Budget and Public Employees Committee October 8, 2026

The City of St. Louis Budget and Public Employees Committee met on October 8, 2026. The committee approved the September 30 minutes, then reviewed Board Bill 59, which would place a question on the April 6, 2027 ballot to broaden the permitted use of the transit portion of an existing half-cent sales tax. The proposal would allow funding now designated for the North-South MetroLink to support bus rapid transit (BRT), MetroLink, or other mass-transit initiatives. Presenters described the Green Line BRT as an approximately 11.5-mile project and contrasted it with a proposed 5.6-mile light-rail line estimated at about $1.1 billion; BRT cost estimates cited during discussion varied. Speakers also noted approximately $118 million in accumulated tax revenue and discussed the need for substantial federal funding. A presenter cited a $292 million federal grant for MetroLink vehicle replacement as an example of prior federal support.

Members and public commenters debated whether the ballot language was too broad, the need for further community engagement, and possible amendments, including requiring electric buses or adding express-bus service. The bill was held in committee for further discussion; no vote was taken on Board Bill 59, and no contract awards or other procurement actions were identified. The meeting also noted upcoming public engagement opportunities regarding BRT.