But in spite of new public housing and other redevelopment programs, living conditions in the black community remain a major problem. About a fifth of the area's workers are employed in industry. The production of transportation equipment is the city's leading manufacturing activity, and St. Louis is an important automobile-manufacturing center. St. Louis plants also produce airplanes. The area is also an important manufacturer of chemicals, food and food products, and such primary metals as iron and lead.
Many corporations have their headquarters in the metropolitan area.
They include Monsanto and Ralston-Purina. Since the 1950's, a number of industries have moved from the city to the suburbs, leaving many former manufacturing plants empty. Today, the city is working to attract new industry by offering reduced taxes. A number of new office buildings have attracted businesses to the downtown area. Transportation, communication, and finance.