Alderman Shane Cohn

Legislative Activity

Activity for 2026-2027 legislative session

Biography

Shane has been a neighbor and active resident of the Dutchtown community for over twenty years. He served as 25th Ward Alderman since 2009 and initially elected as 3rd Ward Alderperson in 2021. Subsequently, Shane earned and maintained the trust and confidence of voters being re-elected in 2023 and 2025. Prior to being elected, Shane served on the Boards of Dutchtown South Community Corporation (DSCC), and the Downtown Dutchtown Business Association (DT2 – now Dutchtown Main streets).

 Shane is the first and longest-serving openly LGBTQ+ elected in St. Louis City government. During his tenure at the Board of Alderpersons, Shane has been one of the most productive, creative, and solution-oriented legislators. He was the first Alderperson to sponsor and pass local drug reform (marijuana decriminalization), a Complete Streets policy for St. Louis, and the minimum wage increase in the City of St. Louis #RaiseTheWage. He also updated the city’s non-discrimination policy to include gender-identity and expression.

 He has served as Chair and Vice Chair of several committees at the Board of Alderpersons, including the Neighborhood Development, Parks and Environmental Affairs, and Transportation & Commerce. During his Chairmanship of Neighborhood Development, he stopped all tax abatement bills before the committee until the Administration committed to a more equitable framework for providing incentives and additional funding for the City’s understaffed planning department. During his time as Chair of Transportation & Commerce, he is committed to protecting and growing one of the city’s most critical public assets – our airport.

 Community Service and involvement is important to Shane. Over the years, he’s been involved with, or served on the Boards of many non-profit organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Pride St. Louis, The National Conference for Community and Justice – St. Louis, Gateway 180, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, St. Mary’s High School, Gateway Men’s Chorus, and the LGBTQ Community Center. He also currently serves on the Planning Commission, the Port Authority, and the Airport Commission.

 Shane is proud to reside in Dutchtown with his partner, and in his spare time enjoys cooking, baking, gardening, travel and learning! Always looking forward to connecting with neighbors - new and old - on matters that are important to them.  

Representation History