Established in 1965 to provide a forum for cooperative planning and problem-solving, East-West Gateway activities are continuously evolving in response to a changing region. Gateway’s 21-member policy and decision-making board, known as its Board of Directors, is comprised of chief elected officials in Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles and St. Louis Counties and the City of St. Louis in Missouri and Madison, Monroe and St. Clair Counties in Illinois, six regional citizens and the chair of Metro. With no proxies permitted the elected officials themselves sit together every month committed to balancing individual interest within a vision of prosperity for the region as a whole.

Designated by state and federal agencies as the metro planning organization for the bi-state area, our Board of Directors has responsibility for selecting the road, bridge and transit projects in the region that will receive federal funds. Transportation investment decisions are made in the context of a 20-year Transportation Plan which places the region’s economic, community and environmental needs at the top of its agenda.

Some of the agency’s other activities relate to the challenges and consequences of growth. East-West Gateway researches and promotes public investment and taxing policies that will lead to responsible growth and redevelopment. The agency works with a variety of local government partners to facilitate and assist coordinated community-driven planning processes to ensure that development enhances the quality of life for present and future generations without compromising the region’s natural resource base. Staff also works with local, state and federal agencies in older areas of the region to share info and minimize risks to public health around contaminated industrial and residential properties.

The work of East-West Gateway is supported by financial grants and in-kind resources from federal, state and local government sources as well as private foundations and fees for service.