Downtown Engagement and Public Safety Initiative Lifts Up Year of Effective Collaboration as Peabody Recommits to Downtown St. Louis

Today at the Downtown Engagement and Public Safety Initiative’s (DEPSI) weekly update, Peabody officials announced its recommitment to St. Louis by keeping its global headquarters Downtown. The news comes as DEPSI lifts up more than a year of collaborative work to make Downtown neighborhoods safer and more vibrant.

“Just over one year ago, public safety, corporate, and neighborhood leaders came together to announce the formation of the Downtown Engagement and Public Safety Initiative,” said Deputy Public Safety Director Heather Taylor. “From holding property owners accountable to standing up exciting new events and youth pop-ups, DEPSI partners have worked to make Downtown safer and more active. Peabody’s recommitment to Downtown demonstrates how this work is making an impact.” 

Last summer, Peabody noted it was exploring leaving Downtown due to public safety concerns. The company stressed its communication and collaboration with DEPSI partners helped convince the company to remain at its historic Downtown location. 

“Peabody is dedicated to helping make Downtown St. Louis a vibrant and safe place to live and work,” said Peabody’s Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary Scott Jarboe. “We look forward to building on our collaboration with the Mayor’s office, with Greater St. Louis, Inc., and with other businesses in the City to be a part of addressing the issues facing our City.”

“Today is another victory for Downtown and a reminder of what we can get done through active collaboration,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “We are proud to stand with Peabody and see its recommitment to Downtown for its global headquarters. This is yet another positive step in the effort to make Downtown the vibrant, dynamic, walkable neighborhood at the heart of the St. Louis metro.”

Since its launch in September last year, DEPSI has brought together government, community organizations, and business stakeholders to promote a safer and more active Downtown St. Louis, hosting block parties and providing weekly updates on public safety in surrounding neighborhoods.