Coronavirus Relief

The newly launched St. Louis Film Project will offer $500,000 in grants to help applicants finish their film or TV projects. It’s a partnership between RAC and Continuity.

The funds were initially allocated in 2021, but the original legislation had challenges to it and needed to be revised, said SLDC President Neal Richardson.

Missouri landlords were found to cash in on the State Assistance for Housing Relief program even as they failed to provide basic maintenance and upkeep.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is facing a $2.5 million budget shortfall due to declining ticket sales and donations and the end of federal coronavirus pandemic relief funding. If it doesn’t raise the money, the season may be cut short .

“There are people that have applications, there are businesses that have been waiting and counting on the opportunity to be able to get this money to build or revitalize their business,” said the bill’s sponsor.

St. Louis earmarked millions from the American Rescue Plan Act for homeless services. But after two deep freezes in as many years, the city is just now planning to open a 24/7 "safe haven" shelter for those without housing.

The center is funded by federal COVID relief money.

The city of Independence, Missouri, spent $2 million of its ARPA funding on the police department, more than it allocated to any other department or project. The purchases were labeled as “community violence intervention” in its report to the U.S. Treasury.

A St. Louis Board of Aldermen committee is moving forward with a bill that would bring federal coronavirus relief funds to arts organizations. The bill would allow the Regional Arts Commission to use $10.6 million in federal funds for arts organizations and programs that shut their doors during the coronavirus pandemic.

Federal funding will help pay for the statewide initiative to keep kids in class this summer and help make up for pandemic-related learning loss.