I live in surburban St. Louis.
Regarding ANY money thrown at NORTH St. Louis city, but particularly for “energy audits”:
Money.
Down.
Toilet.
I USED to live in St.Louis City. Eventually to the County to escape the blight. What you say is true. Most of that money will go to drugs and alcohol, ultimately down the toilet. Before I left Missouri we called the Arch the “Gateway to the Waste”. Aint EVER going back.