Budget and Public Employees Committee - October 21, 2026

The City of St. Louis Budget and Public Employees Committee met on October 21, 2026, and considered Board Bill 59, sponsored by an alderman and co-sponsored by President Green. The bill would ask voters to expand the permitted use of the existing half-cent sales tax, including the portion allocated to transit, to support bus rapid transit (BRT). Members adopted amendments and a revised committee substitute to make the transit language clearer and more specific. In discussion, the sponsor and committee members emphasized that the proposal is intended to authorize funding for BRT, including its construction and operation, rather than broadly redirecting funds to other transit services. No contract award or vendor selection was discussed.

After a recess to refine the language, the committee passed the revised committee substitute out with a “do pass” recommendation; the transcript records no objection to the motion. Members said public education about BRT would be important before the measure goes to voters, and an upcoming community open house was announced. No public testimony was submitted. The committee also approved its October 8 minutes; no other procurement or spending actions were identified.