acting city assessor explained that Missouri law limits assessment changes and that a city occupancy law allows residential reassessments for uninhabitable homes, but no parallel relief exists for commercial property owners this year.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6156088,"Building division waives permit fees, opens contractor registry and architect clinics for tornado repairs",635,2473000,3108000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9&start=2473&end=3108","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9/thumbnail_2473000.jpg","/articles/6156088/St-Louis-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/Building-division-waives-permit-fees-opens-contractor-registry-and-architect-clinics-for-tornado-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156088-ac76ba521498b82fcd2b69f7bb599898/orig.mp4?Expires=1770957474&Signature=m9VcJV~r5IuJnloDe-zmEmJI4t~miZZe1IouniFvOpfu~oAkK2MO08zTc3ka3qddS0K~CRVPy-dHzKw1hwbUrT4xQGIGT8-rPVQUJN6q0gjwyR8yhkBrWB2eOXKvzehRyoZG1Q6KwjUkk3~Htd7IwsNWmiYCtRwlmGfPlyYd54R-hT7xPcPc93aaInt8k0hA9ROPAwrT2UOZzXBAH~FA-Y6b-6FUeGAp7CUAs2~MsF1AzMsyjMRJvcFiEadFqKOy7ZZNpX4pizQ66XPcl6tl68HESZ-mjlFrrJFXkwFKGJaSJehTgOwjMxd~t12BeXEqkcb2aV76sWSFdWVp4t7prw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of St. Louis Building Division outlined inspection, permitting and contractor‑registry steps intended to speed repairs and improve safety in neighborhoods hit by the May 16 tornado.

Building Commissioner Ed Ware said the division, working with emergency managers, inspected about 7,000 affected buildings after the storm. He said the administration chose not to issue broad condemnations or occupancy revocations for properties that were occupied before the tornado; only owner‑requested condemnations have been issued to support insurance claims. “Any pre‑existing business that was in prior to the tornado still has a legitimate occupancy permit,” Ware said.

Ware and Deputy Commissioner Dylan Mosier announced several programs: all permit fees for tornado‑related repairs have been waived (the requirement to obtain a permit remains), the building division is expediting reviews and has brought in volunteer architects to advise property owners, and a contractor registration was created so contractors can register free of charge, upload certificates of insurance, licenses and trade credentials and be searchable by residents. Mosier said volunteers and architects are available two days a week in Room 425 for drop‑in consultations: “You can bring your photos on your phone… and you can begin to have a conversation about sort of what does rebuilding look like.”

On occupancy stickers, Mosier said reevaluations are performed through 311 (CSB); the building inspector determines if a property is watertight and structurally sound, then electrical inspectors coordinate with Ameren for power re‑connections. Mosier said inspections and rechecks do not govern eligibility for outside agencies’ assistance and that property owners who need reevaluation should file a 311 request.

The building division said city‑initiated emergency stabilization contracts will pull contractors from the registration list where possible and urged contractors to register to be considered. The division also said the home‑occupation waiver process remains available for business owners who need to temporarily operate from home if their storefront is unusable.

Officials repeatedly urged owners and contractors to work through the registration process and use the building division’s contractor registry to reduce fraud risk and streamline recovery work.","The St. Louis Building Division said it has evaluated thousands of damaged buildings, waived permit fees for tornado repairs, launched a contractor registration and is providing free architect consultation clinics to help homeowners and businesses rebuild.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6156093,"SBA, SLDC and local banks outline loan options and business resources after storm",1244,2326000,3570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9&start=2326&end=3570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9/thumbnail_2326000.jpg","/articles/6156093/St-Louis-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/SBA-SLDC-and-local-banks-outline-loan-options-and-business-resources-after-storm","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156093-f69798c2009e606a31a1d268fa4da031/orig.mp4?Expires=1770957474&Signature=YI3tZubnMf2JhZkpWlRP5H-bE-Sx4Gjqm~XSo-LzYt9Z8gq1uKm3xKPageFs85Hc8x2HyOWycrs18USeHZ1-6qHAnMdFKB7wdWqRLCsfJ9EQ~0XgvTXVlKKS7WINbPlIHVs7zZFBvHEWur5ajd4VnsKA8D3WRD4T4I~KUFNB9CPws0LufW~84XohmvDSopL33tQgQOl~21wRkUeqb009MgEw5wqVChwPhCq1AOD6gnehtB9QbFKQ7Ag4-V28a8tuPSZizRiExNsWK8rfhlwcbshgEyrJnHkFR3vs36EnFm5bBthQW3~rgwqZyBVg2jHlOjVP59WPI-~6pF~fk-zUDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from the Small Business Administration, Saint Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), Midwest Bank Center and city economic teams described available loan products, application deadlines and business recovery centers for companies affected by the May 16 tornado.

Renata Mason of the U.S. Small Business Administration said SBA disaster loans remain the largest post‑disaster source of funds for property‑damaged businesses and nonprofits. She outlined the program limits: up to $2,000,000 for physical damage and economic injury loans, unsecured loans up to $50,000, a 12‑month deferral with no interest accrual, and potential loan terms up to 30 years. Mason listed application deadlines tied to the May 16 declaration: physical damage applications due Aug. 11, and economic‑injury applications due March 9 of the following year. Mason urged business owners to apply even if they have insurance, saying SBA assistance can “stack” with insurance proceeds.

Steve Davis of the SLDC said the development corporation collected more than 700 business assessment responses and is sharing that data with state and federal partners. He noted SLDC can offer below‑market loans through the Saint Louis Local Development Company and is exploring unrestricted funds to offer low or no‑interest loans to help businesses bridge lost revenue. “We are looking at unrestricted funds that we can deploy to businesses,” Davis said.

Midwest Bank Center said it is offering emergency consumer loans up to $10,000 and business assistance loans from $5,000 to $25,000; the bank requires at least three years in business for its business program and noted an introductory rate and short deferral window for payments. “We do have access to capital for those who have experienced hardship from the disaster,” said Lisa Morgan, senior vice president for community and economic development.

Several business owners raised that the SBA and other loan programs primarily offer loans rather than grants. Nicks and SLDC staff acknowledged the gap and said city and state partners are seeking additional grant and low‑interest options for businesses.

SLDC and city staff also urged business owners to use the business recovery center at Cass Avenue and the contractor registry for repair work. Officials said the SBA and SLDC are coordinating outreach and that contractors can register to be considered for city‑initiated stabilization work.","Officials from the Small Business Administration, Saint Louis Development Corporation, and local banks briefed business owners on loan programs, deadlines and local assistance, while acknowledging limits and the need for more direct grant funding for businesses.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6156097,"St. Louis details recovery funds, creates recovery office to coordinate long-term rebuild",304,1476000,1780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9&start=1476&end=1780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471673-6fce1ac36fc824fa1d3b304ea367c1e9/thumbnail_1476000.jpg","/articles/6156097/St-Louis-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/St-Louis-details-recovery-funds-creates-recovery-office-to-coordinate-long-term-rebuild","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156097-523df57f8398859156b8a5dd483ce3eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770957474&Signature=LKXAYrIbm0Yn4YE3hkd0u8m9DGtM9fVCD9a8La8lfuAaJnR5gjUWjpzt5~xiSOwZAIu9v6j-1lcNORv1MmcYPV6OsxQyNdISFUEKi4b3k3aXWZC6rhCQzdFNKUOBxrj7O3BvpV3ck77Dq17Bb4diNXDvivkCJcaLcY5QIzoiQQBZJuUv0bBFZnWxRRE~iCyNM4ioBkAGVMMU0JApg2Ay41BJKRdBd4s4QIrOHksboFfPZeZWIDoHEAsaMT6jt-ZHMNM0dlu0Oex~94UEAAzSxyrHwjQqYBCWc2oiTQTe7ZmMnwnQ8fnqbAg-I2Bfv5OuZDr1gUSpiegATg5gbwHz9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials announced a series of funding allocations and a new recovery office designed to coordinate long-term relief and rebuilding after the May 16 tornado.

The chief recovery officer, Julian Nicks, said the city secured several streams of support, including $30,000,000 in Grama-settlement interest approved by the Board of Aldermen, about $25,000,000 through the Missouri Housing Development Commission and an additional $100,000,000 from the state that is still being finalized. “We know the damage is way more extensive than the number of dollars that we have,” Nicks said, adding the estimated damage ranges “between 1 to 2,000,000,000.”

Nicks said Mayor Spencer announced the establishment of a dedicated recovery office to lead both immediate recovery and longer-term neighborhood transformation work. He described staffing and budget-building under way and said the office will focus on at least five areas: resident well‑being, debris removal and infrastructure, housing restoration and acceleration of permitting, business and nonprofit recovery, and planning. “We are in this for the long haul,” Nicks said.

Nicks and other officials described near-term programs already rolling out: an emergency stabilization program and a $5,000,000 home‑repair fund for underinsured homeowners that will operate through existing program partners. He said some Grama funds were focused on individuals and families while other streams will be used for housing investment and planning. City materials and staff directed attendees to stlrecovers.com for program registration and updates.

Comptroller Donna Behringer and Treasurer Adam Lane described administrative supports that enabled quicker distribution of checks and coordination with departments during the immediate response. Ryan Coleman, speaking for the comptroller’s office, said an executive order removed a 25% insurance withholding requirement and allowed the building commissioner to waive the withholding, which sped up payments to residents in many cases. “That’s a program that usually only sees 1 to 2 fire checks a week. And so, it was pretty easy to handle,” Coleman said of the insurance-check workload, noting that dozens of checks remained to be reconciled.

Officials repeatedly cautioned that available funds will not cover total estimated damages and urged residents to enroll in city programs and resource hubs. Nicks urged people to watch the city’s recovery site and social channels for weekly updates and rollout of new resources.

The city framed the recovery office as a single point for cross‑departmental coordination and external grants, but officials acknowledged gaps in business‑directed financial aid and said additional programs are being designed.

Looking ahead, officials emphasized the long timeline for recovery from catastrophic disasters and said the new recovery office will be staffed and budgeted in phases to manage both immediate needs and decade‑scale restoration work.","City officials outlined a package of local and state funding, the creation of a recovery office and near-term programs aimed at housing stabilization, home repairs and broader neighborhood restoration after the May 16 tornado.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Legal aid, SBDC and other partners offer free counseling, document help and technical assistance

St. Louis assessor: residential occupancy law aids some homeowners, commercial owners face limits

Building division waives permit fees, opens contractor registry and architect clinics for tornado repairs

SBA, SLDC and local banks outline loan options and business resources after storm

St. Louis details recovery funds, creates recovery office to coordinate long-term rebuild