St. Louis Board of Aldermen

The Board of Aldermen consists of one representative from each of the city's 28 wards (or 14 in 2023). The body's President is elected separately by a citywide ballot. Like the mayor, Aldermen representing odd-numbered wards are elected in odd numbered years following the United States Presidential Election, while the President of the Board and the Aldermen from even-numbered wards are elected in the off-years. All Aldermen serve terms are four years.[1]

By custom and tradition, an alderman has a great deal of influence over decisions impacting the ward they represent on matters ranging from zoning changes, to street resurfacing, to tax abatement to business licensing, etc.

By city charter, aldermen are legislators. Aldermen introduce laws and legislation known as board bills that can become city ordinances which can impact the quality of lives of city residents.

The Board of Aldermen uses committees for a variety of purposes, including the review of board bills or proposed laws, and the oversight of the city's executive and administrative branch The appointment of committee members is formally made by the President, while committee chairmanship is determined by seniority. Committee Chairman preside over committee meetings and hearings. Traditionally, five committees are considered to be the most powerful and most influential; Ways & Means; Public Safety; Housing, Urban Development & Zoning; Streets & Traffic; and Transportation & Commerce. Each alderperson sits on at least three standing committees. The Board has the following standing committees:

• Committee on Ways & Means, Alderwoman Marlene Davis, Chair
• Committee on Public Safety, Alderman Joe Vaccaro, Chair
• Committee on Housing, Urban Development, & Zoning (HUDZ), Alderman Jack Coatar, Vice Chair
• Committee on Streets & Traffic, Alderwoman Sharon Tyus, Chair
• Committee on Transportation & Commerce, Alderman Shane Cohn, Chair
• Committee on Neighborhood Development, Alderwoman Carol Howard, Chair
• Committee on Public Utilities, Alderman Tom Oldenburg, Chair
• Committee on Public Employees, Alderman Brandon Bosley, Chair
• Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, Alderwoman Cara Spencer, Chair
• Committee on Legislation, Alderman Joe Vollmer, Chair
• Committee on Parks & Environment, Alderwoman Pamela Boyd, Chair
• Committee on Health & Humans Services, Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia, Chair
• Committee on Education & Youth Issues, Alderwoman Megan Green, Chair

To become an alderman one must be a registered voter, twenty-five years of age, have been a United States citizen for at least five years, a resident of the city, and for one year a resident of the ward from which elected. The President must be at least thirty years of age and a city resident for at least five years.[5][6]

The president presides at all the meeting, preserves decorum and determines all questions of order. The president appoints standing and special committees and serves as an equal member of all committees. The president assigns bills to appropriate committees and refers bills, when ready, to the Engrossment Committee. The president directs action from the broad elevated podium in the front and center of the semi-circulate position.

• Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis