February 12, 2021
Dear Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District Property Owner,
There is no mistaking that the past year brought a multitude of challenges to cities across the country, but what I find so inspiring is the determination within communities to remain resilient – Downtown St. Louis is no different. With the New Year comes new responsibilities and renewed commitments – including the self-management of the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District (CID). As the new Executive Director of the CID, I would like to share additional insight into the CID’s mission, team, and ongoing operations.
As an independent organization, the CID’s mission is to contribute to the overall growth and success of the property within the CID through supplemental special benefits and services in safety, maintenance, beautification, and public infrastructure. We seek to enhance the streetscape, creating a more positive experience, for those who visit, work, and live in the Downtown CID. We seek to improve the Downtown CID for all property owners and their tenants, residents, and visitors to enjoy.
Understanding the CID’s purpose is paramount, and now I would like to briefly introduce those who implement the CID’s services.
- I began with the CID 4 years ago as Director of Security and Urban Space Management and have since been appointed to Executive Director in 2020. I have over 25 years of experience in the law enforcement and private security sectors, along with a Master’s Degree in Business and Organizational Security Management. I am the Managing Director for all CID activities, including overseeing the Clean Team, managing secondary security, and developing new initiatives throughout the CID.
- Trey Buffington, Director of Economic Development (under DSI), has a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development and over 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. After working for the CID for over one year, he continues to maintain relationships with property and business owners within the CID and collaborates on Downtown infrastructure projects.
- Michelle Cheli, Director of Governance and Administration, began her CID career as a Guide 12 years ago. She was promoted to Director of Administrative Services in 2017 where she managed multiple organizations’ internal matters. Michelle oversees board activity, internal policies, contracts, and office management.
- Gabrielle Cherre, Project Manager and Social Media Coordinator, specializes in communication and began her writing career 10 years ago. After working for the CID for over one year, she continues to manage major projects, oversee all communications, and direct social strategy.
- Tim McDonough, Administrative Assistant, began his journey with the CID 6 years ago as a Guide. After his promotion to Administrative Assistant in 2017, he began managing invoices and office vendors, fielding incoming communications, and overseeing administrative tasks which he continues today.
Per the recommendation from CID property owners, we have streamlined our special services to focus solely on urban space matters. The longtime hallmark services of the CID, safety and beautification, remain unwavering aspects of our daily responsibilities. Additionally, maintaining street-level cleanliness and contributing to public infrastructure improvements are of high priority in our effort to create a more welcoming environment. While many of the essential initiatives are continued, including the Clean Team and SLMPD Downtown Bike Unit, property owners can also look forward to new CID initiatives beginning this year. To find out more information on our services, please visit www.downtownstlcid.com/cid-services/.
In addition to providing these special services, I would like to remind all CID property owners that we are continuing to collect notarized petitions. We are rapidly approaching our goal and need your assistance in crossing the finish line. To that end, I would like to note that the proposed Petition and Bylaws recently distributed by Citizens for a Greater Downtown St. Louis are not associated with the CID and are not intended to replace, supplement, or serve as a substitute for the Petition to Amend the CID circulated by the existing CID and for which we are collecting signatures. If you have any questions regarding the amended petitions, lost your petitions, or need a notary please do not hesitate to contact our office at (314) 499-1111. We are happy to coordinate notarization at or around our new office, located at T-REX.
With our first month of self-management in our rearview mirror, we are looking forward to creating more diverse initiatives, open lines of communication, and opportunities to advance the CID. I encourage you to follow us on Twitter (@downtownstlcid), Instagram (@downtownstlcid), Facebook, LinkedIn, and check our website (www.downtownstlcid.org) for the most up to date information. We also began sending communications via email this month. If you would like to receive future communications via email, please contact webmaster@downtownstlcid.org.
Lastly, I would like to inform you of the upcoming virtual Spring Property Owners’ Meeting. We will send notice of the meeting date, agenda, and access link closer to Spring.
The CID team is eager to continue working towards our goal of a cleaner, safer, and more inviting environment. If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (314) 335-2307 or kmccrary@downtownstlcid.org.
Sincerely,
Kelli J. McCrary
Executive Director