GOV
Projects
The City Counselor's Office handles all the legal issues of the City of St. Louis.
Marriage Equality
In June 2014, Mayor Slay took the unprecedented step of directing that marriage licenses be issued to four same-sex couples in direct violation of the Missouri Constitution and state statutes banning same-sex marriage. That historic decision sparked a lawsuit by Missouri's Attorney General, which culminated in a court decision striking down Missouri's marriage ban. Now, due to that court decision, same-sex couples can now obtain marriage licenses in Missouri.
Marriage Equality Legal Briefs
Marriage Equality Opinion Letter
Business Law Reforms
In June 2015, an overhaul of the City's laws and administrative processes governing new businesses was announced. The reforms, including three proposed ordinances and a series of administrative actions, will repeal laws that make it harder for businesses to open and that place artificial obstacles in the way of businesses that are growing. The three categories of reforms - an overhaul of the business code, a new ordinance on home-based businesses, and revisions to the conditional use permit process, are available below.
Minimum Wage
In June 2015, Mayor Slay and Alderman Shane Cohn announced the introduction of a bill to establish a minimum wage in the City of St. Louis.
Board Bill 83: Minimum Wage
City Counselor's Legal Memorandum
Memorandum in Opposition
Project Labor Agreements
Equal Access to Municipal Court for those in Poverty
Reducing Gun Violence
Civilian Oversight Board
In December 2014, Mayor Slay announced that he reached a compromise with the chairman of the St. Louis aldermanic Black Caucus on legislation to create a process for citizen review of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. The law became effective on June 5, 2015.
Board Bill 208: Civilian Review BoardBan the Box
In October 2014, Mayor Slay announced that that the City would "Ban the Box" on employment applications that asks if applicants have a criminal record. Banning that box was an important reform to ensure that employment opportunities are open and available to all. "This is a commonsense approach to removing the stigma of having a criminal record," said Mayor Slay.
Sustainability
On Earth Day 2015, Mayor Slay signed Executive Order 52, requiring recycling in all City facilities, mandating use of green cleaning supplies and sustainable products in City facilities, and requiring recycling at special events with City permits. Pursuant to this executive order, all facilities operated by the City of St. Louis will offer recycling through single-stream recycling programs, similar to what is offered throughout the City for residential collection. The Executive Order also prohibits City departments from purchasing Styrofoam and non-compostable plastic bags, utensils, and cups.
