Notice of Funding Availability St. Louis Main Streets Program

NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY
FOR
ST. LOUIS MAIN STREETS PROGRAM
NOFA OPENING DATE: April 15, 2026
NOFA CLOSING DATE: May 18, 2026
++
St. Louis Development Corporation
1520 Market Street, Suite 2000
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 657-3700
Fax: (314) 613-7011
www.developstlouis.org
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):
Date Milestone
April 15, 2026 Notice of Funding Availability released
May 8, 2026 Deadline to submit questions on the NOFA
May 11, 2026 Responses to questions posted
May 18, 2026 Responses due by 4:00 pm (central time)
May 19, 2026 Response review process begins
June 18, 2026 Recommendations presented to SLDC Board
June 18, 2026 SLDC Board considers recommendations for approval
TBD Funding made available

I. PURPOSE; INTRODUCTION; BACKGROUND
Notice of Funding Availability
This Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) announces the availability of up to $350,000 of funding from
St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) to support the operations and program delivery of up to three
St. Louis Main Streets programs. SLDC is seeking proposals to implement the St. Louis Main Streets
program within the three St. Louis Main Streets districts.
The funds will be made available from general SLDC revenues.
This is an expansion of SLDC's 2024 pilot program to help organizations build their capacity to deliver
valuable economic development programs and services across the City of St. Louis.
Funds are expected to be made available in the third calendar quarter of 2026, with all eligible
disbursements to be made by December 31, 2027. Successful applicants will be asked to enter into a
grant agreement with SLDC, which will include certain reporting and other compliance requirements.
Applicants must review all sections of this NOFA for detailed eligibility requirements, allowable uses of
funds, application instructions, evaluation criteria, and reporting obligations.
Background and Project Description
SLDC is the independent economic development agency serving the City of St. Louis, Missouri, existing
to empower, develop, and transform St. Louis through a vibrant, just, and growing economy where all
people can thrive. As we evolve, redefine, and reimagine economic development for the next generation,
SLDC expects to achieve significant social and financial returns. The result is expanding the tax base,
improving the economic, health, and educational outcomes for every existing resident of St. Louis, and
attracting new residents.
Under one of its many efforts, SLDC supports Missouri's accredited Main Street Connection program, a
comprehensive downtown revitalization program launched in 1977 by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation. Through the Main Street Approach(TM), Missouri Main Street Connection integrates four
points - Organization, Economic Vitality, Design, and Promotion - into a practical downtown management
strategy intended to produce fundamental changes in a community's economic base while preserving its
historic commercial buildings and the community's unique heritage.
Organization: Building a strong foundation for the revitalization effort by cultivating
partnerships, community involvement, leadership development, fundraising, and
advocacy.
Economic Vitality: Strengthening the district's economy by supporting existing
businesses, encouraging new businesses, diversifying the mix of goods and services,
and facilitating property development.
Design: Enhancing the physical and visual assets of the district, such as improving the
streetscape, signage, lighting, landscaping, and historic buildings.
Promotion: Creating a positive image of the district and attracting customers, investors,
and visitors through events, marketing, branding, and social media.
In 2019, the Missouri Main Street Connection established the St. Louis Main Streets program, which
combined the Main Street Approach(TM) and the UrbanMain(TM) program to guide comprehensive
revitalization efforts in three designated pilot areas in the city. The pilot received additional funding in
2021, to support operations through 2023.
2

In 2023, Missouri Main Street Connection identified several challenges with advancing its four-point
strategy, including managing issues of crime, safety, cleanliness, parking, traffic, and homelessness that
may deter customers and investors; engaging and representing the diverse and often marginalized
stakeholders of the district, such as residents, business owners, property owners, workers, and visitors;
and securing adequate funding, resources, and support from public and private sectors for the
revitalization efforts.
Missouri Main Street Connection also identified an opportunity for stronger public-private partnership with
each Main Street district to accomplish their specific goals and priorities for the short and long-term.
Given SLDC's ongoing commitment to the Missouri Main Street Connection and the St. Louis Main
Streets program, the organization wishes to publish this NOFA to support the three designated Main
Street organizations in St. Louis: Delmar Main Street, Dutchtown Main Streets, and Laclede's Landing
Main Street. The funding would help the organization's operational, administrative, and programmatic
needs to advance small business capacity building, to enhance the physical and visual assets of the
district, and to foster equitable entrepreneurship development and business recruitment within the
district's boundaries and adjacent neighborhoods that impact the success in the district. For purposes of
this NOFA, "adjacent neighborhoods that impact the success in the district" means operational,
administrative, and programmatic support of businesses in adjacent neighborhoods to the extent the
purpose advances the work of the district and is consistent with the scope and authorization of this
NOFA. Businesses that receive funding from a recipient district as a result of this NOFA must be located
in the City of St. Louis, maintain the necessary licenses and permits, stay in good standing with the city,
and keep consistent hours of operation.
The funding for this NOFA comes from revenue earned by SLDC from interest.
SLDC anticipates awarding funds under this NOFA to one or more St. Louis Main Streets organizations
as designated by the Missouri Main Street Connection program. Each St. Louis Main Streets district that
meets the eligibility requirements outlined in this NOFA is invited to submit an application. Only St. Louis
Main Streets organizations that submit a complete application will be considered for funding.
II. POINT OF CONTACT
Questions concerning this NOFA must be submitted in writing to Dontrinia Baxton, baxtond@stlouis-
mo.gov, not later than May 8, 2026. Contact with any other SLDC employees regarding this NOFA may
disqualify the submission.
SLDC will maintain a list of all firms or individuals requesting copies of the NOFA and make copies of all
questions and responses available in writing to each listed firm upon request. SLDC will also post
answers publicly on its website.
After the submission deadline passes, all questions about status must be made to the contact person
described above. No information submitted after the response deadline, whether verbally or in writing
(including email), will be incorporated into the applicable submission.
III. SUBMISSION DETAILS
All submissions must be sent to Dontrinia Baxton, baxtond@stlouis-mo.gov, by May 18, 2026, at
4:00 pm (central time). Late submissions will not be considered.
Submissions will be evaluated based on qualifications, relevance to SLDC's mission, and overall value.
3

One or more grants may be awarded as a result of this NOFA process as is appropriate to meet the
needs of SLDC; however, issuing this NOFA does not obligate SLDC to select or award any contracts or
be responsible for any costs incurred in preparing submissions. This NOFA process is not an offer of
engagement and should not be construed as such.
SLDC reserves the right to interview or call for a presentation from any respondent submitting a response
to this NOFA. SLDC also reserves the right to discuss the proposals with any or all respondents and
request additional information from any respondent during the selection and contracting process. SLDC
also reserves the right to reject any or all proposals for any reason, in its sole discretion; to select one or
more respondents; to cancel the NOFA process; to modify the NOFA process; and to waive formalities or
informalities in the proposals and in the proposal process.
As the party issuing the NOFA, SLDC can also waive any non-material irregularities or defects in any
submission; change or modify any NOFA elements, requirements, and schedules; modify, suspend, or
terminate any aspect of the NOFA process; and waive any defects of the NOFA.
All submitted materials will become the property of SLDC and may become public documents at any time
during the selection process and after it. Any documents submitted in response to this NOFA may
become public if and when submitted to any advisory or legislative public body or pursuant to the Missouri
Sunshine Law.
By submitting a response to this NOFA, each respondent acknowledges having read this NOFA in
its entirety and agrees to all terms and conditions set out in this NOFA.
IV. REQUIRED PROPOSAL CONTENTS
Interested respondents should submit the following to meet the requirements of this NOFA:
1. Cover letter: A brief introduction to the respondent's skills, experience, and approach to Main
Street revitalization. The cover letter should be signed by a party authorized to submit the
proposal on behalf of the respondent.
2. Organizational information, background, and capability: A meaningful description of the
organization, verification of its status as a certified St. Louis Main Street organization, its
qualifications, and the available resources to complete the scope of work within the specified
timeframe. This should include resumes for key individuals, their contact information, and a
detailed account of the respondent's ability to execute the proposed activities. . The
organization's strengths and capabilities should be clearly outlined.
3. Explanation of how the funds will be used: A detailed and comprehensive explanation of how
the funding will be used to carry out the transformational strategies set by the St. Louis Main
Street program, as further established by Missouri Main Street Connection. This section should
include:
A clear plan for specific improvements, programs, services, developments, or other
activities to be funded.
How each proposed activity aligns with the approved plan and overall purpose of the
program.
Measurable objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes for each activity.
Identification of resources, staff, or partnerships that will support successful
implementation.
A strategy for tracking progress and documenting impact, including: Quarterly progress
updates on funded activities (such as funds spent to date versus awarded, planned use
of remaining funds, key accomplishments, challenges, adjustments, etc.), metrics tied to
SLDC priorities, a final report summarizing measurable outcomes
4

This plan should demonstrate that the funding will be applied in a structured, strategic way to
advance St. Louis Main Street revitalization, enhance the district's assets, and achieve
sustainable outcomes. SLDC encourages respondents to propose catalytic projects that
maximize impact and drive sustainable long-term benefits for the district.
4. Explanation of impact: A clear explanation of how the proposal will advance the goals and
objectives of the St. Louis Main Street program, including how it will lead to measurable, district-
level impact. The respondent should clearly outline how their proposed activities will create
positive, fair, and sustainable change within the district including measurable benefits to small
business, community stakeholders, and the district's overall vitality.
5. Relevant projects: Examples of previous work that demonstrate the respondent's experience
with similar projects. Each project example should include the client's name, a project description,
the role of the team members, and the actual or expected completion date.
6. References: At least three project or professional references relating to work performed in the
City of St. Louis.
7. Acknowledgment of prevailing wage and benefits: Include a statement acknowledging the
minimum prevailing wage and the minimum prevailing fringe benefits required. See Living Wage
and Service Contract Prevailing Wage provisions in Section VI below.
8. Evidence of minimum qualifications: Respondent must provide proof of the following items:
Registration with the Missouri Secretary of State as the appropriate business entity.
Current City of St. Louis Business License or Letter of Indefinite Exemption issued by the
License Collector Office of the City of St. Louis.
No suspension or debarment from receiving federal, state, or local grant funding.
Capacity to provide detailed grant administration, reporting, and documentation
consistent with SLDC requirements including tracking metrics and submitting structured
progress and final reports.
Organizational ability to manage risk and liabilities, including a strong governance
structure, insurance coverage, and financial stability.
Experience administering grant funds with robust records management and financial
accounting systems
Demonstrated capacity to implement catalytic projects with measurable, district-level
impact.
Evidence of sufficient staffing and qualified personnel to execute the proposed activities.
Experience working with partners, community stakeholders, or other organizations to
advance project goals.
Current status on all City taxes and business licenses, with all required licenses in good
standing to obtain and maintain CBI (Confidential Business Information) clearance.
Ability to ensure and maintain compliance with all funding requirements, including local,
state, and federal laws and regulations.
V. EVALUATION PROCESS AND REVIEW CRITERIA
SLDC will convene an evaluation committee in accordance with its procurement policy to evaluate each
response submitted by a respondent. The selection committee will consider, at a minimum, each
respondent's ability to demonstrate that it has provided the Required Proposal Contents described in
Section IV of this NOFA.
5

To be deemed responsive for evaluation under this NOFA, submissions are limited to 20 pages including
all of the submission requirements described below (for clarity, all of the sections described below, plus
any attachments, title pages, and page separators, will be included in the 20-page limit).
Each responsive submission will be evaluated on the following criteria:
1. Completeness: The respondent has included and completed all of the required proposal
components described in Section IV above in its submission.
2. Alignment with the Program Goals: The proposed uses are consistent with the Missouri Main
Street Connection and St. Louis Main Street programs.
3. Experience and Capacity: The respondent has the qualifications, experience, and capacity to
successfully deliver on the proposed projects and programs.
4. Clarity of Plan: The respondent has a clearly-articulated plan, with clearly-defined proposed
projects, key partners, implementation timeline, and detailed budget, for using the funds
contemplated under this NOFA.
5. Alignment with District Plan: Each of the proposed activities are tied to an approved plan and
purpose for the St. Louis Main Street district.
6. Programmatic Impact: The proposal will make meaningful progress in implementing and
advancing the St. Louis Main Street program's goals and objectives.
7. Community Outcomes: The proposed activities will make fair, meaningful, and positive change in
the St. Louis Main Street district.
8. Reporting and Evaluation: The respondent demonstrates the ability to track progress, measure
outcomes, and submit structured reports in accordance with SLDC requirements.
VI. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Minority and Women's Business Enterprise participation (MBE/WBE)
SLDC is committed to promoting fair and open competition for Minority Business Enterprises and
Women's Business Enterprises seeking to do business in St. Louis. Respondents must ensure MBE and
WBE firms are afforded equal opportunity to participate in projects funded under this NOFA.
Information about the City's M/WBE program at www.developstlouis-mo.gov and a list of certified firms
can be found at the following link: https://sldc.gob2g.com/
Insurance requirements
Any respondent awarded a contract under this NOFA will be required to procure and maintain General
Liability Coverage, Automobile/Motor Liability Coverage (including non-owned and hired vehicle
coverage), and Worker's Compensation Insurance. Typical requirements are: General Liability Coverage
insuring property damage and injury to persons of at least $1,000,000.00 each occurrence/$4,000,000.00
general aggregate; Automobile/Motor Vehicle Coverage (including non-owned and hired vehicle
coverage) of at least $500,000 personal injury and $500,000 property damage; or of at least $1,000,000
combined limit. Any respondent awarded a contract pursuant to this NOFA will also procure Worker's
Compensation Insurance as required by the State of Missouri.
Policy limits depend on the scope of services, but no coverage amount listed will be construed to limit the
liability of any respondent. Each respondent awarded a contract will provide a Certificate of Insurance to
SLDC prior to the execution of the contract and before any work begins or funds are assessed, with "St.
Louis Development Corporation" listed as an Additional Insured to the policy. Certificates attesting to the
coverage and naming SLDC as additional insured shall be mailed to:
6

St. Louis Development Corporation
Attn: Legal Department
1520 Market Street, Suite 2000
St. Louis, MO 63103
Each respondent's Insurance provider will be authorized to transact business in the State of Missouri and
registered with the Missouri Department of Insurance - Financial Institutions & Professional Registration.
Such Insurance company must have a financial strength of "A-" or better and a financial class size IV or
greater as indicated in A.M. Best's Key Rating Guide. (http://www.ambest.com/home/default.aspx).
Such liability insurance coverage must also extend to damage, destruction and injury to SLDC owned or
leased property and SLDC personnel, and caused by or resulting from work, acts, operations, or
omissions of respondent, its officers, agents, employees, consultants, subcontractors, licensees, invitees,
and representatives, and contractual liability insurance sufficient to cover respondent's indemnity
obligations hereunder. SLDC will have no liability for any premiums charged for such coverage, and the
inclusion of SLDC as an Additional Insured is not intended to and will not make SLDC a partner or joint
venture with respondent in its operations hereunder. Each such insurance policy must, by endorsement,
provide primary coverage to SLDC when any policy issued to SLDC provides duplicate or similar
coverage and, in such circumstances, SLDC's policy will be excess over respondent's policy. Failure to
maintain insurance may result in termination of any contract awarded under this NOFA.
Living wage
Any contract entered into under this NOFA may be subject to the St. Louis Living Wage Ordinance
(Ordinance No. 65597, codified in Chapter 3.99 of the Revised City Code of St. Louis (2020)) and its
associated Regulations. Respondents agree to comply with the applicable measures thereof.
Service Contract Prevailing Wage
For all positions listed on the Secretary of Labor's wage and fringe benefits determination (see
https://sam.gov/wage-determination/2015-5075/20), and as applicable, respondents will be required to
provide the minimum prevailing wage and the minimum prevailing fringe benefits required and abide by
the terms of Ordinance No. 62124, codified at Chapter 6.20 of the Revised Code of the City of St. Louis
(2020) in any contract entered into under this NOFA.
If any services for which the successful respondent is obligated under an Agreement pursuant to this
NOFA is subcontracted, the successful respondent shall provide in any service subcontract (1) provisions
specifying the minimum prevailing wage and the minimum prevailing fringe benefits to be paid to the
subcontractor's service employees and (2) a representation by the subcontractor to abide by the terms of
this chapter and to pay and provide to all service employees said minimum prevailing wage and minimum
prevailing fringe benefits as noted in the service subcontract.
Indemnification
Each respondent, in seeking, receiving, or possessing this NOFA or in submitting a response, does
release, indemnify, and hold SLDC and its various directors, employees, representatives and agents
harmless from and against all claims and demands of any and all loss, cost, damage, or liability of
whatever nature, which may be asserted against or imposed against SLDC as a result of issuing this
NOFA, making any revisions thereto, conducting this selection process and subsequent negotiations, and
making a final recommendation and/or entering into a contract. Respondents must also comply with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to the use of funds.
7

Amendments
Respondents may submit amended proposals before the deadline for receipt of proposals. Such
amended proposals must be complete replacements for a previous submission and clearly identified as
such in the transmittal letter. SLDC will not merge, collate, or assemble respondents' materials.
Right to withdraw proposal
Respondents are permitted to withdraw their submissions at any time before the submission deadline,
with a written request signed by the respondent's duly authorized representative and addressed to SLDC.
Governing law and venue
This NOFA, and any agreement with respondents that may result, will be governed by the laws of the
State of Missouri and the City of St. Louis, and venue for any dispute regarding this NOFA or any
subsequent contract will be in the Circuit Court of the Twenty-Second Circuit, Missouri.
VII. TERMS TO BE INCLUDED IN CONTRACTS, IF SELECTED
Any contract entered into pursuant to this NOFA must include the following, or substantially similar, terms.
By submitting qualifications in response to this NOFA, respondents agree to adhere to such terms.
Recordkeeping, Financial Compliance, & Audits:
Awardee shall provide SLDC with written programmatic updates in the manner prescribed by SLDC or its
designee. Awardee shall maintain adequate records to demonstrate that the funds provided herein are
expended on eligible costs, and shall make all records and documentation available to SLDC and/or
authorized agents to the extent necessary to adequately permit evaluation and verification of Awardee's
full compliance with contract terms and financial obligations. Awardee shall also comply with all
insurance, indemnification, and living wage requirements as outlined elsewhere in this NOFA.
Non-Discrimination Policy:
Awardee shall not permit discrimination against any business, employee, applicant, client or subscriber
on the basis of race, creed, color, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national ancestry or origin. The
Awardee shall comply with all applicable requirements and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA).
Public Records Law:
Awardee acknowledges and understands that SLDC is subject to the State of Missouri's Sunshine Law
(the "Act") and that records generated from this agreement under this NOFA may be considered public
records.
Unauthorized Alien Affidavit:
Awardee shall, pursuant to the provisions of Section 285.525 through 285.555 of the Revised Statutes of
Missouri, as amended, by sworn affidavit and provision of documentation, affirm its enrollment and
participation in a federal work authorization program with respect to the employees working in connection
with this Agreement. Awardee shall also affirm that it does not knowingly employ any person who is an
unauthorized alien in connection with the Agreement pursuant to the above-stated Statutes.
Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act:
8

Awardee shall, pursuant to the provisions of 34.600 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, certify that it is
not currently engaged in and shall not, for the duration of the engagement, engage in a boycott of goods
or services from the State of Israel; companies doing business in or with Israel or authorized by, licensed
by, or organized under the laws of the State of Israel; or persons or entities doing business in the State of
Israel.
Independent Contractor:
Awardee is, and at all times hereunder, shall be and remain an independent contractor, and nothing
herein shall be interpreted to mean that the Awardee or any of its employees or agents is an employee or
agent of SLDC.
Indemnification:
Awardee will protect, defend, and hold SLDC and its Board of Directors, officers, employees, and agents
completely harmless from and against all liabilities, losses, suits, claims, judgments, and fines or
demands arising by reason of injury or death of any person or damage to any property, including all
reasonable costs for investigation and defense thereof (including but not limited to attorneys' fees, court
costs, and expert fees), of any nature whatsoever arising out of or incident to an agreement under this
NOFA, and the acts or omissions of Awardee's officers, agents, employees, subcontractors, licensees,
invitees, or independent consultants regardless of where the injury, death, or damage may occur, unless
and to the extent such injury, death or damage is caused by the gross negligence of SLDC.
Prohibition on Limitation of Liability Clauses:
No clause in any award under this NOFA shall be interpreted to limit Awardee's liability, nor be enforced
to the extent that it acts as a limitation of Awardee's liability.
9