In the heart of St. Louis City Hall, a palpable sense of urgency filled the air as members of the Budget and Public Employees Committee gathered to address pressing issues following a devastating tornado that struck on May 16. The meeting, held on September 4, 2025, was marked by impassioned discussions about the city’s recovery efforts and the allocation of funds, particularly from the Rams settlement, to support the hardest-hit neighborhoods.

Alderman Almond Browning opened the dialogue by expressing gratitude to the public for their engagement and highlighting the city’s unpreparedness in the face of the tornado’s destruction. He emphasized that the disaster exacerbated existing challenges in Northside, where economic investment had long been lacking. “This tornado only made a situation that was already on life support even worse,” he stated, underscoring the need for immediate action and funding.

The committee explored the potential use of Rams settlement funds to aid recovery efforts, with discussions centering on how much of this money could be directed toward rebuilding the Northside. Julian, a representative from the recovery office, confirmed ongoing conversations with the mayor about prioritizing these funds for investment in the affected areas. “We expect a significant chunk of the Rams to go toward North Side investment,” he noted, though the exact amount remains under discussion.

As the meeting progressed, the topic of debris removal emerged as a critical concern. The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was expected to assist with this task, but delays in federal authorization have left the city in a precarious position. “We submitted the FEMA request a long time ago and are still awaiting approval,” Julian explained. He emphasized the importance of moving forward with a backup plan, as the absence of federal support could significantly prolong the recovery process.

The committee also addressed the recent hiring of a consulting firm by the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) for tornado recovery work. While this expenditure was not linked to Rams funds, it reflects the city’s commitment to coordinating recovery efforts effectively. The firm’s role will be to assist SLDC in managing economic recovery and rebuilding initiatives.

As the meeting drew to a close, the urgency of the situation was clear. The committee members recognized the need for continued advocacy at the federal level while also preparing to take local action. “We’re not going to depend on it,” Julian stated regarding the anticipated federal support, highlighting the city’s determination to forge ahead with recovery efforts regardless of external assistance.

With the clock ticking and the community’s needs pressing, the committee left the meeting with a renewed commitment to securing the necessary resources for recovery. The discussions underscored a collective resolve to not only rebuild but to ensure that the investments made will foster long-term growth and resilience in the neighborhoods most affected by the tornado.