150 years of the Great Divorce

150 years of the Great Divorce

On the 150th anniversary of St. Louis’ “Great Divorce,” a decision many blame for the region’s long decline, a new conversation is emerging: Is reunification finally possible? This week I sit down with attorney and researcher Joe Blanner, who has spent a decade studying the 1876 split and its lasting consequences. We explore why past merger efforts have failed, why familiar problems keep resurfacing across generations, and whether today’s political and financial pressures create a true inflection point. With a new book in the works, Blanner makes the case for why this time might be different—and what it could take to finally bring the city and county back together. Mentioned in this episode: Cass Commercial Bank Cass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/

Are schools St. Louis’ biggest growth deterrent?

Are schools the biggest barrier to St. Louis’ growth? This week on the Arch City Report we explore how school choice shapes where newcomers land—and whether they stay. First, Anthony Bartlett of relocation and retention firm Acclimate shares what relocating families really face when navigating the region’s complex education landscape. Then, reporter Kate Marijolovic breaks down her deep dive into how schools factor into population decline, and why local and state leaders are paying closer attention. It’s a candid look at a critical issue with major implications for the city’s future. All that and more this week's Arch City Report podcast! Mentioned in this episode: Cass Commercial Bank Cass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/

The $1M roadmap for St. Louis’ future

A regional reset is on the table — but can St. Louis actually pull it off? On this episode of the Arch City Report, East-West Gateway’s Jim Wild and Greater St. Louis Inc.’s Ron Kitchens discuss a new effort to align the region’s fractured approach to growth. From competing economic development agendas to the challenge of building trust across city, county and state lines, the conversation explores what it will really take to create a shared vision. It won’t be easy — but as Wild puts it: if you don’t start, you don’t start. All that and more this week's Arch City Report podcast. Show Links: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/09/11/advancestl-transcript.html [https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/09/11/advancestl-transcript.html] Mentioned in this episode: Cass Commercial Bank Cass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/

What to do with a downtown windfall

A major week for downtown St. Louis may signal a turning point. A $230 million Rams settlement plan, new state-backed incentives, and long-stalled redevelopment projects could finally gain momentum for revitalizing downtown. But how much impact will they have—and how soon? This week on the Arch City Report, Greater St. Louis Inc. Managing Partner Ron Kitchens breaks down the funding plans, the policy changes, and what it all means for the future of downtown. Plus, why data centers could be critical to the region’s long-term growth. Show Links: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/05/07/rams-settlement-riverfront-arch-mississippi-river.html [https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/05/07/rams-settlement-riverfront-arch-mississippi-river.html] Mentioned in this episode: Cass Commercial Bank Cass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/

The future at Laclede's Landing

St. Louis has long overlooked the Mississippi River—but that may be starting to change. A proposed $15 million investment from Rams settlement funds could jumpstart new life along the riverfront, with big implications for downtown and Laclede’s Landing. Gretchen Minges, co-owner of Laclede’s Landing developer Advantes Group, joins the conversation to discuss growing momentum behind redevelopment, current projects on the Landing, and the challenges still standing in the way. She also weighs in on whether ambitious long-term visions for the riverfront are still within reach as interest in reconnecting the city to the river builds. Show Links: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/05/07/rams-settlement-riverfront-arch-mississippi-river.html [https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/05/07/rams-settlement-riverfront-arch-mississippi-river.html] Mentioned in this episode: Cass Commercial Bank Cass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/