If it feels like construction activity is everywhere across the St. Louis region, the numbers confirm it.
According to the STL 2030 Progress initiative, nearly 400 major development projects and more than 600 infrastructure investments have been completed or are underway across the 15-county bi-state region since 2021. Together, these projects represent more than $23 billion in capital investment—a remarkable indicator of the region’s continued economic strength and long-term growth.
From healthcare campuses and manufacturing facilities to transportation improvements, higher education, mixed-use developments, and public infrastructure, these investments are creating opportunities throughout the design and construction community. They also reinforce a message SLC3 members have been sharing for months: the workload isn’t slowing down.
With this level of investment comes an equally significant challenge—having enough skilled professionals to deliver the work. Labor shortages, particularly among skilled trades, continue to be one of the industry’s greatest concerns. Success will depend not only on recruiting and developing the next generation of talent but also on strengthening collaboration between owners, designers, contractors, suppliers, and educators.
These findings couldn’t come at a more important time as SLC3 prepares to share more information soon.
The opportunity before our region is extraordinary. By working together, we can ensure St. Louis has the talent, innovation, and partnerships necessary to deliver the next generation of transformative projects.
Source: STL 2030 Progress Regional Capital Investment Initiative.
