Episodes

4d ago

The Trump Administration’s crackdown on wokeness has put some of America’s elite academic institutions in crisis. But here in St. Louis, Chancellor Andrew Martin has become one of the leading voices for reform. This week, he sits down with the Arch City Report to explain whether doing so raises WashU’s profile for the better.

Dec 11

A major downtown stakeholder is waging a campaign to get the FBI to change how it tallies crime statistics for St. Louis. It’s part of a wider series of efforts to revive downtown. This week, we offer details from an event focused solely on those topics .

Dec 4

This week's guest, Ron Kitchens, the new CEO of Greater St. Louis Inc., discusses his vision for the organization and the St. Louis region. He emphasizes the importance of job creation and economic growth, the need to reframe the national perception of St. Louis, and the role of private sector investment in revitalizing the community. Kitchens also shares insights from his previous experiences, including the successful Kalamazoo Promise program, and how similar initiatives could benefit St. Louis.

Nov 27

At a Business Journal event, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer offered insight and ideas for tackling some of St. Louis’ biggest challenges, from downtown to tornado recovery to fixing city schools. This week, we get into the details on some of her most eyebrow-raising notions. Show LInks: Stories written from Mayoral interview: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/11/21/spencer-goal-restore-trust-city.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/11/20/mayor-floats-free-college-boost-city-st-louis.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/11/21/mayor-post-tornado-rebound-would-help-whole-region.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/11/20/mayor-calls-regions-biggest-firms-downtown.html

Nov 27

Episode 47 EXTRA: Hear the full, hour-long discussion between St. Louis Mayor, Cara Spencer and Business Journal Editor Erik Siemers in front of a live audience.

Nov 20

Lambert airport is poised to get its biggest makeover ever, with a new $3 billion terminal. But one thing that won’t be part of it is a place where all rental car companies can operate, maybe walkable from that new terminal. Right now, rental car companies operate from six separate facilities a shuttle ride from the airport. We talk about how Enterprise Rent-a-Car wants a fix for that as part of the new terminal.

Nov 13

Downtown St. Louis suffered a major loss last week when one of its highest-profile tenants announced it was leaving. But one of the leaders trying to turn the neighborhood around says everything is going just fine. This week, we go inside that story and some other mixed messages on the status of downtown St. Louis. The conversation explores the recent announcement of Peabody Energy's move from downtown St. Louis, the implications of corporate exits on the area, and the efforts of Kurt Weigel from Greater St. Louis, Inc. to revitalize downtown through residential development and community engagement. The discussion also touches on the mixed messages regarding the success of Ballpark Village as an entertainment hub amidst ongoing challenges in the downtown area.

Nov 6

Since it was established in 2002, the city’s Cortex innovation district has been home to more than $2 billion in construction. This week, the CEO of the district tells us whether to expect more projects in coming years. Episode Summary: The conversation explores the Cortex Innovation District's development, the importance of eminent domain, current projects, demand for lab space, community engagement, and funding strategies. Sam Fiorello discusses the challenges and opportunities within the district, emphasizing the need for continued growth and support for innovation in St. Louis. Takeaways: Cortex Innovation District has 42 buildings and 400 companies. Eminent domain is rarely used but is an important tool. 90% of commercial space in Cortex is currently filled. There is a high demand for lab space post-pandemic. Cortex aims to accommodate growing life science companies. Community engagement has shifted post-COVID. Cortex is not just about real estate; it's about innovation. Funding and grants are crucial for workforce training. The Square One program supports local entrepreneurs. Cortex is focused on building a strong community identity.

Oct 30

St. Louis is again seeing fewer construction projects this year. The city for 2025 is roughly on target to match permit totals for last year, but those were down significantly from the past. The government’s development chief talks about why, and what’s being done to turn it around. Show Summary In this conversation, Otis Williams discusses the current state of development in St. Louis, highlighting the challenges faced in the building permit process and the need for more private development. He emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment for developers and the ongoing efforts to improve the permitting system. The conversation also touches on the North City grant program and the search for a permanent leader for the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC). Takeaways St. Louis is experiencing a decline in private development. The city aims to improve its development processes to attract more developers. There is a need for a more efficient permitting system. The North City grant program has faced scrutiny but is being re-evaluated. Otis Williams emphasizes the importance of personal relationships with developers. The city is looking to create new financial incentives for development. Mayor Spencer's administration is focused on revitalizing the central corridor. The SLDC is actively searching for a permanent leader with vision and experience. Community engagement is crucial for successful development projects. The city is committed to increasing the number of new businesses to boost economic growth.

Oct 23

Homebuilders say the city of St. Louis’ permitting process and regulatory requirements have made building there too expensive and time consuming. This week, we explain how and why Mayor Cara Spencer is taking action to change city bureaucracy as it battles to rebuild tornado-wracked north St. Louis.

Oct 16

Data centers, the plumbing of the internet age, have been around for decades. But one project in Midtown St. Louis has attracted fierce opposition. This week, we find out why this project is different. The conversation explores the contentious proposal for a new data center in St. Louis, highlighting the opposition from community organizations and the Missouri Workers Center. The discussion delves into the implications of data center development on local economies, environmental concerns, and the need for regulatory oversight. Erik's guest, Jeremy Al-Haj from the Missouri Worker's Center, emphasize the importance of community engagement and thoughtful planning in the face of growing demand for data centers driven by technological advancements, particularly AI.

Oct 9

Lambert airport hasn’t had a flight to London since 2003. The airport’s director recently said that getting one back represented the proudest moment of her career. She talked with us about how the new deal with British Airways came together, with flights to begin in April, and what it means for the region.

Oct 2

The $1.1B north-south MetroLink expansion has given way to what is projected to be a significantly less expensive alternative. This week, we speak with the leader of the region’s transit authority, Bi-State Development, to hear how the modes of transportation shifted with the political winds.

Sep 25

The America’s Center Convention Complex is, to many people, their gateway to the Gateway to the West. This week, we speak with the new CEO of tourism agency Explore St. Louis to learn about convention strategy and crafting a brand for St. Louis.

Sep 18

A year ago, the St. Louis metro area’s population grew solely to an increase in the foreign-born population. A year later, the trends has shifted backward. We speak with St. Louis’ most prominent demographer, Ness Sandoval, to discuss the recent population trends in the region, focusing on the decline of the foreign-born population and the African-American demographic. He highlights the concept of 'demographic winter' and compares St. Louis's growth mindset to that of Cincinnati, emphasizing the need for a collective approach to regional development and housing to attract new residents and counteract population decline.

Sep 11

In this episode of the Arch City Report, Jim Wild from the East West Gateway Council of Governments discusses the strategic planning efforts aimed at addressing population decline and various regional issues in St. Louis. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among different sectors, the need for a common vision, and the significance of timing in initiating these plans. The conversation also touches on the challenges of revitalizing downtown St. Louis and the long-term commitment required to see substantial changes in the region.

Sep 4

This week's conversation delves into Missouri's Senate Bill 3, which proposes a property tax freeze for certain counties. St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann discusses the implications of the bill, its constitutionality, and the potential consequences for local governance and taxation. The discussion highlights the need for uniformity in tax laws across counties and the challenges posed by differing treatment of counties under the law. Elliman emphasizes the importance of understanding the financial impact on local governments and the necessity for a thorough debate on the legislation before it is put to a vote.

Aug 28

In this episode, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe sits down with Business Journal reporter Jim Drew for a candid conversation about his rapid-fire reforms, putting the St. Louis police back under state control, fighting for economic growth, and tackling the state’s toughest challenges head-on. From his personal journey growing up in North St. Louis to his vision for Missouri’s future, Kehoe opens up about public safety, education reform, energy policy, and the impact of Trump-era tariffs on local farmers. Plus, hear his unfiltered thoughts on working with President Trump and what it really takes to move Missouri forward. If you want an insider’s look at the decisions shaping Missouri and the man behind them, this episode is a must-listen!

Aug 21

St. Louis financial services giant Edward Jones will be making a big decision about the future of its local workforce later this month. Join us as we go over the details of what to expect.

Aug 14

A grand jury’s indictment against St. Louis County Executive Sam Page is just the latest bit of political turmoil to hit the St. Louis region. This week we ask, does this political climate create make St. Louis a good place to do business?

Aug 7

The exits of large firms from downtown have made all the headlines in recent years. But new data show that occupany rate downtown continues to decline? This week, we have the story of several smaller firms whose departures might help explain why.

Jul 31

This week, we get into what we know about why Boeing machinists overwhelmingly voted down a new contract offer. We’re also three weeks away from a big interview with Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, so we’re asking state lawmakers: What should we be asking him?

Jul 24

As St. Louis’ struggling downtown pushes toward reformation as a residential hub, we look back 20 years ago, when the neighborhood was in the middle of an earlier renaissance, and ask: Can this one stand the test of time? We also discuss public broadcasting, and what President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill has cut from the budgets of Nine PBS and St. Louis Public Radio.

Jul 17

St. Louis was in line to get a new $6 billion public company — until the deal recently collapsed. The company, Evolution Metals, said it would be based in The Hill neighborhood and help build a U.S. battery and magnet supply chain to rival China’s. We’ll take you inside what actually happened. Plus, trouble for a company that’s already traded on Wall Street. The stock of Clayton-based Centene Corp. is down nearly 50% this year. Our reporter breaks down what’s behind the slide — and why it matters here at home. Centene is the St. Louis region’s largest public company, with 4,500 local employees.

Jul 10

This week we dissect Southwest Airlines’ move to cut some service at Lambert airport, where it’s by far the biggest carrier. Some West Coast routes are taking big hits, while other leisure destinations see additions. We’ll detail why the airport’s leader says she isn’t worried. And we’ll discuss a large planned investment at an innovation community in Creve Coeur, and why it’s happening now.

Jul 3

This week we sit down with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, who give us the latest on her push to preserve the Granite City Works plant after Nippon Steel’s purchase of U.S. Steel, and discusses role she hopes to play in ending Metro East’s 15 years of population decline.

Jun 26

A new study released this week attempts to tabulate the impact the $390 million project launched in 2009 to bring new life the Gateway Arch grounds, the Old Courthouse, Kiener Plaza, and the Mississippi Riverfront. This week, we talk to the leader of that project to learn: Where do they go from here?

Jun 19

This week, we’re joined by Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III who answers some big questions: How did the Cardinals find their way into the Kansas City Stadium Bill? What are they planning for Busch Stadium renovations? And how has the investment in talent development taken shape this season? Hear the answers to all that and more on this week’s episode of the Arch City Report.

Jun 12

This week, I'm joined by Bi-State Development's Mary Lamie to talk about the significant investments being made along the Mississippi riverfront in St. Louis, and what is says about this city's relationship with the waterway that created it.

Jun 5

This week, St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Megan Green joins us to discuss the board’s swift action in approving some tornado recovery bills and just how much of the city’s money from the Rams settlement could be in play for recovery efforts.

May 29

Rawlings, the St. Louis company that was founded off its patent for a baseball glove more than 140 years ago believes it’s on the verge of a huge milestone. This week, we explain how the company that supplies the balls to Major League Baseball got to this point.

May 22

The tornado that tore through St. Louis left five dead and a trail of property damage expected to exceed $1 billion. But what’s to come, especially in poor communities hit hardest, could be just as damaging. Join us we talk with the Urban League’s Michael McMillan about the twister’s lingering damage.

May 15

Real Estate investor Charles Goldman joins us this week to explain his plan to bring new life to Missouri's largest skyscraper, the long-vacant AT&T tower in downtown St. Louis, and why a tax credit bill in Jefferson City is critical to the project.

May 8

A former top executive at a Metro East bank is accused of stealing nearly $2 million from his employer in a check kiting scheme. This week, we discuss what we learned about Andy Blassie’s life outside the bank. Join us for that and more on the Arch City Report podcast.

May 1

Downtown businesses leaders want a better chance at attracting more and bigger events to the city. So they’ve asked state lawmakers to approve a unique district that could arm them with the tools they need to make downtown into an even bigger concert and event destination. We have that and more on this week’s episode of the Arch City Report.

Apr 24

Would you live downtown? Odds are good that if you already live in the St. Louis region, you’ve already made up your mind that doing so isn’t safe. But one downtown developer has data showing outsiders who haven’t been exposed to downtown’s safety stigma are having no trouble making that choice. We have that and more on this week’s episode of the Arch City Report.

Apr 17

South Kingshighway was once a bustling retail corridor touching a dozen south St. Louis neighborhoods. But years of disinvestment has left South Kingshighway in a state of disrepair. This week we introduce you to one family, the Garcias, led by brothers Ivan and Berto Garcia, which has taken it upon themselves to revive a nearly mile-long stretch of Kingshighway with new restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses. We also take a look at how Mayor Cara Spencer’s administration is shaping up and preview an event that will answer a pressing question: What exactly is advanced manufacturing?

Apr 10

Most St. Louisans have come to know David Hoffmann as the man trying to turn Augusta into the next Napa Valley. But over the last several months, he’s emerged as America’s most aspiring newspaper magnate. He joins the Arch City Report with the story of why he wants to save news and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Apr 3

Some high-profile St. Louis nonprofits are in turmoil, including a well-known radio station that finds itself needing to sell its license and office tower. Meanwhile, other charitable groups are coming up with innovative ways to give back to the community, even as local giving has changed substantially in recent years.

Mar 27

Baseball season is upon us, but after two years of declining attendance, the prospects this year don’t look good for the businesses that rely on visitors to Busch Stadium. This week, we take a look at exactly how much sales have declined in and around the ballpark.

Mar 20

A series of national hockey events have all come to St. Louis around the same time as the Blues are battling for a playoff spot. This week, we ask the president of the Blues and the St. Louis Commission about what this says as a location for destination sports and for St. Louis’ claim to the title of Hockey City USA.

Mar 13

The north-south MetroLink expansion, projected to cost as much as $1.1B, is light on ridership projections, but high on promise for what it would do to help reinvigorate north St. Louis. But with the Trump administration in power, transity agency BiState Development is having to change how it pitches its proposal for key federal grant money.

Mar 6

The St. Louis-area counties west of the Mississippi might be the engine driving Missouri’s economy, but its Metro East counterparts can’t say the same in Illinois. Its economic output, data show, relies heavily on one major employer fraught with instability.

Feb 28

The Business Journal is releasing its interviews with the candidates for St. Louis mayor in their entirety. Here, Andrew Jones outlines his vision for St. Louis.

Feb 27

The proposal to redevelop the vacant Millennium Hotel site, like several other downtown projects, will rely heavily on apartments in a neighborhood where supply already outpaces demand.

Feb 27

The Business Journal is releasing its interviews with the candidates for St. Louis mayor in their entirety. Here, city Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler describes his plan for spending the Rams money and increasing the city’s population, among other topics.

Feb 27

The Business Journal is releasing its interviews with the candidates for St. Louis mayor in their entirety. Here, Alderwoman Cara Spencer outlines her vision for St. Louis.

Feb 20

The founder of Saint Louis Bread Co., Ken Rosenthal, passed away last week. Hear what one of his original partners, and a former CEO of the company, has to say about Rosenthal’s legacy and the company that would eventually become Panera.

Feb 13

An inside look at a move to create a land bank in St. Louis County, plus a conversation with SLU Demographer Ness Sandoval on whether the need for a land bank should be viewed as a sign of decline in the county.

Feb 6

Development in St. Louis has declined considerably and we get into why it’s happened; Political disputes over how to spend the Rams money boils over at the Board of Aldermen, sowing frustration; And a look ahead at a big event next week where we get to ask: just how competitive is St. Louis? Click this link to learn more about the AdvanceSTL event and for tickets: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/event/171396/2025/advance-stl-the-strategy-for-selling-st-louis

Jan 30

A local alderman explains their push to create a new position managing city operations; a bill in Jefferson City seeks to regulate a health care middleman with a big impact on St. Louis; and meet the Business Journal’s newest reporter.

Jan 23

Two weeks after a snow storm hit the region, it’s still plaguing St. Louis residents and small businesses and casting a looming shadow over a pair of city elections.

Jan 16

The Arch City report dives into the city’s earnings tax payout and we speak with a restaurant expert on what made Tony’s so special to St. Louis.

Jan 9

Erik Siemers is joined by Jacob Kirn, Nathan Rubbelke, Gloria Lloyd and St. Louis Business Journal publisher Robert Bobroff.

Dec 27, 2024

Join Erik Siemers, editor at The St. Louis Business Journal, each week as he covers the top stories coming out of the newsroom.