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.
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.
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.
October 29, 2024 Report: Allegheny Landing to Receive $1M Grant for Play-Based Improvements The Buhl Foundation is providing a $1 million grant for play-based improvements at Allegheny Landing along the riverfront, according to a report by Next Pittsburgh. Learn More The foundation, a grantmaking nonprofit, donated the funding to Riverlife – a nonprofit focused on redeveloping Pittsburgh’s downtown riverfront – on Oct. 1. The play-based improvement project still needs an additional $1 million in funding, the report said. A spokeswoman for the landscape architecture firm dwg said the goal of the riverfront redesign was to create a space for Pittsburgh residents of all ages. Currently, Allegheny Landing features two sculptures by Ned Smyth – “Piazza Lavoro” and “Mythic Source” – that were erected in the 1980s. According to the report, Riverlife and the project’s other partners aren’t likely to add traditional playground equipment – such as jungle gyms or swings – at Allegheny Landing. Instead, they are focused on “artful play.” This could include features that encourage someone’s imagination to create their play space. Designs for the site suggest the possibility of water-spray features and a wooden stage. Gavin White, Riverlife’s director told Next Pittsburgh that the project was about 50% funded. Its designs are approximately 60% complete. The full story on the plans for Allegheny Landing can be found on Next Pittsburgh’s website.
June 18, 2024 Free Admission for Teachers and Educators at Children’s Museum in June All teachers and educators – including pre-k and child care teachers – can partake in free admission to the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh this month. Learn More Teachers and educators can obtain one free adult or senior admission at the museum every weekday in June. A school or state ID must be shown at the time of purchase. The discount is available for in-person admission only and cannot be redeemed online. For more information on the Children’s Museum’s hours or exhibits, visit its website.
June 17, 2024 City in the Streets Block Parties Through an initiative by Mayor Ed Gainey, representatives from every Pittsburgh city department and select authorities will meet residents during upcoming block party events at different locations around the city. Learn More Each event will include free food, community vendors, activities for children, tables with resources from city departments, and on-site requests for service. Departments that will attend the events include: City Planning Innovation and Performance Mobility and Infrastructure Public Works Permits, Licenses, and Inspections Public Safety Human Resources and Civil Services Parks and Recreation Mayor’s Office (Neighborhood Services, Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Equal Protection) Management and Budget Municipal Investigations Water and Sewer Authority Urban Redevelopment Authority Housing Authority Upcoming Events The dates for upcoming block party events include: Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Hill District Wednesday, July 23 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Hazelwood Saturday, Aug. 17 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. in Knoxville Wednesday, Sept. 4 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Homewood Registration is now open for these events, but is not required.
City in the Streets Block Parties Through an initiative by Mayor Ed Gainey, representatives from every Pittsburgh city department and select authorities will meet residents during upcoming block party events at different locations around the city. Learn More Each event will include free food, community vendors, activities for children, tables with resources from city departments, and on-site requests for service. Departments that will attend the events include: City Planning Innovation and Performance Mobility and Infrastructure Public Works Permits, Licenses, and Inspections Public Safety Human Resources and Civil Services Parks and Recreation Mayor’s Office (Neighborhood Services, Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Equal Protection) Management and Budget Municipal Investigations Water and Sewer Authority Urban Redevelopment Authority Housing Authority Upcoming Events The dates for upcoming block party events include: Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Hill District Wednesday, July 23 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Hazelwood Saturday, Aug. 17 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. in Knoxville Wednesday, Sept. 4 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Homewood Registration is now open for these events, but is not required.
City in the Streets Block Parties Through an initiative by Mayor Ed Gainey, representatives from every Pittsburgh city department and select authorities will meet residents during upcoming block party events at different locations around the city. Learn More Each event will include free food, community vendors, activities for children, tables with resources from city departments, and on-site requests for service. Departments that will attend the events include: City Planning Innovation and Performance Mobility and Infrastructure Public Works Permits, Licenses, and Inspections Public Safety Human Resources and Civil Services Parks and Recreation Mayor’s Office (Neighborhood Services, Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Equal Protection) Management and Budget Municipal Investigations Water and Sewer Authority Urban Redevelopment Authority Housing Authority Upcoming Events The dates for upcoming block party events include: Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Hill District Wednesday, July 23 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Hazelwood Saturday, Aug. 17 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. in Knoxville Wednesday, Sept. 4 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Homewood Registration is now open for these events, but is not required.
