When the St. Louis American interviewed Neal Richardson, chair, president & CEO of the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) in April, his frustration was palpable. The SLDC had been dragged into the mayoral race.

At the time, mayoral candidate Cara Spencer claimed the SLDC was dysfunctional, lacked transparency and inept at doling out public funds and tax incentives.

Shortly before she resigned from SLDC’s board, Clayco founder Bob Clark had announced he was going to invest and convince other wealthy developers to contribute to her campaign. Reportedly, it was because SLDC had rejected his proposal to build a concrete plant in North St. Louis.

“Oh well, I guess it’s all part of the job,” Richardson lamented at the time, referring to the intense scrutiny SLDC was facing.

Last week, a SLDC press release announced Richadson’s departure, saying it was a mutual agreement.

“The SLDC Board and Neal Richardson, who has served as president and executive director since 2021, have reached a mutual agreement for Richardson to step down,” the statement read.”

The announcement said 22-year SLDC veteran Otis Williams would serve on an interim basis until a permanent replacement was found.

The American had asked Richardson days before his departure if he felt Spencer, influenced by Clark and other wealthy developers, was going to replace him. Richardson preferred not to respond.

“I’d rather not put myself in the middle of any more of that drama,” he reluctantly answered. “I just look forward to being able to continue supporting our community.”

Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier (7 ^th Ward), was the only SLDC board member who voted against the measure to remove and replace Richardson.

“We were all very aware of what happened during the campaign season,” said Sonnier (7 ^th Ward), the only board member who voted against the measure to remove (Spencer) made it very clear she was going to let Neal go. That’s why I wasn’t surprised it went in that direction.”

Sonnier did, however, admit that Richardson himself felt it was time to step aside.

“He would have loved to have continued the work he was doing, but if he wasn’t in alignment with what the mayor wanted, then it wouldn’t be a good fit,” Sonnier explained.

“He expressed to us (board members) that it was very important that the executive branch of government be on the same page.”

Mayor Spencer, in a press statement, said: “I want to thank Neal Richardson for his service to SLDC and the City of St. Louis.”

In a joint statement, Board of Alderman President Megan Green and 14th Ward Alderman Rasheen Aldridge said it is imperative that Richardson’s “Economic Justice” efforts not be abandoned.

“In a political climate where equity is threatened and DEI programs are being dismantled, frameworks like Mr. Richardson’s Economic Justice Action Plan must be preserved to meet the needs of all neighborhoods—in particular those that have been intentionally ignored for decades,” Green said.

Noting that Richardson’s departure marked a “disappointing day,” Aldridge added: “Neal Richardson [is] a dedicated leader who has tirelessly worked to foster development and economic growth in our city, particularly in North St. Louis. [His] leadership has been instrumental in driving initiatives aimed at revitalizing our neighborhoods and empowering residents.”

Before he was appointed by former Mayor Tishaura Jones in 2021, Richardson served as U.S. Bank Community Development Corporation vice president and director of Business Impact and was also the co-founder of Dream Builders 4 Equity, a nonprofit for young people aimed at building social equity through financial equity.

Last week, he also issued a statement regarding his departure from SLDC.

“Today marks the close of one chapter and the beginning of another,” Richardson wrote, adding: “Together, we’ve not only redefined what economic development can be—we’ve set a new standard for what it must be.

“As I step down from my role…I do so filled with deep gratitude, pride, and hope.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.