The Mayor's Press Conference held on September 6, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, focused on significant developments regarding the city's executive order aimed at addressing past discrimination and promoting equity through a disparity study. The meeting began with the Mayor addressing concerns related to pending requests for federal assistance, including those from the Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA, which are crucial for the city's recovery efforts.

The Mayor emphasized the importance of establishing firm legal grounding before proceeding with contract issuances, highlighting the necessity of a cautious approach given the substantial federal funding required to rebuild the community. She noted that the pause in contract issuance was a strategic decision to ensure that the city could move forward with confidence.

Key stakeholders, including Yafid Al Amin from MOCAN Construction and Contracting Assistance Center, expressed gratitude towards the Mayor and her administration for their efforts in reinstating the program linked to the disparity study. Al Amin underscored that this initiative is not merely a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program but a necessary remedy for historical discrimination. He affirmed the community's readiness to support the city in defending the program against any legal challenges.

Mikael Ali from APCA also commended the Mayor for her leadership during challenging times, noting that true leadership is demonstrated through actions that prioritize the community's needs over fear of opposition.

The conference concluded with a commitment to move forward with the executive order, reinforcing the city's dedication to fostering equity and addressing the historical impacts of discrimination. The Mayor's administration remains focused on ensuring that the necessary legal frameworks are in place to support these initiatives effectively.