St. Louis Vacancy Collaborative

The St. Louis Vacancy Collaborative dismantles the systemic inequities that resulted in and perpetuate St. Louis's high rate of vacant properties. Working in partnership with the individuals living in and working with high-vacancy neighborhoods, the Vacancy Collaborative vets, promotes, and implements the programs and policies that build a more equitable and prosperous region for the future.

Nearly 40 percent of St. Louis City residents live in a census tract where 20 percent or more of the housing stock is vacant. Within those tracts, African Americans make-up about 75% of the population. Our city is home to about 25,000 vacant properties-- properties that encourage crime, eat into our tax revenue and property values, and sabotage our health.

We believe the scope of this challenge extends beyond that of any one entity. As a coalition, the Vacancy Collaborative convenes 1 central steering committee and six working groups made up of city government staff, neighborhood leaders, and community development practitioners to lift the burden of vacancy off of our communities.