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Read the full July 24, 2025 GSL newsletter.
The International Institute of St. Louis is adamant: it intends to keep working to grow the region. After significant shifts in federal funding and policies, the organization is pivoting, focusing not on bringing in immigrants from outside the U.S., but on inspiring citizens and green card holders — including Hispanic and Asian American populations — to look to St. Louis as a great place to call home.
The Bottom Line: Last year, U.S. Census data showed that the 15-county bi-state St. Louis metropolitan area recorded the highest percentage increase in foreign-born population among the 30 largest metro areas in the United States from 2022-2023. To continue that momentum, we must innovate in how we grow a declining population.
“We think it’s so important for all of St Louis,” said Karlos Ramirez, Vice President at the International Institute. “I don’t want people to get so bogged down on ‘it’s the International Institute, so we’re bringing immigrants.’ I want people to understand we’re trying to bring population to St. Louis.”