The City of St. Louis held a Business Resource Forum on July 24, 2025, aimed at providing support and resources to local businesses and residents affected by recent tornado damage. The meeting featured key city officials, including Treasurer Adam Lane and Comptroller Donna Behringer, who discussed various initiatives and resources available to the community.

Treasurer Adam Lane opened the forum by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city and emphasizing the importance of public service. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of city offices, particularly the partnership with the Board of Aldermen and the comptroller's office on the RETAF program, which aims to provide relief to residents. Lane underscored the significance of collaboration in addressing the needs of the community, especially in the wake of the tornado.

Lane detailed the responsibilities of the Treasurer's Office, which include managing the city's cash flow and investment accounts. He noted that the office oversees a $30 million fund generated from the Rams settlement, which is intended for allocation towards tornado relief efforts. He reassured attendees that the office is actively working with 16 bank partners to provide financial assistance and resources to affected individuals and businesses.

During the meeting, Lane encouraged business owners to leverage their banking relationships, as many banks are offering support such as waiving late fees and forgiving loans for those impacted by the tornado. He also emphasized the office's commitment to helping employees of local businesses navigate financial challenges, whether they have received insurance payouts or need assistance in applying for funding.

The forum concluded with Lane inviting attendees to reach out to his office for further assistance and information. Comptroller Donna Behringer was set to follow with additional insights and resources available to the community.

Overall, the Business Resource Forum served as a platform for city officials to communicate their ongoing efforts to support St. Louis residents and businesses in recovering from the recent disaster, highlighting the importance of collaboration and financial empowerment in the recovery process.