ST. LOUIS — A majority of voters support using the $280 million NFL Rams settlement for infrastructure improvements, a new poll reveals. The survey, commissioned by Greater St. Louis, Inc. and conducted in August 2024, found that 55% of likely voters favor redeveloping vacant buildings and infrastructure in Downtown and underinvested neighborhoods.
Infrastructure investments significantly outranked other proposed uses for the funds. When given a choice, 64% of voters preferred infrastructure improvements over universal childcare. This preference held across different city regions and racial demographics.
Less popular proposals included providing replacing water mains, creating a city revenue endowment, and increasing city employee wages.
Greater St. Louis, Inc. has proposed allocating $130 million to support disinvested neighborhoods and $100 million for Downtown improvements. This plan aligns with the City’s Economic Justice Action Plan.
The Board of Aldermen will hold a hearing on the proposal on October 8, 2024.
Survey:
As you may know, the National Football League reached a settlement with the City of St. Louis after the St. Louis Rams moved to Los Angeles. With this settlement, the City of St. Louis receives a one-time payment of $280 million. I’m going to read you some ideas for how the city might spend this money. Please tell me whether you think each one is a very good idea, somewhat good idea, not a very good idea or a bad idea for the use of this settlement money. If you are not sure, please just say so.% Very Good IdeaRedeveloping vacant buildings and infrastructure in Downtown St. Louis and underinvested neighborhoods in North and South St. Louis55Improving downtown streets and sidewalks by fixing potholes, repairing sidewalks, improving lighting, and adding bike lanes and speed bumps49Replacing water mains for every neighborhood in the city47Providing free or subsidized childcare for every St. Louis family40Creating an endowment which would generate more than $12 million in additional revenue for the city every year36Increasing the wages of city government employees22
Table 1. Ideas for Spending NFL Settlement Money Rank Ordered
