Mayor Tishaura O. Jones Provides Keynote Remarks at  USGIF 2021 GEOINT Symposium

ST. LOUIS -- Mayor Tishaura O. Jones provided remarks today in a keynote speech at the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) 2021 GEOINT Symposium. The conference, which has drawn thousands of geospatial intelligence professionals, experts, and academics, from around the world to downtown St. Louis, highlights St. Louis as the future hub for the cutting-edge geospatial intelligence industry. 

“The geospatial intelligence industry was responsible for 27,000 jobs and nearly $5 billion in economic impact throughout the St. Louis region in 2019, and the $1.7 billion NGA West campus will enhance this economic footprint even further, ” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “My administration is committed to reversing decades of intentional disinvestment in neighborhoods across St. Louis. NGA and further geospatial investment offer our city an incredible opportunity to transform our communities with inclusive, community-driven growth.”

Mayor Jones’ remarks highlighted the City’s pivotal role in innovation and exploration throughout its history as well as the City’s mandate to ensure that neighborhoods surrounding NGA can enjoy equitable development that does not displace longtime residents. This vision, called Project Connect, was highlighted at a GEOINT panel yesterday featuring St. Louis Development Corporation Executive Director Neal Richardson.

The new $1.7 billion NGA headquarters currently under construction in North St. Louis presents an unprecedented opportunity to enhance the city’s tech ecosystem, expand workforce opportunities, and promote inclusive economic growth that is centered on, and led by, the residents of the surrounding communities. 

A full transcript of Mayor Jones’ full remarks can be found here.