On Monday, August 12th, the Board of Elections announced the “Take Back St. Louis” ballot initiative reached 960 signatures more than the required threshold to be placed on the ballot in the City of St. Louis.
On July 31, members of the “Take Back St. Louis” coalition turned in more than 36,000 signatures to be verified.
Proponents say the “Take Back St. Louis” petition aims to create a sustainable green economy in St. Louis by moving the flow of development dollars away from unsustainable energy corporations and into sustainability projects and renewable energy.
They explain the initiative would change the city charter to assert citizens’ right to a sustainable energy future, to end public money from going to unsustainable energy producers, and to require a plan to invest in and open up land for renewable energy and sustainability projects.
The Take Back St. Louis coalition includes numerous community groups, businesses, faith leaders and urban farms. Organizations include Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment, Young Activists United St. Louis, the St. Louis Chapter of the NAACP, the Organization for Black Struggle and the Intercommunity Ecological Council. Numerous other small businesses and farms have also endorsed, including New Roots Urban Farm and Blank Space.
Take Back St. Louis is a ballot initiative put forth by St. Louisans for a Sustainable Future. More information and the full text of the initiative can be found at www.TakeBackStLouis.com.