Mayor Cara Spencer has introduced a new strategic initiative to bolster St. Louis’ economic trajectory and competitive standing with the appointment of Stephen Davis as Chief Economic Development Officer. This pivotal role is designed to spearhead the city’s economic agenda, focusing on sustainable growth, investment attraction, and enhanced competitiveness. The selection of Davis follows a comprehensive search, underscoring the administration’s commitment to revitalizing and expanding the city’s economic base.
Davis brings a wealth of experience to this newly established position, having previously served as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives at the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), the city’s primary economic development agency. His background includes a proven ability to foster significant investments and cultivate essential collaborations, positioning him as a key figure in shaping St. Louis's economic future. Mayor Spencer emphasized Davis’s deep understanding of the local innovation ecosystem and his success in business retention and expansion as critical qualifications for leading the city’s vision for an inclusive and resilient economy.
St. Louis's Economic Revitalization Strategy
In his capacity as Chief Economic Development Officer, Davis will be instrumental in advising Mayor Spencer on the prevailing business climate and acting as a central point of contact for major stakeholders. This includes forging strong relationships with private sector employers, real estate developers, and regional leaders. His responsibilities will encompass the formulation and acceleration of St. Louis's economic development strategy, with a particular focus on expanding the city’s tax base and addressing systemic equity and racial disparities through targeted economic initiatives.
Davis expressed his dedication to enhancing the city's economic competitiveness while ensuring that the benefits of development are equitably distributed across all St. Louis neighborhoods. He highlighted the importance of synergistic collaboration, stating, "St. Louis succeeds when public, private, and community partners work together toward a shared vision." This collaborative approach is seen as fundamental to achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic progress for the city.
Leadership Evolution in Economic Development
The appointment of Davis coincides with a period of significant transition within St. Louis's economic development leadership. In March, Stephen Westbrooks was appointed to lead the St. Louis Development Corporation, succeeding interim head Otis Williams. This leadership shift, alongside Davis's new role, signals a concerted effort to optimize the city's approach to economic growth and urban revitalization.
The creation of the Chief Economic Development Officer position is part of a broader reorganization of the Mayor's office, announced in August. This strategic restructuring aims to establish a more effective framework for achieving the Mayor’s key objectives, which include driving economic transformation, ensuring the delivery of high-quality city services, and facilitating recovery efforts following recent natural disasters, such as last year’s tornado.
Enhancing St. Louis's Business Environment
Mayor Spencer articulated the goals of the office restructuring, noting, “This internal restructuring will help us deliver the kind of services, growth and opportunity that is needed for St. Louis to thrive, attracting new residents and, most importantly, giving those who have already made St. Louis home lots of reasons to stay.” This forward-thinking approach underscores a commitment to not only drawing new investment but also to retaining and supporting the existing population and businesses within the city.
Furthermore, Davis will assume the role of Board Chair for the St. Louis Development Corporation. This dual responsibility will allow for closer alignment and more direct oversight of the city’s development initiatives. Davis holds an MBA from Webster University and a bachelor's degree from DePauw University, providing him with a strong academic foundation to complement his practical experience in economic development and strategic partnerships.
