https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/27/mixed-use-development-metro-east-billion-star-bond.html

Erik explores one of the most ambitious development projects in the St. Louis region's history—a proposed $2 billion retail and entertainment complex in Glen Carbon, Illinois.

Joined by Kyle Anderson, Executive Director of the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois, they discuss how the 1,500-acre project would use Illinois' Star Bonds program to create a destination entertainment district at the I-270/I-255 interchange. The conversation covers what Star Bonds are, why Glen Carbon is positioned for this development, how the legislation protects existing businesses, and what the competitive application process looks like.

They also examine the broader implications for Metro East—a region often overlooked within the St. Louis metro area—and how a development of this scale could reshape perceptions and economic opportunities for communities across southwestern Illinois.

Topics covered:

• Star Bonds program and recent legislative changes
• The Nova designation for entertainment destinations
• Timeline and approval process for the project
• How Glen Carbon compares to other major regional developments
• Metro East's economic identity and growth potential

Show Links:

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/27/mixed-use-development-metro-east-billion-star-bond.html

St. Louis has worked to establish itself as a tech hub, but much of the attention goes to startups and billion-dollar enterprises. Lost in the middle are established tech firms generating $1-100 million annually that quietly drive job growth and innovation.

Host Erik Siemers speaks with TechSTL CEO Emily Hemingway and T-Kartor CEO Simon Bailey about the organization's new focus on these mid-market companies. They discuss why this sector offers the stability St. Louis needs, how AI is reshaping tech jobs, and why bridging startups, mid-market firms, and large enterprises could unlock new opportunities for the region.

Links:

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/inno/stories/news/2026/02/23/techstl-targets-growth-mid-market-firms.html 

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/inno/stories/news/2026/02/23/jobs-report-tech-demand-across-occupations.html 

Longtime media voice Charlie Brennan joins The Arch City Report this week to share stories from his travels, particularly what other cities get right, and how St. Louis can do better—from transit and safety to small civic fixes.  

SHOW NOTES:
https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/30/charlie-brennan-what-other-cities-get-right.html 

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/27/charlie-brennan-add-voice-business-journal.html 

In an exclusive interview with the St. Louis Business Journal, billionaire David Hoffmann lifts the curtain on an ambitious plan linking media power, pro‑sports ownership and a St. Louis expansion spree. He hints at reshaping local journalism, moving Lee Enterprises, and even pursuing the Cardinals — all while revealing how community backlash and industry headwinds have redirected his once‑grand Augusta vision. 

SHOW NOTES:
https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/05/david-hoffmann-takes-control-lee-enterprises.html 

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/05/hoffmann-says-he-wants-to-buy-cardinals.html 

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/06/how-david-hoffmann-pivoted-from-business-failures.html 

This week, we’re joined by Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III to explain the team’s new direct-to-consumer streaming plan, the financial reality of modern baseball, looming stadium upgrades and what this year’s roster overhaul really means—for the franchise and its fans. 

SHOW NOTES:
https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/02/mlb-cardinals-produce-distribute-games.html 

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/08/sources-cardinals-to-cut-main-street-second-bidder.html 

After a 25-story apartment project in Clayton was downsized to a 4-story bank branch, we sought to ask the question: What’s going on with development in the city. This week, we talk to Clayton’s new mayor to find out.  

SHOW NOTES:
https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/23/sterling-bank-clayton-bemiston-building-tower.html 

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/05/15/apartments-tower-clayton-revive-capital-seven-up.html 

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/05/22/clayton-hotel-high-rise-tower-dropped-midas-jazz.html 

St. Louis' first big shopping mall could be getting a remake. This week, we talk to the County Councilman who is pushing the idea of turning South County Center into a youth sports facility, while examining the region’s vast collection of sports-related real estate projects.   

SHOW NOTES:
https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/14/mall-redeveloped-youth-sports.html 

Remember Downtown Now!? How about Downtown STL Inc., or any of the litany of other downtown advocacy organizations that have came and went over the years. Well, now there’s a new one, and its leader joins us this week to explain why he thinks this one is not only necessary, but why it can affect meaningful change.  

SHOW NOTES:
http://stldowntownforward.com/ 

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/12/08/kurt-weigle-greater-st-louis-inc-departure.html 

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/12/downtown-developments-1-billion-construction.html 

https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/12/10/horseback-security-downtown-megaevents.html 

The Business Journal this year wants your big ideas for St. Louis. And to start, we’ll talk with someone who already thinks widely and deeply about St. Louis who also some big ideas of his own for how to tackle one of this region’s thorniest topics: The merger of the city and the county.  

Show Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarradholst/recent-activity/all/