Missouri Rep Proposes ‘Innovation Zones’ As Cure for Downtown’s Woes
Date Posted: February 17, 2026
Posted In: Discussion,
From St. Louis Magazine: State Rep. Brad Christ (R-St. Louis County) was the architect of the bill giving the state control of city police, a law wildly unpopular with city leaders. So it’s worth noting that those same leaders have not dismissed out of hand Christ’s latest plan that could have a big impact on the city.
At a Zoom press conference on Friday, Christ detailed his plan to create Missouri Innovation Zones. Under Christ’s legislation, any downtown, central business districts, or main street could apply to the Missouri Department of Economic Development to become designated as such. They would have to agree to certain conditions, including fast-tracking the building permit process, but in return would qualify for development incentives and tax breaks.
The bill also incentivizes people to move from out of state by waiving their state income tax indefinitely if they move into an innovation zone. (In St. Louis, those individuals would presumably continue to pay the city earnings tax.) It would also make tax credits available to businesses in the zones, allowing them to deduct an amount equal to three percent of the wages they pay local employees. That money would then be invested in policing, signage, sidewalk maintenance, and other uses in the zone falling under the broad umbrella of “public safety.”
The bill creates $50 million a year in tax credits for office buildings to be converted to residential use, which is particularly germane to downtown St. Louis, where roughly one-third of office space sits empty. Under Christ’s bill, these projects would be eligible for tax credits worth up to 25 percent of those conversion cost
One of the most glaring signs of that empty office space is the AT&T Tower, empty since 2017. Charles Goldman, of the Boston-based Goldman Group, has a plan to convert it into 630 apartments. He’s on record as in favor of the legislation.
Other city leaders are taking more of a wait-and-see approach.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said in a statement she is assessing the proposal. “Cities nationwide are struggling to address housing shortages and revitalize their downtown areas. Converting vacant office buildings is proving to be one strategy that can, if done correctly, tackle both challenges,” she said. “We appreciate that the sponsor and state legislature are open to bills that help St. Louis address these needs.”
Spencer added that her office is in the process of evaluating Christ’s bill as it relates to “maintaining local operational control,” impacts on revenue to the city, and its impact on schools.
The office of Aldermanic President Megan Green struck a similar tone. “We are supportive of tapping into state resources for Downtown redevelopment, but there are elements of the proposal—namely concerning standards for tax incentives—that need work,” said Green’s spokesman, Yusuf Daneshyar.