With the Rams Departing—What Next for St. Louis?

The St. Louis Rams will become the Los Angeles Rams. What now becomes of the city of St. Louis?

1 minute read

January 15, 2016, 2:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Edward Jones Dome

Kelly Martin / Wikimedia Commons

D.J. Wilson and John Elgion review the implications of the decision by NFL owners this week to allow the St. Louis Rams to become, once again, the Los Angeles Rams. The article places the decision in context of the shrinking population and racial conflict found in St. Louis and common in older cities around the Midwest:

Like other struggling industrial cities in the Midwest, St. Louis has been rocked in recent decades by a changing economy that has drained it of jobs, investment, civic institutions and residents. So for many jilted fans, the departure of its N.F.L. team — despite its mediocre 7-9 finish this year — seemed like piling on.

The irony of the situation is not lost on the reporters, who quote residents clearly disgusted by the decisions of the team and league, but still devastated by the loss. The tone of the article overall, however, is forward looking and positive, focusing on how this loss can be turned into a positive for the city of St. Louis.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016 in The New York Times

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

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.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

3 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

5 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

5 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.