June 10, 2025 City Releases Series of Tools to Help Residents Plan Pittsburgh’s Future Mayor Ed Gainey’s office and Pittsburgh’s Department of City Planning released a series of new tools last month that will help residents plan for Pittsburgh’s future. Learn More Found on the PGH2050 website, 20 Topic Area Learning Guides is an extensive collection of research spanning 20 critical topic areas that affect the city and its 90 neighborhoods and represents a milestone in the comprehensive plan process to shape Pittsburgh’s future. The guides capture existing conditions and trends in the city, showing how the city has changed over time, its current state, and projected future directions. Each four-page Learning Guide is accompanied by a comprehensive topic area audit book that contains extensive detailed analysis and research. “With these guides, we’re not just planning for our city’s future – we’re putting the power of knowledge into the hands of every resident,” Gainey said. “When people have access to clear, honest data, they can shape the neighborhoods they call home.” Residents can engage with the research through multiple channels: Explore the research at Pgh2050.com/learn Attend a public forum on June 12 to learn more about the findings, connect with residents, and hear about the comprehensive plan’s approach from a just-transition perspective. Those interested in attending should RSVP. Share feedback on each topic area on the website The research materials serve as the foundation for Phase 1 of the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Research has been informed by reviews of past plans, original research and analysis, and input from the City Planning department and its partners.
April 28, 2025 Pittsburgh to Host Five City in the Streets Events This Spring and Summer Pittsburgh will continue its City in the Streets initiative with five upcoming events this spring and summer that align with the program’s intention to bring local government directly to city residents. Learn More The initiative is a part of Mayor Ed Gainey’s Plan for Peace, which advocates for a public health approach to community development. Its intention is to create an environment in which residents can thoughtfully engage with city leadership and regional authorities during a block party-style event. This year, City in the Streets will also address community safety concerns by creating environments that are clean, walkable, well-lit, and equipped with safe housing and recreational amenities. The mayor’s office noted that research has found that neighborhoods with these characteristics experience lower crime rates and offer a more secure environment. This year’s program will focus services and operations in areas where poverty and violence are more prevalent, while also building trust with residents and providing essential education. The events will serve as an opportunity to listen to the needs of residents and engage in public problem-solving. Each event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year’s events include: Tuesday, April 29: Fowler Park (2435 Wilson Avenue) in Perry South Thursday, May 15: a location in Elliott that is yet to be determined Wednesday, June 25: a location in Lincoln, East Liberty, or Larimer that is yet to be determined Wednesday, July 16: a location in Allentown that is yet to be determined Wednesday, August 20: a location in East Hills that is yet to be determined Further locations will later be added. More information on the initiative can be found online.
April 8, 2025 Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program Application Process Open The application process is open for Pittsburgh’s Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program. Those interested in submitting must do so by Friday, June 6. Higher Wages and Career Pathways Pittsburgh County Executive Sara Innamorato, Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak, and Partner4Work CEO Rob Cherry launched the 2025 Learn & Earn program in mid-March. The program, which debuted in 2014, has served more than 13,500 young people in the region and has invested more than $14.3 million in wages. The initiative has provided work experience for youth, helping them to build careers in such fields as healthcare, business, trades, and public service. Learn & Earn has provided many participants with their first work experience and guided numerous young adults toward higher education. This summer, 1,000 spots are available for youths across Allegheny County. Participants will be able to gain real-world experience and obtain essential career skills through the program. Changes to the 2025 Program In response to feedback from participants and business owners, several changes have been made to the program to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and the participant experience. These include: A structured priority placement system A centralized payroll process for timely compensation Expanded work experience tiers for different age groups and career-readiness levels A renewed focus on areas that will ensure the program’s long-term success The program is also increasing wages to provide greater support for participants. In 2025, the starting wage has been raised $1 to $10 per hour. “Experience” participants will earn $12 per hour, and “Advancement” participants will receive $15 per hour. Partner4Work will implement centralized payroll services by paying via direct deposit. The program will also offer every participant the opportunity to open a non-custodial bank account. Participants will receive mandatory financial literacy training and gain access to bank accounts, empowering them to manage their earnings effectively The program’s three tiers are: Discovery (ages 14-15) – focuses on career exploration, job shadowing, and work readiness training to help younger participants build a strong foundation Experience (ages 16-18) – provides real-world work experience and college preparation activities Advancement (ages 18-24) – connects young adults to apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and industry-led training programs “The Learn & Earn Program is a game-changer for teens, offering an invaluable opportunity to gain their first work experience and develop essential career skills,” Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said. “It’s not just about earning a paycheck – it’s about building confidence, exploring career paths, and laying the foundation for success in a wide range of industries.” The application period closes on June 6. Those interested can find eligibility requirements and the application at one of the in-person application support center locations in Allegheny County or online.
March 4, 2025 Gainey Provides Update on Residential Housing Registration Program Pittsburgh’s Mayor Ed Gainey has provided an update on the voluntary registration period for the Residential Housing Rental Registration Program that began in December. Learn More The registration period began in mid December and lasts until June 1. The program is designed to uphold high standards of safety, health, and habitability in the city’s rental properties. In December, a judge reviewed the city’s plans to open the program to voluntary registrations. A court order allowed the city to proceed with the efforts and required no action other than enforcement. Gainey said the city is in compliance with the court order. To date, the city has received 130 voluntary applications from property owners, including out-of-state landlords, who are seeking to register their rental properties. This early phase demonstrated that many properties involved are owned by individuals residing outside of Pennsylvania. Managed by the city’s Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), the program will enable the systematic registration and inspection of residential rental properties to ensure that all tenants and visitors in Pittsburgh live in safe spaces. The registration process will also extend to short-term rental properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. PLI inspections will verify compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code, which sets minimum standards for reasonable safety and livability levels. Additionally, rental units must meet basic standards for habitability, including functioning heat, electricity, and running water. A total of 130 properties have sent in applications, of which 13 have already scheduled and received inspections. For the remaining units, property owners have 90 days from the date PLI approves the application to choose an inspection date. If they do not choose one, PLI will contact the applicant to schedule the inspection. Of the units already inspected, five passed inspection and received a rental permit, while seven remain in the inspection process. The most common issue for those that did not pass initial inspection was noncompliant flexible dryer vents, which create risks of fire, mold, and malfunction. Property owners may voluntarily register their rental units through June 1. After that date, PLI will begin enforcement actions for properties that do not hold a valid rental permit. Property owners can register rental units through the OneStopPGH portal or in person at the OneStopPGH counter at 412 Boulevard of the Allies.
January 1, 2025 City Launches Basketball Initiative as Part of Violence Prevention Commitment Mayor Ed Gainey and My Brother’s Keeper Pittsburgh has launched a late-night basketball initiative for young adults between the ages of 18 and 26. Learn More The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department’s CitiSports program, as part of the city’s commitment to violence prevention. The initiative aims to provide safe places where at-risk young adults can take part in constructive activities. The program will also discuss with youths how to find a path to improve their personal and professional growth. During the nine-week program, participants will have access to resources and information about supportive services that are available. The kickoff will consist of participants gathering to meet REACH workers and Stop the Violence organizations. Participants will play basketball and attend weekly skills and training development workshops before each game. Workshop focus areas will be workforce development, financial education, violence prevention, health and wellness resources, and educational attainment. Regular season games will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks at the South Side Market House. The first will be held on Tuesday, January 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This will be followed by playoff games for three weeks towards the championship game and graduation from the initiative. “In this day and age, we recognize the importance of providing our young people with constructive outlets and activities, many of which graduate out of violence prevention programs due to age, and are left without many trusted safe spaces,” Gainey said. Those interested in participating as a player, mentor, or coach can sign up online. Additional information on the program can be found on MBK Pittsburgh’s EngagePGH page.
December 23, 2024 Pittsburgh Debuts Its First Accessible Tennis Court Pittsburgh has debuted its first re-fitted accessible tennis court in Highland Park. The redesigned, high-visibility court is part of Mayor Ed Gainey’s plans to make the city accessible for all residents. Learn More The refitted tennis court will benefit those with vision impairments who may require higher contrast lining in order to play tennis. “Recreation is sometimes an area that’s not considered when thinking of ensuring inclusive spaces in cities,” Gainey said. “When I sought out to increase accessibility across all services, I knew we had to double-down on our efforts to make this city a place where everyone has the accommodations and tools they need to thrive.” The Department of Public Works is looking to expand accessible recreation options for city residents in the future. The tennis court is reserveable for programming. Those interested in reserving the space should email CitiParks at citiparkstennis@pittsburghpa.gov or call 412-255-2349.
December 3, 2024 Pittsburgh Launches Snow Angels Program Ahead of Winter Season Pittsburgh has launched its 2024-25 Snow Angels program, which pairs community volunteers with seniors and residents with disabilities who need assistance shoveling and salting their sidewalks and walkways during the winter. Learn More The number of city residents in need of assistance has far surpassed the number of volunteers who sign up in many parts of the city, data shows. This year, the city is working to develop new partnerships with community organizations, youth sports leagues, faith-based groups, and employers to close the gap. Neighborhoods where the city is aiming to increase volunteers include: Allentown Banksville Beechview Belzthoover Brighton Heights Brookline Carrick Elliott Greenfield Homewood Hill District Perry South Sheraden 31st Ward The office of Mayor Ed Gainey will honor the neighborhood with the most volunteers with the Golden Shovel Award. Last year’s winter was Bloomfield. “The Snow Angels program is a vital service that helps some of our most vulnerable residents to continue to live in their homes,” Gainey said. “I am asking residents to once again be present in our community and volunteer to become a Snow Angel to ensure that seniors and Pittsburghers with disabilities can continue to thrive during and after winter weather events.” Snow Angels also makes Pittsburgh’s sidewalks safer for those who are regularly outside during inclement weather – such as postal carriers, firefighters, and police officers. To learn more about the program or to sign up, visit the City of Pittsburgh’s website. Residents can contact the program directly at 412-255-2621 or snowangels@pittsburghpa.gov.
November 25, 2024 Pittsburgh and Black Equity Coalition Data Justice Working Group Launch Collaboration Pittsburgh and the Black Equity Coalition (BEC) Data Justice Working Group has formed a Community Data Justice Collaborative (CDJC) as part of the Data Justice Project. Learn More The project is designed to ensure that marginalized and historically excluded communities have a voice in shaping how data is collected, shared, and used. It is an initiative of the de Beaumont Foundation’s MADE for Health Justice Program. “Pittsburgh is made up of many diverse communities, but we know that in most cases not everyone is afforded a seat at the table,” Mayor Ed Gainey said. “This is our way of saying no more. As we seek to make decisions that impact our residents, we want to be sure that the data we collect is inclusive of everyone, and this initiative will ensure that.” The collaborative was created following a nomination process that drew on input from communities that are often underrepresented or misrepresented in data. The CDJC is an effort by the city and BEC to include democratic input on data governance. It brings together a diverse group of 12-18 members selected from a pool of community-nominated candidates. The committee overseeing the selection process prioritized individuals and organizations that represent communities often excluded from the data landscape. Its aim was to ensure that the collaborative reflected a wide variety of voices, experiences, and expertise. About the BEC The BEC is a coalition of physicians, social scientists, civic community leaders, philanthropists, and academics. It is committed to working on matters of racial equity by addressing the social determinants of health in Black and Brown communities.
September 12, 2024 Stand Up for Homeless Children’s Awareness Month Mayor Ed Gainey will join Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-12th, for an event and press conference that will draw attention to the county’s children, youth, and young adults experiencing homelessness. Learn More Stand Up for Homeless Children’s Awareness Month is aimed at showing solidarity for the 3,122 students experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County. There will be a three-minute observance of silence and a press conference during which elected officials will speak. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1 in front of the Pittsburgh City-County Building. Those interested in attending can RSVP now.
May 5, 2022 Provider Appreciation Day Proclamations Friday, May 6, 2022, has been proclaimed as Provider Appreciation Day in Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh. About Provider Appreciation Day National Provider Appreciation Day is recognized on the Friday before Mother’s Day to celebrate essential workers providing care to young children and thanking child care providers for their work. Allegheny County Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald has formally proclaimed Friday, May 6, 2022 as Provider Appreciation Day in Allegheny County. The proclamation was presented to Trying Together during a meeting on May 4 with staff members Emily Neff, Director of Public Policy, and Jan Sapotichne, Associate Executive Director, accepting. Representatives from the departments of Children Initiatives and Human Services also attended the proclamation presentation. “We know that quality early childcare and education can positively impact a child’s life and have an effect on their health, education, social lives, future earning opportunities and more,” said Fitzgerald. “Having access to high quality programs is important for so many reasons, and it is early child care providers and educators that we rely on for this work. The essential nature of their work was never more pronounced than during the [COVID-19] pandemic.” City of Pittsburgh On May 5, City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey joined Trying Together staff to visit Project Destiny Early Learning Center on the Northside to present a proclamation for Provider Appreciation Day. The children at the child care center also got to enjoy story time with Mayor Gainey.
