Transportation and Commerce Committee Meeting - June 25, 2026

The City of St. Louis Transportation and Commerce Committee met on June 25, 2026, to discuss several procurement and budget-related items. Key procurement discussions included the approval of a five-year lease agreement between the city and United Fruit and Produce Company for a small parcel of city-owned land near the North Riverfront, with an initial annual rent of $1,192 increasing by 3% annually. The committee also reviewed and passed two board bills (52 and 53) related to public transit sales tax funding, which support Metro's operational budget and capital projects. Metro representatives provided a detailed budget presentation highlighting a 1.62% average annual operating cost growth, a $3.6 million increase in passenger revenue due to new fare collection technology, and efforts to manage rising costs in wages, parts, and insurance. The committee discussed workforce retention, fare policies, and innovative maintenance practices, including 3D printing of parts to reduce costs. A board bill concerning airport revenue bonds was deferred pending further amendments. Motions to pass the lease agreement and transit funding bills were approved with due pass recommendations.