{"id":286,"date":"2021-12-02T04:14:54","date_gmt":"2021-12-02T04:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.startertemplatecloud.com\/g23\/?page_id=286"},"modified":"2026-02-19T17:37:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T17:37:54","slug":"our-mission","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/index.php\/our-mission\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Mission"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1140px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;min-height:850px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25{background-image:url('https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_446162874-scaled.jpeg');background-size:cover;background-position:50% 10%;background-attachment:fixed;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.65;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgb(0,0,0) 0%,rgba(0,0,0,0.35) 99%);mix-blend-mode:multiply;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px), only screen and (min-device-width: 1024px) and (max-device-width: 1366px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (hover: none){.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25{background-attachment:scroll;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px), only screen and (min-device-width: 1024px) and (max-device-width: 1366px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (hover: none){.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25{background-image:url('https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_446162874-scaled.jpeg');background-size:cover;background-position:75% 50%;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:no-repeat;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25{margin-bottom:0px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25 > .kt-row-column-wrap{max-width:500px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25 > .kt-row-column-wrap{row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:420px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);min-height:800px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25{background-image:url('https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_446162874-scaled.jpeg');background-size:cover;background-position:80% 45%;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:no-repeat;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id286_2490a9-25 alignnone kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-layout-overlay kt-row-overlay-gradient\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top kt-inner-column-height-full\">\n<style>.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-5xl, 10rem);}.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column286_f14cef-f9{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9{text-align:left;}.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9{position:relative;}.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column286_f14cef-f9:not(.specificity){margin-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-5xl, 10rem);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column286_f14cef-f9{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxl, 5rem);padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:flex-start;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column286_f14cef-f9{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column286_f14cef-f9, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column286_f14cef-f9:not(.specificity){margin-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-auto, auto);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column286_f14cef-f9 kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-left:0;font-size:18px;line-height:1.1\">OUR MISSION<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:64px;line-height:1.1\">Pushing Downtown Forward<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">To improve safety, strengthen government performance, and elevate <br>the perception of Downtown St. Louis by providing unified, focused leadership <br>and coordinated action that drives revitalization<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns286_b1b169-37{gap:var(--global-kb-gap-xs, 0.5rem );justify-content:flex-start;align-items:center;}.kt-btns286_b1b169-37 .kt-button{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;}.kt-btns286_b1b169-37 .kt-btn-wrap-0{margin-right:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns286_b1b169-37 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button{color:#555555;border-color:#555555;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns286_b1b169-37 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns286_b1b169-37 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{color:#ffffff;border-color:#444444;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns286_b1b169-37 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button::before{display:none;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns286_b1b169-37 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns286_b1b169-37 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{background:#444444;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn kb-buttons-wrap kb-btns286_b1b169-37\"><style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn286_9e9e6d-94.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn286_9e9e6d-94.kb-button{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);background:#2f62b9;box-shadow:0px 0px 60px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn286_9e9e6d-94 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-auto kb-btn-global-fill kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/contact\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Get Involved<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id286_174a95-20 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id286_174a95-20 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id286_174a95-20 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1290px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xl, 4rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(40% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(60% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id286_174a95-20 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id286_174a95-20 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id286_174a95-20{display:none !important;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id286_174a95-20 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id286_174a95-20{display:none !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id286_174a95-20 alignnone kb-v-md-hidden kb-v-sm-hidden wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column286_19b439-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);}.kadence-column286_19b439-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column286_19b439-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column286_19b439-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column286_19b439-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column286_19b439-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column286_19b439-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column286_19b439-0c{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column286_19b439-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column286_19b439-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column286_19b439-0c\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-larger-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">Who We Are<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Downtown Forward is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a diverse Board of Directors representing residents, businesses, developers, civic leaders, and community advocates. We are funded through private, tax-deductible contributions and serve the full footprint of Downtown and Downtown West (Mississippi River to Jefferson, Chouteau to Cole).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our Executive Director, Matt O\u2019Leary, leads the organization with deep experience in real estate development, public safety strategy, public policy, and community advocacy\u2014along with many years as a Downtown resident.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column286_977156-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column286_977156-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column286_977156-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column286_977156-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column286_977156-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column286_977156-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column286_977156-61{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column286_977156-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column286_977156-61 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column286_977156-61\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231409944-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1142\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231409944-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231409944-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231409944-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231409944-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231409944-2048x1152.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id286_b0d6d7-b0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id286_b0d6d7-b0 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id286_b0d6d7-b0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1290px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xl, 4rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(60% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(40% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id286_b0d6d7-b0 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id286_b0d6d7-b0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id286_b0d6d7-b0{display:none !important;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id286_b0d6d7-b0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id286_b0d6d7-b0{display:none !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id286_b0d6d7-b0 alignnone kb-v-md-hidden kb-v-sm-hidden wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column286_07e87a-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column286_07e87a-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column286_07e87a-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column286_07e87a-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column286_07e87a-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column286_07e87a-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column286_07e87a-29{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column286_07e87a-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column286_07e87a-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column286_07e87a-29\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column286_d50966-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column286_d50966-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column286_d50966-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column286_d50966-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column286_d50966-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column286_d50966-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column286_d50966-75{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column286_d50966-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column286_d50966-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column286_d50966-75\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231410083-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1143\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231410083-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231410083-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231410083-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231410083-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AdobeStock_231410083-2048x1152.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;}.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:stretch;}.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery{align-self:stretch;}.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column286_134604-13{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:flex-start;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column286_134604-13 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:flex-start;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column286_134604-13\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-larger-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Why We Exist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite years of work by many passionate stakeholders, Downtown St. Louis continues to face systemic challenges. These challenges stem from fragmented civic efforts, gaps in service delivery, and historically inconsistent government performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Downtown Forward was created to fill those gaps, coordinate solutions, and ensure that Downtown\u2019s needs are addressed with urgency, clarity, and accountability.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id286_29cace-63 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id286_29cace-63 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id286_29cace-63 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1290px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xl, 4rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxl, 5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id286_29cace-63 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id286_29cace-63 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id286_29cace-63{display:none !important;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id286_29cace-63 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id286_29cace-63{display:none !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id286_29cace-63 alignnone kb-v-md-hidden kb-v-sm-hidden wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column286_efc98c-3d > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);}.kadence-column286_efc98c-3d > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column286_efc98c-3d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column286_efc98c-3d > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column286_efc98c-3d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column286_efc98c-3d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column286_efc98c-3d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column286_efc98c-3d{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column286_efc98c-3d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column286_efc98c-3d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column286_efc98c-3d\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-larger-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><strong>Our Approach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Public Safety<\/strong><br>Reducing violent crime by targeting root causes such as chronic homelessness, open-air drug activity, late-night disorder, and high-risk cruising<br><br><strong>2. Government Performance<\/strong><br>Ensuring City departments deliver timely, effective services by securing Downtown\u2019s fair share of state, federal, and regional resources<br><br><strong>3. Regional Marketing &amp; Storytelling<\/strong><br>Coordinating stakeholders to dramatically increase positive coverage of Downtown across social and traditional media<br>Advocating for enforcement of existing laws<br>Changing policies that disadvantage Downtown<br>Engaging in City legislative processes<br><br><strong>4. Advocacy<\/strong><br>Representing Downtown\u2019s interests with civic partners, utilities, foundations, corporations, government bodies, and regional agencies<br><br>Together, these efforts build the foundation for long-term vibrancy, investment, and liveability<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id286_a46131-b1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id286_a46131-b1 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id286_a46131-b1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1290px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id286_a46131-b1 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (min-width: 1025px){.kb-row-layout-id286_a46131-b1{display:none !important;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id286_a46131-b1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id286_a46131-b1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id286_a46131-b1 alignnone kb-v-lg-hidden wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column286_3ec3bd-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column286_3ec3bd-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column286_3ec3bd-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column286_3ec3bd-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column286_3ec3bd-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column286_3ec3bd-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column286_3ec3bd-01{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column286_3ec3bd-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column286_3ec3bd-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column286_3ec3bd-01\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who We Are<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Downtown Forward is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a diverse Board of Directors representing residents, businesses, developers, civic leaders, and community advocates. We are funded through private, tax-deductible contributions and serve the full footprint of Downtown and Downtown West (Mississippi River to Jefferson, Chouteau to Cole).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our Executive Director, Matt O\u2019Leary, leads the organization with deep experience in real estate development, public safety strategy, public policy, and community advocacy\u2014along with many years as a Downtown resident.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column286_b34b7b-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column286_b34b7b-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column286_b34b7b-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column286_b34b7b-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column286_b34b7b-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column286_b34b7b-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column286_b34b7b-45{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column286_b34b7b-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column286_b34b7b-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column286_b34b7b-45\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why We Exist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite years of work by many passionate stakeholders, Downtown St. Louis continues to face systemic challenges. These challenges stem from fragmented civic efforts, gaps in service delivery, and historically inconsistent government performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Downtown Forward was created to fill those gaps, coordinate solutions, and ensure that Downtown\u2019s needs are addressed with urgency, clarity, and accountability.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column286_bfb1d2-1e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column286_bfb1d2-1e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column286_bfb1d2-1e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column286_bfb1d2-1e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column286_bfb1d2-1e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column286_bfb1d2-1e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column286_bfb1d2-1e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column286_bfb1d2-1e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column286_bfb1d2-1e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column286_bfb1d2-1e\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Our Approach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Public Safety<\/strong><br>Reducing violent crime by targeting root causes such as chronic homelessness, open-air drug activity, late-night disorder, and high-risk cruising.<br><br><strong>2. Government Performance<\/strong><br>Ensuring City departments deliver timely, effective services by:<br>Securing Downtown\u2019s fair share of state, federal, and regional resources<br><br><strong>3. Regional Marketing &amp; Storytelling<\/strong><br>Coordinating stakeholders to dramatically increase positive coverage of Downtown across social and traditional media.<br>Advocating for enforcement of existing laws<br>Changing policies that disadvantage Downtown<br>Engaging in City legislative processes<br><br><strong>4. Advocacy<\/strong><br>Representing Downtown\u2019s interests with civic partners, utilities, foundations, corporations, government bodies, and regional agencies.<br><br>Together, these efforts build the foundation for long-term vibrancy, investment, and liveability.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>OUR MISSION Pushing Downtown Forward To improve safety, strengthen government performance, and elevate the perception of Downtown St. Louis by providing unified, focused leadership and coordinated action that drives revitalization Who We Are Downtown Forward is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a diverse Board of Directors representing residents, businesses, developers, civic leaders, and community&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"hide","_kad_post_layout":"fullwidth","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"unboxed","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"hide","_kad_post_feature":"hide","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-286","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"campaignId":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=286"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1174,"href":"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286\/revisions\/1174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/downtownforwardstl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=286"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}