ST. LOUIS – Missouri lawmakers are considering a bill that could reshape downtown St. Louis through major tax incentives aimed at turning vacant office buildings into new homes and businesses.
Earlier this week, Missouri State Sen. Brad Christ (R-St. Louis County) introduced House Bill 3231 for the ongoing legislative session. The bill proposes a new statewide economic development program centered around “innovation districts.”
Under the bill, an innovation district would be a locally designated geographic area that includes a historic downtown, central business district, or a Main Street corridor. Regional leaders could apply for the designation through the Missouri Department of Economic Development, unlocking access to a set of state-authorized economic incentives if approved…