STL Consolidation Student Intern Projects - CIVITAS-STL

STL Consolidation Student Intern Projects

It appeared that in the summer of 2019, Civitas interns would be analyzing from a number of perspectives the proposed “Better Together” program of St. Louis City – St. Louis Consolidation. When in late spring it became clear that “Better Together” was moribund, at least for the moment, Civitas broadened its scope for the summer. Students did a variety of independent projects, but also examined possible collaboration in the St. Louis metropolitan area from a number of perspectives.

Specifically what students did was:

  1. Extensive polling of area citizens on the topics of consolidation and/or cooperation.
    • “Intercept” or “person-to-person” polling in downtown St. Louis, Soulard, Maplewood, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, O’Fallon (MO), and St. Charles, MO
    • On-line polling with select audiences in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County.
  2. Interviews with local politicians, teachers, police officers and others
  3. AM-Radio programs discussing relevant issues
  4. Video discussions on issues related to consolidation and/or collaboration
  5. Podcasts

In a nutshell, support among those who we interviewed and discussed consolidation and/or collaboration was tepid. In no demographic did we sense strong support for major unification.

The dialogue continues on the Civitas blog. We welcome everyone’s participation.


Student interviews:

Polling Data: