Missouri legislators joined business leaders at Greater St. Louis, Inc. last week for the first Public Policy Speaker Series of 2026. Nearly 100 gathered to hear about the 2026 legislative session and discuss a top priority for the business community this year: the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act.
Senator Tracy McCreery and Representative Brad Christ discussed the 2026 session and offered their insights on what to expect in Jefferson City this year. They were followed by Senator Steve Roberts and Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, who discussed the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act, a bill that encourages the conversation of vacant office space into vibrant residential space.
The Bottom Line
The Greater St. Louis, Inc. Public Policy Team works to build consensus and help shape pro-growth public policy in both Missouri and Illinois. The first of many for 2026, events like this bring leaders together, furthering their understanding of relevant issues and engendering collaboration.
Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Across Missouri
Both Downtowns and Main Streets across Missouri are experiencing persistent vacancies in formerly active office buildings. These underutilized properties are limiting economic activity. But Missouri has an opportunity to get ahead of a national trend by incentivizing the conversion of the properties into residential use, a solution that benefits both city centers and rural main streets.