It was Thomas’ experience and ability to get things done that impressed Williams, who was the final say in Thomas’ hire after an evaluation from a hiring committee.

Indeed, listening to Thomas talk about vacancy for even five minutes will show how well-versed he is in the issue, Williams said. It’s about preserving historic buildings and attracting people to live in St. Louis again, he said. It’s about preventing illegal activity in shells of houses, and reducing the maintenance burden on the LRA, and preventing future demolition costs. It’s about bettering the quality of life in neighborhoods plagued by vacant properties.

A look at the raw numbers of vacant properties in the LRA’s inventory — about 12,000 — shows Thomas’ task is a daunting one. He recognizes that and is optimistic in the face of it.

“I’m looking forward to succeeding in stabilizing, and securing, and getting vacant properties off of the city’s hands and into the hands of real people who live in them,” Thomas said. “They will be stimulants for the neighborhood.”

Spencer said Prop NS is a win-win for the city.