<h2>Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez Selected as 2025 Eisenhower Fellow</h2>Velázquez has been named one of nine American leaders selected for the prestigious <a href="https://www.efworld.org/meet-the-fellows/2025-usa-fellows/">2025 Eisenhower Fellowships USA Program</a>.This fall, Velázquez will embark on a five-week international fellowship designed to foster dialogue, build partnerships and bring home solutions to local challenges.

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<h2>We Can Help! </h2>Please contact the 6th Ward’s official ward office directly if you need assistance. Our team is here to help you navigate any issues with agencies or services. Additionally, if you have ideas for legislation to improve our ward, we are eager to hear from you. Your input is invaluable in making the 6th Ward a better place for everyone.

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<h2>The 6th Ward</h2>The 6th Ward is home to a diverse and dynamic population of approximately 22,700 residents. The district encompasses a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, restaurants and shops that contribute to its unique character.

<h2>A City Manager for St. Louis</h2>In January, Ald. Velázquez filed <a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/city-laws/board-bills/boardbill.cfm?bbDetail=true&amp;BBId=16633" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">BB162</a>, a charter change that can&nbsp;transform St. Louis City by establishing a city manager. This change moves the hiring of department leadership of essential services from a mayor's political appointees&nbsp;to picks based on qualifications from a nonpolitical City Manager with proven, professional expertise in delivering city services.The bill is currently being held until the 25-26 session for further development.

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<h2>More about Daniela</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/b0fad2d4-00a6-41ae-8638-76394cf70db3/71591734-a92e-4256-bae9-25af869467a2/71591734-a92e-4256-bae9-25af869467a2.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=467%2C596%2C3056%2C2428&amp;w=1500" alt="Daniela &amp; Firefighters" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Daniela is proud to be the Alderwoman for the 6th Ward, representing the neighborhoods of Compton Heights, Compton Hill, Shaw, Tower Grove Heights, Tower Grove South, and portions of Dutchtown.Daniela is a first-generation St. Louisan and the first Latina to serve on the board. Her parents were both born in Puerto Rico and moved to the St. Louis region to build a better life. Her family is a testament to the American Dream, and she is proud to be a child of that dream. She learned the power of difference and advocacy at an early age when her late brother, Marcus, was a student at Missouri School for the Blind.&nbsp;Daniela also brings her strategic communications experience to the Board in service of the city. Before being elected, she worked with a diverse range of institutions, spanning from grassroots and community organizations to community-based coalitions to top global companies and national nonprofits. Daniela previously served as the director of communications for the ACLU of Missouri, staff consultant for the Ferguson Commission, and worked as a journalist. Daniela is a graduate of the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism and has served on the boards of nonprofit organizations including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis, Pro-Choice Missouri, and St. Louis Public Radio. She is also a member of the Regional Business Council’s Leadership 100.

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The 6th Ward boasts vibrant neighborhoods and lush parks, serving as a testament to the community's commitment to fostering a welcoming and dynamic environment for all residents.

Communities in the 6th Ward

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/live-work/community/neighborhoods/Compton-Heights/index.cfm">Compton Heights</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/live-work/community/neighborhoods/Dutchtown/index.cfm">Dutchtown</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/live-work/community/neighborhoods/Shaw/index.cfm">Shaw</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/live-work/community/neighborhoods/Tower-Grove-South/index.cfm">Tower Grove South</a>

Neighborhoods

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/parks/browse-parks/view-park.cfm?parkID=114&amp;parkName=Amberg+Park">Amberg Park</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/parks/browse-parks/view-park.cfm?parkID=29&amp;parkName=Compton+Hill+Reservoir+Park">Compton Hill Reservoir Park</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/parks/browse-parks/view-park.cfm?parkID=60&amp;parkName=McDonald+Park">McDonald Park</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/city-laws/ordinances/ordinance.cfm?ord=69277">Flora Place Community Improvement District</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/parks/browse-parks/view-park.cfm?parkID=115&amp;parkName=Tower+Grove+Park">Tower Grove Park</a>

Parks

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.dutchtownstl.org/">Dutchtown Main Streets</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://southgrand.org/">South Grand Community Improvement District</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tgscc-stl.org/">Tower Grove Concerned Citizens Special Business District </a>(TGSCC SBD)

Special tax districts

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.comptonhill.org/">Compton Hill Reservoir Square Residents Association</a> (CHRSA)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.comptonheights.org/">Compton Heights Neighborhood Betterment Association</a> (CHNBA)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://shawstlouis.org/">Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association</a> (SNIA)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.towergroveheights.com/">Tower Grove Heights Neighborhood Association</a> (TGHNA)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tgsna.org/">Tower Grove South Neighborhood Association</a> (TGSNA)

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<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=28&amp;name=law-safety-and-justice">Law, Safety, &amp; Justice </a>Courts, emergency services, police, fire, legal Assistance

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=24&amp;name=employment-jobs-and-careers">Employment, Jobs, &amp; Careers </a>Unemployment, job seeking, current openings, job training

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=77&amp;name=business-and-industry">Business &amp; Industry</a> Assistance, incentives, licenses, regulations, bids

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=160&amp;name=urban-development-and-planning">Urban Development &amp; Planning</a> Land acquisition, planning, preservation, zoning

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=72&amp;name=health">Health </a>Immunizations, nutrition, Animal Control, preventative care

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=43&amp;name=leisure-and-culture">Leisure &amp; Culture</a> Arts, entertainment, tourism, cultural venues, sports

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=52&amp;name=education-and-training">Education &amp; Training</a> Adult, Schools, Special and Higher Education, Homeschooling

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=46&amp;name=environment">Environment</a> Waste, Recycling, Sustainability, Hazardous Materials

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=19&amp;name=transportation-infrastructure-and-utilities">Transportation, Infrastructure, &amp; Utilities </a>Airports, Rail, Public Transit, Vehicles, Utilities, Streets

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=15&amp;name=community">Community </a>Neighborhoods, marriage, birth, immigration, support

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=102&amp;name=housing">Housing</a> Owning, renting, homelessness, repairs, financing programs

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/services/topic.cfm?id=17&amp;name=government">Government</a> Departments, elected officials, voting, services, records

<h5>For Our Four-Legged Residents</h5><img src="https://run.imgix.net/b0fad2d4-00a6-41ae-8638-76394cf70db3/a23d3d77-ab34-49de-8dcd-6f702b2e22a2/a23d3d77-ab34-49de-8dcd-6f702b2e22a2.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3712%2C2475&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">For Fido and friends, the 6th Ward is home to three dog parks. We encourage all dog owners to take advantage of these wonderful spaces.

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<h5>What is a city manager? </h5><img src="https://run.imgix.net/b0fad2d4-00a6-41ae-8638-76394cf70db3/e572ab13-88ee-4e21-96d3-62360b4682ae/e572ab13-88ee-4e21-96d3-62360b4682ae.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1920%2C1080&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">A professional local government manager who is hired and directed to oversee the daily operations of a community. They are nonpartisan, nonpolitical and handle the day-to-day business of local government ethically ,efficiently and transparently. <h5>how is st. louis structured and why do we need one? </h5>Our current system is decentralized and can cause a dramatic shift of priorities and service delivery between administrations.

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Email: 6thward@stlouis-mo.gov&nbsp;Phone: (314) 622-3287<h4>Office Hours:</h4>Mon - Fri 8AM - 4PM

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<h5 style="text-align: center">The Project</h5><h2 style="text-align: center">Learning Global, Leading Local</h2>This fall, through her <a href="https://www.efworld.org/eisenhower-fellowships-names-2025-usa-fellows/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eisenhower Fellowship</a>, Alderwoman Velázquez will study open-government policies in Germany (Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart) and Colombia (Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín) and return with tested ideas to help St. Louis join <a href="https://www.opengovpartnership.org/ogp-local/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OGP Local</a>—a global network of 150+ cities committed to transparent, accountable, and participatory government.

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<h2>Understanding the role of an alderperson</h2>An alderperson, also known as a city councilperson in some regions, holds a pivotal position within local government, embodying the voice and will of the residents within their district. This role is not just a title; it's a commitment to public service, where the alderperson actively shapes their community's future through various responsibilities and duties.In St. Louis, voters elect 14 representatives to the city's legislative body, the Board of Aldermen. The Board creates, passes, and amends local laws, as well as approves the City's budget every year. The office of an alderperson works with other parts of the local government, including the mayor's office, the city's executive branch. Additionally, an alderperson collaborates with other government representatives, such as the state of Missouri and U.S. Congress, as necessary.Impact on the Community:Through their decisions and actions, an alderperson influences almost every aspect of their constituents' lives, from the safety of their neighborhoods to the quality of the local economy and parks. Their leadership can drive positive change, foster community engagement, and ensure that the city's growth and development reflect the needs and desires of its residents.An alderperson's responsibilities are vital for their community's effective governance and well-being. They are not just policymakers but advocates, problem solvers, and leaders committed to ensuring that the voices of residents are heard and considered in the tapestry of city affairs.

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Our children are our future. The 6th Ward is home to a number of active schools.

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<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.slps.org/Domain/1294">Mullanphy</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.slps.org/mann">Mann Elementary School</a>

St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stmargaretstl.org/school/">St. Margaret’s of Scotland</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tgca.info/">Tower Grove Christian Academy</a>

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<h2>Need Help?</h2>We kindly request that you submit a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/neighborhood-stabilization-office/citizens-service-bureau/">Citizens' Service Bureau service request</a> before reaching out to our office. The service request helps us keep track of the ticket as it moves through the process.

<h2>We Can Help!</h2>Please contact the 6th Ward’s official ward office directly if you need assistance. Our team is here to help you navigate any issues with agencies or services. Additionally, if you have ideas for legislation to improve our ward, we are eager to hear from you. Your input is invaluable in making the 6th Ward a better place for everyone.

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Welcome to the 6th Ward, a community known for its diversity, vibrant culture, and engaged residents. As your alderwoman, I am dedicated to serving and representing you and addressing your needs at the city level.Our website is designed with you, our community members, in mind,&nbsp;providing resources and information to simplify your access to city services and engagement opportunities.

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These are the <a href="https://www.opengovpartnership.org/policy-areas/#toc_5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">policy areas</a> Alderwoman Velázquez will consider while abroad.

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Pronouns: she/herApril is a St. Louis native who graduated magna cum laude from Arizona State University in December 2024 with a degree in Public Policy and Public Service.&nbsp; In her final semester of college, she interned in the 6th Ward office at the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, further strengthening her experience in local government.&nbsp;April has been deeply engaged in civic and community life— including serving as Vice President of her local PTO, working as an election judge supervisor.Beyond her professional and political commitments, April has been married to her wife for 18 years, and together they are raising two teenage sons. April loves to spend her time in nature, with her family and friends, and listening to music.

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<h2>Have an idea to improve our ward? Contact us!</h2>Your input is invaluable in making the 6th Ward a better place for everyone.

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<h2>Service requests</h2>Report an issue or request a city service through the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/neighborhood-stabilization-office/citizens-service-bureau/csb-request-submit.cfm">Citizens' Service Bureau </a>or by phone, call 314-622-4800.

<h2>Speed hump requests</h2>Talk to our ward office about submitting a speed hump request. A petition and approval from the City's Streets Department is required.

<h3 style="text-align: center">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) </h3>Q: What exactly is an Eisenhower Fellowship? A: The <a href="https://www.efworld.org/fellowship-programs/usa-programs/">Eisenhower Fellowship USA Program</a> sends 10–12 outstanding mid-career American leaders abroad each year. Over four to five weeks, Fellows travel to one or two countries to meet with leaders and experts in their fields. The program, which combines in-person and virtual components, helps participants design a project, build lasting professional relationships, and launch collaborations with their international counterparts, their cohort, and EF’s global network of more than 1,600 active Fellows across six continents.Eisenhower Fellowships <a href="https://www.efworld.org/about-us/a-distinguished-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">started in 1953 as a birthday gift to President Dwight D. Eisenhower</a>. Today, it connects leaders from 115 countries and has supported more than 2,600 people across the globe who’ve gone on to make a difference in their communities and professions.Q: Is this fellowship being paid for by City of St. Louis taxpayer dollars? A: No. Eisenhower Fellowships is a nonprofit organization <a href="https://www.efworld.org/about-us/finance-and-operations/">funded almost entirely through private contributions and an endowment</a>. A small portion of its budget—less than five percent—comes from interest on a federal trust fund created by Congress in 1990 to honor President Eisenhower’s 100th birthday.Q: Why was Alderwoman Velázquez selected? A: She was chosen for her leadership in government, her commitment to community trust, and her innovative approach to transparency and civic engagement. This is national recognition of the work being done right here in our ward and city, as well as a chance to make it even stronger.Fun Fact: Two of the nine people selected nationwide for the 2025 U.S. Eisenhower Fellowship are from St. Louis, and both live in the 6th Ward! That includes Shaw’s very own <a href="https://www.archpark.org/foundation/staff" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ryan McClure, Executive Director of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation</a>. Together, both fellows are representing the best of our city and will bring new ideas home to serve our community.Q: Why does St. Louis have such big representation? A: Through its partnership with Washington University’s McDonnell International Scholars Academy starting in 2007, the region has served as a hub for Eisenhower Fellows, sending <a href="https://www.efworld.org/meet-the-fellows/fellows-directory/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">20+ leaders abroad</a>—including CEOs, university presidents, and nonprofit executives.Q: What will she be doing while she’s away? A: During her fellowship time in Germany and Colombia, she will meet with government and civic leaders to study policies and ideas that have worked elsewhere and identify open government practices that can be implemented in St. Louis.Q: Will she still be representing us during this time? A: Absolutely. She’s using this fellowship to bring back new tools and ideas to benefit our neighborhoods. Her office is fully staffed and operating, and all services and advocacy for the ward continue while she’s abroad.Q: What happens when she comes back? A: She will produce a roadmap for how the City of St. Louis can create a successful application to OGP Local. She will also host a town hall in January 2026 to brief the ward and community on her learnings.

FAQs

<h2>Ward Capital Reports</h2>In the interest of transparency and public trust, we are publishing the most recent quarterly 6th Ward capital report on this website — something that, to date, is not available anywhere on the City of St. Louis website. This is the same document the alderperson receives from the <a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-service/index.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Board of Public Service (BPS)</a>.Currently, the city does not provide public, ward-level capital spending reports — quarterly or annually — for any alderperson. This lack of access makes it difficult for residents to understand how infrastructure dollars are being spent in their neighborhoods and hinders meaningful, informed conversations about local needs.We’re changing that.To make this process more transparent and to support better dialogue with the community, we’ll be sharing the 6th Ward’s most recent capital reports on this page.📄<a href="/ward-6-q4-2025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> October - December 2025</a> (PDF)

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When making a decision about Ward Capital funding, our office considers recommendations outlined in previously completed traffic studies to make holistic, data-based decisions when funding projects.

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2016 Report

Traffic Studies

News & Press

Opinion: Why St. Louis needs a city manager to modernize local government