Shape the Future of St. Louis Neighborhoods with Plan Area 7
The City of St. Louis is expanding its PlanSTL efforts into the southeast neighborhoods of Benton Park West, Dutchtown, Gravois Park, Marine Villa, and Mount Pleasant. This ambitious initiative, part of the Plan Area 7 Neighborhood Planning Effort, aims to guide development, investment, and growth in these communities over the next decade.
What is PlanSTL?
PlanSTL is a city-led initiative by the Planning and Urban Design Agency designed to create comprehensive neighborhood plans that reflect the priorities and aspirations of local residents. With five North City plan areas already under review or in progress, the City is now turning its focus to the southeast region through Plan Area 7.
The planning process will include workshops, pop-up events, and visioning sessions, ensuring that residents have a direct hand in shaping the future of their neighborhoods. Once finalized, these plans will be formally adopted by the City’s Planning Commission, making residents true partners in St. Louis’ growth.
Join the Plan Area 7 Neighborhood Planning Committee
The City is currently accepting applications for the Plan Area 7 Neighborhood Planning Committee, which will play a pivotal role in defining progress for Benton Park West, Dutchtown, Gravois Park, Marine Villa, and Mount Pleasant.
Committee Member Responsibilities:
- Represent neighborhood voices and priorities during the planning process.
- Attend regular meetings through 2027.
- Provide ideas, feedback, and guide plan recommendations.
- Act as a bridge between residents, the City, and the planning team.
Who Should Apply?
The City encourages applications from residents, nonprofit leaders, school representatives, and business owners who are passionate about their community’s future. Applicants should value collaboration, bring diverse perspectives, and be committed to turning planning efforts into action. Local elected officials will serve as honorary committee members.
Application Details:
- Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
- Apply Here: PlanSTL Application
- Information Session: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 5:30–6:30 p.m. (Join Here)
Supporting the Planning Process: Consultant Opportunities
To ensure the success of the Plan Area 7 Neighborhood Planning Effort, the City is seeking qualified consulting firms to assist with various aspects of the initiative. Three requests for proposals (RFPs) have been issued:
- Primary Neighborhood Planning Consultant
- Multilingual Engagement Services
- Pop-Up Demonstration Activation Services
Multilingual Engagement Services
Given the diverse population of Plan Area 7, the City is prioritizing inclusive engagement. A specialized multilingual engagement firm will work to ensure that outreach materials, meeting formats, and strategies are culturally and linguistically appropriate. This effort will help amplify the voices of residents with limited English proficiency.
Pop-Up Demonstration Activation
The selected consultant will collaborate with residents to identify underutilized spaces and co-create activation concepts. These pop-up demonstrations will transform spaces into vibrant community hubs, aligning with the goals of the neighborhood plans.
How to Apply:
Consultants with expertise in city planning, community engagement, and economic development are encouraged to submit proposals. For more details, visit the City’s RFP portal or contact Faith Jones at jonesfa@stlouis-mo.gov.
Why Plan Area 7 Matters
Plan Area 7 is home to one of the most culturally diverse populations in St. Louis. By involving residents in every step of the planning process, the City aims to create a roadmap for sustainable growth that reflects the unique needs and aspirations of these neighborhoods.
For more information on the Plan Area 7 Neighborhood Planning Effort, visit PlanSTL. To get more St. Louis news, check out this article on The Narrative Matters.
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