Reducing Historic Tax Credit Could Curb Development in St. Louis

A successful tax credit that boosts development and preservation in St. Louis's historic urban core is under legislative attack in Missouri.

1 minute read

March 30, 2013, 7:00 AM PDT

By boramici


In the 1950s, Missouri embraced sprawl like no other state. It built 33,000 miles of state-funded highways and roads and relegated public transportation funding to municipalities. The city of St. Louis suffered immense population loss from suburban sprawl, and as industries fell into decline, its building stock became neglected. 

A 1998 tax credit that covered 25 percent of renovation costs for historic-designated buildings changed that.

"The program has done more than just save buildings. It has helped developers chart a course forward for St. Louis' most distinctive districts and neighborhoods, long after the industries that created them disappeared," writes Scott Ogilvie.

Fifteen years later, despite numerous success stories, the tax credit is under attack by Missouri Republicans who are concerned about revenues. Legislators have proposed cutting the credit to 1/3 of its current annual budget of $150 million.

Friday, March 22, 2013 in Next City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

6 hours ago - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Public Market sign over Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington with pop-up booths on street.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market Leans Into Pedestrian Infrastructure

After decades of debate, the market is testing a car ban in one of its busiest areas and adding walking links to the surrounding neighborhood.

5 hours ago - Cascade PBS

Yellow and silver light rain train in downtown Long Beach, California.

The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?

In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.

7 hours ago - Secret Los Angeles

Man reaching for young girl sliding down playground slide.

Quantifying Social Infrastructure

New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?

May 15 - Happy Cities