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From City Hall To Crime Commission: Where Is Francis Slay, St. Louis' Longest-Serving Mayor, Now?

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Francis Slay, the 45th Mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, remains one of the most influential political figures in the city's modern history, even years after concluding his historic four-term tenure. As of the current date in late 2025, Slay has transitioned from the political arena to a critical leadership role focused on public safety, continuing his decades-long commitment to the St. Louis region. His post-mayoral career has seen him leverage his deep legal and civic experience, first in a prominent law firm and now in a high-impact executive position.

Serving an unprecedented 16 years, from 2001 to 2017, Francis Slay established a legacy defined by major economic development, ambitious public works projects, and significant efforts to address chronic social issues. After stepping down, the public and media have closely tracked his career, which provides a fascinating roadmap for how a long-term civic leader continues to shape his community from outside City Hall.

Francis Slay: A Complete Biography and Profile

Francis Gerard Slay's life and career are intrinsically linked to the City of St. Louis. As the first St. Louis mayor to be elected to four consecutive four-year terms, his time in office fundamentally shaped the city's landscape and policy direction for the 21st century. His family has a long history in St. Louis politics, with his father, Francis R. Slay, having served as a St. Louis Alderman.

  • Full Name: Francis Gerard Slay, Sr.
  • Born: March 18, 1955 (Age 70 as of 2025)
  • Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Alma Mater: St. Louis University School of Law (J.D.)
  • Political Party: Democratic Party
  • Public Service Career Highlights:
    • St. Louis Board of Aldermen (1985–1995)
    • President of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen (1995–2001)
    • 45th Mayor of St. Louis (2001–2017)
  • Post-Mayoral Career:
    • Of Counsel Attorney at Spencer Fane LLP (2017–2022)
    • Executive Director of the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission (February 2022–Present)
  • Successor as Mayor: Lyda Krewson (2017)

The Current Chapter: Leading the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission

The most significant and current update on Francis Slay's career is his transition to the role of Executive Director of the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission (SLRCC). This appointment, which began in February 2022, placed him at the forefront of the region's most pressing challenge: public safety.

After a five-year stint as an "Of Counsel" attorney at the prominent law firm Spencer Fane LLP, where he focused on business and government relations, Slay chose to return to direct civic action. His new role is a natural fit, allowing him to apply decades of experience working with city departments, law enforcement, and community leaders to a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to reducing crime across the St. Louis metropolitan area.

The SLRCC focuses on data-driven strategies, public awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy. Slay’s leadership has been visible, with public appearances, such as his address to the St. Louis Rotary in July 2023, highlighting the Crime Commission's initiatives and the need for regional cooperation to tackle violence. His move underscores a continuing commitment to the city’s well-being, shifting from the broad scope of mayoral duties to a specialized focus on one of the region's most critical issues.

Francis Slay’s Enduring Legacy: Development and Social Policy

Francis Slay's 16 years as mayor were marked by a relentless focus on urban development and a pragmatic approach to social issues. His administration oversaw several massive, transformative projects that redefined the city's image and economy. These initiatives continue to shape St. Louis today, providing a strong foundation for topical authority when discussing his career.

The CityArchRiver Project and Downtown Revitalization

One of Slay's most significant achievements was spearheading the CityArchRiver Project, a multi-year, multi-million-dollar effort to revitalize the area around the Gateway Arch National Park. This project, which reconnected the Arch grounds to downtown St. Louis via a park over the highway, was a monumental undertaking that required coordination between numerous federal, state, and local entities, including the Gateway Arch Park Foundation.

Beyond the Arch, his administration pushed for major commercial and entertainment developments. He was a key figure in the casino bids that resulted in the River City Casino in south St. Louis County and the Lumière Place Casino on the city's riverfront, bringing significant tax revenue and jobs to the region.

The Push for Major League Soccer (SC STL)

Slay was a vocal and active supporter of bringing a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team to St. Louis. He strongly backed the initial stadium funding proposal, known as Proposition 1, which would have used public funds to help build a soccer-specific stadium for the ownership group SC STL. Though that initial proposal failed, Slay's efforts laid the groundwork and demonstrated the city's commitment, which ultimately led to the successful launch of St. Louis City SC years later.

Social and Health Initiatives

Slay’s administration also tackled critical social challenges, demonstrating a commitment to improving the quality of life for all St. Louisans. Two of his most cited accomplishments in this area include:

  • Lead Poisoning Reduction: The Slay administration launched a program that successfully reduced childhood lead poisoning rates by more than 80%, a major public health victory.
  • Homelessness: The St. Louis 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness became a nationally recognized model for its effectiveness in housing and supporting the city's most vulnerable population.

The St. Louis City-County Re-entry Debate

A more controversial, but highly significant, aspect of his legacy was his call for the City of St. Louis to re-enter St. Louis County as a single municipality. Slay argued that the separation, which dates back to 1876, was a bureaucratic and economic hindrance to the region's growth. While the effort did not succeed during his tenure, the debate over city-county reunification remains a central topic in St. Louis regional politics, illustrating Slay's willingness to push for long-term, structural changes.

In conclusion, Francis Slay's impact on St. Louis extends far beyond his time in City Hall. From the revitalization of the Gateway Arch and the push for professional soccer to his current role as the Executive Director of the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission, his career is a testament to an enduring commitment to public service and the future of the St. Louis region. His legacy is not just in the buildings and policies he oversaw, but in the ongoing civic discussions he ignited.

From City Hall to Crime Commission: Where is Francis Slay, St. Louis' Longest-Serving Mayor, Now?
francis slay st louis
francis slay st louis

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