But critics who have placed heightened scrutiny on the incentives in recent years question whether developers, particularly in strong central corridor neighborhoods, actually need all the tax breaks they receive.

'Light years ahead of where we were': St. Louis close to adopting tax abatement policy Decisions on property tax breaks had been mostly driven by a neighborhood's alderman. Politics could still present roadblock to incentive guideline map.

With a tight budget picture year after year, the city’s use of incentives has stayed a hot political topic and prompted some policy changes. In recent years, economic development officials and aldermen have hired analysts to up their game at the negotiating table with developers. At the same time, they’ve pared back the value of some tax breaks.

Still, Glenn Burleigh, a member of local activist group Team TIF that tracks St. Louis’ use of development incentives, said he doesn’t expect much to change in the near future.

To grow revenue, city of St. Louis looks at lower tax breaks Board that recommends tax breaks for redevelopment offering more projects partial abatement so new money comes in faster.

“When we’re passing abatements for buildings that are 10, 15, 20 years in length, we’re going to be stuck with those for a long time,” he said.