Regional Growth & Economic Development
Background
The St. Louis Region is a sleeping giant that will awaken by economic growth. This growth depends on investment in infrastructure, workforce development, small businesses, transportation, and neighborhood revitalization. Many communities in Missouri’s First District continue to face barriers stemming from disinvestment, aging infrastructure, job access gaps, and the rising cost of living. Congressman Bell believes economic development should create opportunities for working families while strengthening local businesses, improving public infrastructure, and attracting long-term investment to the region.
Congressman Bell’s Position:
- Expand workforce pipeline programs across key St. Louis industries, including defense, healthcare, and education, by investing in workforce development initiatives and job training opportunities
- Increase federal investment in St. Louis infrastructure
- Support small businesses and entrepreneurship
- Revitalize historically underserved neighborhoods
- Strengthen partnerships between federal, state, and local governments
Legislative Actions
- Introduced the Home Energy Relief Act to lower home energy costs and improve access to federal rebate programs for working families and older homes.
- Secured more than $12 million in Community Project Funding for infrastructure, workforce development, public safety, and neighborhood revitalization projects across Missouri’s First District.
- Supported federal investments in transportation, disaster recovery, and economic resilience initiatives.
- Advocated for accountable federal spending and transparent disaster recovery funding.