St. Louis’s development arm will undergo an audit following allegations of improper activity and severance pay made to former president Neal Richardson following his departure.

Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced Tuesday his office launched an audit into the St. Louis Development Corporation after uncovering “possible improper governmental activity” in the organization.

Fitzpatrick’s office launched an investigation into SLDC after receiving multiple complaints over the $30 million North St. Louis Small Business and Non-Profit Grant Program that raised “several red flags.” One of those complaints led the auditor to conclude that an audit was needed.

“We received multiple whistleblower complaints that alleged misuse of ARPA funds through a grant program administered by the SLDC," Fitzpat

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