Real estate owned by the City of East St. Louis is a public asset that is owned and maintained in the public interest. However, these properties can be sold, leased, donated and/or exchanged with private individuals, developers, organizations and corporations. Such a conveyance can be made by the City Council when it is in the best interest of the City. The City may sell, lease, donate and/or exchange property for some of the following reasons:

• Increase the tax base
• Create and/or retain jobs
• Generate income for another project
• Preserve another City asset
• Improve livability and beautification of the City
• Develop property
• Allow business expansion
• Enable short-duration projects, such as small business start-ups