350,705+

The City’s population continues to grow. In a City that had lost population for decades, that’s good news.

For the second straight year, we challenged the Census Bureau population estimate for the City of St. Louis. For the second straight year, the Census Bureau has accepted our challenge.

The official population estimate for July 2004 is now 350,705 — which represents population growth in the City of more than 2,000 people between July 2003 and July 2004.

Why is it happening?

We have a plan: create housing of all sorts; convince retailers to offer services all over the City; encourage employers to expand in the City, attract new employers; be vigilant against crime everywhere, fight it vigorously in the few dangerous neighborhoods; offer good educational choices to families; create a vibrant downtown and riverfront.

It’s working.

Housing production in the City is still accelerating. In the first nine months of this year, the production of new housing units has already doubled last year’s output.

Downtown is coming alive — and staying awake later. Neighborhoods like the CWE and Lafayette Square have become the best places to live in the entire region. Other neighborhoods that have not seen new investment in a very long time are being rebuilt and repopulated.

With new residents are coming new retail — and new employers. School Board president Darnetta Clinkscale and Superintendent Creg Williams are building a district of better schools, and better paid and trained teachers.

It is impossible to overcome 50 years of decline in a short period of time. But, we have come a long way already.

People are noticing.