Five years ago, leaders called for regional change

A Ferguson police officer had just shot and killed Michael Brown. Protests roiled the streets. Businesses burned. And violence was a threat, almost every night.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon appointed a blue-ribbon task force: The Ferguson Commission. It identified 47 urgent calls to action in four broad categories — criminal justice, youth, racial equity and economic opportunity.

Now those tasked with continuing the commission's work say just five calls have been achieved.

For several days, the Post-Dispatch is examining an aspect of each of the commissions's broad priorities.

Sunday: In some areas of north St. Louis and North County, infant mortality rates are worse than in the developing world. Jamaa Birth Village is working to change that statistic.

Tuesday: The municipal justice system sees fewer abuses. Will reform last?

Wednesday: Racial disparities in income and poverty remain stark. Segregation makes it worse.