2020

No public events scheduled

Inauguration Ceremony for County Executive Rich Fitzgerald

Time: Noon

Location: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, North Oakland

Inauguration Celebration for County Executive Rich Fitzgerald

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: IBEW Local 5, South South Flats

No public events scheduled

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 6, 2020) Pittsburgh is growing again according to the latest population estimates. Does the City have the mobility system and infrastructure it needs to catalyze, support and sustain growth while ensuring all residents have the opportunity to thrive?

PGH Mobility 2070 is a bold and ambitious framework for investment in and management of City infrastructure and mobility services to improve the present and position the City for the future. Framework themes range from megaregion connections such as high speed terrestrial national and international connections to major cities east of the Mississippi to fine grained management of public rights of way and curbsides for deliveries, operations and design that supports quality neighborhood life.

Throughout the summer and fall, City staff have attended scores of community events across the city gathering ideas and priorities from city stakeholders about their mobility and connectivity needs now and for the next three generations. Ideas submitted range from hyperloop connections to major cities to car-free boulevards, gondola transit routes to ubiquitous accessible sidewalks, and drone deliveries to smart traffic networks. PGH Mobility 2070 will assess needs and opportunities and build a framework for incremental action and investment.

On Tuesday, January 7, 2020, Mayor William Peduto and the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) will launch the second round of public ideation and initial prioritization for long range investment and action. The public dialogue, bold visioning, input gathering and evaluation will continue at community meetings and events across the city over the next two months. The draft 2070 Mobility Vision Plan is anticipated for release in May 2020.

Media and community leadership is encouraged to attend.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Framework Presentation: 6:00pm

Mayor Peduto call for input: 7:00pm

David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222, rooms 315-316

Earth Day 2020 Planning Meeting

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting With Mayor Tom Murphy & David Malone

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Interview With WESA's Kevin Gavin

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting With Children's Museum Of Pittsburgh Executive Director Jane Werner

Time: 11:30 A.M. 

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Interview WithThe Washington Post's Tim Craig

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting With Dana Robinson

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting With Commission On Human Relations Director Megan Stanley

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Department Of Mobility & Infrastructure 2070 Transportation Vision Plan Meeting

Time: 6:30 P.M.

Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Central Business District 

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 8, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh is now accepting bids for the third year of its City Cuts lawn-cutting program.   

City Cuts began in 2018 through legislation introduced by Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, and has assisted over 2,000 Pittsburgh seniors, veterans, and individuals living with disabilities with lawn cutting for the past two years.  
 
Sign-up information for Pittsburgh residents older than 62 or with a disability seeking the complementary service will be announced in the coming months. Homeowners receiving the service will need to sign a liability waiver.  

“City Cuts improves the look of the community and helps people who need a helping hand,” the councilwoman said. 

Interested businesses will need to register with Beacon, the City’s web-based procurement platform.  
 
Proposal submissions will include the following: 

Project Approach & Plan   
Experience & Capability  
Statement of Interest  
 
Three pre-proposal meetings are scheduled: 

Thursday, January 9th, 2020 from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. 

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-West End  

47 Wabash Street 

Pittsburgh, PA 15220 

Thursday, January 16th, 2020 from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 

City of Pittsburgh Office of Management Budget Conference Room 

City-County Building  

414 Grant Street, 5th Floor (take elevators on Ross Street side of the building) 

Pittsburgh, PA 15219 

Friday, January 24th, 2020 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh- Squirrel Hill 

5801 Forbes Avenue 

Pittsburgh, PA 15217 

Deadline for submissions is February 4th, 2020. 

More information: 

http://pittsburghpa.gov/beacon 
Search for City Cuts 2020 or #19000650 

Contact:

Dan Tobin at daniel.tobin@pittsburghpa.gov

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 8, 2020) Mayor William Peduto has begun the celebration of the Centennial of Women’s Suffrage with an eye towards highlighting the many Pittsburgh women who took on the cause and reached what had for decades seemed an impossible goal.

Rarely acknowledged for their integral part in the struggle for the vote, a feisty contingent of Pittsburgh women used their intelligence, wits and endurance to mount a fierce campaign against forces that employed all their might to deny them the vote.

Over and over again, Pittsburgh suffragists rose to the challenges, like bright, glittering stars in the suffrage movement. Of particular note, Pennsylvania legislators were won over to the suffragists’ cause in no small measure due to the Pittsburgh Plan.

Yes, the Pittsburgh Plan.

It was a brilliant strategy conceived by Pittsburgh’s own Jennie Bradley Roessing, and implemented with the help of western PA suffragists and their active network across the Commonwealth. As the plan’s impact grew, states across the nation adopted it.

Some of the women were wealthy, some of modest means; part of the group was educated, others were barely literate; they were a diverse bunch, white and black women; Christian and Jewish women. These women hadn’t been raised to be:

• leaders speaking in front of hundreds of strangers
• fund raisers calling on wealthy, potential donors to ask for donations
• activists meeting with legislators, senators and governors
• strategists and communicators engaging and maintaining momentum among thousands, across Pennsylvania, without the benefit of today’s communication tools

But they did it.

The following are a starting point, please explore more about Pittsburgh’s remarkable suffragists throughout this year.

City website:

Pittsburgh’s Women’s Suffrage Centennial:  https://pittsburghpa.gov/womens-suffrage/index.html#current

Notable Pittsburgh Women video series:

Jennie Roessing, Suffragist Leader:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcfNXXTwfVU

African American Suffragists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w7lnhgjfGs

Suffragist Events: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMQ4k7i2eaY

Contact:

Gloria Forouzan, 412.255.2632 / gloria.forouzan@pittsburghpa.gov

Meeting With Pittsburgh Federation Of Teachers President Nina Esposito-Visgitis

Time: 11:30 A.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting With WQED Board Chair Mildred S. Myers & President & Chief Executive Officer Deborah L. Acklin

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Weekly Meeting With Director Of Public Safety Wendell Hissrich & Chief Of Police Scott Schubert

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Stanley's Lounge Guest Bartending For Homewood Community

Time: 6:00 P.M.

Location: Stanley's Lounge, Homewood North

Meeting With Mayor Tito Brown of Youngstown

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting With Mike Doran

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Delivering Proclamation to Students In Recognition Of Volunteer Maintenance Of Pittsburgh's Korean War Memorial

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Signing of Contract With AFSCME 2037

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting with Heinz Endowments President Grant Oliphant

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting with Pittsburgh Board Of Public Education Member Veronica Edwards

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Leadership Pittsburgh's Annual Champagne Luncheon

Time: 12:00 P.M.

Location: The Fairmont Hotel, Central Business District

Meeting With Pittsburgh Board Of Public Education Member Cynthia Falls

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 14, 2020) The board of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh will vote Thursday on establishing a $150,000 program at the Hill District Federal Credit Union providing lines of credit to women and minority-owned small businesses.

The URA has several efforts to assist such small businesses including the Micro Enterprise Fund loan program, M/WBE programs services, Catapult, the Riverside Center for Innovation’s Diversity Business Resource Center BizFit Program, and the Credit Building program in partnership with Axiom. All these efforts serve in part to support the financial, technical assistance, and professional capacity building needs of small M/WBE businesses.    

It is clear small businesses could also benefit from affordable lines of credit. Capital access is a critical piece of sound cash flow management for small contractors as they take on work — to have the necessary upfront cash to hire and source materials and equipment as new jobs.

The Hill District Federal Credit Union has long worked with private lenders and others to operate business line of credit programs. The new program would initially allow for 14-28 new lines of credit with opportunity to grow as repayments revolve. The minimum line will be $5,000 up to $10,000.

This authorization will allow the URA to make a non-member deposit in the Hill District Federal Credit Union to fund a small business line of credit program. The deposit will be used as a guarantee against the lines of credit. Lines of credit will be approved or declined based on the lending guidelines of the Hill District Federal Credit Union.

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 14, 2020) City of Pittsburgh offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2020, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and refuse collection will be delayed one day.  

Refuse and recycling will proceed as follows: Residents with a scheduled collection day of Monday will be serviced on Tuesday, January 21. Those with a scheduled collection day of Tuesday will be serviced on Wednesday, January 22, as so on through Saturday, January 25. 

The following facilities will also be closed:
 
HEALTHY ACTIVE LIVING CENTERS (Senior Centers)
•    Monday, January 20, 2020: CLOSED

RECREATION CENTERS
•    Saturday, January 18: CLOSED
•    Sunday, January 19: CLOSED
•    Monday, January 20, 2020: CLOSED

AFTER-SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM
•    In conjunction with the PPS Schedule, the After-School Feeding Program (CACFP) will not be in operation on Monday, January 20, 2020. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

MELLON TENNIS BUBBLE
•    Monday, January 20, 2020: OPEN

OLIVER BATH HOUSE
•    Monday, January 20, 2020: CLOSED

Meeting Between Community Stakeholders & New Economic Development Leadership

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Weekly Meeting With Director Of Public Safety Wendell Hissrich & Chief Of Police Scott Schubert

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 16, 2020) The board of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh is set to vote today on funding for affordable housing on the North Side and improvements to a Hill District small business. 

The URA is set to vote on $1.4 million in loans from the Housing Opportunity Fund Rental Gap Program and the Rental Housing Development Program to fund renovations to 70 units across the California-Kirkbride, Central Northside, and Perry South neighborhoods.  

North Side Associates (NSA) previously owned 324 units located in 239 separate buildings across the North Side. The units, which are a mix of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom apartments, were originally built between 1870 and 1910. To date, 197 of the units have been sold to affiliated entities in two phased developments  (Phase I containing 75 units is completed, and Phase II containing 122 units closed in August 2019 and is under construction). These loans will support the third phase of renovations. 

The URA board is also set to offer a $72,000 loan to the MOKA art gallery in the Hill District to cover renovations of the gallery. It houses a first floor commercial gallery/education/community space, second floor arts studio, 3rd floor apartments for artists in residence, and a 4th floor apartment. The loan has a 10-year term with 2% annual interest. 

Spirit of King Awards

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Kingsley Center, 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Larimer

Lunch with City Council President Theresa Kail-Smith Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Pitaland

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: Pitaland, 620 Brookline Boulevard, Brookline

No public events scheduled

Saturday, January 18

Women's March Pittsburgh

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: City-County Building to Market Square, Downtown 

Sunday, January 19

Vietnamese New Year Festival

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Dormont Rec Center, Dormont

Monday, January 20

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 21, 2020) Mayor William Peduto travels to Washington D.C. today for the 88th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.  

Among other engagements, Mayor Peduto will speak to the conference Friday morning on a panel called “Lessons Learned: Preventing, Preparing for, and Responding to Mass Shootings.” 

He returns to Pittsburgh Friday afternoon. 

Mayor William Peduto’s Public Schedule – Tuesday, January 21, 2020: 

Flight to Washington D.C. 

Time: 10 a.m. 

Steering Committee Meeting for the Smart Gun Purchasing Consortium 

Time: 1 p.m. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 22, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is in Washington D.C. today for the 88th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.  

Among other engagements, Mayor Peduto will speak to the conference Friday morning on a panel called “Lessons Learned: Preventing, Preparing for, and Responding to Mass Shootings.” 

He returns to Pittsburgh Friday afternoon. 

Mayor William Peduto’s Public Schedule – Wednesday, January 22, 2020: 

Speaking at MobilityTalks International panel “Smart Cities and the Future of Mobility,” with Joe White, Global Automotive Industry Editor, Reuters; Jeff Marootian, Director, DDOT; Jordan Davis, Director, SmartCities Columbus Partnership; and William Baver, Vice President, NTT DATA 

Time: 11 a.m. 

Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center 

Interview with the Post-Gazette's Daniel Moore 

Time: 2 p.m. 

Meeting with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and When We All Vote board chair Valerie Jarrett 

Time: 5 p.m. 

The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to announce the commencement of construction of a retaining wall along Forward Avenue. This follows several months of extensive geotechnical analysis and engineering design. The $750,000 project in Squirrel Hill South will remediate a landslide that occurred in January 2019 that required the street to be restricted to alternating one lane traffic at the intersection with Summerset Drive.

This portion of Forward Avenue will be closed to traffic starting February 3, 2020 to permit utility companies the opportunity to relocate their aerial lines in preparation for Allison Park Contractors to construct a steel beam retaining wall to support Forward Avenue. This work is scheduled to last approximately four months and Forward Avenue will remain closed throughout the construction.

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at domi@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-8850. More information on the project and periodic updates can be found at https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/current-projects.

The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to announce the commencement of construction of a retaining wall along Greenleaf Street. This follows several months of extensive geotechnical analysis and engineering design. The $350,000 project in the Duquesne Heights neighborhood will remediate a landslide that occurred in April 2018.

Greenleaf Street will be closed between Horner Street and Bradley Street throughout construction. Local traffic for residents will be maintained.

Greenleaf Street will close on February 3, 2020 to permit Independent Enterprises Incorporated to construct a modular block wall to support Greenleaf Street. This work is scheduled to last approximately four months.

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at domi@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-8850. More information on the project and periodic updates can be found at https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/current-projects.

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 23, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is in Washington D.C. today for the 88th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.  

Among other engagements, Mayor Peduto will speak to the conference tomorrow morning on a panel called “Lessons Learned: Preventing, Preparing for, and Responding to Mass Shootings.” 

He returns to Pittsburgh tomorrow afternoon. 

Mayor William Peduto’s Public Schedule – Thursday, January 23, 2020: 

America in 2020: Mobilizing for a Decade of Sustainable Development Meeting 

Time: 1:30 p.m. 

Meeting with Former Kansas City Mayor Sly James 

Time: 3:30 p.m. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 24, 2020) Mayor William Peduto returns from Washington D.C. today from the 88th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.  

He will speak to the conference today on a panel called “Lessons Learned: Preventing, Preparing for, and Responding to Mass Shootings.” 

Mayor William Peduto’s Public Schedule – Friday, January 24, 2020: 

“Lessons Learned: Preventing, Preparing for, and Responding to Mass Shootings” panel with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley; Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke; Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley; Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer; Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop; Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky; San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo; El Paso Mayor Dee Margo; and U.S. Department of Justice Director Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Phil Keith 

Time: 9:15 a.m. 

Flight to Pittsburgh 

Time: 1:30 p.m. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 26, 2020) Motorists are advised to avoid travel on Noblestown Road between Weaver and Wabash streets in Pittsburgh’s West End/Elliott neighborhoods. The street is limited to one alternating lane in this segment, and significant travel delays are likely.

Land movement occurred overnight into early Sunday morning undermining the shoulder of the road.

Geotechnical analysis of the hillside has been ordered. 

Noblestown Road (Route 60) is a state-owned roadway. The City Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) on the matter.

Downtown Community Development Corporation Developers Forum

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: The Union Trust Building, Central Business District 

Annual Interview With City Channel Pittsburgh

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Location: City Channel Pittsburgh Studio, City-County Building

Meeting With Chief Of Staff Daniel Gilman & Department Of Innovation & Performance Leadership Team 

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: CitiStats Conference Room, City-County Building

Weekly Scheduling Meeting

Time: 4:30 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building 

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 28, 2020) Years of management and operational changes at the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority are leading to remarkably positive changes at the agency, including its lowest levels of lead testing results in almost two years. 

PWSA announced Friday that lead compliance testing for the second half of 2019 showed a lead level of 10 parts per billion (ppb), which is below the action level of 15 ppb set by the Environmental Protection Agency. The findings are the first to fully show the success of PWSA’s additions of orthophosphate into the water system starting in April 2019, as well as other lead-fighting initiatives by the agency’s Community Lead Response program. 

Through the program PWSA has replaced more than 6,000 lead lines, including 3,000 in 2019, and plans for replacing another 3,000 this year. Much of the replacement work is financed by $49 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), which Mayor William Peduto and Governor Tom Wolf announced in 2018. 

Other changes at PWSA have included a new cooperation agreement with the City ensuring the water system will remain publicly-owned; oversight by the state’s Public Utility Commission; and work by the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on the authority, which forwarded its restructuring recommendations in 2017. 

“Pittsburgh’s greatest resource has long been its water, and PWSA has proven it is more committed than ever to preserving safe and clean water for generations of city residents to come,” Mayor Peduto said. 

Prior to Friday’s lead compliance results previous testing over the past four years has shown:

• June 2016: 22 ppb 
• December 2016: 18 ppb 
• June 2017: 15 ppb 
• December 2017: 21 ppb 
• June 2018: 10 ppb 
• December 2018: 20 ppb 
• June 2019: 17.52 ppb 

Meeting With Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Office of the County Executive, Allegheny County Courthouse

Delivering Proclamation To Pittsburgh Baker Jasmine Cho 

Time: 12:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting With Acting Director Of City Planning Andrew Dash 

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Filming Video for Downtown Pittsburgh Community Development Corporation's Fashion Summit

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Weekly Meeting with Director of Public Safety Wendell Hissrich & Chief of Police Scott Schubert

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

WAMO Barber Shop Interview

Time: 7:30 P.M.

Location: Big Tom's Barber Shop - Centre Avenue, Middle Hill

PITTSBURGH, PA (January, 30, 2020) In an emergency, minutes matter. From calling 911, to knowing how to perform chest compressions or how to use a tourniquet, to clearing a path for emergency professionals, even the most basic education can save lives and improve outcomes in the critical minutes before first responders arrive. Minutes Matter, a new partnership between UPMC and the City of Pittsburgh, provides community members access to basic emergency information and education about life-saving interventions. 

At the scene of most accidents, health emergencies, natural disasters or other crises, bystanders are usually the first people on the scene until trained emergency professionals arrive. Learning simple, easy-to-understand emergency skills empowers bystanders to provide critical help during these life-threatening and highly stressful situations.

“Pittsburgh has long been a leader in public health matters, largely due to the partnerships we have long had with leading institutions like UPMC. Minutes Matter takes this one step further by reaching out to our city’s greatest resource – our residents,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

This effort, launching February 2, will drive awareness around critical emergency information and live-saving interventions, directing people to https://minutesmatterpgh.com. From cardiac events to bleeding to overdoses, the information provided will help people be more prepared in an emergency, as well as help them to better understand the various ways in which their actions could make a difference. For those who want to go beyond basic education, the effort will also include a calendar of local trainings and events, and the ability for community organizations to submit their events to be added. Other partners in this initiative include the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Steelers. 

“At the onset of many emergencies, some simple actions by those nearby make all the difference, allowing EMS and hospital teams to help those in distress. These actions are easy, and we want to empower our friends and neighbors by teaching them how to be that first responder.  We are proud to partner with the City to spread this important ability. Minutes matter in emergencies, and we believe this partnership will make the difference between life and death,” said Donald M. Yealy, M.D., chair of emergency medicine at UPMC. 
The skills courses and events are open to the public. City of Pittsburgh residency is not required. For additional information, visit https://minutesmatterpgh.com. 

CONTACTS:

Timothy McNulty, City of Pittsburgh
Office: 412-255-2619
Mobile: 412-660-1999
E-mail: timothy.mcnulty@pittsburghpa.gov 

Contact: Paul Wood, UPMC
Office: 412-647-6647
Mobile: 412-352-2058 
E-mail: woodpc@upmc.edu

Meeting With Dr. Mikael Eliasson & Dr. Dietrich Stephan

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Press Conference With UPMC & the Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting With Cities United

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Grantmakers Of Western Pennsylvania Annual New Year Meeting

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: The Duquesne Club, Central Business District

Groundbreaking On Susquehanna Street Temporary Workforce Housing Project

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: 7909 Susquehanna Street, Homewood South

Presenting Proclamation For Black History Hockey Day With Pittsburgh Penguins

Time: 12:30 P.M.

Location: Miller African Centered Academy - Pittsburgh Public Schools, Bedford Dwellings

Homewood Avenue Public Space Ribbon Cutting

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: 532 North Homewood Avenue, Homewood South

Pittsburgh Area 2020 Census Office Opening

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: Six PPG Place, Central Business District

Presenting Mayor Sophie Masloff Employee Of The Month Award

Time: 4:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Schenley Park Skating Rink Grand Reopening

Time: 5:45 P.M.

Location: Schenley Park Skating Rink, Schenley Park

PITTSBURGH, PA (Febrruary 3, 2020)  Mayor William Peduto joined URA Executive Director Greg Flisram, Deputy Executive Director Diamonte Walker, staff from Representative Ed Gainey’s office and Councilman Reverend Ricky Burgess’s office, key stakeholders, and members of the community for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday to celebrate the Homewood Pedestrian Improvement Project. Through this project, $1,089,359 was directly invested into the community.

“Homewood is vital to Pittsburgh's future,” Mayor William Peduto said. “The Homewood Pedestrian Improvement Project concentrates investment in the neighborhood's infrastructure, improving quality of life for its residents and visitors.”

The goal of the project was to connect Homewood residents to the business district, neighborhood school, and the Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway by investing in the pedestrian realm, improving safety and beautifying the neighborhood (The infrastructure priorities were identified in the neighborhood’s Cluster Plan, Safe Routes to School Plan, and Homewood TOD study). 

Improvements included:

• New pedestrian scale lighting, street trees, and street furniture, including benches, trash receptables, and bike racks on Homewood Avenue between the East Busway and Hamilton Avenue
• New crosswalks and ADA ramps along pedestrian paths to Faison School and the East Busway
• Sidewalk and curb replacement along Tioga Street to ensure pedestrian safety -- Sidewalks in many areas along Tioga Street were completely missing or damaged causing pedestrians to walk in the streets.
• Flashing school speed limit signage on Tioga Street
• Traffic calming on Finance Street -- Speed humps were installed on Finance Street to discourage speeding, as well as the truck traffic that uses this residential street and school route as a pass-through.

Additionally, the project will leverage a planned rehabilitation of the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Homewood Avenue and Braddock Avenue Bridges.

“I want to thank all of our partners for helping to bring this project to fruition,” said URA Deputy Executive Director Diamonte Walker. “Special commendation to the Homewood residents, particularly those in cluster four. These residents put the pedestrian safety needs of Homewood children first, which will more broadly benefit residents and businesses along the corridor.” 

The project was a partnership between the Mayor’s Office and the City’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, the URA, Representative Ed Gainey’s Office, Councilman Burgess’s office, Homewood Community Development Collaborative, Port Authority, Operation Better Block, Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group, and Pittsburgh Public Schools. Funding was provided by the Transportation Alternatives Program through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission.

About the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA)

The URA is the City of Pittsburgh's economic development agency, supporting the City’s economic development goals, which are designed to create a city of inclusive opportunity for residents, stakeholders, and communities. The URA is committed to creating more housing that is affordable to the average Pittsburgher; encouraging more entrepreneurship and small business development; promoting inclusive growth and quality job creation; expanding neighborhood and main streets revitalization efforts; and developing a talented workforce that is equipped with the skills of the future.

###

Meeting With PIttsburgh Public Schools Board Member Sala Udin

Time: 11:30 A.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting with Department of Mobility and Infrastructure Director Karina Ricks

Time: 1 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting with Chief of Staff Dan Gilman

Time: 4 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting With Jana Stedling

Time: 11:30 A.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Monthly Meeting With City Council Leadership

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting With Paul Leger

Time: 3:30 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Opening Of City Of Pittsburgh Black History Month Display

Time: 5:30 P.M.

Location: The Grand Hall, City-County Building

No public events scheduled

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 6, 2020) After five years of planning and input from hundreds of individuals, the City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure has released the draft Bike(+) Master Plan for public comment.

The plan lays out a vision for a safe and connected network of on-street and off street facilities that will enable people of all ages and abilities to travel by bicycle and other small mobility modes to access the needs of daily life including grocery stores, parks, schools and places of employment. The ten-year plan aims to increase safety and access, expand affordable travel choices, and provide attractive alternatives for short-distance vehicle travel to reduce traffic congestion and associated emissions.

The city is seeking broad public comment through the end of March. The Draft Plan is available at www.pittsburghpa.gov/domi/bikeplan and will be posted at multiple open houses throughout the city with more planned for Oakland and the West End (see below). Comment and feedback may also be provided via email to bikeped@pittsburghpa.gov or by calling the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.

Branded the Bike “Plus” Plan, the strategy not only proactively addresses emerging forms of mobility such as pedal-assist electric bicycles, motorized scooter and skateboards, but is additive beyond mobility.

“The Bike(+) Plan is safety, plus access, plus sustainability, plus joyful travel,” said Mayor William Peduto. “It is another building block in strengthening an inclusive, vibrant, resilient city providing travel options that accommodate and respect the great diversity and needs of our people.”

The plan is a critical step in meeting city climate goals to reduce transportation-related emissions 50% by 2030 while at the same time expanding affordable access to jobs and destinations.

“There is a direct correlation between the implementation of safe bicycling facilities and new people riding bikes for transportation," said David White, Executive Director, Pittsburgh Bike Share. "It's exciting to see the City enabling more people to complete short trips by bike safely and comfortably through a connected Bike(+) network."

The Draft Bike(+) Plan includes an interconnected street, lane and trail network, facility design guidelines, supportive policies, education and other programs that are reflective of the needs and concerns expressed by the public in the public process leading to plan development.

"We are thrilled with the plan and that the City is committing to quickly implement it. Bike friendly streets make it safer and less stressful for everybody to get around, drivers and pedestrians included," said Scott Bricker, executive director of BikePGH.

For more information please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at 412-255-8850. For press inquiries, please contact DOMI Director Karina Ricks at 412-255-2523 or email karina.ricks@pittsburghpa.gov.

Bike(+) Plan Open Houses (come any time!)

For updates about these and other public meetings please visit: www.pittsburghpa.gov/domi/bikeplan

Beechview Healthy Active Living Center

1555 Broadway Avenue, Beechview

Friday, February 21, 2020

4:00 - 8:00 PM

Arnold's Tea

502 E Ohio Street, East Allegheny

Monday, February 24, 2020

3 PM to 8 PM

The Shop

621 North Dallas Avenue, Homewood West

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

3:00 - 8:00 PM

South Side Market House

202 Bedford Square, South Side Flats

Wednesday February 26, 2020

4:00 - 8:00 PM

City-County Building Grand Lobby

414 Grant Street, Downtown

Thursday, February 27, 2020

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

No public events scheduled 

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 10, 2020) The board of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) is expected to vote to advance six of the development teams who responded to the Centre Avenue Request for Qualifications to exclusive negotiations. 

Exclusive negotiations are the first of three board actions before selling property in the URA’s Disposition Process. During the period, developers work to further their concept, explore financing options, perform necessary site diligence, advance their architectural drawings, and meet with the community. At the end of the exclusive negotiations period, developers are expected to submit a detailed proposal for consideration by the URA.

The six development teams being considered include:

• Amani Christian CDC is seeking to purchase the former African Queens building and adjacent lots and redevelop the site into ground floor commercial space with upper floor affordable rental units.
• MOKA Art Gallery is proposing to purchase the vacant lot behind the art gallery and transform it into a green space for community music and art enjoyment.
• Salon XO and Bridging the Gap Development are looking to purchase and redevelop property in two phases: Phase 1 includes the purchase and rehabilitation of an existing structure into a new upscale salon with a spa and wellness center on the first floor and affordable apartments above. Phase 2 includes a new construction mixed-use development. Salon XO was established in 2014 and is currently renting space in the neighborhood.
• Studio Volcy, LLC is proposing Rhythm Square, which includes the rehabilitation of the former Contractors Department Store building, located at 2225 Centre Avenue, and the Center Builders Supply Building, located at 2237 Centre Avenue, as well as the vacant land in between.  The mixed-use development will include gallery space, micro-restaurants, live-work space, and affordable housing units.
• The Sankofa Group, Inc. plans to develop the vacant land to the east of the Thelma Lovette YMCA in two phases: Sankofa Square, a three-story commercial structure and parking lot and Sankofa Estates: an 8-12 unit mixed-income, multi-family development.
• Thomas Boyd is seeking to purchase and redevelop the former Hamm’s Barbershop building and adjacent lots located at the corner of Centre Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street. Mr. Boyd has operated Big Tom’s Barbershop in the Hill District for 14 years and has been renting in his current location all this time. Mr. Boyd proposes to rehabilitate the first floor and relocate his existing business to that building. The upper two floors are tentatively scheduled to be renovated as two, 2-bedroom apartments that would be marketed as affordable. The adjacent lots would be used for outdoor deck/lounge space that would be utilized by the community at times and at other times be utilized by neighborhood home-based businesses for pop-up sales and demonstrations.

The six proposals represent a total of 55 parcels; 54 are URA-owned and one is City-owned. 

Prior to the release of the RFQ, the Equitable Empowerment Fund (EEF) was created. The EEF is a new tool designed to provide funding for technical assistance through a local nonprofit partner, Neighborhood Allies. With EEF, respondents could receive assistance with RFQ language/packet development, budget and proforma development, and feasibility analysis to ensure that the vision for the parcel is feasible and fits within the community plan. The creation of this tool helped lower barriers and encouraged small businesses, local businesses, and small developers to respond and participate. 

"When the URA announced the plan to begin working with the neighborhood to redevelop the Centre Avenue corridor back in March 2018, we heard from a host of community stakeholders and community partners that our process needed to be modified to ensure existing business owners, non-profits, and Hill District cultural institutions could participate and ensure community ownership,” said Diamonte Walker, Deputy Executive Director of the URA.

“It became abundantly clear that we needed to take a different approach, which resulted in a modified request for proposals. As a result, I am thrilled that of the eleven proposals received, all development teams were either minority or woman owned and/or a Hill District non-profit or cultural institution. There is considerable work to be done, but we look forward to supporting these fantastic development teams bring the vision of a revitalized corridor to fruition.”  

The URA issued an RFQ in July 2019 seeking multiple developers to participate in the revitalization of various publicly owned, scattered sites along the Centre Avenue Corridor in the Middle Hill neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh.  Following the October 22, 2019 deadline, the URA received 11 responses. More information on the Centre Avenue RFQ can be found here. The URA plans to release a second round of the RFQ in March for the remaining parcels.

The URA Board of Directors meets at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2020, in the Lower Level Conference Room at the URA offices located at 412 Boulevard of the Allies.

Contact: 
Gigi Saladna
Senior Communications Manager
Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
412.255.6434
gsaladna@ura.org
 

No public events scheduled

Meeting with JMC Holdings

Time: 1 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting with Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting with Tom Mosser

Time: 3:30 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

PITTSBURGH, PA (Feburary 11, 2020) The URA Board of Directors is set to vote Thursday on affordable housing developments in Homewood South and Garfield/Friendship.

The board is expected to vote to enter into loan and grant agreements with Operation Better Block (OBB) for the acquisition and rehabilitation of 627 N. Homewood Avenue, better known as the James T. Givner Building, in the Homewood South neighborhood. The building will contain two retail spaces on the ground floor which will be occupied by two neighborhood-serving businesses. The second and third floors will include six affordable, one-bedroom units. Four of the units will be rented to tenants with incomes at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) and two units will be rented to tenants with incomes at or below 80% AMI. All utilities, with the exception of tenants’ electric, will be paid by the owner.

Historically, the Givner Building has been a key component of Homewood's Business District and formerly housed the WURP Radio Station, a barbershop, a dental office, and the Homewood-Brushton Revitalization & Development Corporation offices. The proposed redevelopment will complete the development of the key intersection of North Homewood Avenue and Kelly Street, and anchor a strategic section of the Business District with the creation of the new affordable rental units and commercial spaces.

"This building is key to both the history and the future of Homewood, and I'm very happy the URA and Operation Better Block are supporting its rebirth," Mayor William Peduto said.

OBB will serve as the borrower, developer, Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) nonprofit applicant, service provider, and property manager for the project. The complete renovation of the building includes new interior finishes, furnishings, structural supports, and roofing as well as exterior improvements such as door/window modifications, accessibility enhancements, and landscaping of the adjacent lot. The adjoining vacant lot will be used for outdoor seating and/or supportive green space. The total cost of the redevelopment is budgeted at $2,319,085. 

"The URA has enjoyed working with Jerome Jackson and his team at Operation Better Block. Their hard work and dedication to developing Homewood's business corridor is evident. The redevelopment of the Givner Building will help create a vibrant business corridor while also providing affordable housing options for neighborhood residents," URA Director of Housing Opportunities Jessica Smith Perry said.

Loans will be provided from the Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) Rental Gap Program, the Rental Housing Development and Improvement Program, the Urban Development Action Grant Program Income Fund, and URA Streetface Program; grants will be provided from the Community Development Investment Fund and a URA Department of Community and Economic Development Keystone award.

The URA Board will also vote to approve a HOF Rental Gap Program (RGP) loan for $400,000 with Montana Development Corporation (MDC), in partnership with Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, to provide combined construction/permanent financing for the renovation andpreservation of the Montana Building, a 16-unit affordable building for individuals and families.

Located at 5456 Penn Ave. in Garfield/Friendship, the Montana Building consists of eight one-bedroom units, and eight two-bedroom units. All 16 units are occupied by low-income households and rented at affordable rates. The property has operated as an affordable apartment building since 1992 when MDC was incorporated as a nonprofit and purchased and renovated the property. 

After 28 years, the building needs additional rehabilitation. Most of the needed repairs are exterior, including the fire escapes, roof, masonry, repointing, and repainting. The building interior has been well maintained and units have been updated over the years. Minor interior repairs will be completed as part of the construction contract, including common area electrical, new furnaces, and kitchen cabinets/countertops based on unit needs. 

The HOF funds being provided will ensure permanent affordability, with four units to be rented to households with incomes at or below 30% AMI and 12 units rented to households with incomes at or below 50% AMI. 

At its February 6, 2020 meeting, the HOF Advisory board passed a motion to award this project a HOF RGP loan in the amount of $400,000. The HOF RGP is intended to help fund the creation of new affordable housing and/or preserve affordable housing citywide, specifically targeting households at or below 30 % AMI and 50% AMI. 

About Operation Better Block (OBB):
Founded in 1970 to overcome neighborhood blight and deterioration, OBB's mission is to strategize, organize and mobilize, block by block, to benefit the Homewood community. This is accomplished through technical and community assistance provided to block associations, fostering youth development, participating in housing development efforts, and encouraging and supporting public and private investments to stimulate economic development in the community. 

About Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC):
The BGC exists to improve the quality of life of the residents of Garfield and the surrounding neighborhoods. It does this through several real estate development and people-focused activities.  

Contact: 
Gigi Saladna
Senior Communications Manager
Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
412.255.6434
gsaladna@ura.org

Four items relating to development opportunties in Homewood, Beechview, LIncoln Place and Downtown will be presented Thursday to the board of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA).

The Economic Development Department, in partnership with Camo Customz and Oasis Creative Space, will present the concept design of the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum re-boarding artwork.

• The URA Board awarded the re-boarding contract to Camo Customz and Oasis Creative Space at its December 2019 meeting. The artists worked jointly with Homewood Collaborative to produce a final design. The artists and URA staff attended the January 16, 2020 Homewood Collaborative Meeting and the January 21, 2020 Homewood Community Meeting to show the community the artwork, and it was met with positive feedback. The URA is funding the project with $15,860.

The URA will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 1600 Broadway Ave in Beechview, and recently issued an RFP for Commercial Market Analysis in Lincoln Place.

• The URA acquired the property located at 1600 Broadway in 2008 through foreclosure. Over the years the URA has worked with multiple developers, but none have been the correct fit for this key structure in Beechview’s business district.  The URA will reissue an RFP seeking developers to purchase and redevelop the site.
• The property in Lincoln Place, located at 1201 Mifflin Road, was acquired by the City of Pittsburgh in 2003. Formerly a mobile home park, this approximately 7.19-acre site is now vacant land. The URA is in the process of acquiring the property from the city with the intent of conveying it for redevelopment.  The URA is in the early stages of planning and is seeking proposals from commercial market professionals to help understand the types of businesses and square footages that can be supported by the market in this location. The URA has been working closely with Councilman O’Connor’s Office and the 31st Ward Community Action Group on this redevelopment.

Finally, the Board is expected to vote to approve a redevelopment proposal and contract for the sale of 604 Liberty Avenue, Downtown, to Hitchhiker Holdings, LLC for $120,000 plus costs.

• 604 Liberty Avenue is an 1,875 square-foot building located next to Liberty News and across from Heinz Hall, with a unique vantage point onto 6th Street and the Roberto Clemente Bridge. The property is located within two blocks of Market Square. Hitchhiker Holdings, LLC is a Pittsburgh-based brewing company currently with two locations: one in Sharpsburg, a 15,000 square-foot tap room that opened in 2017; and one in Mt. Lebanon, a 1,500 square-foot tap room opened in 2014. Hitchhiker Holdings is proposing to redevelop 604 Liberty into a retail taproom for the brewing company. The company also plans to debut nitro-brewed cold coffee during daylight working hours.
• Total estimated project costs are $547,500, with cost of improvements to the property estimated at $427,500. In the event Hitchhiker sells the property within 20 years of the URA-Hitchhiker closing, the URA will receive 5% of the sale price. Prior to the sale of this property, the proposed development will again be presented to the URA Board for approval of final working drawings, evidence of financing and authorization to execute the deed.

Contact: 
Gigi Saladna
Senior Communications Manager
Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
412.255.6434
gsaladna@ura.org

Interview with Patrice O'Neill

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Interview with WESA-FM

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Weekly Meeting with Director Of Public Safety Wendell Hissrich & Chief Of Police Scott Schubert

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Interview with City Paper's Ryan Deto

Time: 3:30 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building 

Conference Call with Bond Rating Agency

Time: 11 A.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Conference Call with Bond Rating Agency (Part II)

Time: 2 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Weekly Scheduling Meeting

Time: 3:30 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

One Northside Annual Celebration

Time: 6:30 P.M.

Location: Heinz Field, North Shore

Joining Action Housing & YMCA Of Greater Pittsburgh for Groundbreaking on Historic Centre Avenue YMCA

Time: 10:30 A.M.

Location: Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church, Middle Hill

Presenting Pittsburgh Emergency Medicine Foundation Proclamation

Time: 11:30 A.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting With Pittsburgh Board Of Public Education Member Sala Udin

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Telephone Call With Volker Hartkopf

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

PITTSBURGH, PA (Feburary 14, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is announcing a full lane closure on Centre Avenue between Morewood Avenue and Cypress Street from today through Monday, February 17, 2020 at 6 p.m.

This closure will allow for the erection of a tower crane for a new development project.

All Port Authority buses and vehicle traffic will be detoured with clearly marked signs.

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 17, 2020) Mayor William Peduto issued a letter today to community organizations, calling on them to submit public comment in opposition to changes to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) that have been proposed by the Trump Administration. Currently, the CRA incentivizes banks and financial institutions to open offices in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and draw investment to those areas. The proposed changes remove these incentives and could eliminate access to capital and ability of these areas to attract investment.

“The CRA has been a critical part of the fabric of community development since 1977 and it’s created the opportunity for equity in our neighborhoods. When banks move into low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, other projects move into those neighborhoods because CRA regulations say to the financial institutions ‘You’re a part of this community. You’re a neighbor. You’ll get a higher rating if you prove it by lending fairly and locally so your neighbors can reinvest, revitalize and boost the economy of this area,’” Mayor Peduto explained.

“The proposed changes to the CRA threaten the important work that our community-based organizations and community development corporations do to revitalize our neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods will take the hardest hit under these changes, so we’re calling on our partners to speak up and submit their comments,” said Mayor’s Office Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Equity Officer Majestic Lane.

Federal regulatory agencies are obligated to collect public comment for 60 days after a federal regulation change is proposed. Comments on the proposed changes must be submitted by March 9 at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=OCC-2018-0008-1515.

The full text of the letter from Mayor Peduto:

Dear Community Partner,

Your contributions to the strength of our communities is invaluable and we need your help. The Trump Administration is proposing changes that would severely weaken the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). This important civil rights statute was passed in 1977 to combat the segregating process of redlining by lending institutions. The CRA has been integral in promoting the financial health of low-income and moderate-income communities, particularly communities color by requiring banks to meet the credit needs of the local communities where they do business.

The regulatory changes proposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) reduce the ability to effectively evaluate banks in specific areas such as lending, community development investments, and community development services. Furthermore, they incentivize banks to focus more on large capital deals rather than responding to the needs of the local community, fundamentally threatening the original intention of the act. These changes would undermine the spirit of the CRA by refocusing its function to protecting banks, rather than its original intention to protecting financial investment in our most valuable assets – our neighbors and our communities.

Per federal requirements the FDIC and OCC are hosting a 60-day open comment period to gather feedback and testimony. To date, the Federal Reserve, which regulates 20 percent of the market and is the third regulatory body required to pass the changes, has refused to sign on to the proposal stating, “Any modernization of the CRA must further the goal at the heart of the statute — encouraging banks to meet the credit needs of local low- and moderate-income communities.” They will be closely reviewing public comment before determining how they will proceed.

The City of Pittsburgh has submitted public comment in opposition to the proposed regulatory changes and are joining cities across the country by signing onto an opposition letter from the United States Conference of Mayors. These changes threaten financial investment and development in our neighborhoods and communities. We hope that our community partners like you will join us by submitting public comments by March 9, 2020 via this site: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=OCC-2018-0008-1515.

The CRA is critical legislation that should be updated to be stronger and more effective for communities, not gutted for the convenience of financial institutions. Banks must be held accountable in meeting the needs of the communities they serve.

Your partnership and community work is the foundation of our neighborhoods’ revitalization. Thank you for sharing the City of Pittsburgh’s commitment to sustaining, growing and strengthening our communities.

Sincerely,

William Peduto

Mayor of Pittsburgh

Meeting with Marge Krueger

Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 18, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh are pleased to be part of Smart Growth America’s new National Opportunity Zones Marketplace, intended to equip local governments, real estate developers and investors, and community leaders with the tools needed to work together to make smart, equitable development possible in Opportunity Zones—and beyond.

Pittsburgh is one of 13 cities chosen to participate in Smart Growth America and LOCUS’ National Opportunity Zones Academy, supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Barr Foundation. This new Marketplace is designed to allow these 13 local governments to post their shovel-ready development projects and share them with developers and investors looking for equitable development opportunities, and communicate their Opportunity Zone questions, comments, opportunities, and needs.

Mayor William Peduto and URA leaders believe that it is vital that the new Opportunity Zones tax incentive is used carefully and deliberately to benefit rather than displace people and create walkable, mixed-use communities with a variety of employment and housing options for everyone.

Through the SGA Marketplace the City and the URA are interested in understanding the ways in which leadership can leverage Opportunity Zones alongside the Pittsburgh Housing Opportunity Fund, Micro-Enterprise Loan Fund, Equitable Empowerment Program, and other longstanding small business, storefront, and incubator initiatives to help further the city’s equitable development goals and alleviate residential and commercial displacement concerns.

“Our work with SGA will help us create strategies to harness Opportunity Zones to promote social equity,” said Tom Link, director of the URA’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

At its core, this new Marketplace is a transparent, national hub where social impact developers and investors from across the country can come to look for potential projects and places to park their patient capital and partner with cities to invest in equitable development in ways that help the cities meet their goals for affordable housing, economic development, and more.

This new Marketplace is just one part of Smart Growth America’s National Opportunity Zones Academy, an 18-month technical assistance, deal-making, and peer learning effort to help cities and towns create place based, community-led approaches to developing sustainable growth and development strategies to transform selected Opportunity Zones into economically-thriving and socially-inclusive, walkable places.

Anyone can view the Marketplace and create a profile to follow along at https://oppsites.com/sgamarketplace.

Meeting with Bill Hunt

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 18, 2020) Applications are now open for the Spring 2020 City of Pittsburgh Civic Leadership Academy (CLA). CLA is a free 11-week course where participants learn about city operations, services and resources from leaders of city departments, offices, bureaus and authorities. The program is held twice per year and applications are open to individuals over age 18 who live in, or own and operate a business in, the City of Pittsburgh limits.

The Spring 2020 session will be held every Wednesday, March 25 – June 10, 2020, from 6:00-8:30 PM. (There is no class on April 8). Dinner is provided at each session and free childcare is available upon request.

Participating Departments Include:

• Office of Mayor William Peduto
• City of Pittsburgh City Council Offices
• 311
• Commission on Human Relations
• Department of City Planning
• Department of Finance
• Department of Innovation and Performance
• Department of Mobility and Infrastructure
• Department of Parks and Recreation
• Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections
• Department of Public Safety
• Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
• Bureau of Fire
• Bureau of Police
• Department of Public Works
• Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
• Office of Business Diversity
• Office of Management and Budget
• Office of Municipal Investigations
• Pittsburgh Parking Authority
• Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
• Urban Redevelopment Authority

Learn more about the Civic Leadership Academy at pittsburghpa.gov/oca/cla and apply at applycla.pittsburghpa.gov.

To receive notification of future opportunities with the Civic Leadership Academy and other programs and news from the Office of Community Affairs and the City of Pittsburgh, sign up for the newsletter: newsletter.pittsburghpa.gov.

Please contact Leah Friedman at 412-255-4773 or leah.friedman@pittsburghpa.gov with questions.

Press Conference with Senator Casey

Time: 10:00 A.M.

Location: A. Leo. Weil Elementary School, Middle Hill

Disability & Mental Health Summit Press Conference

Time: 11:30 A.M.

Location: The Grand Lobby, City-County Building

Meeting with Tim Beatley

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Weekly Meeting with Director Of Public Safety Wendell Hissrich  & Chief Of Police Scott Schubert

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Interview with WESA-FM

Time: 3:30 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting with IAM Robotics Team

Time: 12:30 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting with Carnegie Museums Of Pittsburgh President Steve Knapp

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

New Market Tax Credit Affordable Housing Celebration

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: 208 North Fairmont Street, Garfield 

No public events scheduled

No public events scheduled. 

No public events scheduled. 

Meeting with Chief of Staff Daniel Gilman, Chief Kinsey Casey, HRCS Director Janet Manuel 

Time: 11:30 A.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Pittsburgh Fashion Summit Panel 

Time: 1:00 P.M. 

Location: Union Trust Building

Meeting with PACT

Time: 2:00 P.M. 

Weekly Scheduling Meeting

Time: 3:30 P.M. 

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting with Bryan Salesky

Time: 5:00 P.M. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 24, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Office of Management and Budget has released its inaugural Buying Plan that provides businesses with a list of contracting projects and opportunities for bid for the next four quarters to enhance accessibility to bid on government contracts. The Buying Plan includes lists from the City of Pittsburgh, Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Parking Authority, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, Sports and Exhibition Authority and the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Businesses will be able to see a comprehensive bidding forecast list from all six government agencies in a single document.

As part of the Living Cities Accelerator Grant, this project aims to make procurement more inclusive and is a recommended best practice to improve minority- and women-owned business participation in government contracting.  For smaller companies, the Buying Plan will help provide these businesses with ample time to look into opportunities in advance of their posting to ensure the project fits their interests and aligns with their resources. For larger contracts, the project also allows the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise community to look into collaboration and teaming arrangements to enhance their competitive profile.

The Buying Plan is available at https://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/redtail/images/8618_Pgh_Buying_Plan_Q1_2020.pdf and will soon be available on all partner agencies' websites. It will be updated quarterly with the most current information.  All City of Pittsburgh bidding opportunities will continue to be posted on the Beacon procurement platform.

Pittsburgh, PA (February 24, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Office of Equity and its partners will kick off the Pittsburgh Saves initiative promoting the idea that everyone can make and meet a savings goal. Partners will share resources such as one-on-one financial counseling, free tax preparation services and children's savings incentives. 

WHO: City of Pittsburgh, Office of Equity, Neighborhood Allies, Advantage Credit Counseling Services, Propel Schools and United Way

WHAT: Launching Pittsburgh Saves and America Saves Week 

WHERE: Grand Lobby of City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

WHEN: 2:00 P.M. Monday, February 24, 2020

Meeting with Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Office of the County Executive, Allegheny County Courthouse

Interview with The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Bob Bauder

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Interview with The Pittsburgh Current

Time: 4:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Jewish Residential Services Clubhouse Storytelling Event

Time: 5:30 P.M.

Location: 2609 Murray Avenue, Squirrell Hill South

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 25, 2020) Fitch Ratings has improved the City of Pittsburgh's financial outlook, raising it from stable to positive. 

“The revision of the Outlook to Positive reflects the expansion of the local economy due to significant private investment and rebuilding efforts that have bolstered the city's revenue growth prospects,” the Fitch report said.  

The findings "incorporate the city's very strong operating performance, including its exceptionally strong ability to manage through downturns, given its very high reserve cushion and significant independent legal ability to increase revenues,” Fitch continued. 

Mayor William Peduto thanked Fitch Ratings for the report, and particularly their praise of the City’s commitment to financial reforms since coming out of the state’s Act 47 financial recovery process. 

“The City’s sustained financial health is not only attracting private investment, but also giving us the ability to reinvest in infrastructure needs across every Pittsburgh neighborhood. I want to thank our partners in City Council for their help in staying committed to the sound financial decision-making that led to these accolades,” he said. 

The ratings report comes as the City is finalizing a $50 million bond issue to help fund its 2020 Capital Budget. 

Standard & Poor’s also released its ratings for the bond issue, keeping the City’s rating stable at AA-. 

Weekly Meeting with Director Of Public Safety Wendell Hissrich & Chief Of Police Scott Schubert

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting with Jonathan Holtzman

Time: 3:30 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Weekly Scheduling Meeting

Time: 4:30 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building 

Opening Of Facebook Pittsburgh Office

Time: 9:30 A.M.

Location: 131 15th Street, Strip District

Tour of Pittsburgh Neighborhoods with State Rep. Joanna McClinton

Time: 12:30 P.M.

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 27, 2020) Beginning Tuesday, March 3, PennDOT tree trimming contractors will be working to remove invasive trees along the Eliza Furnace Trail between the Hot Metal and 10th Street bridges. 

Work will be conducted Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an expected completion date of Monday, March 23. (Fridays will be make-up days for missed work.)

Trail users should expect intermittent short-term stoppages of five minutes or less during tree removal work. New trees will be planted along the trail by Tree Pittsburgh this spring.This beautification project is a cooperative effort among PennDOT, the City of Pittsburgh, Tree Pittsburgh and Friends of the Riverfront. It is supported by grants from Target and the Arbor Day Foundation.

As a matter of safety, all cyclists and pedestrians utilizing the trail must adhere to any intermittent delays or closures.

Contact City Forestry at 412-665-3625 for more information. For volunteer opportunities, please contact Jake Milofsky at Tree Pittsburgh at 412-781-8733. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 27, 2020) Mayor William Peduto today named the five members of a new committee to help recruit and recommend new leadership for the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority, and called for the authority to expand its board of directors to nine members. 

Plans to create the committee arose from recommendations by the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on the PWSA. The panel’s December 2017 report said the authority’s governance would be assisted by a nominating committee comprised of five members with experience in community engagement. 

The members of the nomination committee named by Mayor Peduto today include: 

• Community College of Allegheny County President Quintin Bullock 
• Former Regional Asset District Executive Director David Donahoe 
• Women for a Healthy Environment Executive Director Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis 
• University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Emeritus and chair of the Institute of Politics Mark Nordenberg (committee chair) 
• Heinz Endowments President Grant Oliphant 

Mayor Peduto is also calling on the seven-member PWSA board to be expanded to nine members, to bring more leadership and oversight to the publicly-owned authority. The new committee would make recommendations on new board members to Mayor Peduto, whose nominations would then be subject to approval by City Council. 

The PWSA board may act on the Mayor’s request at its next meeting tomorrow, February 28. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 28, 2020) The national coalition Welcoming America has selected Welcoming Pittsburgh – a national leader for immigrant, refugee and New American inclusion programs hosted in Mayor William Peduto's Office of Equity – and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) as one of only three communities nationwide to participate in the 2020 Welcoming Economies Technical Assistance Pilot (WE Pilot).

The WE Pilot will allow Pittsburgh to continue to develop nationally-recognized best practices for advancing the economic inclusion and success of immigrants.

“When immigrant, refugee and New American neighbors’ businesses succeed and when they have access to jobs, housing and economic development resources, our whole community’s economy grows and gets stronger for all of us,” Mayor William Peduto said.

The WE Pilot program will include access to tools and resources to develop successful programs, projects and initiatives. Over the course of the year, Welcoming Pittsburgh and the URA will receive over 20 hours of direct technical assistance, access to subject area experts, hands-on coaching and peer learning opportunities. WE Pilot leaders will convene at the national Welcoming Interactive conference on June 3 in Charlotte, NC.

More information about the program is available from Welcoming America: https://www.welcomingamerica.org/news/three-communities-join-2020-welcoming-economies-technical-assistance-pilot.

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 28, 2020) The national coalition Welcoming America has selected Welcoming Pittsburgh – a national leader for immigrant, refugee and New American inclusion programs hosted in Mayor William Peduto's Office of Equity – and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) as one of only three communities nationwide to participate in the 2020 Welcoming Economies Technical Assistance Pilot (WE Pilot).

The WE Pilot will allow Pittsburgh to continue to develop nationally-recognized best practices for advancing the economic inclusion and success of immigrants.

“When immigrant, refugee and New American neighbors’ businesses succeed and when they have access to jobs, housing and economic development resources, our whole community’s economy grows and gets stronger for all of us,” Mayor William Peduto said.

The WE Pilot program will include access to tools resources to develop successful programs, projects and initiatives. Over the course of the year, Welcoming Pittsburgh and the URA will receive over 20 hours of direct technical assistance, access to subject area experts, hands-on coaching and peer learning opportunities. WE Pilot leaders will convene at the national Welcoming Interactive conference on June 3 in Charlotte, NC.

More information about the program is available from Welcoming America: https://www.welcomingamerica.org/news/three-communities-join-2020-welcoming-economies-technical-assistance-pilot.

Goodwill Of Southwestern Pennsylvania 100th Anniversary Press Conference

Time: 10:30 A.M.

Location: Goodwill Of Southwestern Pennsylvania - 52nd Street, Upper Lawrenceville

Presenting Mayor Sophie Masloff Employee Of The Month Award

Time: 11:30 A.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting With Jeff Sachs

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting With Chief Operating Officer Kinsey Casey

Time: 3:30 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 2, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to announce the closure of Greenleaf Street between Horner Street and Bradley Street to allow for the construction of a new retaining wall.

The closure in Duquesne Heights will begin Thursday, March 5, 2020 and last approximately four months. All traffic will be detoured using Shaler Street. Detour signs will be in place to direct traffic.

Independent Enterprises will be constructing a modular block wall to support Greenleaf Street which will resolve the current landslide.

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at domi@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-8850. More information on the project and periodic updates can be found at https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/current-projects.

Meeting With Carlow University President Dr. Suzanne Mellon

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

City Of Pittsburgh - UPMC Minutes Matter Promotional Filming With WPXI-TV

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: WPXI-TV, Summer Hill

Meeting With Acting Director Of City Planning Andrew Dash

Time: 4:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting With Ralph Falbo

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Interview With Public Source's Rich Lord

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Monthly Meeting With Pittsburgh City Council Leaders

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Meeting With Dr. Harry D. Clark

Time: 3:30 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Conservation Voters Of Pennsylvania Event

Time: 5:30 P.M.

Location: Olive or Twist, Central Business District

Speaking To Civics Class At Taylor Allderdice High School

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Taylor Allderdice High School, Squirrel Hill South

Weekly Meeting With Director Of Public Safety Wendell Hissrich and Chief Of Police Scott Schubert

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting With Director Of Public Safety Wendell Hissrich and Director Of Innovation & Performance Santiago Graces

Time: 3:30 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building 

Meeting With City Of Pittsburgh Economic Development Team

Time: 4:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 5, 2020) Extra crews from the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works will take advantage of good weather expected this weekend and fill potholes in neighborhoods citywide. 

Crews will work from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, with extra patching work planned for Monday, March 9. 

Residents are welcome to report potholes by calling 311 (by dialing 311 or 412-255-2621) or by using their online request form. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 5, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is announcing changes to traffic patterns on Second Avenue between the Armstrong Tunnel and Brady Street beginning Sunday, March 8, 2020 with an expected completion by November, 2020. 

The west bound (inbound) lane will be closed and all Second Avenue traffic will be shifted into the east bound (outbound) lane for two bidirectional travel lanes. 

The closure of the inbound lane will assist PennDOT with its rehabilitation work this spring on two sections of retaining wall along I-376 (Parkway East). The walls are located by near the 10th Street Bridge and along the Eliza Furnace Trail near Technology Drive. 

The Eliza Furnace Trail will be obstructed but trail user access will be maintained throughout the duration of the project. 

Meeting With Chris Urmson

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Aurora Headquarters, Central Lawrenceville

Meeting With Doug Heuck

Time: 1:30 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Annual Interview With City Channel Pittsburgh

Time: 3:00 P.M.
Location: City Channel Pittsburgh, City-County Building

Weekly Scheduling Meeting

Time: 4:00 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City County Building

Mayor Sophie Masloff Biography Release Event

Time: 6:00 P.M.

Location: Senator John Heinz History Center, Strip District 

Meeting With Duquesne University President Ken Gormley & Provost David Dausey

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Meeting With Chief Of Staff Daniel Gilman

Time: 12:30 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Filming Documentary with UPMC

Time: 3:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

OCA Event With Mike Chen 

Time: 4:00 P.M.

Location: 112 Atwood Street, Central Oakland

The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is extending the full vehicle closure of Fourth Avenue between Wood Street and Smithfield Street. This closure will be extended for the remainder of March due to unforeseen circumstances during construction.

During this time, all vehicle traffic will be detoured from Wood Street, to the Boulevard of the Allies, to Smithfield Street, to Fourth Avenue.

Port Authority Buses will be discontinued on Fourth Avenue and will utilize the Boulevard of the Allies for the temporary bus route during this closure.

Pedestrian traffic will be maintained on Fourth Avenue throughout the project.

If you have any questions regarding this road closure, please submit them to the city’s 311 response center by dialing 311 within the city or 412-255-2621. They can also be submitted online at https://pittsburghpa.gov/311/.

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 9, 2020) New legislation from Mayor William Peduto will ease parking requirements in densely built city neighborhoods, which will increase pedestrian safety and lessen reliance on automobiles. 

The legislation changes city Zoning Code rules for single-family attached dwellings (rowhouses) that currently require them to have parking spaces. The requirement currently forces housing developers and homeowners to make curb cuts into sidewalks to provide parking, which makes walking more cumbersome for pedestrians. 

“This change will enhance what makes many of our historic neighborhoods so special, and it will encourage more people to walk, help people using baby carriages and wheelchairs to navigate sidewalks, and help residents get to know their city and their neighbors by foot,” Mayor Peduto said. 

Additionally, the change is expected to boost housing affordability by not requiring parking pads and garages to be constructed for new homes; secure the historic nature of older city neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, the Mexican War Streets and the South Side; and help reduce carbon emissions by not requiring spaces for gas-powered vehicles.  

The “removal of minimum parking requirements for development of single-family attached dwellings furthers the City’s goals of improving pedestrian safety, enhancing neighborhood walkability, and promoting non-vehicular mobility” the legislation states. 

The Zoning Code currently requires all Single Unit Attached residences to have at least one off-street parking space per unit. The Mayor’s legislation, which is being introduced to City Council tomorrow, would change that requirement to zero. 

The change is in line with development goals shared by the Departments of City Planning and Mobility and Infrastructure. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 9, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to announce the opening of Swinburne Street in South Oakland. The road will remain open until final paving is done in the spring. Swinburne Street will then be fully reopened with unrestricted two way traffic.

This follows five months of construction to stabilize the slope. Swinburne is one of several streets that have been affected by landslides over the last few years due to extreme weather conditions.

Several other large scale slide response projects are either in construction or will be started in the coming months, including William Street, Forward Avenue and Greenleaf Street.

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at domi.streets@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-8850.  More information on the project and periodic updates can be found at https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/current-projects.

Project construction photos are below. (Credit: Department of Mobility and Infrastructure)

Before:

During: 

After:

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 9, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to announce the opening of two-way traffic on List Street in Spring Hill. The road will remain open until final paving is done in the spring. List Street will then be fully reopened with unrestricted two way traffic.

This follows several months of construction of a wall to support List Street. List is one of several streets that have been affected by landslides over the last few years due to the extreme wet weather conditions. 

Several other large scale slide response projects are either in construction or will be started in the coming months. These include Swinburne Street, William Street, Forward Avenue and Greenleaf Street.

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at domi.streets@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-8850.  More information on the project and periodic updates can be found at https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/current-projects.

Before and after photos are below. (Credit: Department of Mobility and Infrastructure)

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 10, 2020) The first project in the implementation of the Manchester-Chateau Neighborhood Plan will begin with a public design charrette on March 17, 18, and 19. The Department of City Planning received technical assistance funding from the Environmental Protection Agency to fund this project as a direct result of the goals outlined in the Manchester-Chateau Neighborhood Plan.

Safer, healthier streets are a priority for the Manchester-Chateau neighborhoods to establish safe connections among the neighborhood, businesses, and riverfront, specifically the Route 65 underpass. Turning these streets into green, park-like streets will significantly improve the safety of pedestrian crossings, as well as provide environmental benefits.

A series of three public events will provide residents, business owners, and the surrounding community the opportunity to participate in the design of the new streets. All are invited to participate in the design process.

Open House Kick-Off, Tuesday, March 17 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Public Design Workshop, Wednesday, March 18 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. *lunch will be provided

Final Design Presentation, Thursday, March 19 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Attendees do not need to attend all sessions to participate in one session. All events will be at Manchester Citizens Corporation, 1319 Allegheny Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233. There will be a “play station” available for children.

The design charrette is a partnership between the Department of City Planning, Manchester Citizens Corporation, and the EPA. These organizations will work together for the planning and implementation of this project.

For more information on the project, visit https://pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/mcnp-projects.

Contacts:

Stephanie Joy Everett

Project Manager, Senior Planner

Department of City Planning

stephaniejoy.everett@pittsburghpa.gov

Andrew Dash

Acting Director

Department of City Planning

andrew.dash@pittsburghpa.gov

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 10, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is in Washington D.C. today for the launch of a new international initiative among Pittsburgh and five other American and German cities, and for the National League of Cities Congressional City Congress.

The Mayor will attend the launch of the “New Urban Progress” initiative at 9 a.m. today with leaders from Denver, Austin, and three German cities to be named. 

New Urban Progress is a three-year comparative study of creative problem-solving organized by the Progressive Policy Institute and two German think tanks, Das Progressive Zentrum and Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft. The purpose of this collaboration is to spark a transatlantic cross-fertilization of ideas for stimulating more local initiative and innovation. 

At today’s launch event Mayor Peduto will showcase Pittsburgh's emerging leadership in robotics, machine learning, immunology and clean energy, as well as the city's efforts to bridge social divides, develop local talent and stimulate innovation in low-income neighborhoods. 

Joining him are Mayors Levar Stoney of Richmond, Va. and Lovely Warren of Rochester, NY, as well as former Kansas City Mayor Sly James and Even Dreyer, Deputy Chief of Staff to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.  

The forum also will feature some of the nation's most prominent metro analysts and thinkers, including Bruce Katz, The New Localism; Amy Liu, Brookings Institution Metro Center; and Evan Absher, Kauffman Foundation. 

Organizers are paying the costs of the Mayor’s travel. No city tax dollars are being spent. 

He returns from the NLC tomorrow. 

Mayor William Peduto’s Public Schedule – Tuesday, March 10, 2020 

New Urban Progress Launch Event 

Time: 9 a.m. 

Location: Line Hotel, Washington D.C. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 11, 2020) In addition to its announcement today that Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is cancelled, the City is implementing several other measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

The measures include internal City government protocols to protect its own workers, as well as messaging to outside groups on efforts to help stop spreading the disease. 

Today the City announced: 

• The cancellation of the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting planned for March 24-25 
• A ban on all international air travel by employees for City business, and a ban on national travel unless it is approved by the Mayor’s Office 
• A ban on all City government-affiliated meetings of more than 50 people  
• Ongoing work by Chief Operations Officer Kinsey Casey on Continuity of Operations planning should large numbers of personnel not be able to come to work, including work-from-home plans, and reviews by Innovation & Performance officials of the City’s technological capacities

The Department of Public Safety has: 

• Started regular meetings dating to early January to discuss COVID-19 preparations
• Distributed Personal Protection Equipment packages – which include gloves, masks, eyewear and sanitizer – to First Responders 
• Provided training to First Responders on how to recognize symptoms and proper protocol when encountering someone suspected of having COVID-19
• In February began meeting with Allegheny County officials to discuss preparations 
• Sent letters today to local restaurants, bars and clubs to provide guidelines for St. Patrick’s Day events. Strongly recommended actions included: Lowering occupancy rates so that people have more personal space, cleaning bathrooms regularly, having soap and hand sanitizer available at all times, using disposable cups, keeping high-contact surfaces clean, and telling staff NOT come to work if sick. It also advised the public not to go out if sick, not to share drinks, to wash hands regularly and not to engage in the St. Patrick’s Day holiday practice of kissing strangers. 
• Continually used social media to promote health guidelines from county, stats and national health care officials

More updates will follow as necessary. 

In the meantime please follow announcements and advisories on the coronavirus by the Allegheny County Health Department, the Pennsylvania Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 11, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is traveling back to Pittsburgh today from Washington D.C. where he participated in the launch of a new international initiative among Pittsburgh and five other American and German cities, and for the National League of Cities Congressional City Congress.

The Mayor attended the launch of “New Urban Progress” which is a three-year comparative study of creative problem-solving organized by the Progressive Policy Institute and two German think tanks, Das Progressive Zentrum and Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft. The purpose of this collaboration is to spark a transatlantic cross-fertilization of ideas for stimulating more local initiative and innovation. 

Mayor Peduto showcased Pittsburgh’s emerging leadership in robotics, machine learning, immunology and clean energy, as well as the city's efforts to bridge social divides, develop local talent and stimulate innovation in low-income neighborhoods. 

Forum organizers are paying the costs of the Mayor’s travel. No city tax dollars are being spent.

Mayor William Peduto’s Public Schedule – Wednesday 11, 2020 

Flight from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh

Time: 3:00 PM

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 11, 2020) – Due to ongoing concerns over the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Pittsburgh today is joining cities around the globe – including Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Dublin, Ireland – in cancelling the St. Patrick’s Day parade planned for Saturday, March 14.

“The health of our residents and visitors to our city must be our main priority,” Mayor William Peduto said. “This mitigation measure will help keep people in Pittsburgh and Western Pa. safe.”

In cancelling the parade, the City of Pittsburgh is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to avoid mass gatherings and observe “social distancing.”

“Social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible,” according to the CDC., which recommends all people, even those with no identifiable risk, practice social distancing as a precaution.

The City informed parade organizers of the decision this morning. The administration intends to work with organizers to discuss alternative options to celebrate Pittsburgh’s Irish Community in the future.

As of this morning, there are 14 people infected with the COVID-19 virus in the state of Pennsylvania. The first presumptive case was found on Friday, March 6.

Allegheny County has not recorded any cases of the virus. It is our hope that this mitigation step will aid in containing and reducing the spread of the deadly virus.

Recording "For The Win" Interview

Time: 11:30 A.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Interview With Ruben Brock

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Location: Office of the Mayor, City-County Building

Pittsburgh Bureau Of Police Promotion Ceremony

Time: 3:30 P.M.

Location: Council Chamber, City-County Building

American Cities Climate Challenge Meeting

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

Weekly Scheduling Meeting

Time: 1:30 P.M.

Location: Mayor's Conference Room, City-County Building

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 13, 2020) Mayor William Peduto today declared a State of Emergency in the City of Pittsburgh and signed an Executive Order prohibiting all public gatherings of more than 250 people, effective 9 a.m. Monday. 

“As the coronavirus has spread throughout the world, we have learned one great lesson: that by taking decisive action early on, we can slow the spread of the disease and save untold numbers of lives,” Mayor Peduto said. “I am making this announcement now so our residents can further plan for the impacts COVID-19 will have on them and their families, most likely for weeks to come.” 

The announcement comes as Pittsburgh Public Schools – and all K-12 schools statewide – have been ordered closed by Governor Wolf beginning Monday, March 16.  

The City is working with nonprofit partners and the Pittsburgh Public Schools to provide food options for city schoolchildren while the schools are closed.

The State of Emergency allows the Mayor to adopt precautionary measures to mitigate expected effects of public health disasters. Those measures may include: 

• Cancelling or limiting large gatherings 
• Cancelling or limiting events or gatherings that require City permits 
• Encouraging the use of social distancing to lessen exposure and transmission of disease 
• Cancelling or limiting some City services 
• Cancelling or limiting public and private activities that could increase exposure or transmission of disease 

The Executive Order separately prohibits all gatherings of more than 250 people in the City, starting at 9 a.m. March 16.  

The State of Emergency will be for an initial term of seven days and be subject to ratification and renewals by Pittsburgh City Council. 

The City is also working with UPMC, Allegheny Health Network on expanded testing capacity, hospital needs and support for Public Safety personnel. 

Today’s action follows other steps the City and its partners have lately made to protect and support residents and businesses due to COVID-19. They include:  

• The City banned all City government-affiliated meetings of more than 50 people, and business-related travel by City employees 
• The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority extended its shut-off moratorium until May 31 and waived income qualification criteria. Pennsylvania American Water has also ceased shut-offs 
• The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh extended assistance to Pittsburgh small businesses 
• The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh suspended all evictions except for those with serious public safety implications 
• Columbia Gas, Duquesne Light and Peoples Gas have suspended service shut-offs until at least May 1  

As Public Safety has noted, it will be strictly enforcing all occupancy permits this weekend. 

The Executive Order will suspend all court cases by Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections PLI, Mobility and Infrastructure, and Public Works except for life-safety circumstances. 

Beginning Monday, all City of Pittsburgh employees with school-age children will be allowed to tele-work if possible. Those who cannot tele-work may bring their children to the office. 

The City continues to advise residents to wash hands, clean regularly used surfaces, and not to go to work or other public spaces if sick. 

A copy of the Emergency Order is here and the Executive Order here.

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 15, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh, following protocols announced this evening by the Centers for Disease Control, is now prohibiting all public gatherings of 50 or more people, to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

On Friday the City announced all events of 250 people or more would be prohibited starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow. That ban is now expanded to require the cancellation of all gatherings of 50 or more people in the city. 

This evening the Allegheny County Health Department has additionally called for a voluntary 14-day closure of all non-essential businesses in the County, starting tomorrow, March 16. More information can be found here at the Health Department website. 

More information on these and other COVID-19 matters will be updated when necessary. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 16, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh will continue to deliver essential City services to residents throughout the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, though starting today some services will be curtailed to protect employee and resident health.. 

Beginning at noon today non-emergency City offices and facilities will be closed to the public until further notice, though operations will continue through teleworking by eligible employees.  

“We will provide continuous operations throughout this crisis. City government never shuts down and public services will be offered continuously throughout this pandemic,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

The following services and offices will remain operational: 

• All emergency services including Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and (for life safety matters only) Animal Care and Control. 
• Inspections of buildings, roads, traffic lights and other infrastructure 
• Response to weather events 
• Refuse and recycling collection (see note below) 
• City parks (though residents are urged to stay off playground equipment, as their cleanliness cannot be guaranteed) 
• Pittsburgh City Council meetings (subject to health safety restrictions) 
• City Planning, Permits, Licenses and Inspections, and the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure will continue to review plans, issue permits, and intake applications. PLI and City Planning permits are available online; the application can be found here or you can send the full application and payment via US mail. Licensing late fees will be forgiven. Utilities needing public right of way permits can continue to apply online utilizing the established Google form. All other permit requests should be submitted by email to DOMIpermits@pittsburghpa.gov and further instructions will be provided
• 311: Operators will still be taking calls; however, some issues may not be addressed immediately as crews may be limited or helping to handle pandemic-related issues. 
• Office of Municipal Investigations intake 
• Commission on Human Relations complaint intake  
• All Finance and Office of Management and Budget functions essential to continue core city operations and payroll. 
• Questions about the City’s Paid Sick Leave law will still be collected and answered at the Sick Leave website 

The following facilities and operations will be closed until further notice: 

• City Department offices in the City-County Building and the Robin Civic Building (200 Ross Street) 
• Senior Healthy Active Living Centers (see note below) 
• Recreation Centers (see note below) 
• City park shelters and fields (refunds will be issued to those who made reservations by emailing Allison.botti@pittsburghpa.gov) 
• All water fountains and restrooms in parks will be shut-off, though portable toilets will remain in service 
• All in-person permit counters  
• Special Event permits issuance 
• City participation in community meetings 
• All programming from Parks & Recreation  
• Mellon Park Tennis Bubble 
• Oliver Bath House 
• In-person tax assistance  
• Treasurer Sales (including already scheduled April 17 sale) 

All City of Pittsburgh employees will continue to be paid, and their work schedules will be overseen by their department supervisors.  

Note on refuse: While curbside trash and recycling will still be collected, if the waste is not picked up on your normal collection day please leave it at the curb and do not call 311. It will be picked up later.  

Please help protect the front line workers who are protecting you from spreading diseases by: 

• Properly bagging your trash prior to set out 
• Slowing down when you see refuse workers 
• Learn more about assisting refuse collection here. 

Note on Senior and Recreation centers: Grab-and-go meals may be distributed from a small network of these centers in coming days, but those services have not yet been finalized. Further announcements will be made regarding food access when plans are ready. 

Note on those experiencing homelessness: In the interest of preventing needless harm to our neighbors living outside, the city is working with our longtime homeless services partner, Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net (OSN), to coordinate all camp engagements. During this time of increased vulnerability for those who are homeless, camps should not be entered by anyone except those determined to be providing life-sustaining care. Please call OSN at 412-232-5739, ext. 4 or text street outreach team lead Dan Palka at 412-589-2894 with any inquiries regarding collaboration or support. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to people’s wellbeing. 

Allegheny County released a helpful guide (see press release on County operational changes) to their services during this time, including mental health and human services. 

More announcements on City response to COVID-19 will be released as necessary. 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 17, 2020) Beginning today at noon, access to the City-County Building will be limited to help protect visitors and employees from the COVID-19 virus.

The Grant Street entrance to the building will be closed and only the Ross Street entrance will be available for use.

City departments within the building were closed on Monday. The Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which oversees Allegheny County courts, issued an emergency order yesterday closing down most court activity in the City-County Building and elsewhere.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 18, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh is moving to further restrict face-to-face interactions between City personnel and residents, while preserving core City services in response to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

All City employees who can telework will continue to do so throughout the pandemic, and others will be on-call for emergency operations. 

Crews from the departments of Public Works, Mobility and Infrastructure and Permits, Licenses and Inspections will move to skeleton staffing while still responding to emergency situations. Parking enforcement is being suspended, and other City departments will be responding only to emergency matters as well.  

Public Safety responses by Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Animal Care and Control will continue as previously announced.  

“The City of Pittsburgh is committed to fully serving its residents throughout this outbreak, and is continuing to do so, while limiting close interactions to protect as many of our employees as possible,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

Today’s announcements expand the City’s first set of COVID-19 emergency orders that were released Monday. 

The Office of Management and Budget, Pittsburgh City Council, the City Controller will continue to sign and process all legislation and contracts. Communications with all federal, state and local agencies will continue to coordinate COVID-19 response, and outreach will continue to keep residents informed of all pandemic-related announcements and activities. 

The Pittsburgh Parking Authority is suspending parking enforcement, and ending hand-to-hand cash transactions at garages. Parking garage attendants and security remain in place to promote safety. 

The Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI) will continue construction site inspections and the issuance of life safety citations, as well as provide 24/7 response to all building-related emergencies. PLI will be cancelling routine property maintenance inspections, processing of all notices and citations, cashier functions, and Board of Appeals hearings. 

The Department of City Planning will continue performing planning reviews remotely, but will cancel all board and commission hearings that cannot be held through teleconferences. Tomorrow’s Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing will be held as scheduled, but with restrictions in place to guard attendees. 

The Department of Public Works will continue curbside garbage and recycling pickup, and emptying neighborhood business district and parks refuse containers. Response to weather emergencies and forestry needs will be performed on an as-needed basis and employees at Public Works Divisions will be staffing skeleton crews only. Drop-off sites at the East End, Hazelwood and West End divisions have closed, as have recycling drop-offs at Construction Junction in North Point Breeze. (Recycling drop-offs are still available in the Strip District and Beltzhoover/Knoxville.) 

Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) crews will only respond to needed street sign replacements and traffic control repairs, and will continue life-safety inspections of traffic-related job sites. It will not be performing street line painting or general sign maintenance.  

DOMI and DPW permitted job sites can continue work under the recommendation that they provide written assurances that they will: 

• Modify work practices and worker territory to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between all staff 
• Ensure that all work will be carried out outside in the open air 
• Ensure workers have work gloves and will not share gloves or face guards 
• Provide hand wash stations at job sites (in addition to portajohns) 
• Provide hand sanitizer at job sites 
• Regularly sanitize shared surfaces such as steering wheels, hand tools and other shared equipment 

The Department of Finance is continuing to manage payroll, revenue and cash flow management, and bank transfers. 

The Department of Human Resources and Civil Service is continuing oversight of payroll issues, processing paperwork for new employees, and onboarding incoming medics and Emergency Medical Technicians. 

The Department of Parks and Recreation has closed Senior and Recreation centers but is planning to soon have limited hours at selected centers to serve as grab-and-go food distribution sites. 

The Law Department is processing Right to Know requests and contracts, and providing legal support to all departments on COVID-19 issues. 

The Department of Innovation & Performance is continuing network management, 24/7 call-out service for Public Safety needs, responding to City facilities that need technology repairs, and distributing critical hardware to needed employees to be telework-capable. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 18, 2020) Four city and Salvation Army centers around the city will be offering grab-and-go meals for city schoolchildren starting tomorrow, in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

The Department of Parks and Recreation has received approval to activate meals at the following four locations, beginning tomorrow, Thursday, March 19. They are:

• Paulson Rec Center - 1201 Paulson Ave. 15206 
• Warrington Rec Center - 329 E. Warrington Ave. 15210 
• Salvation Army Homewood location- 8020 Frankstown Ave. 15221 
• Salvation Army Westside location - 1821 Broadhead Fording Rd. 15205 

All meal hand-out operations will commence from 11am-1pm weekdays. PPS will provide 100 grab-and-go lunches for each site. This approach may be re-adjusted to respond to actual need. 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 19, 2020) The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh’s (URA) Board of Directors this afternoon approved a new program for households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) who have been affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Fund is designed to provide short-term assistance to workers who have experienced a reduction in hours and are facing a financial hardship to pay rent and utilities. 

Beginning Monday, March 23, households in need of rental, mortgage payment, and/or utility assistance, specifically because their work hours were cut due to COVID-19, may call the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh at 412.227.4163 to be screened for assistance. 

"This is obviously a really critical action today and sorely needed at this moment in time and I commend Jessica Smith Perry and the rest of the URA staff for acting quickly and coming up with this program on such short notice," URA Board Chair Sam Williamson said.

To qualify for the COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Fund, households must: 

• Be employed, recently employed, or self-employed and experiencing a reduction in hours or a layoff due to the employer reducing/eliminating work hours or the loss of contract work as a public health precaution related to the COVID-19 virus; Documentation from the employer is required 
• Experience a financial hardship and inability to pay rent, mortgage payment(s) or utilities 
• Be located in the City of Pittsburgh 

Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle expressed a desire to ensure that the program could help both tenants and homeowners and suggested that the URA reach out to banks and foundations for support.

The program will help tenants at or below 50% AMI to pay rent and utilities and homeowners at or below 80% to stay current on their mortgage payments.

In addition, for mortgage assistance, the homeowner must be living in the house and have his/her name on the deed. The household’s lenders must still be accepting payments and have not yet issued an Act 91 Notice. Final approval for support will include verification that all property taxes are current, and that the homes meet the URA home inspection standard.

Eligible expenses include:

• Rental and utility assistance, not to exceed $3,000 
• Mortgage payment assistance, including late fees, not to exceed $3,000 

"We’re hoping that this helps to unlock some other funding, as right now it's just seed money. We’ve been working the phones to see if we can somehow maximize this and leverage a bigger pool of capital," said URA Executive Director Greg Flisram.

For additional eligible activities and requirements, please visit the URA’s Housing Stabilization Program guidelines on the Housing Opportunity Fund programs page. 

Please visit the URA's COVID-19 resource page for updates.  

About the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA)
The URA is the City of Pittsburgh's economic development agency, supporting the City’s economic development goals, which are designed to create a city of inclusive opportunity for residents, stakeholders, and communities. The URA is committed to creating more housing that is affordable to the average Pittsburgher; encouraging more entrepreneurship and small business development; promoting inclusive growth and quality job creation; expanding neighborhood and main streets revitalization efforts; and developing a talented workforce that is equipped with the skills of the future.

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 19, 2020) Senior Center alternative meals will be provided to those seniors who are currently registered for normal congregate meal service beginning tomorrow, Friday, March 20, 2020. A pre-packaged (likely frozen) meal will be available through the current food distribution providers that are used through the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging program. Seniors who are registered for this program have previously identified as being in need and regularly receive these meals. 

Pre-packaged meals will be available for take-out only and will be served between 11 AM – 1 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at one of these City Healthy Active Living (Senior) Centers: 

• Glen Hazel – 945 Rosselle Court, 15207 

• Sheraden – 720 Sherwood Avenue, 15204 

• Southside – 12th St & 1 Beford Square, 15203 

• Lawrenceville – 4600 Butler Street, 15201 

• Homewood – 7321 Frankstown Avenue, 15208 

• Hazelwood – 5344 Second Avenue, 15207 

Approximately 100 meals per day will be distributed to registered seniors.  

Seniors who are not registered for the program but are in need of food or other resources should contact the Allegheny County Area on Aging’s SeniorLine (1-800-344-4319). 

No public events scheduled

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 23, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is working with municipal and labor leaders around the country in support of financial aid for workers, small businesses and cities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Mayor issued a letter Friday to the leaders of the state House and Senate in support of American Working Family Relief Action Plan, which would provide vitally needed support for working families and vulnerable populations in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and is supported by more than forty organizations representing 1 million workers in Pennsylvania. 

“People, and the small businesses that employ them, are under tremendous stress right now and we need to support them – just as they are supporting us as we deal with this pandemic. It’s time for our federal and state governments to do all they can to step up and deliver significant emergency funding,” Mayor Peduto said. 

The Mayor also signed onto a letter by the Service Employees International Union to Congress seeking support for workers in the airline industry. “Any economic relief to the airline industry must also protect and invest in the employees of their contractors whose health and livelihood is on the line,” the letter said. 

Mayor Peduto also joined more than 300 mayors from across the country calling on the federal government to issue $250 billion to municipal governments on the front lines responding to the pandemic. The U.S. Conference of Mayors is leading that drive, and telling Congress the following: 

“As the spread of COVID-19 continues and demand for our services increases, cities will also experience significant declines in revenues in areas such as tourism and visitor-related hotel and lodging taxes; sales, use and general excise taxes; personal and corporate income taxes; and revenue from utility enterprise accounts, among others. Cities could be hit with additional pension liabilities due to market volatility while, at the same time, having to shoulder the cost of responding to the crisis. Lost revenue from economic contraction will put pressure on the ability to deliver basic services - including police, fire, water, and sewer - or aid business sectors that serve as the foundation of our metro economies.” 

A copy of the letter to state leaders is here, a copy of the SEIU letter is here, and a copy of the USCOM letter to Congressional leaders is here. 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 24, 2020) The City’s grab-and-go meal locations for city schoolchildren will amend their pick-up schedule in conjunction with Pittsburgh Public Schools. Meals and activity packets will be distributed Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 11am-1pm. Children will be provided enough meals on Tuesday to last until the next distribution on Friday.  

The Department of Parks and Recreation will follow this schedule at these locations, starting today: 

• Arlington Rec Center – 2201 Salisbury St., 15210 

• Paulson Rec Center - 1201 Paulson Ave. 15206  

• Warrington Rec Center - 329 E. Warrington Ave. 15210  

• Salvation Army Homewood location- 8020 Frankstown Ave. 15221  

• Salvation Army Westside location - 1821 Broadhead Fording Rd. 15205 

Meals are provided by Pittsburgh Public Schools. For more grab-and-go school locations for schoolchildren, visit https://www.pghschools.org.   

No public events scheduled

Media Interviews

Time: 8:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Media Interviews

Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 25, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh is taking all due precautions to protect refuse workers from the Bureau of Environmental Services who were sent home today due to fears over COVID-19 exposure, and has been taking these precautions with all essential City personnel since the start of the pandemic. 

The City has been following Centers for Disease Control guidance including having Environmental Services buildings and trucks cleaned regularly; providing workers with protective glasses and gloves; and doing daily health screenings. Workers are given gloves each day that they are not allowed to take home, and have been offered plastic gloves to wear under them if they wish. 

The City has provided Environmental Services workers wipes to regularly clean off their equipment, and the City has encouraged workers to wash their uniforms daily. 

Every morning workers are given a health care check-list to identify if they have any symptoms of the virus. This check-list has been mischaracterized as a “release form,” which it is not. 

“Environmental Services workers are on the front lines of the City’s pandemic response and are performing a great public service to their fellow residents. We all need to come together in this time of need, and to continue supporting the personnel – including police, medics, firefighters and others – who are protecting us at this time,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

The wife of a refuse worker had a presumptive positive test result reported yesterday, and the Environmental Services headquarters was cleaned and sanitized last night after the report was registered. The City contacted medical professionals immediately and made sure it was following all CDC protocols. 

Neither the worker nor his wife is showing symptoms but as a precaution the worker has been placed in self-quarantine, with pay. 

Additionally, shifts for the refuse workers have been staggered to lower interaction among workers in the main Environmental Services building: they are now beginning work in shifts starting at 5, 6, 7 and 8 a.m. 

City officials including Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich, Public Works Director Mike Gable, Assistant EMS Chief Mark Pinchalk and City Medical Director Dr. Ronald Roth spoke with representatives for the workers today to go over COVID-19 protocols.  

Workers were reminded by medical officials that wearing masks was not necessary, and could even help spread the disease if workers were touching their faces while adjusting masks. 

Officials from the Peduto administration and Teamsters Local 249 are working together to clear up any misunderstandings, and normal service should continue as normal tomorrow.

Residents who put their refuse at curbsides today should leave it there, and it will be collected after Thursday's regular pickup routes are completed. When the City declared a state of emergency it was noted that residents may experience delays in refuse pickup, due to expected staffing issues connected to the pandemic. 

Beginning Monday, the City will suspend pickups of bulk and yard waste to help with staffing.

City residents are reminded of these tips, first issued March 16, to make refuse collection easier and safer for Environmental Services workers: 

• Help limit exposure to germs by setting trash out for collection in substantial, leak-proof bags tied up and without tears.  
• Please stay back 50 feet from refuse and recycling vehicles 
• Slow down and look for workers before you attempt to go around any truck 
• Follow the proper set-out guidelines to prevent work-related injury 
• Do not include any prohibited materials in your curbside trash 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 26, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh is extending its personal income tax deadline until July 15, in line with similar 90-day extensions announced by the Internal Revenue Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. 

The City’s Finance Department will continue real estate billings, but will stop all real estate delinquent billings and late fee charges. 

The Department has already suspended all Treasurer’s Sales of properties. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 26, 2020) As numerous news outlets have been reporting, discrimination against people of Asian descent around the world and in the United States, has been increasing. This rise in discrimination is based on unfounded fear and misinformation surrounding COVID-19. Incidents of such unlawful and inexcusable discrimination include increases in the following: anti-Asian rhetoric, such as calling the novel coronavirus the “Chinese virus;” anti-Chinese social media posts; denial of services; avoiding Asian-owned business; making fraudulent claims to keep people away from Asian-owned business; harassment; vandalism; and physical assaults. While such racism and xenophobia are being fed by new, false beliefs, such behaviors are not new in our country. No matter the reasons, such actions will not be accepted or tolerated in the City of Pittsburgh.

Earlier this month it was reported that business was down 40 percent for Asian restaurants before non-essential businesses had to close, according to Marian Lien, president of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA). PghCHR has also become aware of actions such as people seeking medical treatment for having contact with persons of Asian descent. These actions are not only hurtful to those individuals, but harmful to our community as a whole. Pittsburgh prides itself on having a vibrant international community and we must stand with them during this time of fear and confusion and speak out against racist rhetoric.

You can support our international community through the following actions: buy food , supplies, or a gift card from a locally-owned Asian business; volunteer with a local non-profit serving vulnerable groups; reach out virtually to ensure the well-being of neighbors, friends, and colleagues; speak out when you hear racist and xenophobic comments; encourage reporting of discriminatory and hateful actions- even if PghCHR is not able to investigate these claims, we will always provide resources for agencies that may be able to help.

The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations (“PghCHR”) exists to ensure that members of the Pittsburgh community are treated fairly, equitably, and equally. That includes ensuring that people do not have to live in fear of discrimination. PghCHR stands with our racial social justice partners across the U.S. and the Pittsburgh community to denounce all acts of hate and discrimination, including the recent acts of hate and discrimination against Asian persons. We want to assure the Pittsburgh community that, despite the workplace impacts of the novel coronavirus, the PghCHR is continuing to receive inquiries and investigate complaints and remains committed to combating hate and discrimination.

As the City’s civil rights law enforcement agency, the PghCHR investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination in employment, public accommodations (such as businesses open to the public), and housing (such as renting or buying), based on membership in a protected class. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination while in the City of Pittsburgh within the past year and wants to file a complaint, you can contact the PghCHR by phone at 412-436-9619, and online at https://pittsburghpa.gov/chr/chr-forms.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Megan Stanley

Executive Director, Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations

Telephone: 412-360-9553

Email: megan.stanley@pittsburghpa.gov

Media Interviews

Time: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Phone call with Bloomberg-Harvard Coronavirus Local Response Initiative

Time: 12:45 p.m.

Media Interviews

Time: 1:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 27, 2020) Workers for the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation served 2,085 meals this week to children and seniors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meal distribution to children was boosted today through donations by Eat'n Park of sandwiches, vegetables and fruit.

The numbers for this week were:

Meals Distributed to Seniors = 1196

Meals Distributed to Children = 709

Eat n Park Meals Distributed to Children - Friday 3/27/2020 = 180

"I want to thank Parks and Recreation workers, the Pittsburgh Public Schools and Eat'n Park for all their hard work and service this week. We're all in this together," Mayor William Peduto said.

Conference Call with Chief of Staff Dan Gilman

Time: 11 a.m.

Conference Call with U.S. Conference of Mayors

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 27, 2020) Refuse collection will continue in the City of Pittsburgh tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, to pick up garbage left at the curb this week. 

Environmental Services crews have been working to pick up trash left at curbsides on Wednesday, when pick-ups were suspended over issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The bureau urges residents to help keep crews safe by making sure their refuse is properly bagged with all bags fully tied. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 28, 2020) City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works crews continued to catch up with refuse and recycling left at curbsides after a pause in collections this week due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Crews today collected most leftover refuse and recycling but were forced to stop work due to thunderstorm warnings. Some was still left at curbsides but it will be collected Monday.

Residents are reminded to help workers by keeping their trash properly bagged and tied.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 30, 2020) The Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center, a joint service of the City of Pittsburgh and Neighborhood Allies operated by Advantage Credit Counseling, is now operating virtually. This free service is available to area residents over age 18 by video and/or phone. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted businesses’ and residents’ ability to earn and people are making tough decisions about how to use limited resources. The Financial Empowerment Center provides free counseling to help residents plan during this period of financial uncertainty.  

Our team of four certified professional counselors are available for free one-on-one sessions to help people focus on their specific situations with a tailored individual approach.  Counselors have extensive training navigating financial systems to help clients reduce debt, build credit, build savings and have access to safe, affordable banking products to manage student loans, consumer debt and long-term financial goal setting.  

To schedule a session: 

• Schedule online 
• Call the FEC intake line at 1-800-298-0237 
• Email us at fecinfo@advantageccs.org 

 
Further information about the FEC can be found here.  

The FEC has compiled this guide of Financial Resources Available to Allegheny County Residents.

Media Inquiries Contact:
Henry Horn Pyatt
Economic Opportunity Manager
Office of Mayor William Peduto 
570-590-6031 
henry.horn-pyatt@pittsburghpa.gov 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 30, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh is closing its basketball courts and overlooks to further enforce the social distancing rules necessary to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While Pittsburgh residents have largely been following directives to stay at least six feet from others to stop the spread of the virus, others have not, especially in City parks. 

Parks are remaining open, and residents are encouraged to use them to promote physical activity. But beginning today Public Works crews are removing basketball rims from courts, and closing off the Mount Washington overlooks. Those areas were commonly filled over the weekend with residents who were not following social distancing rules. 

Group sports are not permitted in City parks. In addition to closing basketball courts, Public Safety officials will be monitoring soccer fields and other play areas to make sure social distancing rules are being followed. One soccer field in Riverview Park has already been closed. 

Playgrounds have already been shut down, but some have continued to let children use them: residents are reminded that park equipment and playgrounds may not be safe, as the COVID-19 virus can live on surfaces for days.  

Residents should also maintain social distancing when using park trails, which have been extremely crowded in recent days. 

Public Safety officials are increasing efforts to encourage responsible behavior. Park Rangers and Police are patrolling parks more closely to provide reminders of proper social distancing, and Public Works is posting more signs to remind park and playground users of closures. 

Residents are further reminded not to share food with Public Safety and other City personnel. While such offers are clearly being done with the best of intentions to show support for workers in these trying times, the risk of spreading disease among the City workforce is too great, and residents are encouraged to donate to food pantries instead. 

Staying at home, practicing social distancing when outside and washing hands are important parts of the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic. By doing their part Pittsburgh residents can help stop the spread of the disease and ease the mounting burden on the hospital workers and Public Safety officials on the front lines fighting for us all. 

Contacts: 

Timothy McNulty, Communications Director, timothy.mcnulty@pittsburghpa.gov 

Chris Togneri, Public Information Officer, pio@pittsburghpa.gov 

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 30, 2020) Neighborhood street sweeping by the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works, which was due to begin Wednesday, April 1, is being postponed due to the COVID-19 virus.

Some street cleaning, as well as catch basin cleaning, will still be performed to help with protections against weather-related events. But with residents staying home and parking enforcement being suspended to help fight against the pandemic, the normal April 1 start to street sweeping season is being postponed until further notice.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 1, 2020) The Office of Mayor William Peduto has revamped the City of Pittsburgh’s COVID-19 website with more information, translations into six languages, and other features. 

As ever, the main sources of health and safety information for the public come from partners in federal, state and county government, so the website starts with links to those sources. 

The site lists all City operations changes and press releases related to the pandemic, and has translations of important announcements in Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Nepali and Swahili. 

It also lists community resources needed by the public, from business and mental health resources, to a link to the Pittsburgh Public Schools. These links are continually being updated as more information and resources are gathered. 

A link to the site appears in red at the top of the City’s main webpage, pittsburghpa.gov, or can be accessed directly at https://pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/covid-updates. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 1, 2020) In partnership with Allegheny County and the Complete Count Committee, the City of Pittsburgh is reminding residents that April 1 kicks off Census 2020. 

Census data is used to decide what money and resources are distributed to neighborhoods, cities and states. The COVID-19 federal stimulus package that was recently passed to provide relief to residents used numbers from the last census to determine how money would be allocated to Pittsburgh. It is critical that every person is counted so that we can get the help the City needs.   

“While everyone is staying home and staying safe these days to help stop the spread of COVID-19, there is plenty of time for us all to fill out the Census questionnaire. It’s really easy and takes about five minutes to do,” Mayor William Peduto said. “Given the economic hardships we’re facing as a result of the pandemic it is more important than ever that Pittsburgh is fully counted and in turn fully funded, so we can deliver residents the services they need.” 

Census notifications were sent out to households in early March with instructions for filling out the questionnaire online. Households can request a paper copy or do the questionnaire over the phone by calling 1-844-330-2020 for English.  A list of numbers for additional languages is included below.  

Census Bureau interviewers who go door-to-door will continue this census, but that outreach will be delayed due to COVID-19 concerns. Other Census operational changes due to COVID-19 are available on their website.  

For more information about the Allegheny County and City of Pittsburgh Be Counted 2020 program, including toolkits for organizations to encourage local participation, visit BeCounted2020.org.   

Questions or concerns can be directed to contact@becounted2020.org. More news and information is available on social media @BeCountedSWPA on Twitter and Facebook.   

Additional Languages for Phone/Paper Census Questionnaires, Contact: 

• ENGLISH: 844-330-2020 
• ESPAÑOL (Spanish): 844-468-2020 
• 中文 (Chinese - Mandarin): 844-391-2020 
• 简体 (Chinese - Cantonese): 844-398-2020 
• TIẾNG VIỆT (Vietnamese): 844-461-2020 
• 한국어 (Korean): 844-392-2020 
• РУССКИЙ (Russian): 844-417-2020 
• (Arabic) العربية : 844-416-2020 
• TAGALOG : 844-478-2020 
• POLSKI (Polish): 844-479-2020 
• FRANÇAIS (French): 844-494-2020 
• KREYÒL AYISYEN (Haitian Creole): 844-477-2020
• PORTUGUÊS (Portuguese): 844-474-2020 
• 日本語 (Japanese): 844-460-2020 
• TDD (Telephone Display Device): 844-467-2020 

No public events scheduled

Conference Call with Senior Staff

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Conference Call with Senior Staff and Allegheny Conference

Time: 11 a.m.

U.S. Conference of Mayors Accelerator for America Virtual Advisory Council Meeting

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 3, 2020) Workers for the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation served 2,813 meals this week to children and seniors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meal distribution was boosted this week through efforts by the Pulaski Club, which delivered 150 bags of food and other essentials to seniors in the West End area.

The numbers for this week were:

Meals Distributed to Seniors = 1,475

Meals Distributed to Children = 1,186

Eat n Park Meals Distributed to Children = 152

This week's meal distribution outpaced last's weeks distribution of 2,085 meals.

Press Conference with Public Safety Officials on Social Distancing

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, North Shore Drive and Art Rooney Avenue, North Shore

No public events scheduled

Interview with Pittsburgh Technology Council and Aurora Innovation

Time: 12 p.m.

Interview on B Live/Facebook Live with Ryan Miller of Guster

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 7, 2020) The City’s food distribution sites for schoolchildren and registered seniors will follow adjusted schedules for the week of April 6, 2020.

City schoolchildren grab-and-go meals will be distributed Tuesday (4/7) and Thursday (4/9) from 11 am-1 pm. Children will be provided enough meals at each pick up to last until the next distribution. Pittsburgh Public Schools’ spring break runs through Monday, April 13, so the first meal distribution for next week will be Tuesday, April 14.

The Department of Parks and Recreation will follow this schedule at these locations:

• Arlington Rec Center – 2201 Salisbury St., 15210
• Paulson Rec Center - 1201 Paulson Ave. 15206  
• Warrington Rec Center - 329 E. Warrington Ave. 15210  
• Salvation Army Homewood location- 8020 Frankstown Ave. 15221  
• Salvation Army Westside location - 1821 Broadhead Fording Rd. 15205

Children’s meals are provided by Parkhurst Dining Services.

Meals for registered seniors will be distributed Monday (4/6) and Wednesday (4/8) from 11 am – 1 pm. Each senior will receive five meals to last them through the weekend. Senior meal distribution will return to Monday, Wednesday, Friday distribution next week.

Meal distribution sites for registered seniors will be at these Healthy Active Living (Senior) Center locations:

• Glen Hazel – 945 Rosselle Court, 15207
• Sheraden – 720 Sherwood Avenue, 15204
• Southside – 12th St & 1 Beford Square, 15203
• Lawrenceville – 4600 Butler Street, 15201
• Homewood – 7321 Frankstown Avenue, 15208
• Hazelwood – 5344 Second Avenue, 15207

Community partners are sponsoring other food distribution sites. Please visit our COVID-19 Response website under Food Resources for a map of City of Pittsburgh community distribution sites.

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 8, 2020) “Help the Helpers,” a joint initiative of the City of Pittsburgh, UPMC, Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Steelers encourages the community to recognize and look for ways to support “the helpers” and each other, such as picking up a gallon of milk, offering to walk a dog, or making food for your neighbor. During times of crisis, Pittsburghers remember the advice of Mister Rogers to look for the helpers. 

“Help the Helpers” invites all to show support to health care workers, as well as grocery clerks, pharmacists, garbage collectors and delivery drivers, all of whom perform essential roles to keep our communities safe. A phone call to a neighbor, a card to an isolated elderly person, an offer to order groceries, donation of protective equipment or handmade face masks, can all contribute to our community caring for each other. Window signs of support, social media frames and sharing personal stories of how we are supporting each other are key to the initiative, and community members are encouraged to share their “helping the helpers” stories with the hashtag “HelpTheHelpers.” Window signs and social frames can be downloaded at UPMC.com/HelpTheHelpersPGH.

“Any gesture of support is welcome, but please be smart about it. The best way to help everyone continues to be staying inside and keeping the virus from spreading,” Mayor William Peduto said. “For the safety of our community, and to lower the likelihood of exposure to or spreading of COVID-19, you should always follow the social distancing and self-isolation recommendations from federal, state and local governments.”

“The community response and support to our UPMC staff is extraordinary and heart-warming. Hundreds of caring people and organizations have offered their supplies, their help, their encouragement. Simple actions like these make all the difference, allowing first responders and hospital teams to help those in need of our care. We are grateful for the outpouring of support, which is no surprise from the good people and the good neighbors in all of the communities that we serve,” said Donald M. Yealy, M.D., chair of emergency medicine at UPMC. 

Contact: Timothy McNulty

Mobile: 412-660-1999

E-mail: timothy.mcnulty@pittsburghpa.gov

Contact: Gloria Kreps

Office: 412-586-9764

Mobile: 412-417-2582

E-mail: KrepsGA@upmc.edu

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 8, 2020) Refuse and recycling collection by crews from the Department of Public Works Environmental Services bureau will continue as usual on Good Friday.

All residents with a Friday collection day will be serviced as normal on Friday, April 10, 2020. Residents are reminded that all trash must be bagged in substantial, leak-proof bags tied up and without tears. 

The City of Pittsburgh has suspended curbside collection of yard debris and bulky waste. Any bagged yard debris and/or bulky items left out at the curb will be left behind by Environmental Services crews.

Additionally, due to precautions for the crews during the COVID-19 pandemic, the citywide springtime collection of yard debris set for Saturday, April 25, 2020 has been cancelled. 

Conference Call with University Leaders

Time: 7:30 a.m.

Conference Call with City and County Government Leaders

Time: 10 a.m.

Informational Conference Call with City Council 

Time: 11 a.m.

Conference Call with Allegheny Conference on Community Development and Business Leaders

Time: 1 p.m.

Call with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank CEO Lisa Scales

Time: 2:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 10, 2020) With assistance from the Salvation Army, Parkhurst Dining and Eat'n Park, the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation distributed 4,611 meals to children and seniors this week, up from 2,813 last week.

The surge in meal distribution was largely due to the Pittsburgh Public Schools being on spring break this week.

Total meals distributed to children: 1078

Total meals distributed to seniors: 1813 

Additionally, both Salvation Army locations (in Homewood and Westside) have distributed approximately 1600 meals, 80 meals were taken to the Light of Life mission and 40 were distributed to Operation Safety Net. All of these meals were generously made possible by Parkhurst Dining. All meals inclusive of Salvation Army and other sites mentioned above totaled 4,611 meals for children and seniors for the week.

Community partners are sponsoring other food distribution sites. Please visit our COVID-19 Response website under Food Resources for a map of City of Pittsburgh community distribution sites.

Visiting Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Distribution

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Fullerton Street and Centre Avenue, Lower Hill District

Interview with Rich Lord of Public Source

Time: 12 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 13, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Office of Management and Budget today finalized the issuance of a $52 million bond to fund 2020 capital improvements, which had been delayed several weeks due to market disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic.

OMB, the Department of Finance and the City's financial advisors had planned to finalize the bond in mid-March but suspended the sale. After the bond market lately stabilized the City was able to finalize the $52 million bond today, while also realizing $700,000 in annual savings to debt service that were not available when City Council approved the bond in February.

The money will fund projects such as street reconstruction, facility upgrades and other long-term infrastructure projects.

Conference Call with Labor Leaders 

Time: 12 p.m.

Conference Call with Hotel Managers and Visit Pittsburgh

Time: 2 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 15, 2020) An employee from the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works Environmental Services Bureau has died from complications of the COVID-19 virus. 

The truck driver began work with the City in 1995.  

“I am praying for his family, friends and co-workers in these tragic times. The pandemic may be global but it’s still hitting us very close to home,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

The man, who is not being identified at this time, did not contract the virus while at work. Black ribbon decals are being affixed to refuse and recycling trucks in his memory. 

He is the first City employee to pass away due to complications from the coronavirus. 

Call with Stuart Fisk, Director of AHN Center for Inclusion Health and Dr. Mark Fuller, Director of Addiction Medicine Services

Time: 12 p.m.

Call with Jerrel Gilliam, CEO of Light of Life Ministries

Time: 1 p.m

Nicole Molinaro, CEO of Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

Time: 2 p.m.

Call with Monica Ruiz, CEO of Casa San Jose

Time: 3 p.m.

Call with Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation

Time: 4 p.m

Listening to Online Pitches from University of Pittsburgh Marketing Students

Time: 1 p.m.

Online Speech on City of Pittsburgh Response to COVID-19

Time: 3 p.m.

Speech streams available at: 

https://www.facebook.com/city.of.pittsburgh/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-YfIv9wvBjGT3LMxo9hLoQ

http://pittsburgh.granicus.com/player/camera/1?publish_id=4

https://twitter.com/CityPGH

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 16, 2020) Mayor William Peduto made the following remarks today regarding the City of Pittsburgh's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Good afternoon Pittsburgh.

One month ago today we declared a state of emergency and issued an Executive Order limiting public gatherings in response to the coronavirus pandemic here in Western Pennsylvania. Today I want to take a few minutes to say thank you to all of you have been staying home and working successfully to flatten the curve. 

Once we saw this global pandemic coming our way, we made the tough sacrifices together to do what was necessary to keep our neighbors safe: it started with canceling our beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade, closing city playgrounds and recreation spaces, committing ourselves to social distancing, and most of all just staying home.  

In the times we do go out, we're following Governor Wolf's latest advice to wear masks at all times. 

It hasn’t been easy but it has saved lives, and it’s no time to stop now. 

Despite all this, your City government has been in continuous operation. Public safety is responding to emergencies, DPW is collecting refuse, DOMI and PLI are keeping roads and buildings safe, and we’ve provided over 10,000 meals to children and seniors.

I can’t thank our amazing workforce enough. They share the same anxieties and pressures other city residents do, but have kept providing the public services their neighbors need. We’ve done our best to keep them safe while performing their critically-needed work, going above CDC standards by providing masks and PPE to our front-line workers, thoroughly cleaning their facilities, and allowing other City employees to work from home. Their services to you will continue through this pandemic and beyond. The City of Pittsburgh does not close.

Our work couldn’t be done without the support of private employees throughout the Pittsburgh area. That includes people working in warehouses, trucking, grocery and convenience stores, those cleaning buildings and hospitals, nurses, doctors, hospital workers, bus drivers, pharmacists, restaurant workers and so many more. Many of these workers are in turn protected by our great union partners and I want to thank them too.

Our meds-and-eds industry has long been at the heart of Pittsburgh and that continues in the planning and preparation for the coronavirus: as of yesterday there were still 327 available ICU beds in the county, and 835 ventilators. Pittsburgh’s leadership and expertise in this area is something we can be justly proud of. We have not yet experienced a surge that has overwhelmed our medical industry as many other cities have.

Employers and others in the corporate and foundation communities deserve our thanks too. That includes the restaurants and other food providers helping us feed our kids and seniors; the universities working tirelessly on cutting-edge research; and the foundations doing all they can to plug holes in our social safety net.

Those holes, however, are daunting and our critical communities are facing pain and hardship beyond what most of us are facing at home.

We are working with Allegheny County to protect our homeless residents, by installing handwashing stations and potable water in encampments, and by securing hotel rooms in the event such residents develop COVID-19 symptoms.

We recognize the emotional impact the pandemic is having on everyone, and is especially being felt disproportionately by communities that have long experienced trauma. Don't be afraid to ask for help — we're here for you.

We are working with nonprofit partners to make sure we are reaching new Americans, both documented and undocumented, to get them the health care and financial support they need. We are working with police and nonprofits to address rising cases of domestic violence. We are working too on the rise of drug overdoses, and have expanded the practice of leaving behind life-saving Narcan.

While working on these daily matters my administration continues to plan for what happens next, when medical experts give us the go-ahead to slowly return to our normal lives. 

For city government that means continuing to approve zoning permits to allow construction and neighborhood development projects to hit the ground running when it’s safe; working to allow swimming pools to reopen safely at some point this summer; working with employers to provide youth with summer jobs through our Learn and Earn program; and continuing to offer meals for those who are hungry.

Our friends at the URA continue to work to provide help for small businesses, despite diminishing resources, and have reported huge calls for help from minority and women owned businesses. 

It has made 79 loan approvals (54 of them to minority and women owned businesses) worth $1.1 million, and has another 281 loan requests (211 of the from minority and women owned businesses) worth $3.7 million, and is searching continously for further funding to grant them.

The URA is also overseeing city rental assistance to those in need, helping 52 homeowners so far with their rent and another 200 relief requests still in process. I can’t thank enough those members of City Council who joined with me in 2017 to approve the Housing Opportunity Fund, which is paying for the rental help.

The planning for our new future includes coming to terms with dark days ahead for the City’s budget. The bones of a strong budget remain from the hard lessons we learned through Act 47, but the financial picture is still bleak: there will be a shortfall of tens of millions of dollars this year, even taking into account our $85 million in reserves we have built up since 2014, which will then have heavy repercussions onto our next five years of budgets.

Large cuts to spending will likely be necessary — again, it will take the strength and perseverance of residents, workers and the greater Pittsburgh community to help us. 

Years of city planning on resiliency going back to 2014 greatly helped us to prepare for the economic and public health shocks we’re experiencing now. But nothing fully prepared us for this. At no point will the need be greater for major nonprofits, foundations and the corporate community to come together collectively to guarantee a Pittsburgh For All.

But we will get there. No city is more resilient or better poised to recover than Pittsburgh. We will become better and stronger than ever, just as we have when generational crises have rocked us in the past. We’ve been knocked to our knees before and always find a way to stand back up — it’s in our DNA.

There will be a new normal, and we need to aim high.

We need to end the digital divide by making sure internet connectivity is as basic a right as electricity and gas. It is obvious that a laptop in a student’s hand is as basic as pens and pencils were in the past.

The early childhood world will transform and never be the same again. Full funding for childcare and Pre-K education is essential.

As we see around the country this health crisis has had a disproportional impact on our African American neighbors, and we must address all related underlying disparities. 

Utilizing our tech and medical industry we can create greater accessibility to quality health care for all.

We need to double-down on commitments on clean energy and zero waste, building a new and resilient future. 

We need to ensure family-sustaining wages for all. As we have learned our essential workers are on the front lines and have long been undervalued.

We need to put Western Pennsylvanians back to work with a massive infrastructure bill to address our needs and let our people do what they have done for generations: rebuild America.

Finally, all of this can happen through The Pittsburgh Way:

Leveraging the lessons we are learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will forge new partnerships among labor, the business, foundation and nonprofit communities, and our federal, state and county leaders, to make our city stronger than ever. It will require sacrifice by all. 

All of this will be fueled by Pittsburgh’s single greatest resource: You.

Thank you Pittsburgh, and stay safe.

PITTSBURGH, PA With assistance from the Salvation Army, Parkhurst Dining and Eat'n Park, the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation distributed 4,162 meals to children and seniors this week.

Numbers were down slightly this week due to Pittsburgh Public Schools still being on spring break on Monday.

Total meals distributed to children: 891

Total meals distributed to seniors: 2,171

Additionally, both Salvation Army locations (in Homewood and Westside) distributed approximately 1,100 meals.

All meals inclusive of Salvation Army and other sites mentioned above totaled 4,162 meals for children and seniors for the week.

Community partners are sponsoring other food distribution sites. Please visit our COVID-19 Response website under Food Resources for a map of City of Pittsburgh community distribution sites.

PITTSBURGH, PA With assistance from the Salvation Army, Parkhurst Dining and Eat'n Park, the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation distributed 4,162 meals to children and seniors this week in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Numbers were down slightly this week due to Pittsburgh Public Schools still being on spring break on Monday.

Total meals distributed to children: 891

Total meals distributed to seniors: 2,171

Additionally, both Salvation Army locations (in Homewood and Westside) distributed approximately 1,100 meals.

All meals inclusive of Salvation Army and other sites mentioned above totaled 4,162 meals for children and seniors for the week.

Community partners are sponsoring other food distribution sites. Please visit our COVID-19 Response website under Food Resources for a map of City of Pittsburgh community distribution sites.

Conference Call with Chief of Staff Dan Gilman, Chief Operating Officer Kinsey Casey and Department of Mobility and Infrastructure Director Karina Ricks

Time: 1 p.m.

Interview with Julie Grant of Court TV

Time: 2 p.m.

Conference Call with Chief of Staff Dan Gilman and Chief Economic Development Development Officer Marty LaMar

Time: 11 a.m.

Online Conference with City Cable Bureau on Community Media

Time: 1 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 20, 2020) Mayor William Peduto has issued a letter to President Donald J. Trump urgently asking for $250 billion in emergency funding for Pittsburgh and other cities fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“As your administration has stressed since the outbreak of COVID-19, while the emergency response effort is federally supported, it must be locally executed. The City of Pittsburgh is working hard to meet the needs of our residents, while suppressing the spread of COVID-19. As Pittsburgh continues to grapple with this crisis, I strongly urge you to support the inclusion of $250 billion in flexible funding for local governments in a future emergency coronavirus relief package,” Mayor Peduto wrote. 

Pittsburgh and similar cities host the largest health systems in their regions, and employ the medics, police, refuse collectors and other workers on the front lines battling the pandemic. They also host great numbers of residents and businesses reeling from the economic hardships of the coronavirus; a side-effect of these hardships is a deep cut the tax revenues that pay for municipal workers. 

The City of Pittsburgh estimates it will suffer a 21% cut in projected revenues in 2020, going from $608 million down to $481 million, for a total loss of $127 million. Over a five-year period from 2020-2024 the City expects to lose a total of $239 million, which amounts to a 7.5% cut. 

These estimates are extremely fluid and will likely change depending on the length of business closures in the City. The tax revenues that are most in peril are payroll, parking, earned income and property taxes: these four taxes alone could see $97 million in losses just this year. 

On the expense side, due to telework and staffing changes the entries into the City’s financial system have been delayed for weeks at a time. For that reason real-time financial forecasts are in flux, which is also making budget estimates challenging. 

To do realistic five-year financial plans the City must perform financial outlooks that are responsible and unflinching. Pittsburgh government learned these hard lessons through 15 years in Act 47 oversight and must not return to budgeting through unrealistic financial gimmicks. To meet these challenges seriously and responsibly the City needs the federal government’s help right now. 

Cities and states across the nation are facing the same budgetary uncertainties, yet our national recovery requires that such governments provide critical services. The City has joined with the U.S. Conference of Mayors in requesting the federal relief funds to protect its workers and keep delivering the essential government services needed to keep Pittsburgh and other cities safe. 

“Despite years of sound fiscal management, the scale of this crisis has simply been overwhelming – it is only a matter of time before we will face cash flow issues affecting our ability to pay first responders and essential workers. We need relief and we need it now,” Mayor Peduto wrote. 

A copy of the letter to President Trump is here. 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 21, 2020) Citiparks is currently recruiting lifeguards in anticipation of pools opening sometime during summer 2020.  

While it has not yet been determined when pools will open due to COVID-19, Citiparks is recruiting now so that lifeguards can be trained when the City of Pittsburgh can safely open pools. “We are continuing to plan the opening of our pools around current restrictions. This way, we can begin training our lifeguard recruits as soon as any timelines are given. No dates yet, just planning,” said Citiparks Director Ross Chapman. 

Lifeguards are hired to work the City’s 18 outdoor locations and Citiparks offers two free lifeguard training courses prior to the season for candidates to become certified or update their training. Requirements for applicants must: 

• Be at least 16 years old by June 2020 
• Currently reside in the City of Pittsburgh
• Provide Red Cross Lifeguard Certification valid through September 7, 2020 
• Submit criminal background clearances 
• Pass a medical exam  
• Be available to work at any of the 18 Citiparks Acquatics Facilities 

The application is available online. Additional information is available at https://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/lifeguard-info.  

Pittsburgh, PA (April 21, 2020) – The Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium (WPEC), one of the nation’s leaders in initiating the voluntary purchase of green power, has announced that these Western PA household named organizations will be powered by 100% renewable energy for Earth Day. Direct Energy Business, a leader in delivering renewable energy products to customers, is working with the Consortium to deliver a renewable solution to these respected members.

The Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium, led by the City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Sports and Exhibition Authority, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and Carlow University, continues to be an energy leader, now demonstrating excellence in renewable energy.

"In a time of troubling news, it’s important to always recognize that we are all in this together and that we share the same home. Earth Day is great reminder of that,” Mayor William Peduto said.

“We are proud to partner with our electricity supplier, Pittsburgh-based Direct Energy, and the members of the Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium to continue to strive together to towards our climate action goals. Utilizing 100 percent - locally sourced - renewable electricity for our major facilities on Earth Day is a major milestone for the City of Pittsburgh and shows us that if we can do it for one day, we can do it every day."

Dave Grupp, Head of Direct Energy Renewable Services expressed his appreciation for the partnership between WPEC and Direct Energy Business, “Direct Energy is proud to be able to work with a group like WPEC. Competitive markets drive renewable energy adoption and there’s no greater example of this than the work WPEC has done. Earth Day is the perfect time to lead by example.”

Direct Energy will acquire and retire locally sourced renewable energy attributes generated directly from a new Pennsylvania solar farm, equivalent to one day’s consumption from the 120,227 MWhs annually used by consortium members. This is the equivalent to eliminating 118 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide produced by cars.

Contact: Christina Allen, Direct Energy
(281) 731-7454
Christina.Allen@directenergy.com

No public events scheduled

Just Transition Roundtable Discussion with Gothenburg, Sweden

Time: 10 a.m.

Conference Call with County Executive Rich Fitzgerald

Time: 12 p.m.

Conference Call with Pittsburgh State Legislators

Time: 1 p.m.

Informational Conference Call with City Council

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 23, 2020) Mayor William Peduto today represented the United States in an international discussion on transitioning to a climate-friendly economy. 

“Pittsburgh is a leading example of how turning to a knowledge-based economy can not only help our planet and our businesses, but provide new economic opportunities for the workers who built our region and others like it around the world. Doing this planning now will only make us stronger once our fractured economies reset for the post COVID-19 world,” Mayor Peduto said. 

Today’s discussion was organized by the Institute for Public Policy Research, the United Kingdom’s leading progressive think tank, and was chaired by British MP Ed Miliband. Besides Mayor Peduto speakers included officials from Sweden’s second-biggest city, Gothenburg, home to the Gothenburg Shipyard in Älvstranden, an industrial site shuttered in the 1970s that transitioned into a technology park offering training to unemployed shipbuilders. 

Mayor Peduto shared with policymakers his proposals for an “American Marshall Plan,” which includes a call for major investments by the federal government in climate-friendly, non fossil fuel powered industries and jobs. 

“Workers across Western Pennsylvania and the rest of the Rust Belt built this country, and they are poised to rebuild it once more for the 21st Century — we just have to give them the support to do so. This pandemic is hitting the reset button on the entire global economy, and the United States needs to be a leader in smart economic innovation that will lead to industries that are both more sustainable and profitable, and to a rebirth of the American middle class,” Mayor Peduto said. 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 27, 2020) With assistance from the Salvation Army, Parkhurst Dining and Eat'n Park, the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation distributed 4,288 meals to children and seniors last week, which was an increase over the previous week.

Total meals for seniors for the week = 1922 

Total meals to children through help from Parkhurst and Eat'n Park = 826

Total meals via Salvation Army = 1500

Additionally, approximately 40 meals were provided to by Parkhurst and donated to families via a church

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 27, 2020) Contractors working with the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) are set to resume landslide remediation work in two city locations today. 

The sites are along Forward and Commercial avenues in Swisshelm Park and Arlington Avenue at William Street in Allentown. Motorists are advised to follow all posted detours. 

The reconstruction work will be performed in accordance with State guidance on social distancing and approved construction work. 

Slope stabilization also restarted last week on Semicir Street in Observatory Hill. Material removal will continue this week with initiation of construction of a retaining wall and engineered slope beginning after May 4. Work will take roughly four months to complete. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 27, 2020) In accordance with guidance provided by Governor Tom Wolf, general construction activity will be permitted to resume in the City of Pittsburgh beginning on Friday, May 1.  

"Following the leadership of Governor Wolf, and in accordance with strong safety measures, the time is right to slowly restart construction activity in the city. City of Pittsburgh departments are standing by and ready to help," Mayor William Peduto said. 

To facilitate the safe and coordinated resumption of activity, permit holders and applicants are advised of the following guidance from the Departments of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) and Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI):  

For work in the public right-of-way (ROW):  

• All permit holders who suspended work must submit adjusted dates prior to resuming construction by contacting DOMIpermits@pittsburghpa.gov with the permit number and anticipated restart date.  
• Applications for new permits for construction in the right-of-way can be found online at https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/right-of-way  
• Right-of-way permits will join OneStopPGH on May 11. To assist in the transition to the new permit system, all permit applications received after May 6th OR with a planned start date later than May 24th will be processed in OneStopPGH. OneStopPGH will utilize the City Council-approved 2020 ROW Fee Schedule.  
• Enforcement of “No Parking” signs is limited given the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency. Applicants utilizing authorized “No Parking” signs should review additional guidelines online during continued stay-at-home orders.  

For permits for buildings and structures:  

• PLI temporary COVID-19 procedures are published here: https://pittsburghpa.gov/pli/index.html; please check regularly for updates.  
• These procedures include special job-site requirements for PLI inspector safety.  
• Inspection requests will only be accepted through the OneStopPGH portal: https://onestoppgh.pittsburghpa.gov/.  
• Permits will begin to be issued May 1, 2020. Given the current backlog, it may take several business days to issue all permits in the queue.  
• PLI maintains full service at the OneStopPGH portal: https://onestoppgh.pittsburghpa.gov/.   
• Please refer to: https://pittsburghpa.gov/onestoppgh/phase-two.html for OneStopPGH tutorials. 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 28, 2020) – The City, through the Departments of City Planning and Public Works, have announced guidelines for the public for using community gardens while maintaining CDC health guidelines. 

Community gardens and Adopt-A-Lot sites are open, but the first priority is to keep each other safe at all times. To ensure that community members stay healthy while using public gardening spaces, the following guidelines have been established:

• When in doubt, stay home. Do not come to the garden if you or someone in your home is sick, if you are a member of a vulnerable population, or are a senior. 
• Do not hold group volunteer days, no matter how small. 
• Visit the garden alone or with members of your immediate household. 
• If several people are at the garden, come back later. Limit the garden to 1-3 people at a time.
• For collective duties, make an online task list. Work done individually can still be shared by the community. 
• Post signage with these guidelines and rules in public.

While at the garden, it is important to: 

• Maintain social distancing by staying at least an arm and shovel length away from others.
• Wear a mask or cover your mouth and nose with a cloth. 
• Be aware of high-touch surfaces and disinfect handles, water spigots, shed doors, etc. Avoid using community tools and bring your own. 
• Remove all personal items and trash you bring to the garden. 
• Thoroughly wash all produce you harvest from the garden. 
• Avoid touching your face. 
• Wash your hands regularly. 

More information about Adopt-A-Lot sites can be found at https://pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/programs/adopt-a-lot/index.html. 

More information about community gardens can be found at https://pittsburghpa.gov/dpw/garden-plots. 

For More Information: 

Shelly Danko+Day

Department of City Planning

shelly.dankoday@pittsburghpa.gov

Virtual Press Conference on Housing Discrimination with Councilperson Erika Strassburger

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: Facebook Live

Call with U.S. Senator Bob Casey

Time: 10:30 a.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 28, 2020) Mayor William Peduto’s administration plans to issue more than $12 million in new federal funds to organizations supporting residents and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The funding includes $4,193,562 in Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG-CV), which will go to programs to finance homeless shelter improvements, homelessness prevention services including rapid rehousing and rental assistance for low-income residents, and coordination between street outreach personnel and Police Bureau community resource officers on efforts to care for homeless residents. 

Congress also approved an additional $8,376,863 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funds as part of its initial pandemic relief package. Next week the Peduto administration is sending to Pittsburgh City Council the list of organizations receiving the new funding, from the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh for business and housing grants, and to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and others offering direct aid to residents. 

“This funding will deliver critically needed assistance to many who are suffering during this pandemic, from fears about rent to purchasing food to those experiencing domestic violence. Much, much more financial aid will be necessary, but I’m grateful Congress awarded us these tools,” Mayor Peduto said. 

Following are the allocations, which will be formally introduced to City Council on Tuesday, May 5: 

• URA Small Business Emergency Loan Fund, to issue bridge loans to businesses losing revenue during the pandemic: $5 million 
• URA Housing Stabilization Program COVID Response, to provide funding to renters impacted by COVID-19: $1 million 
• URA Housing Stabilization Program COVID Response, to provide mortgage assistance to those impacted by COVID-19: $1 million 
• URA Administration (covering waived fees for applicants): $346,863 
• Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank: $500,000 
• NeighborWorks Foreclosure Prevention: $50,000 
• Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh: $50,000 
• Center for Victims: $50,000 
• Partner4Work: $100,000 
• Pittsburgh Action Against Rape: $50,000 
• Casa San Jose: $50,000 
• East End Cooperative Ministries: $50,000 
• Pittsburgh Community Services Inc. (PCSI): $25,000 
• Jewish Family and Community Services Food Pantry: $25,000 
• Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations pre-court landlord-tenant/anti-eviction mediation: $40,000 
• Action Housing assistance to youths aging out of place: $40,000 

Conference Call with Welcoming Pittsburgh

Time: 10 a.m.

Teleconference with U.S. House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, with U.S. Conference of Mayors and Dayton Mayor Mayor Nan Whaley, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, and Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Location: Facebook Live

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 29, 2020) Mayor William Peduto has issued a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in support of efforts to expand affordable food purchasing options — including delivery and online ordering — for vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Mayor’s letter follows calls by U.S. Senator Bob Casey and others to expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides eligible low-income residents with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card to purchase food. 

Currently, SNAP beneficiaries cannot do any purchases online. While other food consumers can use online ordering and delivery to protect themselves and others from spreading the coronavirus, low-income residents and families are forced to make their purchases in person, making them especially vulnerable to the disease.

The Food Policy Council wants the USDA to allow SNAP recipients to purchase food for delivery and to allow other safe food purchasing options, such as allowing users to use their EBT cards for Instacart or online farmers market services. 

Sen. Casey has been calling on the USDA to expand SNAP delivery options since the pandemic led to stay-at-home guidelines across Pennsylvania and the nation last month. 

“As we face this global crisis together, it is critical that we safeguard food access for SNAP participants, especially senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, residents who do not have access to transportation, and others who are unable to leave their homes due to the spread of COVID-19. Enhanced partnerships between the USDA, state government, and retailers will help to eliminate barriers to reliable food access and provide our most vulnerable neighbors with peace of mind during an already stressful time in their lives,” Mayor Peduto stated. 

A copy of the letter to Secretary Perdue is available here. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 30, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is set to gradually and safely increase outdoor work by certain City of Pittsburgh staff, starting tomorrow, May 1. 

The restart of work by the Departments of Public Works (DPW), Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI), and Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI) comes as Governor Tom Wolf is allowing general construction activity to resume starting tomorrow, and for parts of the state to resume other limited activities starting May 8. 

“We know our residents and our workforce want life in Pittsburgh to return to normal, but we’re still have a long way to go, with science and data as our guides. In the meantime we have determined it is safe to slowly begin some work, with full protections for our workers in place,” Mayor Peduto said. 

City office workers who are currently teleworking will continue to do so until announced otherwise. 

In Pittsburgh, outdoor work by City personnel will restart tomorrow with the following health protocols to keep workers safe from the COVID-19 virus: 

• Conducting health screenings at the start of each shift 
• Modifying work practices to maintain 6 feet of distance between all staff 
• Ensuring workers have work gloves and masks or face coverings 
• Providing hand washing stations and portable toilets at job sites  
• Providing hand sanitizer at job sites 
• Regularly sanitizing shared trucks, equipment, etc. 

Contractors for DOMI began landslide mitigation projects on Monday, and this week DOMI and PLI have been preparing for the restart of general construction projects.  

Starting tomorrow other work will resume, with crews working rotating one week on/one week off schedules that will limit crowding at workplaces and help them manage child care issues. 

At DPW work will include: 

• Forestry tree removal and pruning 
• Street sweeping 
• Clean & liens  
• Vegetation control and removing downed branches 
• Debris removal: sewer grates, bump outs, pools, etc. 
• Step repairs 
• Board ups 
• Parks maintenance 
• Pothole patching 
• Yard debris drop off locations reopening (Tues-Sat, 7 am-3pm) 
• Citywide curbside yard debris pick up (rescheduled for May 16) 

At DOMI work will include: 

• Line striping maintenance 
• Crosswalk and stop bar maintenance 
• Sign maintenance 
• Signal operations and maintenance 
• Paving 
• Speed humps 
• Handicap ramps 

PLI will resume building inspections following Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health and City guidelines. 

The Department of City Planning will soon begin virtual Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment meetings as well. 

Other City government activities will gradually resume when deemed safe to do so. Announcements on such activities will be made at later dates. 
 

Conference Call on City Budget

Time: 12 p.m.

COVID-19 and Equity Discussion on Facebook Live with Deputy Chief of Staff Majestic Lane, Assistant Chief of Staff Lindsay Powell and My Brothers Keeper Coordinator Josiah Gilliam

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Facebook Live

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 1, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation, City Council President Theresa Kail-Smith and the city's partners at the Salvation Army and Parkhurst Dining distributed 5,360 meals to children and seniors this week.

Emergency meals to seniors increased by 746 meals over last week. They included:

• 540 Shelf Stable/Emergency Meals were made available via the Area Agency on Aging/Allegheny County — these meals can be distributed to any senior in need
• Global Links provided 10 Boxes (over 1,600 items), which included 1,000 (washable) cloth face masks and other essentials
• Coordinated by Council President Kail-Smith, six pallets of food and other items were donated this week including laundry detergent, baby food, canned milk, coffee/tea and other essentials, all soon to be distributed to families in District 2

Meals distributed to children totaled 2,692. an increase of 366 meals over the previous week. They included:

• PPS Meals + Parkhurst Meals (Friday only) = 1,170
• Salvation Army locations in Homewood and Westside = 1522

Conference Call with Pittsburgh Public Schools

Time: 2:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 1, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh continues to monitor and plan for possible summertime activities, under ongoing guidance from Governor Tom Wolf’s administration during the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In the meantime during periods of good weather this spring, such as this coming weekend, City officials strongly urge residents to practice social distancing and wear masks when in close proximity to others to help stop the spread of disease. 

Chief Operations Officer Kinsey Casey is leading efforts to review the safe opening — if possible — of swimming pools, spray parks, organized sports, summer camps, playing field, summer concerts and films, and basketball and tennis courts in coming weeks or months. 

As of today with the state’s opening of general construction activities, City personnel have begun maintenance and repair of outdoor facilities and other permitted work, such as on streets, forestry and debris cleaning. 

Department of Mobility and Infrastructure Director Karina Ricks is reviewing plans for improving public spaces to allow for socially distanced recreation and the support of main streets.  

She has created a task force with leaders from the transportation, business, mobility and design sectors to create a toolkit for neighborhood and business groups to consider the possible use of sidewalks and partial or full road closures to enhance summertime recreation spaces and to boost commerce in neighborhood business districts. 

No decisions on proposed closures of specific roadways — in business districts and/or city parks — have been finalized. City officials will make further announcements on proposed options at a later date, upon further recommendations regarding social gatherings from the Centers for Disease Control and the state and Allegheny County Health Departments.  

Conference Call on Energy Procurement

Time: 11 a.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 4, 2020) Mayor William Peduto announced today that he is instituting a hiring freeze for more than 60 currently unfilled positions within City government, in a move to save money during the deep budget impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Not hiring the 64 positions will save the City an estimated $3 million in salaries. 

“The dedication and perseverance of City workers, especially those working on the front lines, has been on full display during this pandemic, and on behalf of all city residents I can’t thank them enough for their public service,” Mayor Peduto said. “We have to put on hold these new hires, however, to help fill the ever-widening holes showing up in our budget due to this crisis.” 

Mayor Peduto wrote to President Donald J. Trump two weeks ago in an effort to obtain emergency federal funding for the City, noting that estimates are for a 21% cut in projected City revenues in 2020, going from $608 million down to $481 million, for a total loss of $127 million. Over a five-year period from 2020-2024 the City expects to lose a total of $239 million, which amounts to a 7.5% cut. 

No other budget cuts are being implemented at this time, though directors of City departments are being asked to review possible cuts to non-personnel costs of at least 10% citywide. 

The hiring freeze impacts the following 64 unfilled positions, by department: 

Mayors Office 

-Office Manager 

Office of Management and Budget 

-Chief Financial Officer 

-Assistant Director, Operating 

Innovation and Performance 

-Senior Manager Applications 

-Assistant Applications Administrator 

-Project Coordinator 

-GIS Analyst 

Finance 

-Finance Systems Analyst 

-Clerical Specialist 1 

Law 

-Associate Solicitor 

HRCS 

-Training and Development Coordinator 

-Talent Acquisition Coordinator 

-HR Specialist 

City Planning 

-Community Affairs Liaison 

-Senior Planner 

-Planner 2 

-Clerical Assistant 2  

PLI 

-Government and Public Relations Liaison 

-2 Combined Operations Inspector 

-Applications Technician 

Public Safety Administration 

-Safer Together PGH Coordinator 

-2 Emergency Management Planners 

-Accountant 

Police 

-Two classes of recruits this year instead of three 

-2 Administrative Specialist 

-8 Clerical Specialist 1 

-Clerk 2 

-6 Full Time Crossing Guards (this has no impact on existing Crossing Guard program) 

Animal Control 

-Animal Control Officer 

Fire 

-Fire Class will move forward with 24 instead of 32 candidates  

EMS 

-July recruits will move forward, October will hold for further review 

Department of Public Works Administration 

-Clerical Assistant 2 

DPW Operations 

-2 Inspector 1 

-2 Truck Driver 

Parks and Recreation 

-5 Rec Leader 1 

-Administrative Aide 

-Fiscal and Contracting Coordinator 

-3 Community Center Director 

Mobility and Infrastructure 

-Policy Analyst 

-Communications Specialist 

-2 Project Engineers 

-Senior Systems Analyst 

-Executive Assistant 

PITTSBURGH (May 4, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh has asked the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court to reverse a lower court decision blocking the implementation of gun violence prevention measures enacted after the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue, the City Law Department and Everytown Law announced today. Everytown Law is the litigation arm of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and is co-counsel for the City of Pittsburgh in the case.

“Pittsburgh residents expect us to do what we can to make them safer, and I’m proud of the steps we’ve taken,” said Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto. “Public health research is on our side, Pittsburgh residents are on our side, and the law is on our side, too. It’s disappointing our efforts have had to come to this, but we’ll continue to show the court that our measures comply with every word of state law.”

"We believe city officials acted well within their authority when they passed these measures to prevent future gun violence,” said Eric Tirschwell, managing director for Everytown for Gun Safety. “We look forward to the Commonwealth Court’s review and are hopeful the trial court’s ruling will be corrected."

The ordinances blocked by the lower court’s ruling include:

• A prohibition relating to the use of assault weapons and large capacity magazines;
• A local Red Flag law which provides a judicial framework for families and law enforcement officers to petition for a court-issued Extreme Risk Protection Order, which temporarily restricts a person’s access to firearms when they pose a significant risk of harming themselves or others;
• A Child Access Prevention law which creates a civil penalty if a minor gains access to and uses a firearm, and the firearm’s custodian knew or reasonably should have known that a minor was likely to gain access to the firearm.

Copies of the briefs are available here and here.

About Everytown Law

Everytown Law is the litigation arm of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, and fights for the right of every American to be free from gun violence. It is the largest team of litigators in the country dedicated full-time to advocating in the courts and through the criminal and civil justice systems to advance gun safety. Learn more about Everytown Law at www.everytownlaw.org.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 4, 2020) Environmental Services crews from the Department of Public Works will be picking up yard debris at curbsides across the city on Saturday, May 16. Additionally, yard waste drop-offs will resume at three DPW locations beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, May 5.

Curbside yard debris set for earlier this spring was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption of pickup was first announced last week with other outside work by City of Pittsburgh personnel.

Information about yard waste disposal is available here.

City crews will collect the following items curbside on May 16:

• Leaves
• Branches (4" diameter or less)
• Brush
• Grass

Items must be in paper bags weighing less than 35 pounds. (No plastic bags permitted.) All branches must be bundled with fiber twine or natural rope in lengths of 5 feet or less. Items should be left at regular curbside collection spots before 6:00 a.m. on the morning of the collection day.

Yard waste that does not meet the collection guidelines will be left at the curb.

American Cities Climate Challenge Strategy Online Meeting

Time: 11 a.m.

COVID-19 Equity Discussion on Critical Communities with Deputy Chief of Staff Majestic Lane, Critical Communities Manager Laura Drogowski, and MBK Coordinator Josiah Gilliam

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Facebook Live

Conference Call with County Executive Rich Fitzgerald

Time: 3:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 5, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning along with its partner organizations received an Excellence in Sustainability, Community Plan award from the American Planning Association’s Sustainable Communities Division for the EcoInnovation District Plan. The award honors projects, plans, policies, individuals and organizations whose work is dedicated to supporting sustainable communities. 

The EcoInnovation District Plan combined the goals of both EcoDistricts and Innovation Districts to build a neighborhood plan for the Uptown area with a focus on healing the environment, supporting the needs of existing residents, and expanding job growth. The Uptown neighborhood is a four-block wide, 1.6 mile stretch of Pittsburgh between Downtown and Oakland, two of the largest employment centers in Pennsylvania. This EcoInnovation District Plan was the first plan adopted from the City’s neighborhood planning program. 

The planning process addressed concerns around safety, environmental problems, and disinvestment through an inclusive, comprehensive engagement strategy that built trust and partnerships in the community. In total, close to 1,000 people attended zero-waste public events, took the community-wide survey, participated in interviews or attended regular meetings, with thousands more engaging with the project online.

The resulting plan included infrastructure improvements, community-driven initiatives, and a new performance-based tools in the Zoning Code that incentivize affordable housing and energy efficiency. Proposed projects include sustainable buildings on publicly owned property, new and improved open spaces that treat stormwater, support for small businesses, a nature trail, district energy, new transportation tools that will reduce congestion and make the streets safer for everyone. A partnership with the Green Building Alliance ensures that all building proposals in Uptown receive green building consultations at the earliest stages when this information benefits projects and the community the most.

The process also helped the City and Port Authority of Allegheny County develop a more sustainable and community-driven proposal for Bus Rapid Transit on the Fifth and Forbes Avenue corridor. The planning process strengthened partnerships between organizations including Uptown Partners, Duquesne University, UPMC, Avenu, non-profits Green Building Alliance and Sustainable Pittsburgh, and public agencies at the City and County. These partnerships, and the formation of the Uptown Task Force as a forum for taking action on the plan’s vision, have allowed many of these projects to move forward into implementation.

“It is an honor to accept the Excellence in Sustainability award for the EcoInnovation District, which recognizes the work of the residents and community partners that were involved in the planning process. We look forward to continuing to work with those partners to make their vision a reality,” said Andrew Dash, acting director of the Department of City Planning. “The lessons we learned through the EcoInnovation District process continue to improve the neighborhood planning program, and the partnerships forged there have helped us establish new standards and programs for sustainable development.”

The EcoInnovation District Plan also received an award from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association for its focus on social equity, reusing underutilized spaces, creating an open space network, and public participation.

The American Planning Association (APA) is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. APA includes a professional institute for certified planners, 47 chapters, 21 divisions, and special memberships for students. 

The APA Sustainable Communities Division's goal is to help planners engage in and collaborate on innovative approaches to emerging sustainability issues.

For More Information:

Derek Dauphin 

Senior Planner, Project Manager

Derek.Dauphin@pittsburghpa.gov

Andrew Dash, AICP

Acting Director

Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 6, 2020) Mayor William Peduto today thanked workers at the Department of Public Safety for all their service during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and gave special recognition to the City’s lead planner for the pandemic, Emergency Medical Services Assistant Chief Mark Pinchalk. 

The Mayor named today “Mark E. Pinchalk Day” in the City of Pittsburgh, and issued him the Mayor Sophie Masloff Employee of the Month Award. 

Under Mayor Peduto’s direction Pinchalk and Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich began planning for the pandemic in January, focusing on protecting residents as well as City workers on the front lines.  

The Mayor today issued this chart laying out City actions to prepare for COVID-19 and the moves the City has made to date. Such actions will continue as Pittsburgh slowly emerges from its shutdown and businesses, workers and residents are ultimately allowed to safely resume some activities. 

Pinchalk led efforts to not only respond to the pandemic on a day-to-day basis but also to issue strategic planning in the midst of Public Safety’s response. He authored this COVID-19 Prehospital Infection Guidelines book for EMS. 

A copy of the proclamation honoring Pinchalk is available here. 

Press Conference with Public Safety Officials

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Facebook Live

Informational Conference Call with City Council

Time: 3:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 6, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure will initiate street resurfacing of asphalt streets beginning Monday, May 11.  

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.  

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors. 

Paving and other outdoor work has been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but the City announced last week that it was resuming such activity.

As most residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.  

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

Interview with Melissa Quinn of CBS News

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Conference Call Meeting with Comprehensive Municipal Pension Board

Time: 1 pm.

Online Equity Discussion on COVID-19 and immigrant, refugee and New American neighbors with Chief Equity Officer Majestic Lane and Feyi Akintola and Alaa Mohamed of Welcoming Pittsburgh

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Location: Facebook Live

Conference Call with Allegheny Conference

Time: 4 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 8, 2020) Mayor William Peduto today released the following statement on Governor Tom Wolf’s announcement that he is easing COVID-19 restrictions in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County: 

“I want to thank Governor Wolf for recognizing all that the greater Pittsburgh community has done to mitigate the spread of this pandemic, and allowing us to take initial steps toward reopening our city and our economy. But we are far from beating this — Pittsburgh residents, workers and visitors need to keep focusing on social distancing, not leaving home if they are sick, wearing masks, washing hands and generally just being smart about fighting this still-spreading disease. 

We owe it to our city’s heroic medical personnel and first responders to keep being vigilant, and we must do much more to test the greater population and to contact trace anyone who has tested positive for the virus. I have offered the assistance of the City of Pittsburgh to help implement these needed testing and tracing measures.” 

For more information from the Governor’s office on rules for communities in the “yellow phase” of reopening during the pandemic, please see these guidelines on phasing, and these guidelines for businesses.   

For more information on the City’s response to COVID-19 and a data and operations timeline on City actions please see the City of Pittsburgh’s coronavirus webpage. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 8, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled and resurfaced starting on Monday, May 11. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. Most of them in the first week are in Pittsburgh City Council District 9. 

The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure announced Wednesday that paving is resuming next week. 

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

Paving and other outdoor work had been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but the City announced last week that it was resuming such activity. 

As most residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 8, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation and its partners at Parkhurst Dining and the Salvation Army distributed 5,076 meals to children and seniors this week in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Total meals distributed to seniors: 2,040 

Total meals distributed to children: 3,036 (inclusive of all of the below, an increase of 344 meals over the previous week) 

• PPS Meals + Parkhurst Meals (Friday only) at our Recs = 1,346
• Salvation Army locations in Homewood and Westside = 1,540
• Donated meals Distributed in Beechview = 150

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 11, 2020) Mayor William Peduto and the Department of Public Safety personnel will be reading bedtime stories for children. Mayor Peduto will read stories from the City-County Building as part of the Grant Street Reading Series on Mondays and Fridays at 7 PM. Public Safety personnel will read a story on Wednesdays at 7 PM.   

Stories will be broadcast from the City of Pittsburgh – Office of the Mayor and Pittsburgh Public Safety Department Facebook pages and available on the Pittsburgh City Channel’s YouTube page.   

The books that they are reading are provided through the City of Pittsburgh’s partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a free program available to all children ages 0-5 who live within city limits to register and receive one book every month in the mail until their fifth birthday. More information about the program and registration is available here.   

Grant Street Reading Series: Mayor Peduto Reads "The Little Engine That Could" from Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Facebook Live

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 12, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure is announcing on-going traffic restrictions to facilitate repairs to the Swindell Bridge over I-279.

Traffic on the bridge between Perry South and Northview Heights was restricted to one lane beginning on Monday, May 11. All traffic is being directed by the contractor’s flaggers during normal work hours and stop signs during off hours.

This bridge has been restricted to one lane for the past year due to localized deterioration of five steel beams. Repairs to these beams will enable the bridge to be reopened to unrestricted traffic.

The City is working closely with the contractor to expedite the project and minimize inconvenience to the public. This project is scheduled to be completed by early June.

If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact Zachary Workman, Project Manager at zachary.workman@pittsburghpa.gov.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 12, 2020) Despite the citywide shutdown the past two months during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI) has continued to process construction permits in advance of the gradual reopening of the city. 

From mid March through the beginning of May PLI personnel, while tele-working from home, have issued 1,229 construction permits with a value of more than $153 million. 

“I can’t say enough about the persistence of PLI workers, whose service during these troubled times is allowing us to hit the ground running with the resumption of construction in the city. They are key to making sure investments continue to happen across Pittsburgh,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

In March PLI issued 614 permits, in April 428 and to-date in May 187. The construction value of the permits was $59,814,618 in March, $74,624,816 in April and $18,587,609. 

Permit applications are done through OneStopPGH. Last week PLI issued updated construction guidelines for use during the pandemic. 

Online Press Conference with Elected Officials and Business Leaders on Move to Yellow Phase

Time: 11 a.m.

Conference Call with Visit Pittsburgh

Time: 12 p.m.

Conference Call with Climate Mayors

Time: 2 p.m.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 13, 2020) The latest budget numbers for the City of Pittsburgh in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic show severe dips in revenue collection matched with drops in spending as well. 

From March through May 8 of this year, data from the Office of Management and Budget shows revenues were $94,401,623 while revenues for the same period in 2019 were $126,398,602. That is a difference of $31,996,979 and a drop of 25%. 

Expenses from March through May 8 this were $101,542,050 while last year during that period they were $109,253,127. That is a difference in spending of $7,711,077 and a drop of 7%. 

“The City is holding its own through frugal spending but the gaps between our revenues and expenditures are likely to widen further. With the help of City Council and the leaders of all City departments we will have to keep a hard watch on spending until the financial impacts of the  COVID-19 pandemic become clearer,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

Last month the City estimated it will suffer a 21% cut in projected revenues in 2020, going from $608 million down to $481 million, for a total loss of $127 million. Over a five-year period from 2020-2024 the City expects to lose a total of $239 million, which amounts to a 7.5% cut.  

The tax revenues that are most impacted by economic hardship triggered by the pandemic are payroll, parking, earned income and property taxes: these four taxes alone could see $97 million in losses just this year. 

In response the City instituted a hiring freeze across all departments expected to save an estimated $3 million in salary this year, and is drafting plans for 10% cuts in non-personnel spending across all departments. 

Accelerator for America Advisory Council Video Meeting

Time: 11 a.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 14, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh has launched the Housing Assistance Resource Portal (HARP) where users can search for housing-related resources. Users identify their needs through a series of questions and are provided housing-related programs and services for which they are eligible. Users can identify themselves as interested in renting, currently renting, interested in buying a home, currently owning a home, renting their property as a landlord or currently experiencing homelessness.

The portal is designed to be inclusive for city residents in all neighborhoods, from all income levels and in every community in support of the city’s commitment to housing. “Housing, especially affordable housing, will always be a premier issue of my administration and staff as long as there are City of Pittsburgh residents who are impacted by housing concerns,” said Mayor William Peduto. “Housing is a human right.”

“It’s critical, especially in the time of this pandemic, that residents have access to all resources from their city, including housing,” said Mayor’s Office Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Equity Officer Majestic Lane. 

HARP is provided in partnership by the City of Pittsburgh, Urban Redevelopment Authority and Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh and includes additional resources from Allegheny County, Neighborhood Allies, Federal Home Loan Bank and Pittsburgh Housing Finance Agency. 

It can be accessed at https://pittsburghpa.gov/harp/ and is available in mobile format.  

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 15, 2020) Mayor William Peduto today released the following statement on the Lower Hill District Development: 

"The City of Pittsburgh remains fully committed to delivering a transformative development to the Lower Hill District in partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins and BPG. Over the past several months, we have successfully worked together on numerous positive votes without delay to take down parcels, advance affordable housing, and move forward with a new corporate HQ skyscraper. This development partnership will also bring over $10M in funding to the greater Hill District Community, new rec2tech facilities, and an MWBE small business incubator, union jobs, and local hiring programs. The City and URA are working closely to advance a vote in the coming days that will build off that partnership and take the next step forward in seeing this vision come to reality." 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 15, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled and resurfaced starting on Monday, May 18. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. Most of them are Pittsburgh City Council Districts 7 and 9. 

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 15, 2020) Mayor William Peduto issued the following statement today on the redevelopment of the Lower Hill District:

"The City of Pittsburgh remains fully committed to delivering a transformative development to the Lower Hill District in partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins and BPG. Over the past several months, we have successfully worked together on numerous positive votes without delay to take down parcels, advance affordable housing, and move forward with a new corporate HQ skyscraper. This development partnership will also bring over $10 million in funding to the greater Hill District Community, new Rec2Tech facilities, and an MWBE small business incubator, union jobs, and local hiring programs. The City and URA are working closely to advance a vote in the coming days that will build off that partnership and take the next step forward in seeing this vision come to reality."

Online Conference Call with Mayor Ullrich Sierau of Dortmund, Germany

Time: 11 a.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 15, 2020) Since the start of City food distributions March 20 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Parks and Recreation and its partners have distributed approximately 33,379 meals to children and seniors.

In the past week the City and partners including Parkhurst Dining, the Salvation Army, Safe A Life Today and Rivers Casino distributed a total of 4,884 meals.

That included 2,108 meals to seniors and 2,776 meals to children.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 15, 2020) As the City of Pittsburgh enters a phased reopening today under the guidance of Governor Tom Wolf, the City is announcing how summertime activities will be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

While many activities will be allowed, others will be canceled or postponed. All decisions follow federal and state guidelines. 

“Pittsburgh residents have done a great job during these trying times staying safe and looking out for each other. The data shows the battle against this pandemic is far from over, however, and we must keep social distancing and other measures in place to win this fight, even when we’re enjoying the outdoors,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

The following is a list of permitted and non-permitted activities, with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines attached when relevant. 

Activities that can comply safely with social distancing guidelines will be allowed. They include: 

• Drive-in movies (by the Special Events office) 
• Farmers Markets 
• Pickup of bulk trash 
• Road closures in City parks (more information below) 
• Tennis courts (singles matches encouraged) 
• Pickle ball courts (singles matches encouraged) 
• Skate parks  
• Fields (but not for organized group sports) 
• Frisbee Golf 
• Lawn Bowling 
• Bocce
• Expanded summer food program (likely to begin June 15) 

(City crews are working to reopen facilities starting today and into next week.) 

Large group events that cannot comply safely with social distancing will not be allowed. They include: 

• July 4 fireworks 
• City-sponsored concerts 
• 5Ks, the Great Race and other races (though they can be held virtually) 
• Summer Camps 
• Citiparks summer youth baseball 
• Summer Line Dancing 
• Pistons in the Park  

Playgrounds, park shelters and spray parks remain closed until further notice (CDC). 

Swimming pools (including the Oliver Bath House) will be closed. While the CDC says that swimming itself is safe, it says 6 feet of distance between users is required and no more than 10 people should be allowed at any time. City pool waiting areas, locker rooms and lounging areas are too cramped to allow for appropriate distancing under the guidelines. 

Final decisions on other activities and facilities have not yet been made. These include: 

• Recreation centers 
• Senior Healthy Active Living centers 
• Block party permits 
• Mellon Tennis Bubble 
• Art Cart 
• Water fountains and water features 
• Park restrooms 
• Organized group sports including deck hockey, soccer, baseball and basketball (CDC) 

Decisions on closures and allowed activities may be revisited as pandemic circumstances and federal and state guidelines change. 

The City Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) has established a task force to study methods of using some streets and sidewalks to allow for safe recreation and business activity. Its recommendations will be issued soon. In the meantime plans are underway to close some streets in City parks to vehicular traffic. No timetables are yet set, but plans are for the following closures: 

• Sheraden Park: Adon Street  
• West End Park: West End Park Drive at Weaver and Herschel 
• Highland Park: Reservoir Drive; Farmhouse Drive at Jackson Street/Connecting Road/Heberton/Grafton (These will be partial closures to allow for Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority access to facilities.) 

Drive-in movies organized by the Special Events office will begin June 13. More information will be released later. 

Farmer’s Markets will begin June 3 in Carrick and begin in other neighborhoods thereafter. Social distancing and safe purchasing requirements will be in place. The schedule is: 

• Wednesdays: Carrick Dairy District, starting June 3, from 3-7 p.m. 
• Sundays: Squirrel Hill, Beacon/Bartlett parking lot, starting June 7, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. 
• Fridays: North Side, Allegheny Commons Park, starting June 12, from 3-7 p.m. 
• Mondays: East Liberty, N. Euclid Avenue and Broad Street, starting June 15, from 3-7 p.m. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 18, 2020) Front-line workers at the Departments of Public Works and Mobility and Infrastructure are being honored in Pittsburgh and nationwide under the Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association. 

“Never have the day-to-day services provided by our workers been more plainly needed and appreciated than they are now, and I’m happy to name this Public Works Week in recognition of their efforts,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

A copy of the Mayor’s proclamation is below: 

WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works and the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure employ dedicated and talented public works professionals who are facing the COVID-19 pandemic with strength, resilience, and continue to serve their community; and The City of Pittsburgh wishes to recognize their efforts and accomplishments in serving the public; and,    

WHEREAS, public works professionals focus on building, operating, and maintaining infrastructure that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities, while providing essential services for regional economic growth, public health, transportation, environmental sustainability, and everyday life of the people of The City of Pittsburgh; and, 

WHEREAS, these essential services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of the professionals in The Department of Public Works, who are responsible for collecting refuse and recyclables, maintaining City streets, preserving park spaces, and rehabilitating public facilities essential for our citizens; and, 

WHEREAS, employees at The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure are responsible for transportation of people and goods throughout the City of Pittsburgh and for managing the operation of and access to the public right-of-way; and,  

WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the citizens and civic leaders in The City of Pittsburgh to gain knowledge and understanding of public works projects and programs in their respective communities; and,   

WHEREAS, the year 2020 marks the 60th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association, 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Mayor William Peduto, commend our Public Works and Department of Mobility and Infrastructure employees for their vital contributions to our community, and by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim May 17-23, 2020, as “Public Works Week” in the City of Pittsburgh. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 18, 2020) A City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure advisory committee has presented a report focusing on how streets and mobility services could be used to support business and community health during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Committee, chaired by former Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler, was formed April 29 and convened four times between May 1 and May 11, and finished its report last week. The ad hoc committee was comprised of business owners, business association and development organization leaders, mobility providers, urban designers, technologists, and transportation professionals. 

The rapidly assembled report includes a number of recommendations including: 

• Engage and empower more commercial areas across the city – particularly those that may lack organized business associations. 
• Develop and deploy consistent advisory signage for business districts to direct patrons to queue, pick-up, and park safely and at an appropriate distance. 
• Expand sidewalk space at high use bus stops, promote use of bicycles and bike share, and permit use of other small, sustainable micromobility devices. 
• Better manage curbsides to enable space for local pick-up and delivery and sidewalk expansion space for queuing and seating. 
• Address regulatory barriers that restrict non-traditional uses of the public right of way to support businesses. 
• Develop approved standards and processes to enable “quick build” adaptation of streets to support businesses and neighborhood recreation. 

Following the committee’s recommendations, the Department has initiated the following actions: 

• Launch a survey of businesses across the city to better understand how streets and mobility could be used to support their reopening. 
• Convert a number of actuated (push button controlled) pedestrian signals to recall (automatically triggering the pedestrian phase without pushing the button). 
• Collaborated on a 72-hour “hackathon” this past weekend with local programmers and engineers to develop “PittsCurb” -  a tool to help manage efficient curbside use. 
• Develop guidelines for the use of small powered mobility devices in the city. 
• Develop a program to permit neighborhood slow streets to promote outdoor social distancing in residential areas. 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 18, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Parking Authority announced today that enforcement of metered parking spaces in the Central Business District Downtown will resume on Wednesday, May 20. 

With the resumption of business activity allowed under Governor Tom Wolf’s yellow reopening phase, parking meter enforcement Downtown will allow for turnover in parking to support retail, restaurants and other businesses.  

Since the City shut down in mid-March and parking meter enforcement was suspended, many vehicles have stayed in parking spots all day, leading to complaints by restaurants that takeout customers were having trouble finding Downtown parking. 

The PPA will temporarily allow the first half-hour of parking to be free, which will assist with take-out and pickup services by such businesses. Parkers must enter their license plate information into parking kiosks or their phone app to take advantage of the half-hour free parking. Only one free parking session can be used per day. 

Enforcement officers began issuing warnings in Downtown today regarding the upcoming enforcement measures.

PPA parking garages Downtown remain open for workers seeking long-term parking. 

Parking meter and residential permit parking enforcement remains suspended for the time being in all other city neighborhoods and business districts. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 19, 2020) On Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20, the Eliza Furnace Trail will be closed between the Hot Metal Street and Birmingham Bridges while PennDOT tree contractors work along the trail. This beautification project is a cooperative effort between PennDOT, the City of Pittsburgh, Friends of the Riverfront and Tree Pittsburgh.  As a matter of safety, all cyclist and pedestrians will not have access to the trail. 

For additional information, contact City of Pittsburgh Forestry Division at 412-665-3625. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 19, 2020) The Department of City Planning is announcing the start of virtual Boards and Commissions and a new online engagement website starting in June. 

City Planning Boards and Commissions will move to virtual meetings. These meetings will be held on Zoom and streamed on YouTube Live on the Pittsburgh City Planning YouTube page. A link to join the meeting will be shared the day before the meeting on the specific Board or Commission’s website. If you are not planning to testify, please watch the YouTube Live stream to allow those testifying to be able to join the meeting. 

Agendas, presentations, and project information will be posted online before the meeting for review and to accept public comment leading to the Board or Commission meeting. Notices for all Boards and Commissions will be posted online at https://pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/notices. 

• Planning Commission will resume virtually on Tuesday, June 2, at 1 p.m. 
• Historic Review Commission will resume virtually on Wednesday, June 3, at 12 p.m. 
• Zoning Board of Adjustment will resume virtually on Thursday, June 11, at 9 a.m. 
• The City-County Task Force on Disabilities will resume virtually on Monday, June 15, at 1 p.m.
• Art Commission will resume virtually on Wednesday, June 24, at 2 p.m. 
• Naming Commission will resume virtually on Monday, July 6, at 1 p.m. 

To provide public comment, you can: 

• Email the Commission to which you are testifying. Email addresses can be found on the Board or Commission’s webpage. Email testimony will be accepted until the day before the meeting at 12 p.m.
• Send a letter to 200 Ross St., 4th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Mailed testimony must be received by two business days before the meeting. 
• Join the virtual meeting and use raise hand function to request to speak. 
• Call into the meeting from your phone. If you wish to provide testimony this way, please register in advance with Zoning & Development Review staff to ensure that you are provided time to speak.

After COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, virtual meetings will continue as a supplement to in-person meetings to increase access to participation and more equitable public testimony. 

Development Activities Meetings will be scheduled as virtual meetings through the Registered Community Organization and the developer, with assistance from neighborhood planners. Information and presentations will also be posted online for residents to ask questions and comment on development proposals before appearing before any Board or Commission.

“We believe that it is important to restart the Board and Commission process safely and balance the ability to keep development moving in the City with the desire to ensure equitable opportunity for resident involvement in the development coming to the City and its neighborhoods,” said Andrew Dash, acting director of the Department of City Planning. “This process will allow us to take additional steps to implement the Public Engagement Guide, hold Hearings over the next couple of months, and will continue when restrictions are lifted to supplement in-person Board and Commission meetings.”

A citywide online engagement portal coming in June will be a one-stop location for residents to learn more about and engage with projects happening in all City departments, as well as projects from developers that are going to a City Commission. 

For More Information:

Andrew Dash, AICP

Acting Director of City Planning

Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov

Emergency Medical Services Event on Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program

Time: 12 p.m.

Location: EMS Headquarters, 700 Filbert Street, Shadyside

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 19, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh has launched the latest phase of OneStopPGH, the online service where residents and businesses can apply, pay for, and receive business licenses and permits, upload development plans, and track violation notices.  

“Pittsburghers have long wanted a more transparent and simple permitting process, and after lots of very hard work we’ve finally delivered one. Neighborhood development will now be much easier in Pittsburgh, and the move to more online permitting practices couldn’t come at a better time,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

The development of OneStopPGH was led by the Department of Innovation and Performance with support from other departments including the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI); Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI); Public Safety; and City Planning. 

New services offered include: 

• Improved DOMI moving, dumpster, sidewalk repair and other permits, allowing residents to print no-parking signs from home or office  
• Inspection reports and checklists for inspections on DOMI Right of Way (ROW) permits. 
• New "no parking" signs that list permit number, permit type and permit holder which makes it easier for inspectors to clearly identify any unpermitted use or occupancy in the public ROW. 
• DOMI online permitting of ROW improvement plans, ROW encroachments and street vacations  
• Improved DOMI moving, dumpster, sidewalk repair and other permits, allowing residents to print no-parking signs from home or office 
• Fire Bureau permits (annual permits such as Hazmat, Special Occupancy and Hotwork Programs; and such event based permits as new Hazmat tank installations, firework shows, and Special Events)  
• Improved code enforcement system allows 311, PLI and DOMI to more efficiently notify complainants of enforcement actions and provide more transparent case updates, including court disposition. 

The latest OneStopPGH upgrade improves the customer experience in several ways, including: 

• Chat feature added to Customer Portal allowing PLI staff to support customers remotely while completing applications on the customer portal 
• Call Center integration allows PLI staff to triage calls from a call center pertaining to licensing and code enforcement while working from home. The application technicians can forward the call to others in the department including plan examiners. All staff without a city issued cell phone can now make outgoing calls from home. 
• Integration of DCP, PLI & DOMI permitting functions allows for inter-agency documentation/information sharing, better coordination and a more streamlined and predictable development process for the public. 
• Through better data reporting, PLI and DOMI can better track code enforcement violations and trends 

The launch of DOMI permits in OneStopPGH was timed with the overhaul of the department’s website including new process guides for construction permits. Future updates will be made as DOMI continues to improve and clarify its process, and can be tracked here: https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/right-of-way 

DOMI's first ever Rules & Regulations and ROW Fee Schedule are now also now online at https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/rules-regulations 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 20, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure is pleased to announce the full reopening of Swinburne Street in South Oakland following seven months of construction. The $710,000 project fixed an ongoing slope instability issue that required the closure of Swinburne Street between Greenfield Avenue and Edgehill Street. The work consisted of flattening the slope below the road, installing soil nails, and installing a modular concrete block wall.

The City partially reopened Swinburne Street in March in advance of repaving of the street, which was just completed. Before and after photos of the street resurfacing are below.

This represents a significant investment in landslide remediation. Several other large scale slide investments are under construction including List Street, Semicir Street, William Street, and Forward Avenue. This work effort is designed to protect and restore public rights of way.

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at domi@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2523.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 20, 2020) City of Pittsburgh parks have been rated 15th best in the nation for access and quality by the Trust for Public Land. 

Five years ago the City’s parks were rated far worse, but have improved after commitments to improve them by Mayor William Peduto and City Council. In 2016 Pittsburgh’s parks were rated 39th in the country by the Trust’s ParkScore index, and moved up to 22nd in 2019. Moving up to 15th is a jump of 24 spots from that 2016 score. 

“Our departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation have been doing a great job improving our parks, and providing amenities and programming for all residents to enjoy. I want to thank Directors Mike Gable and Ross Chapman for their work and that of all their employees,” Mayor William Peduto said. “As nice as this recognition is, none of us are satisfied at being in 15th place, and we will work to continue improving parks for all Pittsburgh residents. Until every last resident is within 10 minutes of a quality park our work will not be done.”  

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 20, 2020) Mayor William Peduto released the following statement on the vote scheduled for tomorrow by the board of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) on the take down of the next parcel in the Lower Hill District development plans:

“The plans set for a vote tomorrow not only include a new headquarters for First National Bank but represent an extraordinary $200 million investment in the heart of Pittsburgh that will help brace our local economy in a time of great need.

If approved by the board after a week of deliberation, this will include the monetization of the previously approved LERTA tax abatement and parking tax diversion, which will make available an upfront $11 million to the URA to invest in community-driven housing and economic development initiatives in the greater Hill District. 

This funding could be used to support the developments on Centre Avenue of minority businesses and development teams that the URA approved at its February 2020 board meeting. The agreement also takes the next step with the formalization of a First Source Hiring Center to spur workforce development and jobs on-site for Hill District residents, including minority hiring commitments.

This entire site will be providing good paying union construction jobs. The proposed agreement also includes a commitment to long-term career-building jobs on the site to provide Hill District residents with family sustaining wages to rebuild the middle class. 

This is in addition to the commitments from the Penguins and BPG with the last parcels taken down, which included an investment in Rec2Tech in the Hill, improved recreation facilities, the completion of the Curtain Call public art installation, and the new Catapult MWBE small business incubator on the Lower Hill site.

Tomorrow’s vote will follow timely votes from the URA, Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA) and City Council to take down the first parcels, approve a parking tax diversion, provide millions of additional dollars to the Greater Hill's affordable housing needs in the form of a Hill District Housing Reinvestment Account, and begin the take down of this next parcel.

This entire project has been a partnership among the community stakeholders, URA, SEA, the Housing Authority, myself, and the Penguins with the leadership of David Morehouse and Kevin Acklin.

Finally, this entire project has been driven by my clear goals of economic growth, family sustaining jobs, investment in the historic Centre Avenue, investment in affordable housing, workforce development, opportunities for youth, and support for MWBE small businesses in alignment with the Community Collaboration Implementation Plan.

I urge the URA board to approve this critical next step, and move this long-promised development forward.”

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 21, 2020) City of Pittsburgh offices will be closed and refuse collection will be suspended on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. 

Food distribution to children and seniors by the Department of Parks and Recreation will be suspended as well, though extra meals are being issued Friday in advance of the holiday. 

There will be no refuse, bulk waste or recycling collection on Monday and collection will be pushed back one day for the rest of the week. If your scheduled day of collection is Monday, you will be serviced Tuesday, May 26. Those usually serviced Tuesday will be serviced Wednesday; and so on through the week.  

Residents are reminded to properly bag all trash to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. In addition, cardboard boxes must be broken down and bundled for recycling collection. 

Those with questions concerning collection may contact Environmental Services at 412-255-2773. 

100th Birthday Celebration for World War II Veteran Albert Burnelis

Time: 11:15 a.m.

Location: 2317 Sidney Street, South Side Flats

Interview with Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace

Time: 5 p.m.

Location: Facebook Live

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 21, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Law Department filed an amicus brief yesterday with the state Supreme Court in support of an executive order from Governor Tom Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shapiro protecting Pennsylvanians from evictions or foreclosures through July 10, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Wolf and Shapiro announced the order May 7, extending eviction protections for an extra 60 days past an original stay that was set to expire May 11. Landlords challenged their order in a King’s Bench petition filed with the Supreme Court. 

Rejection of the eviction and foreclosure projections would hurt the City budget, force residents into homelessness, and compromise efforts to fight the coronavirus, the City’s brief argues. 

“The unemployment surge caused by COVID19,” the brief says, “puts more households at risk of eviction for inability to pay rent. As many rental units in Pittsburgh are owned by many persons with a small number of properties, the policies and practices being implemented and contemplated for financial assistance to the unemployed will ultimately position tenants to pay overdue rent and provide many landlords with the revenues necessary to satisfy their real estate tax obligation to Pittsburgh within the budget year.” 

It continues: 

“Should landlords dispossess tenants from safe shelter when tenants have no financial resources to secure their own safe housing, they will end up nomads, moving into the households of family and friends for short-term stays. When those options are exhausted, members of the dispossessed households can end up homeless without shelter. Each of these possible outcomes compromises the success of social distancing and limited physical contacts within groups. Maintaining these public health practices is essential until the virus’ spread can be controlled with a tested vaccine.” 

A full copy of the City’s brief is available here.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 22, 2020) In a significant step toward the City of Pittsburgh’s climate action goals, all of the city’s major facilities will source their electricity from renewable resources.

The city and its partners in the Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium (WPEC) announced this week that they have signed a 12-month agreement with Direct Energy for renewable energy supply. Direct Energy will source power and Green-e Certified renewable energy attributes offsetting 100% of the energy consumption and associated carbon emissions from the consortium members. 

The contract will result in saving around $100,000 in energy costs for the city and $670,000 for WPEC members total. The city’s cost savings will go towards additional sustainability and energy efficiency projects that will result in additional cost savings.  

“Under this contract extension, the City will be meeting its renewable electricity goals for its facilities for the next year—a critical milestone from our climate action plan created in 2018,” Mayor William Peduto said. “Equally important, the extension is both environmentally friendly while also reducing energy costs for our Consortium members, demonstrating that good environmental and economic decisions can go hand in hand. I'd like to thank our City energy team, members of the WPEC, and the technical teams at Direct Energy and ENEL-X for helping us navigate these difficult times, but also through these tough times for creating an opportunity.” 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 22, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Tuesday, May 26. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. Most of them are in City Council Districts 3 and 5.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 22, 2020) Since the start of City food distributions on March 20 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Parks and Recreation and its partners have distributed approximately 39,072 meals to children and seniors.

In the past week the City and partners including Parkhurst Dining, the Salvation Army, Save A Life Today and Rivers Casino distributed a total of 5,693 meals.

That included 2,233 meals to seniors and 3,460 meals to children.

No public events scheduled

Call with Resilience Task Force

Time: 2 p.m.

Call with VisitPittsburgh CEO Jerad Bachar

Time: 3 p.m.

InnovatePGH Spring Leadership Meeting

Time: 10 a.m.

Speaking to Closing Session of United Nations Ministerial Dialogue with Local and Regional Governments On Combining Climate Action with Economic Recovery

Time: 10:20 a.m.

Location: YouTube Live

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 28, 2020) Mayor William Peduto will be a speaker today in the closing session of the United Nations Ministerial Dialogue with Local and Regional Governments On Combining Climate Action with Economic Recovery.

The event is bringing together leaders from around the world to discuss commitments to the Paris Climate Accords and boosting economic activity and climate action in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Peduto is the sole North American speaker in the closing session and is representing the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability during the online remarks. The Mayor is on the boards of both the Global Covenant and ICLEI USA.

The session is being broadcast on YouTube Live. He is scheduled to speak at 10:20 a.m.

Mayor Peduto will speak on efforts to boost climate-friendly manufacturing in industrial regions such as the Rust Belt; Pittsburgh's connections with sister city Wuhan, China; and the global leadership cities can provide in supporting both economies and climate change. 

Other panelists in the closing session include: Emilia Saiz, Secretary General, United Cities and Local Governments; Mohamed Boudra, President of UCLG and Mayor of Al Hoceima, Morocco; Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director, UN-Habitat; Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UN Environment Programme; and Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 29, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, June 1. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. All of the new streets on the list are in City Council Districts 3 and 5.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 29, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation and its partners distributed 4,780 meals to children and seniors this week, for a total of 43,852 meals since they first started giving out food at the start of the COVID-19 shutdown in March.

Helping were Parkhurst Dining and the Salvation Army, with extra help this week from Pirate Charities and the Pittsburgh Police.

Total meals distributed to seniors: 2,422 

Total meals distributed to children: 2,358

Smart Cities & Digital Infrastructure Webinar

Time: 10 a.m.

Online Employee of the Month Ceremony

Time: 3:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 29, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Office of Management and Budget and Office of Community Affairs are collecting community input for the 2021 Capital Budget through an online survey and virtual meetings.  

All city residents are encouraged to take the 2021 Capital Budget Survey, available here, to submit feedback about their neighborhoods and communities by June 19, 2020. Three virtual information sessions will be held with department leaders that will focus on specific kinds of capital projects so that residents can learn about department priorities, ask questions and submit feedback.  

The three virtual information sessions will be: 

• June 4 at 6:00 PM – Mobility Projects 

• June 8 at 6:00 PM – Community Projects 

• June 10 at 6:00 PM – Recreation Projects 

Attendees can participate on Zoom or watch the sessions live on the City Channel Pittsburgh’s YouTube channel. Details and registration information can be found on the Office of Management and Budget’s website.  

“We know that in 2021 we will see a tighter budget as a result of the pandemic. We use our priorities as guiding principals for the direction of our budgets and community input is critical to developing those priorities,” said Mayor William Peduto. “We need our residents to tell us what’s happening in their communities so that we can be intentional with our limited resources to meet their needs." 

Community input that is received through the survey and virtual sessions is processed by the Office of Management and Budget and distributed to the appropriate department and City Council district office for consideration when creating their budget requests. All community input is reported in the annual Capital Budget.  

Residents who do not have digital access or who require language access can call 311 to complete the survey over the phone. 

Porter Family Community Center Ribbon Cutting

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: 3011 Landis Street, Sheraden

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 1, 2020) All businesses that operate within the City of Pittsburgh are required to post a paid sick leave notice for all employees in their business. Printable copies of the notice are available online in 33 languages. Employers must post the notice in English and any other language(s) primarily spoken by employees.  

The Paid Sick Days Act went into effect on March 15, 2020. Under the ordinance all employers with 15 or more employees are required to offer up to 40 hours of paid sick time per year, and those employing less than 15 employees offer up to 24 hours of paid sick time.  

Information and guidance about the Paid Sick Leave Act is available on the city’s Paid Sick Leave website and includes the ordinance, printable notices, FAQs and complaint forms. Additional questions can be directed to paidsickleave@pittsburghpa.gov.  

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 3, 2020) Mayor William Peduto today will be part of the online Yale Mayors College and CEO Summit, in which 60 mayors from across the country will be speaking with global corporate leaders seeking best practices to boost the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme of today's summit is Economic Rejuvenation: Safely Bringing Corporations and Communities out of COVID Caves. 

Business leaders joining the summit include:

Mary Barra, chairman & CEO, General Motors Company; Lloyd Blankfein, senior chairman, The Goldman Sachs Group; Gail Boudreaux, president & CEO, Anthem; Michael Burke, chairman & CEO, AECOM; Brian Cornell, chairman & CEO, Target Corporation; Catherine Engelbert, commissioner, Women’s National Basketball Association; Jim Fitterling, chairman & CEO, Dow; Kenneth Frazier, chairman, president & CEO, Merck & Co.; David Gibbs, CEO, Yum! Brands; Brian Goldner, chairman & CEO, Hasbro; Alex Gorsky, chairman & CEO, Johnson & Johnson; Maurice Greenberg, chairman & CEO, CV Starr & Co.; Abigail Johnson, chairman & CEO, Fidelity Investments; Farooq Kathwari, chairman, president & CEO, Ethan Allen; Margaret Keane, president & CEO, Synchrony Financial; Kay Koplovitzmanaging partner, Springboard Growth Capital, and founder, USA Networks; Arvind Krishna, CEO, IBM; Marc Lautenbach, president & CEO, Pitney Bowes; Rich Lesser, president & CEO, Boston Consulting Group; James Loree, president & CEO, Stanley Black & Decker; Tamara Lundgren, president & CEO, Schnitzer Steel Industries; Judith Marks, president & CEO, Otis Elevator Company; David H. McCormick, CEO, Bridgewater Associates; W. Rodney McMullen, chairman & CEO, The Kroger Co.; Indra Nooyi, chairman & CEO (2006-2018), PepsiCo; R. Adam  Norwitt, president & CEO, Amphenol Corporation; Penny Pennington, principal & managing partner, Edward Jones; Nicholas T. Pinchuk, chairman & CEO, Snap-on International; Virginia Rometty, executive chairman, IBM; Stephen Schwarzman, chairman & CEO, Blackstone; Kevin Sneader, McKinsey & Company; David Solomon, chairman & CEO, The Goldman Sachs Group; Arne Sorenson, president & CEO, Marriott International; and Jim Umpleby, chairman & CEO, Caterpillar. 

Mayor William Peduto's Public Schedule - Wednesday, June 3, 2020:

Online Yale Mayors College and CEO Summit

Time: 10 a.m.

Online US Conference of Mayors Discussion with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer

Time: 6 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 3, 2020) Mayor William Peduto today called for a full, third party investigations by the Office of Municipal Investigations and the Citizen Police Review Board into the protests in East Liberty Monday evening, June 1. 

“In order to provide clarity to the actions that occurred that day and provide third party, independent, professional analysis and recommendations, I am requesting the Office of Municipal Investigations to conduct a full investigation into the actions in East Liberty on Monday, June 1, 2020,” he wrote to OMI. 

“For the past 36 hours, I have studied best practices of less lethal crowd dispersion, I have read countless comments on social media and viewed first-hand video, photographs and accounts. The Public Safety Director provided me with the written official transcripts of all Command operations during that day and I have talked with every person in the Command rank who was on the ground or in the Command Center. Without question, there is a difference of opinion about what happened that day and the appropriateness of the actions of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.” 

He also asked for the CPRB to do an investigation, in conjunction with the ACLU, the NAACP Pittsburgh branch, and the U.S. Attorney’s office. A copy of his letter is here. 

A copy of his letter to OMI is here. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 4, 2020) Mayor William Peduto today outlined his agenda for police reform. 

The Mayor renewed his previous endorsement of use-of-force legislation introduced by state Representatives Summer Lee and Ed Gainey barring police from using deadly force during arrests, and using it only to protect against imminent threats of harm. 

The Mayor also fully endorsed the State Legislature Police Reform Working Group’s slate of recommendations. The Working Group has issued a list of other possible reforms, including outlawing the use of choke-holds, establishing an independent review process of any police encounter that results in serious injury or death, and naming an inspector general to systematically review police policies and behaviors to preemptively prevent police misconduct.   

Additionally, Mayor Peduto is calling on Pittsburgh Police and all police statewide to be required to go through annual implicit bias and de-escalation training. This is training Pittsburgh Police already receive but will be receiving more regularly. 

Furthermore, the Mayor highlighted additional needed Harrisburg reforms that have challenged local government’s ability to create greater accountability and transparency. 

Currently under Pennsylvania law, city leaders can fire or otherwise discipline police officers for misbehavior only to have the discipline overturned by arbitrators, and officers can only be de-certified for misconduct if they are found guilty of criminal charges.  

Further reforms could include:  

• Amending Act 111 to limit the scope of bargaining over disciplinary procedures or specifically limit a labor arbitrator's authority to modify disciplinary penalties    
• Amending Act 111 to adopt the "public policy exception," which would enable cities to challenge an arbitrator's decision to return an officer to work on the basis that their continued employment is adverse to the public interest  
• Amending the Confidence in Law Enforcement Act to expand the circumstances under which employers are required to terminate officers engaged in misconduct  
• Giving the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) more authority to revoke certifications from officers, or the ability to review use-of-force complaints to suspend or revoke certifications   

Change always must begin at home. The City is fully endorsing the “8 Can’t Wait” campaign (many of which the City has already implemented) and has already begun to review policies to make sure that Pittsburgh: 

• Requires officers to de-escalate situations, when possible, before using force. 
• Have a Force Continuum or Matrix included in their use of force policy, defining the types of force/weapons that can be used to respond to specific types of resistance. 
• Explicitly prohibit chokeholds and strangleholds (including carotid restraints) or limit these tactics to situations where deadly force is authorized. 
• Requires officers to give a verbal warning, when possible, before using deadly force.  
• Prohibits officers from shooting at people in moving vehicles unless the person poses a deadly threat by means other than the vehicle (for example, shooting at people from the vehicle). 
• Requires officers to exhaust all other reasonable alternatives before resorting to using deadly force. 
• Requires officers to intervene to stop another officer from using excessive force. 
• Requires officers to report all uses of force including threatening another civilian with a firearm. 

Additionally, the Mayor has signed President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Pledge to:  

1. REVIEW the police use of force policies in my community 
2. ENGAGE my community by including a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories in our review 
3. REPORT the findings of our review to my community and seek feedback within 90 days of signing this pledge 
4. REFORM my community’s police use of force policies based on findings 

Lastly, in line with growing research around the issue of "compassion fatigue" in law enforcement, the City will begin exploring the mandatory rotating of staff work assignments that could help to lessen the impact of long-term, high-stress assignments. 

“These are critical steps we must take and we must take now. We must work to build trust between police and all they serve. We must undo the systems that have caused pain, suffering, and loss of life in communities of color. This is a first step, we must strive everyday to do better,” Mayor Peduto said. 

Translated Versions of this Information:

ةطرشلاحلاصإجمانربردصيوتوديبمايليوةيدلبلاسيئر

威廉·佩杜托市长发布《警察改革议程》

Le Maire William Peduto Rend Public le Programme de Réforme de la Police

मेयरविवियमपेडुटोिेप्रहरीसुधारएजेण्डासािवजविकगिुवहुन्छ

El Alcalde William Peduto Da a Conocer la Reforma de la Policía  

Meya William Peduto Ametoa Ajenda Ya Marekebisho Ya Polisi 

Online Meeting with Mayor's Office Summer Interns

Time: 12 p.m.

Office of Equity Series on Equity and Public Safety with Chief Equity Officer Majestic Lane, Police Chief Scott Schubert, Commander Eric Holmes, Cornell Jones of GVI Outreach, Shatara Murphy of Public Safety, and Tiffany Kline-Costa of Community Affairs Unit

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Facebook Live

Leadership Development Initiative Graduation

Time: 2:45 p.m.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 5, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation and its partners distributed 4,298 meals to children and seniors this week, for a total of 48,150 meals since they first started giving out food at the start of the COVID-19 shutdown in March. Helping again were Parkhurst Dining and the Salvation Army.

Total meals distributed to seniors: 1,809 

Total meals distributed to children: 2,489

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 5, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, June 8. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. All of the new streets on the list are in City Council Districts 3 and 5.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 8, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure is pleased to announce the full reopening of the Swindell Bridge over I-279 following four weeks of construction. 

The bridge had been restricted to one lane for the past year due to localized deterioration of five steel beams supporting the deck. Repairs to these beams has been completed successfully and the bridge as of Tuesday, June 2, 2020 is ready to be reopened to unrestricted traffic.

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at domi@pittsburghpa.gov.

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 8, 2020) City of Pittsburgh playgrounds, basketball courts, spray parks and ballfields will soon be reopened with Allegheny County having entered the green phase of response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Organized sports will be allowed to resume — provided that organizers follow safety guidelines — and permits will again be accepted for rental of ballfields and open-air park shelters. 

The Mellon Tennis Bubble will reopen at 50% capacity.  

Block party permits and special event permits for outdoor groups will be allowed for groups of up to 250 attendees, though they must include a COVID-19 safety plan (including hand-washing and social distancing protocols). 

Usage of most amenities in City parks has been suspended since mid-March. Re-openings of park amenities will be done on a rolling basis though most should be completed by Monday, June 15. 

Crews from the Department of Public Works are rehabilitating ballfields and other sites this week, and will be posting signage on their safe use. While crews will also seek to regularly clean playgrounds, parents and caregivers are urged to regularly make sure children wash hands and not use playgrounds if they are sick. 

Restrooms, water fountains, swimming pools, recreation centers and senior centers remain closed. Those using City parks are urged to bring their own water for hydration as fountains remain turned off. 

Translated Information:

 ساحات اللعب ووسائل الراحة الأخرى ستفتح ف مت ز ز نهات المدينة

城市公园内游乐场和其他设施将重新开放

Réouverture des Terrains de Jeux et Autres Installations des Parcs Municipaux

सिटी पार्कहरूमा रहेर्ा खेलमैदान र अन्य िुसिधाहरू पुनः खुल्ने बारेमा

Se Reabrirán los Campos de Juego y otras Comodidades en los Parques de la Ciudad

Viwanja vya michezo na Vistawishi vingine kufunguliwa tena katika Bustani za jiji

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 9, 2020) People For Bikes, one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to making bicycling safer, more convenient, and appealing for everyone has named Pittsburgh among the top 20 cities in the United States for people on bicycles.

For the first time, Pittsburgh has broken into the top tier of the more than 550 cities and towns included in the data-driven analysis by rounding out the top 20 in this year’s annual ratings. Last year the City was ranked 170th.

PeopleForBikes City Ratings evaluate communities across five key indicators: Ridership (how many people are riding bikes), Safety (how safe is it to ride bikes), Network (how easy is it for people to bike where they want to go), Reach (how well the network serves all parts of the community), and Acceleration (how fast the community is working to improve biking).

Pittsburgh performed particularly well in terms of both safety and acceleration. “The data shows Pittsburgh is showing real progress in making it easier for people to use bicycles as a safe, affordable, and enjoyable way to get around our compact city,” said Karina Ricks, Director of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.

The progress is real. This year Pittsburgh completed a new Bicycle Master Plan (https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/bikeplan) and is working with neighborhoods across the city to add or enhance 30 miles of bicycle facilities this year that are safe and inviting for novice or experienced riders of all ages and abilities. In response to the COVID health crisis, the city has empowered residents to help establish a network of neighborhood slow streets to enable both physical activity and safe, easy, non-motorized travel to parks, transit and everyday destinations (https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/covid-19). 

Making the top 20 is a significant accomplishment, but Pittsburgh will have to work hard to stay at the top. “Now in its third year, the City Ratings create a complete picture of bicycling in cities based on measurable factors,” says Rebecca Davies, PeopleForBikes’ bicycle networks data manager. “Top scorers are cities of all types and geographies who have succeeded in different ways, including cities that have made strong historical investments in active transportation as well as cities pursuing ambitious plans to rapidly implement high-quality bicycle networks on their streets.”

Data for the ratings comes from existing sources (including the U.S. Census American Community Survey and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System), as well as sources developed by the PeopleForBikes team to capture city-specific data based on mapping, city planning information and survey responses from community members. This year, individuals submitted a record-breaking 68,000 surveys. From these sources, 184 calculations are performed per city to determine the five category scores, as well as a city or town’s overall score. Read more about the methodology here: https://cityratings.peopleforbikes.org/methodology/ .

“City Ratings shows us what works: Places that have built better places to ride are seeing the benefits,” said Kyle Wagenschutz, director of local innovation for PeopleForBikes. “Our top scoring cities showcase the diverse ways that bicycling is thriving as a source of transportation, recreation, and inspiration. From San Luis Obispo, CA to Washington, DC — and all the places in between —  city leaders are recognizing bike networks help relieve traffic congestion, increase mobility and opportunity and make our cities healthier.”

City Ratings is a key component of the PlacesForBikes program, which provides measurement tools, guidance, peer networking and storytelling to help U.S. cities quickly plan, build and promote great places to ride of all kinds. PlacesForBikes is supported by a generous grant from Trek Bicycle Corporation, as well as contributions from other bike businesses, foundations and individuals.

For more information contact Karina Ricks at karina.ricks@pittsburghpa.gov 

RESOURCES

For complete results and additional program details, please visit cityratings.peopleforbikes.org .

View additional media assets here: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/za1xnn1py2p7fzp/AAB3-5sBrPzvKo6EnrcuuLf_a?dl=0 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 9, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission last week unanimously adopted the Homewood Comprehensive Community Plan. 

The development of the Homewood Comprehensive Community Plan was a collaborative effort of the Homewood Community Development Collaborative and the Department of City Planning, along with residents and stakeholders. The plan outlines ways to achieve the following vision: 

Homewood will be an African-American cultural destination where people choose to live, work, worship, and visit. It will be safe, green, healthy, and innovative. It will have quality schools. It will be a place that protects long-term and low-income residents and equips them to be engaged and informed. 

Community leaders and members of Action Teams worked together to develop recommendations in response to the priorities that were defined by public meetings. Those recommendations were consolidated and prioritized to develop goals and paths to achieve those. The Plan is available for viewing at https://pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/homewood-plan.

“The Homewood Comprehensive Community Plan is a people-based plan that identifies the community needs that will promote a healthy, safe, green and innovative community,” said Christopher Corbett, project manager. “The implementation of this plan will be a collaborative effort of Homewood residents, organizations, and the City to make equitable and sustainable improvements throughout the community.”

Reverend Samuel Ware, co-chair of the Homewood Community Development Collaborative, said the plan is the result of participation from community residents and nonprofits, and with the support of the Department of City Planning. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic and the protests of the homicide of George Floyd have shown light on the systemic disparities that negatively impact people of color across the globe,” Ware said. “I believe that the Homewood Comprehensive Community Plan if implemented will address those disparities. This puts Homewood ahead of other neighborhoods, cities, and nations who want to address the existing disparities. We are proud of the work we have done that places us in a position to immediately address and eliminate inequities that impact Homewood. Our work is not done but we thank all who have worked hard to bring us to this point. We are excited for what the future holds.”

“I am proud that the community has been able to choose a destiny that they have authored,” said Councilman Revered Ricky Burgess. “This document will guide the revitalization of Homewood. I am excited for Homewood’s future and committed to its success.”

For More Information: 

Christopher Corbett

Project Manager, Neighborhood Planner

Christopher.Corbett@pittsburghpa.gov

Andrew Dash

Acting Director, Department of City Planning 

Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 9, 2020) The Department of Public Works has announced that seven city parks will be maintained under a Green/Eco Landscaping Contract, providing organic and/or natural landscaping without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, in line with City of Pittsburgh DPW landscaping operations. 

Some of these environmentally sustainable practices include: 

• The Penn State Agricultural Extension will collect soil samples to determine the pH and nutrient levels at these locations. Those tests will determine which organic fertilization or compost-based program will be used. Programs include organic fertilizer, compost, compost tea and/or any other acceptable sustainable fertilization practice. 
• Turf Care Programs will be implemented with no more than 25% weed cover (10% if a specialty program) utilizing compost, compost tea, overseeding, aeration, topdressing, thatch management and mowing heights of 3 inches (2.5 inches if specialty).  
• Weed removal will be done manually, by flame weeders and/or by grazing goats.  
• Weed prevention will be done by mulching, tarping, landscape fabric, planting desirable vegetation or by newspaper and/or cardboard barriers.  

The Green/Eco Landscaping Contract will be used in the following parks, with the intention of adding additional park locations later: 

• Allegheny Landing Park 
• Allegheny Riverfront Park (upper and lower levels) 
• Convention Center Park 
• Mellon Square Park 
• Schenley Park-Panther Hollow Field 
• Schenley Park-Schenley Plaza 
• Southside Park-Quarry Field 

The sustainable landscaping for these park locations will cost approximately $18,920, but the Green/Eco Landscaping Contract is part of a larger contracting package. 

World Economic Forum CEO Virtual Meeting

Time: 10 a.m.

Bloomberg Harvard Mayors Virtual Seminar

Time: 1 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 10, 2020) To make further space for safe recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reservoir Drive in Highland Park is being closed tomorrow to all non-emergency vehicles.

Following weeks of planning by community partners, Bike Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the City has closed Reservoir Drive to all vehicles except those operated by the Public Safety Department and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.

"After months of being forced inside by the pandemic, we know Pittsburgh residents are desperate to spend more time outdoors, safely and with ample space for social distancing," Mayor William Peduto said. "I want to thank all our partners for their patience in making this exciting project happen."

The main entrance to the park from N. Highland Avenue will be used as a one-way circular drop off. ADA parking is available in the parking lot at the end of Farmhouse Drive.

Barricades are staggered to allow for access by emergency and PWSA vehicles.

Pittsburgh Police from Zone 5 will regularly patrol the area and enforce proper usage.

(Graphic: BikePGH)

Bisnow Pittsburgh Online Seminar: Steel City Update, The State of the Market

Time: 11:30 a.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 10, 2020) Citiparks' CitiCamp@Home, a six week program, offers weekly take home STEM/STEAM projects, games, giveaways and chances to win family-friendly prizes. Conveniently packaged into To-Go Kits, each kit has everything your child needs to create great projects that have built-in literacy and math components.  

These kits will be available at the below Citiparks Summer Grab & Go locations starting Monday, June 15th on a first come first serve basis. If you are not able to participate in the Summer Food program but would like to play along, printable materials will also be available on the Citiparks website.

• Ammon Recreation Center
• Anderson Playground - Schenley Park
• Arlington Recreation Center
• Jefferson Recreation Center
• Magee Recreation Center
• Moore Park, Brookline
• Paulson Recreation Center
• Warrington Recreation Center
• Northview Heights Public Safety Center
• Salvation Army - Westside

A special thanks to our community partners who will be providing additional resources to accompany CitiCamp@Home throughout the summer!

• WQED
• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
• Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
• United Way SWPA
• Carlow University Education Department
• Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
• UPMC Children’s Hospital

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 11, 2020) With Pittsburgh Public Schools officially closing for the summer tomorrow, and the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation will be expanding its food distribution services starting Monday, June 15.

Grab & Go Summer Meals for Children:

Summer Food locations are to remain through August 31st, 2020. Meal distribution at nearly all locations are to be daily (Monday-Friday) with a pick up window from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Both breakfast and lunch will be included. 

In addition to distribution from current Recreation Centers (Arlington, Paulson and Warrington) and the two Salvation Army sites (Homewood and Westside), the new internal locations, which will be managed by Citiparks staff, will be: Ammon Rec Center, Jefferson Rec Center, Magee Rec Center, Moore Park, and Schenley Park at the Anderson Playground.

Grab & Go Meals for Seniors:

With respect to additional Grab & Go meal distribution sites for seniors at the City's Healthy Active Living locations, the Department of Parks and Recreation, with support from The Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, has added three additional sites to the six which have been distributing Grab & Go meals to seniors since mid-March. 

Pickups are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

In addition to the current sites — Glen Hazel, Hazelwood, Homewood, Lawrenceville, Sheraden and the Southside Markethouse — meals will also be distributed at the below locations, beginning on Monday, June 15th: 

Beechview HAL Center

1555 Broadway Avenue

Pgh., PA  15216

Greenfield HAL Center

745 Greenfield Avenue

Pgh., PA 15217

West End HAL Center

80 Wabash Street

Pgh., PA 15220

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 11, 2020) McClure Avenue will be temporarily closed between Eckert Street and Woods Run Road due to ongoing demolition work.  

Please avoid this area utilizing a posted detour route along the following streets:

• Eckert Street 
• Mullins Street
• Casement Street
• Shadeland Avenue
• Law Street

No public events scheduled

Pittsburgh is a city where we say there is no room for hate. Where, when we are met with adversity, we pull together to take care of our neighbors and come out stronger. In the past two weeks we have seen our neighbors and communities here and throughout the country and world demonstrating their grief, trauma, pain and anger. They are walking through the streets in honor of George Floyd. I’ve heard many people call this a moment – it is not a moment. This is the culmination of years and generations of racism – using housing regulations, employment barriers, education quality and inability to access other structures to negatively impact black people by not allowing them to have the same access to opportunities that other neighbors have.   

George Floyd is not a moment. He was a man with family and loved ones. His inexcusable death has motivated our communities to demonstrate the grief, trauma and pain that our black communities are consistently exposed to. We must listen.   

We all have pain. We all have grief and trauma. The City of Pittsburgh’s primary responsibility will always be to protect the health and safety of the people here. But when the color of your skin in this city and this country determines whether or not you will survive childbirth or makes you significantly more likely to develop health problems or controls how likely you are to get employment let alone upper-level management or leadership positions – we're not protecting all of our neighbors. When people in our city fear our civil servants and officers — we’re not protecting all of our neighbors.   

We’ve seen the power of policy to oppress our black neighbors over the past several hundred years. In our own city, our black neighborhoods were not just created by our black neighbors. They were created through the practice of redlining where banks denied loans to black people – veterans returning back from World War II with the same GI Bills as their white comrades – because the banks had set up desirable and undesirable neighborhoods and used policy regulations to give mortgages in one or the other based on race.  

What we have now is the power to use policy to build up our black neighbors and give them the opportunities that have been historically denied to them. That’s why equity has been a priority of this administration. It’s why we were the fifth city in the United States to create the Office of Equity to serve and advocate policy, services and programs for our most vulnerable residents. It’s why all senior officials from all city departments and authorities attended racial equity training and are using their training to make budgetary allocations to promote racial equity – to ask a simple but powerful question when making decisions: “How does this affect black residents?” It’s why we have Registered Community Organizations so all developers are required to meet with local residents and communities before their development plans in a neighborhood can even be reviewed by the city. It’s why we fund Learn & Earn and Rec to Tech for our youngest neighbors. It’s why we invest in minority and women-owned businesses. It's why we were one of only six cities chosen to launch President Obama’s 21st century policing initiative model and require all police officers to complete implicit bias training, a training we have expanded to employees across the city. While these are important steps for our city, it's clear that more must be done. It’s critical that our communities’ voices are heard in our policies and their needs are met through our policies.  

Reform doesn’t happen overnight and we don’t have all the answers right now, but the work has begun and we will continue to work directly with our communities to create a city that’s livable for all. Black neighbors, residents, partners – we hear you. Your voice is important and necessary to rebuilding. We will have phases of policy reform and we’ll talk and walk together the whole way. We will better collect racial and demographic data so that we know who we are serving and who we are not so we can do better.   

I do believe that we are a city where when we are met with adversity, we pull together to take care of our neighbors and come out stronger. It’s time again for us to go to work. Let’s work harder and let’s work better for ALL of our neighbors.  Especially our black neighbors who need our support right now. Our Black Neighbors Matter. Black Lives Matter.   

Translation:

بيان من رئيس البلدية ويليام بيدوتو عن جورج فلويد و حياة السود مهمة

市长威廉·佩杜托就乔治·弗洛伊德和“黑人的命也是命”发表的声明

Déclaration du maire William Peduto au Sujet de George Floyd et de Black Lives Matter

जोजज फ्लोइड तथा ब्ल्याक लाइभ्स म्याटरबारे मेयर विवलयम पेडुटोको बयान

Declaración del Alcalde William Peduto sobre George Floyd y Black Lives Matter (Las Vidas de los Negros Importan)

Taarifa na Meya William Peduto juu ya George Floyd na Wimbi la  “Black Lives Matther”

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 12, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, June 15. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. All of the new streets on the list are in City Council Districts 1 and 6.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 11, 2020) The Department of City Planning has completed the Sheraden Park Master Plan and will begin working toward implementation of projects and programs. 

The Sheraden Park Master Plan prioritizes the park’s ecology, improves access and park visibility, provides new amenities to the community, and makes important basic improvements. The goal of the plan is to guide the development of a safe and healthy park that residents felt invested in. 

The final plan focuses on six categories of improvements: 

• Circulation and access to the park through bicycle lanes, road connections, a pedestrian bridge to McKees Rocks, parking improvements, and hiking trail additions. 
• Facility improvements to rest areas and park buildings, stair repair, lighting and safety improvements, and tunnel murals.
• Social and educational additions including Lewis & Clark historical signage, an ADA accessible community garden, an apiary, event seating, wilderness education area, and a dog park. 
• Nature-based recreation opportunities including mountain bike trails, kayak rentals, boardwalk along Chartiers Creek, and a pier for fishing, birding, and exercise. 
• Organized recreation spaces including full-size football and soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, relocation of basketball courts, programming for youth and adult recreation leagues, discovery garden play area, relocation of the Tuxedo Park skate park, forest embankment slides, a boat launch in Chartiers Creek, and a dirt bike facility. 
• Environmental improvements include slope stabilization, invasive species management, aquatic habitat protection and management, rain gardens and stormwater ponds, and subsurface detention. 

The Plan also creates a unified network of parks for Sheraden residents that brings together Sheraden Park, McGonigle Park, and Tuxedo Street Park, and makes Sheraden Park the first park in the West End with direct access to water by including property owned by ALCOSAN into the park.

Studio Bryan Hanes, consultants on the development of the plan, will provide additional support for small projects and events for residents and community organizations. 

The City is completing a grant for funding to match City budget for Phase I implementation. The next steps for Sheraden Park will be design and construction of projects through the Department of Public Works, which will include additional community engagement opportunities. 

“The Sheraden community was heavily involved in the planning process and together we developed a plan that will bring the community a safe, accessible park with recreational opportunities for everyone,” said Martina Battistone, project manager. “The plan truly reflects the priorities of the community that we heard through the public engagement process, and we are excited to begin implementing the plan through collaboration with key stakeholders and organizations.”

“I am grateful to Mayor Peduto for making District 2 a priority in the 2020 budget,” said Theresa Kail-Smith, councilwoman for District 2. “The work in Sheraden Park is evidence of his commitment to our area. We appreciate his Chief of Staff Dan Gilman, City Planning, and the residents who contributed to the creation of the plan, especially the tremendous number of children who made their voices heard. I am looking forward to the beginning of implementation.”

Read the full plan here.

For More Information: 

Martina Battistone

Project Manager, Senior Environmental Planner

Martina.Battistone@pittsburghpa.gov

Andrew Dash

Acting Director, Department of City Planning 

Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 12, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation and its partners distributed 3,937 meals to children and seniors this week, for a total of 52,087 meals since they first started giving out food at the start of the COVID-19 shutdown in March. Helping again were Parkhurst Dining and the Salvation Army.

Total meals distributed to seniors:1,862

Total meals distributed to children: 2,075

With Pittsburgh Public Schools officially closing for the summer, and the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, the Department of Parks and Recreation will be expanding its food distribution services starting Monday, June 15.

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 12, 2020) The Office of Mayor William Peduto, Office of Equity and Department of Public Safety have announced their blueprint for a new Office of Community Health and Safety. The office will redirect city resources to better meet community needs by housing social services, public health and social work experts who can assist first responders in situations that require longer-term assistance, harm reduction support and other services.  

“Our public safety personnel are available 24/7 but often go into situations that are beyond the scope of their training. The individuals and communities they encounter need help beyond law enforcement or emergency medical attention,” Mayor William Peduto said. “This office will allow public safety to step back and determine what kind of support an individual or family needs and get them that help through social workers or other agencies so that we're seeing people holistically and connecting them with more sustainable resources and assistance.”

  
The proposed office will operate under the co-direction of the Department of Public Safety and Office of the Mayor. The goals and directives of the office are to:   

1. Develop community health and safety priorities and areas of focus based on community input and areas of need most frequently encountered by public safety personnel.      
2. Establish a group of community health and safety advisors made up of public health leaders to advise, educate, support and inform on best practices for sustainable social and health support in city programs, policies and legislation.   
3. Conduct regular trainings with all public safety personnel designed in collaboration between staff, experts and communities to ensure first responders are prepared to appropriately engage with complex situations that may require additional harm reduction support.   
4. Collaborate with higher education programs throughout the city to provide training opportunities for social work students to help respond to community needs.    

The preliminary areas of focus for community support include:    

• Racism   
• Violence   
• Poverty   
• Environmental Health   
• Mental Health   
• Homelessness   
• Problematic Substance Use and Overdose Prevention   
• Training and Education   
• Criminal Justice Reform & Re-entry   
• Youth Engagement   
• Community Paramedicine and Decreasing Public Safety Overutilization   
• Trans-health and Wellbeing   
• Jurisdictional Inequity   
• Harm Reduction   
• Maternal-Child Health   
• Suicide Prevention   
• Supports for People with Disabilities

These areas of focus are dynamic and subject to change based on input from the community and situations most commonly encountered by public safety personnel. 

"This initiative will give the community relations units in all bureaus as well as all police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel the support that is critical to improving not just our high standards of service, but also our relationships with the community," said Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich. 

The Mayor’s Office and Department of Public Safety will work with City Council to determine reallocations in the 2021 budget and identify additional external funding opportunities for this initiative. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 15, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is appointing Sarah Kinter as Director of the Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections.  

Kinter, of Stanton Heights, has been acting director of the department since November. Mayor Peduto is sending her appointment tomorrow to City Council, where it is subject to approval.  

Kinter has guided the department through the adoption of online permitting, and this spring her building inspectors continued to process construction permits in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to help boost the economy once Pittsburgh entered the green re-opening phase.  

"I'm truly honored and excited to be appointed to head the Department. I'm proud of our work at PLI, and of my PLI colleagues as we continue to improve and grow our permit and code enforcement operations," Kinter said. 

She was named Assistant Director of PLI in October 2017 and previously served as the Deputy Director of the Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations since June 2011. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and International Studies from Wilkes University. 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 15, 2020) Mayor William Peduto announced that the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) recently closed on the 100th loan for its Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program (DPCCAP). A Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) program designed to stimulate housing investment, DPCCAP provides financial assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers in the City of Pittsburgh who are interested in purchasing an existing or newly constructed residential unit. 

“We started this program almost exactly a year ago on May 1,” said Director of Housing Initiatives Jessica Smith Perry. “Now that the word is out about the program, the goal is to try to do twice the amount of loans over the next 12 months.” 

The DPCCAP offers first-time homeowners: 

• Under 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) up to $7,500 in the form of a 0% interest, 5-year deferred loan.  
• Between 80% AMI and 115% AMI up to $5,000 in the form of a 0% interest, 10-year deferred loan.  

No payments are made during the term of the loan if residency requirements are met. 

“Many people dream of owning their own home but due to numerous circumstances that’s all it will ever be — a dream. This program helps make that dream a reality,” Mayor Peduto said. 

Following are profiles of three city residents who have been helped by the program. 

Noah Rectenwald 

Noah Rectenwald is one of those new and proud homeowners who took advantage of the DPCCAP and the recipient of the 100th loan.  

Noah Rectenwald had been renting in Lawrenceville for four years. He and his significant other found out about the HOF through Lawrenceville’s Community Land Trust homebuyer program, which they had applied to with hopes of owning a house in Lawrenceville. It soon became clear to them how daunting the upfront costs would be, so when they were told there was help through the DPCCAP they were excited. 

“The HOF equalizes opportunity towards home ownership by supporting first-time buyers that qualify for assistance. The DPCCAP funds help eliminate the stumbling blocks of up-front costs that keep aspiring homeowners from achieving their goal,” said Rectenwald.  

“Buying our home in Lawrenceville could not have happened without the HOF’s Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program. We didn’t want to move and leave our neighborhood of four years. If not for this program, we would have had to continue renting and postpone our dream of homeownership.” Read more of Noah’s story. 

Susan Smith 

Easy. Accommodating. Friendly. Trustworthy. Those are just a few of the adjectives Susan Smith used to describe the DPCCAP.  

“People were responsive and easy to communicate with, and they followed through. I can’t really separate the people from the program – the people make the program. The people running the program want it to be successful. The HOF support services are one of its greatest strengths. The breadth of services is wonderful.” 

Susan and her husband had only lived in Pittsburgh for three years before they purchased their house.  

“The HOF staff made something possible for us that we couldn’t have done on our own. They recognize that homeownership can be prohibitive for people. People that live paycheck to paycheck need security, too. Many of us are working over 40 hours a week, trying, and failing. 

“For us, the assistance program was life-changing - we pay half of what we paid in rent in mortgage. And that’s with the escrow and the taxes, too,” said Smith. Read more of Susan’s story. 

Celestin Uwintonze 

Celestin Uwintonze had been living in Housing Authority housing when he heard about the program and was interested. He took the required first homeowner classes, and as a result of the background check discovered that he needed more time to improve his credit score. 

“The URA representatives coached me on how to improve my credit score, and once I had paid my debts, I reached back to the URA, and that’s how it began,” said Uwintonze. “People might think they don’t have enough money to buy a house or improve their credit, but the HOF can support people in achieving these goals. They provide opportunities.” 

Uwintonze has three children - a daughter and two sons - and really needed a 3-bedroom house for his family.  

“A home loan is a large debt, and I really wanted to make sure I could afford the house long-term. I was very conscious of the long-term costs and knew I didn’t want to buy a house that would create too large of a financial burden for me and my family. I balance my budget every month, I do one project at a time, and am careful and thoughtful with my money. The HOF helped me buy a house we love that was within our means.” 

They moved in December 2019. Read more of Celestin’s story. 

In order to be eligible for DPCCAP, borrowers must meet the following requirements:  

• The borrower’s annual gross household income may not exceed 115% of the AMI.  
• The borrower must be purchasing the home as his/her primary residence and have his/her name on the deed.  
• The borrower must not have any outstanding City, School, and County real estate taxes, or the borrower must be on a payment plan for at least six months. 

Properties considered eligible: 

• A permanent structure used primarily for year-round residential use. If the property to be improved is vacant, the borrower must certify in writing prior to closing his/ her intent to occupy the property within 30 days upon work completion.  
• Each property may contain up to two connected dwelling units (i.e., duplex, townhouse), one of which must be owner-occupied. 

A list of area providers that offer homebuyer education counseling and/or credit counseling can be found here.  

Program information, including Area Median Income (AMI) amounts and guidelines, can be found here. 

Application online here. 

Below is a map showing where loans have been closed citywide: 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 16, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library has received $50,000 from the Hillman Family Foundation and $18,000 from McAuley Ministries to sustain and grow the program.  

Since the City of Pittsburgh’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library’s launch in February 2019 with support from the Benter Foundation, the program has grown to include over 3,200 local children and recently sent its 30,000th book. 

“We know that early access to books and reading are fundamental to future academic success of our children,” said Tiffini Simoneaux, Youth & Education Manager in the Mayor’s Office of Equity who manages the program. “We’re grateful that our foundation partners see that, too, and are helping us get more books to more Pittsburgh children.”  

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a free program for any child who lives in the City of Pittsburgh age 0-5 to receive one book a month in the mail until their fifth birthday. When they turn five, they will have their own library of up to 60 books. The City of Pittsburgh’s program is affiliated with the national initiative started by music legend Dolly Parton.  

Any child who lives in the City of Pittsburgh is eligible to register. Visit the program website for more information or to enroll your child today. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 17, 2020) Today Mayor William Peduto named the Pittsburgh Community Task Force on Police Reform, which is part of his commitment to President Obama's MBK Alliance Pledge.  

We are committed to "engage your communities by including a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories in your review." This Task Force will bring their diverse background and unique lens to the work to review current police practices, police-community-relations, state of safety in our communities, and work to deliver recommendations and implementation plans to the Mayor by the fall. 

“This Task Force is made up of representatives from diverse stakeholder communities and will put our neighbors' voices at the center of the conversation of police reform since that is the key to making real and sustained change. I'm confident that they will develop people-oriented solutions that make Pittsburgh a better place for all, especially in our black communities," Mayor Peduto said. 

The members of the Pittsburgh Community Task Force on Police Reform are: 

Dr. Quintin Bullock -  President of CCAC, co-chair 

Valerie McDonald Roberts - Former Elected Official and Chief of Pittsburgh Bureau of Neighborhood Empowerment, co-chair 

Brandi Fisher - President and CEO, Alliance for Police Accountability  

Sharon Werner - Former Chief of Staff to Attorneys General Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch, and Chief Counsel at PNC Bank  

Richard Garland - Assistant Professor, Pitt Graduate School of Public Health and Founder of One Vision One Life 

Tim Stevens - Chairman, Black Political Empowerment Project  

Monica Ruiz - Executive Director, Casa San Jose 

Amanda Green Hawkins - United Steelworkers, former Allegheny County Councilperson 

Patricia Leftwich - Community Advocate  

Sylvia Fields - Executive Director, Eden Hall Foundation  

Bobbi Watt Geer - CEO, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania 

Camille Redman - Community Advocate  

Tony Beltran - President and CEO, Pittsburgh Mercy 

Alexander Cash - Community Advocate  

Dr. Angela Reynolds - CEO, YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh 

David Harris - Professor, Pitt School of  Law, Focused on Police Behavior, Law Enforcement, and Race 

Nathaniel Yap - Community Advocate 

Online Interview with CBS News

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Call with Habitat for Humanity

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Call with NationSwell Council on Helping Local Businesses through COVID-19 Crisis

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 18, 2020) Mayor William Peduto’s administration is forwarding legislation to City Council to create a permanent LGBTQIA+ Commission within City government. 

The Mayor created a LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council in 2016. Under legislation being introduced to City Council next week an 11-member LGBTQIA+ Commission would be placed into the City Code, meet monthly, and advise City government on plans and policy recommendations to address challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community. 

“The City of Pittsburgh has long been a leader in protecting and preserving LGBTQIA+ rights, but our city, state and country still have a long way to go. Placing this commission into City Code will re-emphasize our commitment to fighting for the human rights deserved by all,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

"We are so proud that the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council of Pittsburgh will be making its transition into a commission, a commission geared to serve our LGBTQIA+ communities of Pittsburgh in ways that it has not before. The commission will usher in this ‘new normal’ we speak of after experiencing this COVID-19 pandemic, while unapologetically moving forward in ways to shift us into a city that values intersectional leadership,” said a statement from the Advisory Council. 

Mayor Peduto is making an open call for those interested in becoming Commission members. If the Commission is finally approved by Council, those interested in joining may email the City at lgbtqia@pittsburghpa.gov. 

Under the legislation, the Commission would have the following roles: 

1. The LGBTQIA+ Commission shall conduct studies and analyses, seek out best practices, and develop action plans to address challenges facing LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors of Pittsburgh.  
2. The LGBTQIA+ Commission shall serve as a conduit between members of the LGBTIQA+ community and the City of Pittsburgh and connect residents with services. 
3. The Commission shall engage with members of the LGBTQIA+ community regularly.  
4. The LGBTQIA+ Commission shall work with City departments, bureaus, agencies, and authorities to assist in the creation of cultural competency training opportunities. 
5. The LGBTQIA+ Commission shall conduct outreach to City departments, bureaus, agencies, and authorities and external organizations and provide information and resources pertaining to the needs of members of the LGBTQIA+ community.   
6. The LGBTQIA+ Commission shall develop outreach and advocacy programming in an effort to create a more inclusive and equitable city for LGBTIQA+ residents and visitors, especially people of color and transgender individuals. 

A copy of the proposed legislation, to be introduced on Tuesday, is available here. 

(City-County Building lit for Pride Month. Photo: James Hill)

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 18, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to announce the start of construction on the new West Ohio Street Bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Allegheny Commons Park in the Allegheny Center neighborhood of the City. The bridge has been closed to traffic since January 2018 due to deterioration of the 117-year-old structure. When construction is completed in the Fall of 2021, the new West Ohio Street bridge will support a full return of service between Allegheny Commons and Allegheny West.

In the coming weeks, a temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed to allow for continuous pedestrian access over the railroad during the project. 

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at zachary.workman@pittsburghpa.gov.

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 18, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh is happy to welcome new affordable housing units to Homewood. 

KBK Enterprises completed 58 new housing units at the Kelly Hamilton development, a mixed-income community consisting of 42 affordable and 16 market-rate units. A ribbon-cutting had been planned for the spring but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Work is nearly complete on a new community center for the development, and new streets and landscaping are part of the upgrades. 

The Kelly Hamilton team actively engaged with local MWBE businesses to create economic opportunities on the project and outperformed its goals: developers hired 34 Section 3 low-income employees and contracted with 61% MWBE companies. 

“This is an example of a housing development that is good for Homewood, good for homeowners of all incomes, and good for business. This is the kind of work — and opportunity — that we need to see spread across all corners of Pittsburgh,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

All of the affordable units are fully leased. There are only two and three bedroom market-rate units still available.  Those interested in market-rate units may contact the temporary leasing office at (412) 361-0567.  

Online tours are available here at https://www.apartments.com/kelly-hamilton-pittsburgh-pa/7429nmw/. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 19, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is calling for changes to state law to make it easier for city officials to quickly release footage from police body-worn cameras.  

Last year Pittsburgh Police invested $10 million in new cameras for more than 900 officers. Yet, pursuant to existing law, city leaders are barred in most circumstances from immediately releasing body-worn camera footage to the public.  

“Now more than ever cities need to show transparency and accountability for police actions, and city leaders across Pennsylvania need more power to share taxpayer-funded camera footage with the public as soon as possible. This is allowed in many states across the nation and should be here as well,” Mayor Peduto said.  

“Body-worn cameras are known to protect both the public and police by providing unfiltered checks on community-police interactions. Pittsburgh and other cities in the Commonwealth must be given the flexibility to quickly release such footage in designated situations in compliance with applicable law.” 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 19, 2020) With the expanded food distribution services that started Monday, June 15 the Department of Parks and Recreation and its partners distributed 3,888 meals to children and seniors this week, for a total of 55,975 meals since they first started giving out food at the start of the COVID-19 shutdown in March. A sincere thanks to the Salvation Army, who has again provided support and meals to children.

Total meals distributed to seniors: 2,100 

Total meals distributed to children: 1,788

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 19, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, June 22. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are in City Council Districts 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

No public events scheduled

No public events scheduled

June 22, 2020

Dear Members of the Allegheny County Black Activist/Organizer Collective,

First of all, I want to thank you for taking the time to present your demands to my office. I am committed to creating safer and healthier communities, investing in critical services, advancing racial equity and racial justice, reforming our criminal justice system, and uplifting, protecting, and improving the quality of life for our Black and Brown neighbors, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and immigrants and refugees. 

As our nation, our region, and our city honor the memory of George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Breonna Taylor, Antwon Rose II, and so many other Black Lives lost to police-involved violence, your passion, energy, and voice on how to move forward are valued and cherished. Your continued engagement and hard work will be invaluable as the City of Pittsburgh and our partners carry out these important initiatives and strive to build a more equitable Pittsburgh. Meaningful change will not happen overnight, but we must do our part everyday to eradicate the racial disparities that are so plainly evident in our city and our society and have been for generations. 

As you requested, my response to each of your demands and the actions that we, as the City of Pittsburgh, can and will take and have taken are outlined below. While some of the demands fall solely within the jurisdiction of another level of government, others are within the City’s authority. In the formation and implementation of each of the initiatives listed below, community engagement and input will be vital. 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Defund the Police and Fund Black Communities

Since taking office, I have been committed to investing in our neighborhoods and building a Pittsburgh for all. I remain committed to providing funding for initiatives that advance racial equity and important projects and programs that uplift and protect Black lives, including safer streets, affordable and healthy housing, commercial district revitalization, enhanced neighborhood parks and recreation centers, workforce development programs, and more. I am focused on rebalancing our City’s Capital and Operating Budgets to move towards a more holistic, public health-driven, and community-guided approach to public safety. 

Our Office of Equity, one of only five such agencies in the nation, is dedicated to providing economic opportunity to and uplifting Pittsburgh’s communities of color. Through the Rec2Tech program, which transforms our recreation centers into after-school classrooms where children can learn coding and game design, we have provided hundreds of children with opportunities to build 21st century skills that will benefit their future. Through the Summer Learn and Earn program, we have provided meaningful summer employment to thousands of Pittsburgh kids. Our My Brother’s Keeper Initiative works to create a brighter future for young Black men and Black boys. The Urban Redevelopment Authority has refocused its efforts on neighborhood-level investment in communities of color to build black wealth, create access to homeownership, develop and maintain safe and affordable housing, and more. 

Still, there is a lot more work to be done, and that is why I am committed to applying a lens of racial equity to all of the initiatives we create and in all of the projects we fund. We have partnered with the Government Alliance on Racial Equity (GARE) to include a racial equity lens in our budgeting process. We have also partnered with Living Cities to transform our contracting and purchasing polices and procedures to encourage greater participation from MWBE firms. I am committed to listening to Black and Brown voices as we develop new programs and build on the progress we’ve made with existing programs. I plan to continue seeking community input and working with City Councilmembers to ensure that the City’s Operating and Capital Budgets in 2021 and beyond reflect our moral priorities as a community. 

I recently launched an Office of Community Health and Safety, which will redirect social and public health services, including harm reduction, suicide prevention, mental health services, youth engagement, homelessness services, trans-health and well-being, and more, from Police Officers to the social workers and public health experts who are trained to carry out these critical services. I will work to adequately fund and empower this new agency. Most important to the formation of this new agency will be your voice and engagement; we will be relying on our neighbors’ input to ensure that the City is responding to the most important social service and public health needs in each neighborhood. We will continue to evaluate the types of situations that may require an alternative type of first responder, and we will work to decrease overutilization of public safety resources and offer assistance to all of our neighbors. 

This work will build off the many reforms we initiated as part of the original cohort of cities in President Obama’s 21st Century Policing Task force. This included being one of the first cities in the country to require all officers to go through implicit bias training. I have announced that this will become an annual requirement for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

I established the Pittsburgh Community Task Force on Police Reform, a diverse and unique group of community advocates and cross-sector leaders, to conduct a thorough community engagement process, review current police practices, and offer people-centric solutions for improving police-community relations and making Pittsburgh a better and safer place for all, especially in our Black communities. This Task Force is an important aspect in our commitment to President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Pledge, which charges the City with reforming our Police Bureau with community input. I am confident that the Task Force will create community-focused recommendations and implementation plans that boost the community’s trust in the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. 

As Mayor, I implemented the Gender Equity Commission. While the United States sadly remains one of five countries not to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Pittsburgh has officially adopted this initiative. We commissioned a study with the University of Pittsburgh that shined the light of transparency on the inequity and disparity across numerous metrics that face Black women in Pittsburgh. We all know there is tremendous work to be done to improve the quality of life, health and economic opportunity for Black women. The work being done by the Gender Equity Commission is leading the nation and last year we were awarded CEDAW Global Leadership Award by the United Nations NGO Committee on the Status of Women in recognition of the work being done.

I recently announced the creation of an LGBTQIA+ Commission to serve as a liaison between City Hall and Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ residents. By centering LGBTQIA+ voices, especially trans women of color who face disportionate rates of discrimination and are murdered at higher rates than any other community, we can improve the lives our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. I also support legislation sponsored by City Councilmembers Burgess and Lavelle to create a Racial Equity Commission to combat institutional racism and increase racial equity in everything we do in City government. 

As our city recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disportionately impacted communities and residents of color, it is more important than ever to double down on our efforts to fund projects and programs that uplift, support, and protect Black and Brown neighbors. It is imperative that we ensure that all of Pittsburgh can recover from this unprecedented pandemic in an equitable way. I will continue to allocate City funding and advocate for our State and Federal governments and philanthropic community to join us in investing in a Pittsburgh for all. 

While I am proud of the progress we’ve made to advance racial equity and build safer and healthier communities, I am committed to taking action to reform our Bureau of Police in a meaningful and community-driven way, while still investing in social and public health services, in our neighborhoods, and in our people, especially people of color. 

2. Demilitarize the Police

I will evaluate Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief’s Order 12-7 entitled “Discharge of Firearms and Less-Lethal Weapons,” which governs when and how “less-lethal weapons” are utilized. We will work with the Community Task Force and experts around the country to make sure our policies and practices reflect our commitment to community safety and free speech.  

I will also charge my Pittsburgh Community Task Force on Police Reform with studying best practices and making recommendations to modify Pittsburgh’s policies on the acquisition and use of various types of weaponry. It is important to note that the City has not been participating in the purchase of any military surplus for a number of years. It is always important to reassess our current practices to ensure that our public safety approach is one that is rooted in protecting and serving the community and carried out with equipment appropriate for civilian settings.

As part of being one of the first cities to fully endorse the “8 Can’t Wait Campaign,” I have been and will continue to assess internal policies and Chief’s Orders that govern the use of force to ensure that:

• The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has a Force Continuum or Matrix included in their use of force policy, defining the types of force/weapons that can be used to respond to specific types of resistance
• Pittsburgh Police Officers cannot shoot at moving vehicles
• Pittsburgh Police Officers cannot use chokeholds or strangleholds that caused the deaths of George Floyd and Eric Garner 
• Pittsburgh Police Officers must intervene to stop another officer from using excessive force
• Pittsburgh Police Officers are required give a verbal warning, when possible, before using deadly force
• Pittsburgh Police Officers are required to exhaust all other reasonable alternatives before resorting to using deadly force
• Pittsburgh Police Officers are required to report all uses of force including threatening another civilian with a firearm.
• Pittsburgh Police Officers are required to de-escalate situations, when possible, before using force

            I fully endorse legislation sponsored by Pennsylvania State Representatives Summer Lee and Ed Gainey which would prohibit police from using deadly force during arrests except in cases with imminent threats of harm. I was honored to support this legislation from the very start and offer my full support to get this passed. I also support efforts by other Pennsylvania State Legislators to further define and limit use of force. 

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has partnered with the Israeli government around counterterrorism work, not neighborhood policing, in the past. As part of our comprehensive review, I will also carefully review whether or not this program is beneficial moving forward.

3. End the Criminalization of Black People

I appreciate and rely on community members, organizers, and activists in the effort of continued public engagement. The City of Pittsburgh stands with you in solidarity in not only expressing your freedom of speech but also holding public servants responsible when warranted. Information and evidence are at the forefront of all public safety decision making. It is the mission of the City of Pittsburgh to provide a positive, community-based approach to public safety.

I am committed to the continued growth and support of the community policing we launched back in April 2017. The community must be the focal point when it comes to public safety. Public safety officials exist to keep communities safe and there must be coordination and representation from communities. Additionally, twice a year, we sponsor an opportunity for citizens in the Pittsburgh community to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the Police Bureau through Citizens Police Academy. The Pittsburgh Student's Police Academy brings the police and Pittsburgh's high school community closer together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each participant.

Additionally, as Mayor, I have worked with the Chief to create a Civilian Affairs Unit fully dedicated to positive engagement with the public. We have significant increased the number of Community Affairs Officers in each zone and established the Neighborhood Resource Officer program to rebuild closer ties between the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the communities they serve.

In addition to Community Relations Officers, Citizen's Police Academy, and Student Police Academy, we are open to continued conversations on how to build upon the community-policing model. Community members must be present and active with the Department of Public Safety so the community is best served.

Furthermore, we maintain a database to better track data on traffic stops, we cut saturation patrols of majority-minority neighborhoods, supported the decriminalization of marijuana locally and supported statewide legalization efforts, supported and implemented “Ban the Box” legislation, worked with the CPRB and ACLU to try and create clearer guidelines for protests/marches and the City of Pittsburgh has halted any predictive policing programs and is reviewing all work to ensure that policing is done without implicit or explicit bias.

In Fall 2018, the City’s Department of City Planning invited the Pittsburgh community to participate in a panel on public engagement and a Public Engagement Working Group to review and renew the approach to public participation. The Public Engagement Working Group included a diverse and broad range of experts in public engagement, including individuals representing local universities, public schools, faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community organizations. Public Engagement will continue to be at the forefront of my administration, and our public engagement efforts are useless without the value and experience community members share with us.

I promise to continue to lead all departments in work for the benefit and advancement of Pittsburgh’s residents. The Public Engagement Guide outlines a framework for how the City should conduct engagement efforts through planning processes and establishes guidelines for improving the approach to engage more broadly.

4. Remove All Police from Schools

Currently, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police only operates within Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) on an emergency basis when called by PPS, and school resource officers are employed by PPS. While PPS serves as the governing body for all policies and programs for public education in Pittsburgh (not the City of Pittsburgh), I fully understand the need for opportunities to address gaps when it relates to students in public schools. Mental health and emotional support are only a few of the unmet needs of students. Additional staff to support these issues may serve as best practices, and the City of Pittsburgh invites the opportunity to collaborate on solutions.

In Pennsylvania, local school districts exist because state law created them. As specified in PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF 1949 Act of March 10, 1949, P.L. 30, No. 14 State Law outlines the responsibilities of school districts, and school districts act as localized regulatory agents of the state rather than as completely independent bodies. The City of Pittsburgh is bound to comply with the code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania concerning policing in Pittsburgh Public Schools. Specifically, PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF 1949 - Act of November 27, 2019, P.L. 662, No. 91. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) oversees municipal police training curriculum for all municipality police forces. Any effort to amend these laws would require action by the state legislature.

I have advocated and will continue to advocate for responsible community policing models for all local police municipalities. Collaborating with the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice, the City of Pittsburgh is committed to employing strategies, examining policies, and developing evidence through research to reduce implicit bias, enhance procedural justice, and promote racial reconciliation. These are all in addition to the curriculum from the MPOETC.

Additionally, I want to further partner in positive ways with Pittsburgh Public Schools. I fully support wrap around services being provided in our schools and partnering on these support services outside of school time. As Mayor, I partnered with PPS to create a Public Safety CTE program at Westinghouse and want to see that program expanded. Also, during my administration, for the first time ever, the City took money from the operating budget and allocated to enhancements to pre-k in our city. I am supportive of and committed to the implementation of universal high quality pre-k.

I am committed to the continued growth of and support of student's literacy through the partnership and efforts of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a free program for any child who lives in the City of Pittsburgh age 0-5 to receive one book a month in the mail until their fifth birthday. When they turn five, they will have their own library of up to 60 books. Since the launch in February 2019 with support from the Benter Foundation, the program has grown to include over 3,200 local children and recently sent its 30,000th book.

I will continue to support the emotional and long-term unmet needs of students and families. At the end of 2018, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded a total of $1.5 million to housing authorities in Pittsburgh, Chester, and Bucks County for the Family Unification Program (FUP). It provides rental assistance to parents being separated from their children or to those who are at risk of separation. Additionally, this funding is used to help provide stable housing for young adults (ages 18-24) who have aged-out of the foster care system.

5. Make All Collective Bargaining with Police Public

Pennsylvania’s Act 111 of 1968, The Policeman and Fireman Collective Bargaining Act, presents significant challenges to the City of Pittsburgh’s ability to create greater transparency and accountability. Rather than providing an open and transparent process, Act 111 mandates binding arbitration to resolve disputes and settle contracts, thus providing an unelected arbitration panel, rather than democratically elected officials, with final say on compensation, working conditions, and conditions of employment. Act 111 has never been amended since its passage more than fifty years ago. 

Without meaningful Act 111 reform in Harrisburg, adverse arbitration decisions will continue to hinder the City of Pittsburgh’s efforts around building a more transparent and accountable police bureau. I have urged State Legislators to amend Act 111 in order to limit the scope of bargaining over disciplinary procedures or specifically limit a labor arbitrator's authority to modify or overturn disciplinary action taken by the Bureau in the interest of public safety, trust, and accountability. In addition, I have called for Act 111 to be amended to adopt the "public policy exception," which would enable cities to challenge an arbitrator's decision to return an officer to work on the basis that their continued employment is adverse to the public interest. All other public sector unions, save for those under Act 111, are subject to this exception. These changes must take place in Harrisburg, and I will continue to advocate for these critical Act 111 reforms and lend my support to corresponding legislative efforts.

I understand that transparency and accountability are critical to establishing the community trust needed to advance meaningful reform. To that end, I plan to have the City of Pittsburgh continue to compile and report data on all use of force incidents involving the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. In addition, I will support the release of requested records where legally permissible.  While the process to release this information will be informed by legal restrictions and other reasonable considerations, my administration will continue to engage with you and the broader public to ensure accountability and transparency.   

6. Terminate the Pittsburgh FOP President 

The City of Pittsburgh’s ability to terminate any employee is governed by civil service statues, state law, and federal law.

Also under state law, officers can generally only be de-certified for misconduct if they are found guilty of criminal charges. Without the necessary state-led reforms, the City of Pittsburgh is limited in our ability to hold officers accountable and terminate their employment in the public interest. 

In addition to Act 111 reforms, I have called on state lawmakers to amend the Confidence in Law Enforcement Act to expand the circumstances under which employers are required to terminate officers engaged in misconduct. I have also called for giving the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) more authority to revoke certifications from officers and the ability to review use-of-force complaints to suspend or revoke certifications. I will continue to advocate for these reforms and support corresponding legislative efforts at the state level as they are critical to ensuring accountability from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

7. Disband All Private Police Departments 

In Pennsylvania, the establishment and regulation of private police departments operating within the borders of the City of Pittsburgh lies with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Title 22 Pa.C.S.A. Detectives and private police and 22 Pa. C.S.A. Private Detective Act of 1953). While the City of Pittsburgh has no authority in the regulation of private police departments, I will strongly advocate for responsible community policing models and accountability for all police departments. 

This is also a moment to partner with SEIU to make sure their building security officers are given the proper training they need. I was proud to help lead the effort on legislation to provide proper training requirements for our building guards so that they can provide greater assistance to the public without calling public safety. Sadly, the courts struck down our legislation, but I will continue to work with SEIU on new efforts and solutions.

8. End “No Knock” Warrants

Breonna Taylor, whose life was tragically cut short, was killed by an officer utilizing a “No Knock” Warrant. I agree that this dangerous practice harms both the officer and residents on the other side of the door. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police does not currently engage in “No Knock” Warrants or plan to implement this practice in the future. 

I share your outrage in the death of Ms. Taylor, a trained emergency medical technician and a hero who continually fought to provide relief for those in their darkest moments. Like her, we need to console one another and fight for the good among us. Her memory requires us as a community to engage in tough conversations that will lead to a more just future.  

9. Cease Partnership with ICE

Per Chief’s Order 11-3 entitled “Unbiased Policing Policy,” which went into effect in 2014 and is still in effect today, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police does not cooperate, share information, or coordinate with the United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless there is a federally mandated court order. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police does not currently ask for any information or documentation associated with a person’s immigration status. The City is willing to provide assistance to any other municipal police department wishing to implement similar practices.

The City of Pittsburgh abides by all of the provisions of sanctuary city status. We work through our authority as a City to protect our rights to stand with our immigrant communities. This includes filing amici briefs with the courts with our partners at the National League of Cities and other mayors to stop the DOJ from requiring ICE cooperation as a prerequisite for grants. In fact, the City has turned down DOJ grant money because have refused to sign statements committing to ICE cooperation.

Beyond protecting Pittsburgh’s immigrant families from ICE, I have worked to create the conditions for our immigrant neighbors to thrive within the City of Pittsburgh. In May 2014, I launched the Welcoming Pittsburgh initiative with input from over 3,000 community members, and direction from the diverse and distinguished 40-person Advisory Council. This input provided the basis for the Welcoming Pittsburgh Plan, which today, is a living document used by my office and the wider welcoming community to improve the lives of all immigrants, create more informed, diverse, and welcoming experiences throughout our city, and ensure Pittsburgh is most livable for all. 

Recommendation #27 of the Welcoming Pittsburgh Plan instructs us to “commit to a community policing approach.” As a result, my office has worked with the Department of Public Safety to establish the Multicultural Liaison Unit. The unit aims to increase trust and reliance of Public Safety employees within immigrant and refugee communities through cooperation with the Welcoming Pittsburgh Steering Committee, comprised of community and civic leaders. This goal is also guided by 3 major initiatives: communication and language access, outreach and education, and multicultural training. One critical element of the multicultural training initiative, which will be implemented under the guidance of the Multicultural Liaison Unit is cultural competency training for law enforcement and first responders. These cultural competency trainings are now in the works and are designed to build sustainable and trustworthy relationships between the Department of Public Safety and these under-represented communities. 

In addition, Multicultural Overviews will be designed for each of the 6 Police Zones to provide information on the various immigrant and refugee communities populating that zone. These overviews have the objective of increasing our officers’ understanding and respect and ensuring an appropriate cultural response when responding to the needs of our immigrant and refugee neighbors.

10. End Cash Bail

I recognize that cash bail (and other punitive measures) disproportionately harm people who are poor and those who are experiencing homelessness. I believe it is an inequitable system, perpetuating harm and structural violence. While the City itself does not have agency over bail, which is at the discretion of separately elected presiding judges and guided by state laws, I support the allocation of services to individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system to mitigate future engagement and harm.

The City will address criminal justice system engagement through diversion and the issuance of summons in place of arrests where appropriate. In partnership with Foundation of HOPE, the Buhl Foundation, Dollar Bank, the Pittsburgh Foundation, juvenile probation, magisterial district judges, and the Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh, Zone 1 police implemented the county’s first youth diversion program and is focused on expanding youth diversion citywide. The City is working in partnership with Allegheny County and surrounding municipalities to develop and implement harm reduction-based, pre-arrest diversion programs focused on providing robust support to individuals who have had previous engagement with the criminal justice system. This work is critically important due to the disproportionate arrest rate of Black residents in our city, state, and country.

It will continue to be our priority to focus on working with our communities to intervene before the criminal justice system. We will continue to put significant resources every year towards our Group Violence Intervention work. This coordination with local non-profits and street outreach workers is one of the keys to our continued success in lowering violent crime in the City over the past several years. These partners provide economic opportunity to our youth, reach out when crimes have occurred to prevent retaliation, and mentor our youth about career opportunities.

It is within the City’s purview to lower arrests through diversion and support of community programs.  Through the development of the City’s Office of Community Health and Safety and with partnerships to expand homeless street outreach and to develop co-responder models, I am focused on reducing the number of arrests related to homelessness/housing instability, sex work, substance use, mental health, and offenses associated with poverty. These critical communities have been disproportionately harmed, and I recognize that it is long past the time to address these inequities.

11. Release All Vulnerable Individuals from Jail

While management and oversight of the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) and criminal justice functions, including courts, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s office, probation parole, justice-related services, pretrial services, and discharge, are all within the purview of Allegheny County and the judicial branch of government, the City is committed to implementing diversion to reduce the population of people entering the jail. Furthermore, the City is committed to expanding the continuum of first responders to meet the needs of people prior to criminal justice involvement and upon leaving the jail. Through the Office of Community Health and Safety, and in close collaboration with the community, Black organizations, and Allegheny County, the City will work to ensure that the first responder is the person best trained and suited to promote safety and well-being. As part of this office and through these partnerships, the City will also work to ensure that first responder engagements initiate communication and increase support for individuals and families. 

To reduce recidivism upon jail release associated with displacement, substance use, mental health, and poverty, the City is collaborating with Allegheny County, as well as public and private partners, to develop a comprehensive, 24/7 services center and shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. The City is working to ensure that there is always a place for people to sleep safely and receive health and well-being support. 

I also support the overall reduction of the size of the prison population in the Commonwealth and supported the closing of Western Penitentiary here in the City. This must be done through meaningful state legislative reform on decriminalization, bond/bail reform, sentencing reform and more.

12. Create an Independent, Fully-Funded Civilian Review Board

Pittsburgh’s Citizen Police Review Board (CPRB) was created in 1997 after the police-involved deaths of Jonny Gammage and Jerry Jackson in order to investigate citizen complaints about improper police conduct involving the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. I personally wrote the legislation to create the CPRB as a Council staff member and lobbied with the community to get the votes for passage. Sala Udin and I remain as the only two elected that have worked with the CPRB since inception. While the agency puts Pittsburgh ahead of the curve on civilian oversight, State-level reforms are needed to boost its effectiveness and impact. I endorse efforts by the Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Caucus to grant municipal civilian oversight boards the authority to review Police Bureaus’ policies, procedures, orders, and all use of force and police misconduct incidents. This measure would also provide much-needed funding to municipal civil oversight boards, including Pittsburgh’s CPRB. Additionally, I have called on the CPRB to review city actions in recent weeks and to make recommendations on areas for improvement.

Locally, we are looking into ways to ensure that the CPRB is fully funded at appropriate levels to ensure effectiveness and bolster community engagement. We plan to work to boost the public’s awareness of this critical agency so that residents are aware, and more importantly, know their rights when it comes to reporting incidents of police misconduct. 

When I took office, I moved the City’s Office of Municipal Investigations (OMI) from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Law to boost its independence and accountability when investigating incidents of police misconduct and hired the former chair of the CPRB to run OMI. I also support additional outreach efforts to strengthen the public’s awareness of OMI and its responsibilities under local law. 

I also support Allegheny County Council’s efforts to create a Civilian Police Review Board and I endorse efforts in the Pennsylvania State Legislature that would require every county throughout Pennsylvania to create a Civilian Police Review Board. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Finally, I would like to end with a personal note. The demands you listed, and your overall sense of engagement, fills me with pride and hope for Pittsburgh. I have worked shoulder to shoulder with generations of Black Pittsburgh leaders, and today I am marching with their children and grandchildren. Like me, you are building upon hard-won civil rights movements of the past and urgently working to make a better Pittsburgh for the future. Together we can advance racial equity and justice, dismantle inequity, increase trust between the community and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, address the unmet needs of Pittsburgh's Black and Brown communities, and lend our voices to advocate for systemic change at all levels of government. Thank you.

Sincerely,

William Peduto

Mayor of Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 22, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh recently signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the union for many Citiparks employees and Park Rangers within the Public Safety Department that issues them salary increases and other employment upgrades through 2024. 

The pact, signed with Service Employees International Union Local 668, impacts about 60 employees including Senior and Community Recreation Center directors, Program Coordinators, the Schenley Rink leader, Recreation leaders and Park Rangers. 

The agreement includes: 

• Salary increases in line with compensation offered by peer cities that support family sustaining wages for the City's workforce 
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Paid Safe Leave 
• A time donation policy, wherein an employee may donate paid time off to another employee who has exhausted PTO for a medical reason. 

The MOU also has changed all gendered pronouns (he/him/his, she/her/hers) to gender neutral pronouns (they/them/theirs) in an effort to be more inclusive for all gender identities. 

The term of the agreement is from January 2020 through December 2024. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 22, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) has provided direct personal financial management support to 557 people between the launch of the program on March 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020. As a result of their enrollment in the program, area residents have saved a combined $319,777 and reduced their debts by $223,417 total.  

The Pittsburgh FEC offers free professional one-on-one financial counseling for individuals and families looking to address their financial challenges and plan for their futures. Any area resident over the age of 18 can register to meet regularly with an accredited financial counselor, now available by phone or video, who will help them define and reach their own financial goals.  

Those currently enrolled in the program have defined over 255 different personal outcomes including: build their savings, establish and improve their credit, reduce their debt, connect to safe and affordable banking products, use banking accounts actively, create budgets, manage student loans, and plan for retirement.  

Other statistics in this recent FEC status report include: 

• 54% of clients rent their home  
• 23% own their home  
• 66% of clients are between the ages of 21-45  
• 66% of clients are female  
• Average client age is 40  
• 62% of clients are working full-time or part-time 

Over a quarter of the FEC’s clients have registered since the beginning of local pandemic restrictions in March 2020 in response to the financial uncertainty caused by COVID-19. Pittsburgh FEC has been nationally recognized for its COVID-19 response in quickly migrating their services to phone and video and having counselors specially trained in federal and state COVID-19-specific assistance programs. In May, they received a grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to hire an additional counselor to assist in the COVID-19 emergency response to Pittsburgh residents’ financial hardships. Pittsburgh FEC was recently highlighted for its leadership in financial counseling assistance in the Bloomberg Cities SPARK newsletter.

Pittsburgh FEC is a free public service provided in partnership between the City of Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office of Equity, Neighborhood Allies, Advantage Credit Counseling Service, and Cities for Financial Empowerment. For more information or to register for counseling, visit their website or follow Pittsburgh FEC on Facebook.  

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 23, 2020) After five years of development and consultation with hundreds of local stakeholders across scores of neighborhoods, today the City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure released the final 2020 10-year “Bike(+) Plan.” This guiding document updates and extends the network that began twenty years ago with adoption of the city’s last 10-year bicycle master plan in 1999.

“Now more than ever, we need resiliency and safety in our transportation network,” said Mayor William Peduto, “People on bicycles, people in vehicles, and people on foot all benefit from a complete network that logically accommodates travelers of all modes.”

To aid in rapid implementation of these safety facilities, today the city and partner organizations also launch “MoveForwardPGH” — a public awareness initiative focused on community engagement surrounding these infrastructure improvements that will help all roadway users get around easier, safer, and with less confusion.

The Bike (+) Plan increases network connectivity and expands affordable transportation access to jobs, groceries, schools, frequent transit and other critical destinations. It nearly doubles the existing non-motorized network by adding 120 more miles of trails, bicycle lanes, traffic-calmed streets known as “neighborways,” and other street improvements safe for travel by bicycle for people of all ages and abilities. Looking beyond conventional pedalcycles, the strategy anticipates emerging demands of newer forms of personal mobility such as pedal-assist bicycles, motorized scooters, and other micromobility devices. 

For more information on the 2020 Bike (+) Plan and the Move Forward campaign visit https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/bikeplan and https://moveforwardpgh.org/.

Press Conference on Fire Station Alerting Upgrades

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Engine 37, North Avenue, Manchester 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 24, 2020) Tiffini Simoneaux, Youth and Education Manager in Mayor William Peduto’s Office of Equity, has been named an inaugural member of the National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education and Families (NLC YEF Institute) Early Childhood Municipal Fellows program.  

Over the next 18 months, the NLC YEF Institute will equip fellows with the knowledge and skills to navigate the political landscape and leverage municipal policies and practices to help address longstanding inequities embedded in local government institutions that have been exacerbated by COVID-19 and highlighted by recent political uprisings.  
 
“By building a network of local leaders and investing in their development, we will work to ensure that the success of every young child is at the center of local government decision-making,” said Tonja Rucker, Director of Early Childhood Success at the National League of Cities. “Local governments are centers of innovation and the work of our fellows, supported by our YEF experts, will move our country forward in creating communities where every child succeeds, and all families thrive.” 

Mayor Peduto is a past Chair of the YEF and served on the board of the NLC. 

"Our administration believes deeply that high quality early childhood education lays the foundation for a child's future success,” Simoneaux said. “The Early Childhood Municipal Fellows program will help me to learn alongside municipal leaders and experts from around the country and to better inform the work that our office does with young children and families."  

This is the first fellowship program for the NLC YEF Institute and is an integral part of the Institute’s national efforts to support leaders and build thriving communities that work for children and families beginning prenatally. The fellowship is a leadership development and peer learning program that aims to accelerate local leaders' ability to serve as champions for young children and families. Fellows will delve into key fundamentals that are the bedrock of impactful municipal policy for early childhood success: embedding equity in how business is done; policy and practice evaluation; the examination of local leadership and governance structures; collaboration across departments; the alignment of city, county and state objectives; and the financing and resourcing of programs and services. 
   
In addition to Simoneaux, the fellows selected for their exemplary leadership and work in early childhood within their communities are:  

• Sara Baray, Chief Executive Officer, Pre-K 4 SA, City of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 
• Risha Berry, Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Education: Department of Educational Leadership/Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry and Innovation: Urban Education & Family Urban Education & Family Transdisciplinary Core, Richmond, Virginia 
• Graham Dobson, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Early Care and Education, San Francisco, California 
• Ariel Ford, Deputy Administrator, Office of Early Learning, Chattanooga, Tennessee 
• Erica Johnson, Education Policy Advisor, Mayor Durkan’s Office, City of Seattle, Seattle, Washington 
• Coral Manning, Early Care and Education Manager, Division of Community Development, City of Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 
• Kyra Mungia, Deputy Director of Education, Office of Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Oakland, California 
• Tony Peyton, Program Director, C.E. and S. Foundation, Louisville, Kentucky 
• Jovanna Rohs, Director of Early Learning, Mid-America Regional Council, Kansas City, Missouri  

Municipal leaders across the nation are re-imagining our local early learning systems to work more collaboratively and more efficiently to drive toward better outcomes for their residents. The fellowship is generously supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Bezos Family Foundation, and Pritzker Children’s Initiative and builds on continuing work within the YEF Institute and across NLC to strengthen local early learning systems prenatally through age eight.  

The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

The Department of Parks and Recreation is excited to offer a new, Rec2Tech-based Virtual Coding Camp!  This Virtual Coding Camp builds upon the onsite computer coding workshops that took place during the 2019/20 school year at the Paulson, Warrington and Phllips Recreation Centers. Max Dennison, the Rec2Tech Coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh, designs and delivers each class and has been striving to implement Rec2Tech across the City. 

Rec2Tech, an initiative of the City of Pittsburgh, has a specific focus on creating equitable access to some of Pittsburgh’s most vulnerable communities, to ensure that all residents are equipped with the tools necessary to be successful in the jobs of the future. The goal of this initiative is to close the digital divide and transform all of the City's recreation centers into spaces and places where community members can access technology and innovative programing. 

To learn more about the program and register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rec2tech-summer-camp-tickets-109669037042

Emergency Medical Services Swearing-In

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: North Shore Riverfront Park

Climate Power 2020 Virtual Advisory Board Meeting

Time: 2 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 25, 2020) This week, the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure initiated construction on the final segment of the “GAP to the Point” project. The project provides enhanced on-street bicycle accommodation extending the nationally renowned Great Allegheny Passage multiuse trail to Pittsburgh’s iconic Point State Park by way of the Central Business District.

This final leg will not only provide vital safety improvements to the more than 1,100 daily downtown bicycle commuters, but will also provide a safe continuous connection from the heart of Pittsburgh to downtown Washington, DC for the thousands of national visitors each year that complete the GAP ride between these two great cities.

This final segment extends from Stanwix Street at Third Avenue to Stanwix at Penn Avenue, then extending to Commonwealth Place and Liberty Avenue. The project provides a two-way cycle track and enhanced bus transit stop. The project includes bituminous milling and resurfacing, concrete pavement restoration, new curb ramps, curb and sidewalk repair, signing and pavement markings, associated signal upgrades and other improvements. 

Construction began this week and will take approximately five months to complete. Hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lane restrictions may occur maintaining, at a minimum, alternating lanes of through traffic.

The “GAP to the Point” project is a $927,000 federally-funded transportation enhancement. This phase comprises $758,000 of construction.

For more information on the project, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at DOMI@pittsburghpa.gov and see the project fact sheet at https://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/redtail/images/7875_GAP_to_the_Point_12_03_19.pdf 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 25, 2020) Members of the Department of Public Safety Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be distributing youth-sized personal flotation devices (life vests) and safe swimming information packets to youth and parents at three of the city’s summer lunch grab-and-go locations on Friday, June 26.  

The Safe Swim Initiative, led by EMS, aims to reduce risk for youth who may be pursuing swimming options this summer where lifeguards may not be present like home pools, private pools, or open water. Pittsburgh River Rescue, a joint operation between EMS and Police and the only certified advance life support for river rescue in Pennsylvania, cites that according to the CDC, unintentional drowning is the second leading cause of death among children aged 1-14, most frequently in home pools. There is an additional racial disparity as Black children aged 5-19 are five to ten times more likely to drown in home pools.  

Thanks to a donation of youth-sized personal flotation devices from the UPMC Children's Hospital Safety Center, the initiative will provide the free life vests and educational materials to encourage children and parents to adopt safe swimming practices this summer. The life vests will be available at Ammon, Paulson and Warrington Recreation Centers from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.  

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 25, 2020) The Forestry Division of the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works will be closing Mossfield Street in Garfield Saturday morning for routine tree maintenance.

The closure will be from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 27.  

For the safety of all cyclists, pedestrians and drivers they will be diverted to a detour on Schenley Avenue. Please contact City Forestry at 412-665-3625 for any further information.

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 25. 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Equal Opportunity Review Commission (EORC) reviewed $37,550,814 worth of city and city authority contracts in 2019, awarding 29% ($10,965,246) to minority-owned businesses and 33% ($12,516,061) to women-owned businesses according to its 2019 annual report. That totals $23,481,307 of city and city authority contracted dollars directly invested in the minority and women business communities.  

City contracts saw a 37% increase in contracts awarded to minority-owned business enterprises (MBE) and women-owned business enterprises (WBE) between 2018 and 2019. In 2018, M/WBEs were awarded just under 29% (around $4.6 million) of the total $16 million in contract opportunities. Those totals increased to 50% ($7.4 million) of the total $14,779,942 in city contracts in 2019 as a result of awarding more M/WBEs as prime contractors rather than subcontractors.  

"I'm proud to see that the work we've done in creating the Office of Equity and restructuring our buying plans to promote equity in procurement in conjunction in the Government Alliance on Race and Equity are paying off by creating tangible economic opportunities for all,” said Mayor William Peduto.  

The City of Pittsburgh is committed to providing fair contracting opportunities for historically disadvantaged MBEs and WBEs to do business with the city and city authorities. The 11-member EORC reviews professional service contracts over $50,000 and construction and development contracts over $250,000 to ensure participation by MBEs and WBEs as well as contractors’ compliance with the City of Pittsburgh’s equal employment goals of employing 25% minorities and 10% women.  

After receiving feedback from smaller local MWBEs that there are barriers for them to prepare competitive bids for city contracts due to short notice and not having dedicated or robust procurement staff that larger companies have, the City launched the Buying Plan in February through the Living Cities Accelerator Grant. The Buying Plan provides a four-quarter forecast of contracting bid opportunities for the City, Housing Authority for the City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Parking Authority, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, Sports and Exhibition Authority and Urban Redevelopment Authority. It is intended to give M/WBEs and other smaller businesses an opportunity to see what bids they may be eligible for over the next year so there is time to prepare their bid or collaborate with other businesses to develop a competitive bid that meets the scope of service. The plan is updated every quarter and is available on Beacon, the City’s procurement portal.  

EORC meetings are open to the public and are held every third Thursday of the month at noon and streamed on the City of Pittsburgh’s YouTube channel.  

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 26, 2020) Mayor William Peduto, State Rep. Jake Wheatley and others including the Fineview Citizens Council will be at the official opening Saturday morning for the renovated Fineview Park. 

Recently a $430,000 reconstruction of park amenities was completed, which included: 

• New playground and safety surface and seating 
• New asphalt pathways and ADA access 
• New adult fitness equipment 
• New walking track 
• Reconfigured sports courts (half court basketball, pickleball) 
• Renovated picnic shelter 
• Converted asphalt to passive, open-space 
• Removal/ installation of new fencing 
• Installation of new retaining walls 

Saturday's event will feature:  

• Golden Basketball KnockOut Game with Elected Officials and the public 
• Pickle Ball Competition 
• Capture the Flag 

Media Advisory: 

WHO: 

Mayor William Peduto 

State Rep. Jake Wheatley 

Representatives for U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, Councilman Bobby Wilson, Department of Public Works, Fineview Citizens Council 

WHAT: 

Grand Opening of Fineview Park 

WHERE:  

Fineview Avenue and Lanark Street, Fineview 

WHEN: 

10 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2020 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 26, 2020) With the expanded food distribution services that started Monday, June 15 the Department of Parks and Recreation and its partners distributed 4,442 meals to children and seniors this week, for a total of 60,417 meals since they first started giving out food at the start of the COVID-19 shutdown in March. A sincere thanks to the Salvation Army, who has again provided support and meals to children.  

Total meals distributed to seniors: 2,300   

Total meals distributed to children: 2,142   

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 26, 2020) The Mayor’s Office of Equity's Welcoming Pittsburgh initiative has secured a $500,000 grant from Open Society Foundations for the COVID-19 Cash Assistance Program. The program will be run by local community organizations that serve immigrant and refugee communities who will disburse funding to residents who did not receive a federal stimulus payment.  

Money from the grant will go to Welcoming Pittsburgh's local community partners to distribute directly to individuals and families in the communities they serve through an application process. Assisting in the creation of this fund were Acculturation for Justice, Access and Peace Outreach, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Casa San Jose, Jewish Family & Community Services, and Union of African Communities. These community organizations may have additional services or programs available for those who need other kinds of support.  

Those interested in the program should contact welcomingpgh@gmail.com for more information about applying or assistance with language access. Funds will be disbursed over the next several weeks on a first-come, first serve basis. No interviews are necessary to receive payment.  

Translated Information:

ترحيب بيتسبرغ تؤمّن منحة ٥٠٠،٠٠٠ دولار لبرنامج المساعدة النقدية لكوفد - ١٩ لخدمة مجتمعات المهاجرين المستضعفين

欢迎匹兹堡获得了500,000美元的COVID-19现金援助计划赠款以服务弱势移民社区

Welcoming Pittsburgh reçoit une subvention de 500 000 $ pour le programme d’aide financière en espèces lié à la pandémie de Covid-19 et destiné aux communautés immigrées vulnérables.

जोखिममा रहेका आप्रवासी समुदायलाई सेवा गर्नका लागि वेलकमिङ पिट्टसबर्गले $500,000 को COVID-19 नगद सहायता कार्यक्रमको लागि अनुदान प्राप्त गरेको छ

La Iniciativa “Welcoming Pittsburgh” Ha Asegurado una Subvención de $ 500,000 para el Programa de Asistencia con Efectivo COVID-19 para Servir a las Comunidades de Inmigrantes Vulnerables

Mpango wa Welcoming Pittsburgh umepokea $500,000 kufadhili Programu ya Msaada wa Kifedha kwa Wakazi Wahamiaji wenye mahitaji mbali mbali ili kuwasaida kujikimu dhidi ya athari za janga la COVID-19

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 26, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, June 29. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are all in City Council District 2.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 27, 2020)The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to announce the installation of permanent asphalt speed humps on Grandview Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington neighborhood.

The purpose of the project is to discourage motorists from speeding and to enhance pedestrian safety. Speed and volume data found that 61 percent of motorists traveled over the posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour. Temporary rubber speed humps were installed in fall of 2019 and monitored for three months. The temporary speed humps were removed in January 2020. Data collected during the pilot period found that motorists traveling over the speed limit was reduced to 32 percent.

Work is tentatively expected to begin on Monday, June 29, 2020, and is expected to last one to two days, weather permitting. Hours of construction will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternating through traffic will be maintained, at a minimum, and temporary no parking signage may be posted.

We understand this may be a short-term inconvenience, and we hope to work together with residents in a professional and amicable manner for the long-term improvement of the neighborhood.

Those with questions about this project or other traffic calming projects may contact DOMI by email at trafficcalming@pittsburghpa.gov, or by calling 311. You can learn more about this project and DOMI’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program at www.pittsburghpa.gov/domi/traffic-calming.

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 29, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is appointing Andrew Dash as Director of the Department of City Planning.   

Dash, of Manchester, has been acting director of the department since June. Mayor Peduto is sending his appointment tomorrow to City Council, where it is subject to approval.   

Dash’s department has a wide range of responsibility for development-related efforts including neighborhood and parks planning, sustainability and resilience, zoning and permitting, public art, and Americans with Disabilities Act support. 

As acting director, Dash led the department in developing the Neighborhood Planning program and adopting the first phase of plans, creating the City’s Public Engagement Guide, and continuing permit and zoning review and establishing virtual Board and Commission meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I’m honored to lead this Department and the talented staff that we have as we plan for a sustainable and equitable future at such an important moment in Pittsburgh’s history. I look forward to continuing to learn from Pittsburghers to help create a resilient city where development benefits the City and our neighborhoods and equitably works for all residents,” Dash said.

Dash began his career as a city planner in Akron and joined the Pittsburgh Department of City Planning as a senior planner in 2008, and was named Assistant Director in 2014. He has Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Planning from the University of Akron.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 30, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh has received a total of $161,000 in grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Senior Community Grant Programs for updates to three local Healthy Active Living Centers (senior centers).  

The grant funding will be utilized by the Departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation for physical and programmatic upgrades, including:  

• $65,000 for the Hazelwood Healthy Active Living Center for the purchase of dining and lounge furniture, the installation of new warming kitchen counter-tops and cabinets, and new flooring throughout the program area. 
• $45,000 for the Sheraden Healthy Active Living Center for the purchase of indoor dining and lounge furniture, one piece of fitness equipment, and outdoor site furniture.   
• $51,000 for the South Side Market House. The award for this project was a portion of the requested amount, so the departments will work with the Center Director to determine a project within the scope of the funding. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 30, 2020) While summer is in full swing, numbers from last winter show the City saved more than $1 million from new road salt distribution methods adopted by the Department of Public Works.

Historically DPW has applied 917 tons of salt for every inch of snow. This year using new technology and a different salt mixture DPW used only 376 tons of salt per inch.

Salt costs about $88 per ton, and it snowed 21.7 inches in the 2019-2020 winter season. Previously, treating the roads would have cost the City roughly $1.75 million in materials. Last winter it cost the city $718,000.

“From adopting the City’s first snow plow tracker in 2015 to deploying technological and mechanical upgrades to our snow plows, the changes we have made have not only expanded city services and transparency but saved us money too. The technology is already paying for itself and will only lead to more savings year after year,” Mayor William Peduto said.

Under DPW Director Mike Gable the department has moved to a more efficient road salt that is effective at lower temperatures and is tinted blue so residents can easily see where it has been applied.

New snow-fighting technologies overseen by Innovation and Performance Project Manager Chris Belasco include salt spreaders that are tuned with calibrated application rates, improved reporting tools to show treatment and material usage, and smarter snow removal routes using GPS guidance. The routes are currently being upgraded, improved, and made safer based on driver feedback.

The overall cost of the upgrades was $1.7 million. With $1 million in salt savings alone last winter, the upgrades should pay for themselves during the 2020-2021 snow season.

50th Anniversary of Videophone Call with Alcoa Chairman Michael Morris

Time: 10 a.m.

Interview with Jonny Hartwell

Time: 4 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 1, 2020) Pittsburgh and 16 other cities cosponsored a policy adopted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors yesterday that urges cities across the globe to explore divesting from fossil fuels and invest in climate solutions to support a green recovery and a just transition. 

Last summer, Mayor William Peduto asked Pittsburgh’s Comprehensive Municipal Pension Board to divest the City’s pension funds from fossil fuel industries and in February the board named a subcommittee to study divestiture.  

The policy drive was led by New York City leaders. Officials from New York government, C40 Cities and the Heartland Capital Strategies plan to brief the Pittsburgh pension board’s solicitor on the new USCOM policy before the board’s next quarterly meeting in September. Mayor Peduto is a member of the Climate Mayors Steering Committee, a group of 24 mayors serving to support climate action across the United States. 

Other cities serving as cosponsors of the USCOM resolution were: New York; Berkeley, CA; San Jose, CA;  Davie, FL; Gainesville, FL; Orlando, FL; St. Petersburg, FL; Honolulu, HI; New Orleans, LA; Beverly, MA; Framingham, MA; New Bedford, MA; Durham, NC; Albuquerque, NM; Portland, OR; and Columbia, SC. 

The text of the USCOM resolution is below: 

Supporting a Global Cities-Led Movement to Divest from Fossil Fuels and Invest in Climate Solutions 

WHEREAS, 

the COVID-19 pandemic has quickly and drastically altered our collective health, wellbeing, safety, and economic security; and 

WHEREAS, 

given the scale of the pandemic’s impact, cities must take new and bold action to accelerate an economic recovery that recognizes our looming climate crisis and the threats to public health and well-being that it will cause; and  

WHEREAS, 

this pandemic has exposed long-standing disparities in our society, much like how the climate crisis will produce greater impacts on frontline communities in disparate ways; and 

WHEREAS, 

we as mayors can choose to emerge stronger and more resilient from this crisis with a green recovery that prioritizes clean energy infrastructure, job creation, and environmental justice; and  

WHEREAS, 

a green recovery can put cities at the forefront of ending the age of fossil fuels and pursuing a just transition to a clean energy economy by divesting their investments from  fossil fuels and investing in climate solutions like clean energy, resilient infrastructure, energy efficiency, and a just transition; and 

WHEREAS, 

as we consider how to rebuild our economy from the pandemic, we must achieve a massive transformation that rebuilds lives, promotes equality and prevents the next economic, health or climate crisis; and  

WHEREAS, 

divesting from fossil fuels is not only the right thing for the planet but can also deliver better financial returns and underscores the opportunities to better manage and reduce environment and climate-related risks for our cities and pension funds and build more resilient, sustainable cities that grow the green economy and jobs, create better public health outcomes, address environmental injustices, and drive equitable development while reducing the harmful effects and risks of climate disaster; and 

WHEREAS, 

mayors across the country have already begun to divest from fossil fuels and invest in climate solutions, demonstrating the impact of strong political will and financial foresight; and 

WHEREAS, 

mayors can demonstrate climate leadership by making a commitment to divest from fossil fuels and invest in climate solution, and by calling on other investors, endowments, and foundations to follow suit; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED 

that the United States Conference of Mayors strongly urges cities across the globe to explore divesting from fossil fuels and investing in climate solutions to support a green recovery and a just transition. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 1, 2020) City of Pittsburgh municipal offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the July 4 Independence Day holiday on Saturday. 

Many Citiparks facilities will be closed on Saturday. However, refuse collection will continue on its regular schedule, including Friday, July 3. 

Spray parks will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the weekend. 

The Mellon Tennis Bubble will be closed Saturday, July 4, but open Friday, July 3, and Sunday, July 5, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

There will be no Senior Grab 'n Go meal distribution on Friday, July 3. Meals distributed today will cover five days, with regular meal distribution resuming on Monday, July 6. 

There will be no Children’s Grab 'n Go meal distribution on Friday, July 3. Meals distributed on Thursday, July 2, will cover Friday and regular meal distribution resumes on Monday, July 6.   

The Pittsburgh Parking Authority will be closed Friday, July 3, and parking meter enforcement will be suspended on both Friday or Saturday. However, PPA parking garages will be open. 

Unlike City of Pittsburgh offices, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh offices will be open Friday but closed on Monday, July 6. 

Environmental Services will work their regular refuse collection schedules all week, including Friday, July 3.  

Please continue to properly bag trash to help keep our workers safe. If you should have any questions concerning your collection, you may contact Environmental Services at 412-255-2773. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 1, 2020) Mayor William Peduto has joined Mayors for Guaranteed Income, a forward-thinking network of a dozen mayors from around the country advocating for a guaranteed income to ensure that all Americans reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic have an income floor. 

In the United States, wealth and income inequality have reached historic highs. Nearly 40 percent of Americans cannot afford a single $400 emergency, and rising income inequality is compounded by a growing racial wealth gap. The median white worker made 28 percent more than the typical Black worker and 35 percent more than the median Latinx worker in the last quarter of 2019, and the median wealth of white families is more than $100,000 while the median wealth of Black families is approximately $10,000. COVID-19 has further exposed the economic fragility of most American households, and has disproportionately impacted Black and brown people. 

"COVID-19 has shaken the very foundations of American life and laid bare the economic inequity that especially affects our communities of color. In committing to policies around guaranteed income, we are proud to join groundbreaking leaders from cities across the country in fundamentally rethinking our economic structures to support and uplift the residents of Pittsburgh," Mayor Peduto said. 

Founded last month by Mayor Michael Tubbs of Stockton, California, MGI advocates for direct and recurring cash payments to residents in order to build resilient and just communities. 

Mayor Tubbs based the guiding “guaranteed income” philosophy on teachings by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “I'm now convinced that the simplest approach will prove to be the most effective — the solution to poverty is to abolish it directly by a now widely discussed measure: the guaranteed income.” 

A guaranteed income is a monthly cash payment given directly to individuals, empowering recipients to address their most urgent needs and providing a cushion for unpredictable expenses, external shocks, and volatility. It is unconditional, and is meant to supplement, rather than replace, the existing social safety net. 

Cities such as Chicago, Newark, and Atlanta have formed task forces to explore a guaranteed income pilot program, typically in conjunction with local philanthropies. Pittsburgh plans to do the same, taking direct action on a guaranteed income pilot while also joining other cities in MGI to advocate for state and federal policy change. 

Other cities in MGI have already started payments. In Stockton, the city gives $500 a month to 125 eligible residents. Los Angeles provided prepaid debit cards of $700 to $1500 to those whose total household income fell below the poverty line before COVID-19. Compton, California, gives $1,000 to families on food stamps. Jackson, Mississippi, gives $1,000 a month to 20 African-American mothers. 

The 11 mayors already participating in MGI are: 

• Michael D. Tubbs, Mayor of Stockton, Calif.  
• Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Mayor of Jackson, Miss.  
• Melvin Carter, Mayor of St. Paul, Minn.  
• Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark, N.J.  
• Aja Brown, Mayor of Compton, Calif.  
• Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles  
• Adrian Perkins, Mayor of Shreveport, La.  
• Libby Schaaf, Mayor of Oakland, Calif.  
• Stephen Benjamin, Mayor of Columbia, S.C.  
• Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mayor of Atlanta  
• Victoria R. Woodards, Mayor of Tacoma, Wash. 

The MGI Statement of Principles is available here. 

Mayors for a Guaranteed Income is founded in partnership with the Economic Security Project. The coalition is also announcing a new partnership with What Works Cities, a Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative, to elevate lessons learned and expand best practices to additional cities across the country. 

A resolution in support of guaranteed income was approved yesterday by United States Conference of Mayors. The resolution calls for the advancement of the following principles: 

• Advocate for a guaranteed income at the local, state, and federal level. 
• Invest in narrative change efforts to highlight the lived experiences of economic insecurity.  
• Invite all cities to join this effort, and provide technical assistance and funding support for new pilots. 

The USCM resolution (full text linked here), which was adopted on June 30 at the organization’s 88th annual meeting in Washington, D.C., encourages guaranteed income as a solution to economic insecurity, inequality, and poverty. A guaranteed income is a monthly cash payment given directly to individuals, empowering recipients to address their most urgent needs and providing a cushion for unpredictable expenses, external shocks, and volatility. It is unconditional, and is meant to supplement, rather than replace, the existing social safety net. 

Biographies of the MGI mayors are available here at the MGI website. 

####  

ABOUT MAYORS FOR A GUARANTEED INCOME 

Mayors for a Guaranteed Income is a coalition of mayors who will explore cash payment programs in their cities as a response to COVID-19 resulting in nationwide economic insecurity. The mayors will advocate for guaranteed income programs. Against a similar backdrop of civil unrest more than 50 years ago, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called for the immediate abolition of poverty, and his economic dream of guaranteed income for all Americans. Mayor Michael Tubbs of Stockton, CA founded the coalition following the success of his Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED), funded by several philanthropic organizations, including the Economic Security Project. To learn more about Mayors for a Guaranteed Income visit www.mayorsforagi.org.  

U.S. Conference of Mayors Virtual Plenary Session

Time: Noon

Online Meeting with Office of Community Health and Safety

Time: 2 p.m.

Call with Human Relations Commission Director Megan Stanley

Time: 3 p.m.

Interview with Kevin Gavin of WESA-FM

Time: 4 p.m.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 2, 2020) Mayor William Peduto and other city officials issued a letter to local homelessness and human service partners urging them to oppose a recent Trump Administration proposal that would roll back Obama-era protections for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people experiencing homelessness.  

The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced yesterday their proposal that would allow homeless shelters and service providers to deny services and accommodation to people based on their gender identity and gender expression, creating opportunities for institutional discrimination against already vulnerable populations.  

The letter will be sent to human and homelessness service partners in the City of Pittsburgh and was signed by representatives from the Mayor’s Office of Equity, City of Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations and City of Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council.  

A copy of the letter can be found here. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 2, 2020) Mayor William Peduto has been named co-chair of a national committee on Eliminating Poverty by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, the new president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. 

Fischer has created five bipartisan committees to review and inform key nationwide policy ideas through the end of July, which will be placed in the Mayors’ 2020 Vision for America. That vision plan will be issued to both the Democratic and Republican conventions in August. 

The committees are: 

1. Police Reform and Racial Justice  
2. COVID-19 Response and Health Equity 
3. Eliminating Poverty 
4. Dismantling Systemic Racism 
5. Economic Recovery 

Mayor Peduto will co-chair the Eliminating Poverty committee with Mayor Michael Tubbs of Stockton and Mayor Michelle De La Isla of Topeka.  

Mayor Tubbs is the founder of Mayors for Guaranteed Income, a groundbreaking initiative of a dozen cities nationwide that Pittsburgh joined on Wednesday.

Other members of the committee are: Mayor London Breed of San Francisco, Mayor Steve Williams of Huntington (WV), Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma (WA), Mayor Kathy Sheehan of Albany, Mayor Sharon Weston Broome of Baton Rouge, Mayor Acquanetta Warren of Fontana, Mayor Sam Liccardo of San Jose, Mayor Jamael Tito Brown of Youngstown, and Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln. 

Their mission is the following: 

“The grind of poverty impedes the dreams and potential of our people. This working group will seek to eliminate poverty in America and increase upward mobility by considering policy reforms in the following areas: education, jobs, workforce disruption caused by COVID-19 and technology, opportunities for youth, affordable housing, community and economic development, banking, tax policy, and support for minority and women-owned small businesses. The group will develop recommendations on the reforms, resources, and private and intergovernmental partnerships needed to implement economic models that create a growing and inclusive middle-class in the U.S.” 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 2, 2020) Mayor William Peduto released the following statement today as the greater Pittsburgh region faces a record surge in COVID-19 cases on the eve of the Independence Day Holiday: 

“As we go into a holiday weekend while also experiencing massive levels of new COVID-19 cases in Allegheny County, I strongly and emphatically urge Pittsburgh residents to be careful and smart, and to reconsider any plans for large July 4 gatherings. 

The Department of Public Safety has already urged residents to take several safety precautions.  

It is necessary to emphasize that we all must follow Governor Wolf’s orders to wear masks at all times, and to keep social distancing and washing hands. If you can, please just stay home. We are at a critical juncture in the fight against the pandemic and letting our guards down, even for a beloved summer holiday, will only make things markedly worse for our families, friends and neighbors. 

If we all do our part and make the simple sacrifices necessary, we can and will beat this virus. We must do it together.” 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 3, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, July 6. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are all in City Council Districts 1, 2 and 4.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

Virtual Meeting with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer on U.S. Conference of Mayors Committee

Time: 1 p.m

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 7, 2020) Mayor William Peduto announced today that the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh’s (URA) Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) and Wells Fargo’s NeighborhoodLIFT program have worked together in support of a citywide Roof-a-Thon. A total of 24 homes throughout the City of Pittsburgh will receive between $30,000-$35,000 worth of home repairs and a new roof.

"We are grateful to the URA and Wells Fargo for their partnership on affordable housing projects in Pittsburgh. Homeownership is a big financial commitment, and we want to be sure our residents have resources to help them afford to stay in their homes and communities,” Mayor William Peduto said. “Thanks to the Housing Opportunity Fund and its first Roof-A-Thon, we have 24 neighbors whose houses and roofs are safer and more secure."

Through the HOF, the URA operates a Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) that provides up to $30,000 in financial assistance to help income-eligible, owner-occupied households with necessary home repairs (code issue remediation, roofing, weatherization, accessibility improvements, etc.).

“Roofing repair is one of the largest home repair needs among the households who applied to the HAP program,” said URA Director of Housing Initiatives Jessica Smith Perry. “Back in February 2019, there were so many applicants needing repairs and replacements that URA staff started discussions on how to get as many roofs done at once and as quickly as possible, and that’s how the concept of the Roof-a-Thon was born.”

Homeowners receiving new roofs and repairs were chosen based on greatest need.

Total cost of the Roof-a-Thon is $733,028. Wells Fargo Foundation provided $125,000, from which the URA allocated $5,000 per household; HOF provided $608,028.

The Allegheny County NeighborhoodLIFT program local initiative grants are part of a $3.3 million commitment by Wells Fargo to boost local homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods. A collaboration with NeighborWorks® America, and its network members NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania and Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Greater Berks, the NeighborhoodLIFT program has created more than 175 Pittsburgh area homeowners by offering homebuyer education plus down payment assistance grants.

“Having a safe, healthy and affordable place to call home is essential to help lay the foundation for wellness, dignity, and economic opportunity,” said Tiffany Tavarez, vice president of community relations with Wells Fargo. “The Roof-a-Thon initiative is making a meaningful difference in the lives of City of Pittsburgh residents. With the funding from the NeighborhoodLIFT program, we believe in the importance of helping keep Pittsburgh homeowners safely housed with this effort led by the URA’s Housing Opportunity Fund.”

Originally slated to start in April 2020, the Roof-a-Thon was delayed because of COVID-19. Now that Pittsburgh is in the green phase, URA contractors were able to begin construction the first week of June. The URA utilized its existing contractors: McMeekin Contracting; Spanbauer Construction, Concrete Rose Construction (MWBE); and Low Country Building Solutions (MWBE).

Monique Jackson

One of the Roof-a-Thon recipients is Monique Jackson of Sheraden who learned about the HAP through the internet. Her home not only needed critical roof repair, but other repairs as well. In addition to a new roof, work was done to her bathroom on the 2nd floor, new windows were installed throughout, and the basement toilet was replaced, to name a few.

Work started on her home on June 15 and was completed on July 1. Low Country Building Solutions was the contractor.

“Working with the URA has been a wonderful experience,” said Jackson. “The program has helped me in many ways and without the HAP it probably would take years to complete on my own. I definitely would recommend these programs to others.”

Jackson says her next goal is to have a fence put up around her house so that her small children can play freely. See photos of Monique’s roof during construction, when the roof was finished and before and after photos.

Jacqueline Cheatham

Jacqueline Cheatham is a life-long resident of Hazelwood. She and her mother moved into their current home 20 years ago after their previous home caught fire.

She heard about the HAP program from her neighbors and was eager to participate in the Roof-a-Thon.

In addition to a new roof, she had work done to her front porch, new windows installed, new front storm door, and significant mold remediation in her bedroom. 

Work started on her home on June 4th and was completed on June 15. Spanbauer Construction was the contractor.

“Everybody at the URA was nice, professional, polite and just right, said Cheatham. “If it wasn’t for the HAP, I would be penny pinching and not get anywhere close to what I got done here. I just couldn’t afford it. I recommend it to friends, family, neighbors, everybody. It's such a blessing.”

Cheatham hopes to get the walkway widened for a wheelchair next and would like to get the kitchen updated. The URA is looking into potential grant funding for these projects. See roof before and after photos here.

As of today, 12 roofs have been completed. The Roof-a-Thon is scheduled to wrap up by early-to-mid July.

The URA is hoping to have a Roof-a-Thon in the second quarter of every year going forward.

“We’re excited to finally see the Roof-a-Thon happen and want to thank Wells Fargo for being such a great partner,” said Smith Perry. “We hope to be able to help even more homeowners next time.”

To see a map of the Roof-a-Thon homes, click here.

To find out more about the HAP and other HOF programs, click here.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 8, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works has selected a design consultant for the renovation of Homewood Park.

The Department of Public Works issued a request for proposals in February of this year.  After an extensive interview process, DPW accepted a proposal from Studio Zewde, a New York firm specializing in landscape architecture, urban design andcommunity engagement.

The New York firm describes itself this way: 

“Studio Zewde is a vibrant landscape architecture, urban design, and public art practice based in New York City. Fusing the years of experience of Sara Zewde and Ashley Ludwig, our work is lauded for its innovative design methodology that syncs site interpretation with community engagement, a design process powered by narrative, and a dedication to the craft of construction. 

A Black and woman-owned firm, our employees have backgrounds in landscape architecture, architecture, city planning, urban design, sociology, statistics, community organizing, and public art. Our practice is recognized for its ability to design meaningfully for people and their stories in the context of contested narratives and development pressure. Projects like the Mander Rec Center Campus in Philadelphia, Africatown Plaza in Seattle, Volango Wharf in Rio de Janeiro, and Domino Park in New York City demonstrate the potential for our design work to illuminate the stories of people and place. Our design energy is devoted to the “aesthetics of being” and to creating enduring places where people belong.” 

Proposed renovations for Homewood Park include:

• Site engineering for the development of a combined, regulation-size football and baseball field, seating and site-wide ADA accessibility
• Structural engineering for retaining walls surrounding the site
• Relocation of existing pool and bathhouse/ locker room to accommodate field renovations
• Site-wide stormwater management solutions, including cisterns or r-tanks under the athletic fields
• Connection to the Martin Luther King Jr. Busway and renovated pedestrian bridge to Westinghouse Park
• Cultural/ performance space with connections to the Afro American Music Institute
• Playground and multi-purpose courts for various youth activities

A copy of the full bid is here. 

The project team is anticipating a minimum 18-month design process prior to beginning construction.

For questions about the park contact:

Andrea Ketzel

Senior Project Landscape Architect

City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works

414 Grant Street, Room 301, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

[e] andrea.ketzel@pittsburghpa.gov.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 9, 2020) The Mellon Tennis Bubble will close indefinitely af the close of business today due to concerns from patrons and staff about the airbone spread of COVID-19.

The indoor facility in Shadyside reopened June 15. Tennis players are urged to use the outdoor courts in more than 50 neighborhood parks around the city. Singles play is encouraged.

US Conference of Mayors Eliminating Poverty Working Group Co-Chairs Conference Call with Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs and Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla

Time: 1 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 9, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh is seeking proposals for a vendor to create a cultural competency training curriculum for the Department of Public Safety bureaus under the management of the Multicultural Liaison Unit (MLU) and Mayor William Peduto’s Welcoming Pittsburgh initiative.  

The curriculum will be taught by public safety personnel and incorporated into regular and new recruit trainings for each of the bureaus so that first responders are appropriately equipped to address and support the public safety needs of Pittsburgh residents with various cultural backgrounds and English language proficiency. The goal is for all officials in Police, Fire and EMS to have the skillset and resources required to appropriately understand, respect, interact, protect and respond to our immigrant and refugee communities.

The full scope of work is outlined in the request for proposal and includes:

• Produce a curriculum specific to the Greater Pittsburgh region to be utilized to train Public Safety Instructors that reflects a "Train the Trainer" model designed in collaboration with Public Safety personnel and local immigrant and refugee community stakeholders.
• Design adequate methods of capturing and reporting community input to inform processes for accountability and updating so that trainings remain relevant over time.
• Develop Multicultural Overviews of information on the immigrant and refugee populations in each of the six police zones to increase officers’ understanding and appropriate cultural response when responding in these communities.

The initiative will be managed by the MLU, which was created in 2017 as a result of the 2014 Welcoming Pittsburgh Plan: A Roadmap to Change Recommendation #27 to “Commit to a community policing approach” to oversee immigrant community relations in all public safety bureaus. The work of the MLU affirms Mayor Peduto’s commitment to build trust between newcomer communities and public safety to create a safer and more welcoming city for all.  

Proposals must be submitted via the City of Pittsburgh’s Beacon procurement platform by July 28, 2020 at 3 PM.

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 9, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh has signed onto an amicus brief on a suit before the state Supreme Court that would allow gun industry groups to sue cities with gun safety ordinances, even if the ordinances have not been enforced. Mayor William Peduto and members of Pittsburgh City Council also signed onto a separate amicus brief for the suit joined by other advocacy groups and elected local officials.   

A gun industry group sued the city of Harrisburg in 2015 saying the city’s decade-old gun safety ordinances were preempted by state law. A Common Pleas Court ruled the group had no legal standing to sue since the plaintiffs had not been cited under the city’s laws, but that ruling was overturned by Commonwealth Court last year. The ruling was appealed up to the Supreme Court. 

The City of Pittsburgh signed onto an amicus brief yesterday with the City of Philadelphia. The brief with Philadelphia says in part:  

“Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are the Commonwealth’s biggest municipalities. Together, they provide city services, administer justice, and ensure public safety for over 1.8 million Pennsylvanians. Respondents’ lawsuit imperils all three of these basic municipal functions. The Commonwealth Court’s decision below fashions an unworkably lax bar for standing that, if affirmed, promises a flood of baseless lawsuits against a host of lawful municipal measures.” 

Mayor Peduto and Council members Rev. Ricky Burgess, Bruce Kraus, Corey O'Connor and Erika Strassburger signed onto a separate amicus brief with CeaseFirePa and the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, other anti-gun violations organizations, and other Pennsylvania elected local officials.   

Copies of the briefs are available here and here. 

The City of Pittsburgh approved a series of gun safety measures in 2019 in the wake of the mass shootings at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill. Gun industry groups filed suit against the City, and that case is currently before the Commonwealth Court. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 10, 2020) With the expanded food distribution services that started Monday, June 15 the Department of Parks and Recreation and its partners distributed 10,436 meals to children and seniors this week and last, for a total of 70,853 meals since they first started giving out food at the start of the COVID-19 shutdown in March. A sincere thanks to the Salvation Army, which has again provided support and meals to children.

Total meals distributed to seniors: 4,840 

Total meals distributed to children: 5,596 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 10, 2020) Mayor William Peduto issued the following statement today in response to the announcement by the Trump Administration of ICE policy changes regarding the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP):

"As we grapple with a global pandemic, the decision to modify federal policies to require international students to take-in person classes to keep their visa status is misguided and callous. These policy changes, rather than improving our national COVID-19 response, would be detrimental to public health, our institutions of higher learning, our economy, and our communities. These newly announced policies represent the continued efforts to chip away at duration of status by the Trump Administration, efforts which hinder the ability of the United States to recruit valuable international talent and further our economy. More importantly, these changes to SEVP policies irresponsibly puts the well-being of our international students in severe jeopardy. 

Here in Pittsburgh, our international students not only help drive the academic and research excellence of our institutions of higher learning but are critical contributors to our regional economy and our community infrastructure. The story of Pittsburgh’s revitalization lies not only in bringing young people to learn at our world-class institutions, but in encouraging young minds to invest in Pittsburgh and call it home. The economic benefit of international students on our regional economy is undeniable. In our region, one job is created for every two international students enrolled in our colleges and universities. Supporting international students is critical to the well-being of Pittsburgh, which is why our Welcoming Pittsburgh Plan is committed to ensuring access to our exceptional educational resources and promoting international learning exchanges. The contributions of our international students will be critical to a robust economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond their economic contributions, our international students are a vital part of the fabric of our communities. They volunteer their time to support neighbors in need. They lend their voices to movements for justice. They drive forward research and innovation. Pittsburgh is fundamentally shaped by these students and they make us better every day.

Colleges and universities should have the autonomy to make decisions about reopening based on independent assessments of capacity and risk, without coercion by arbitrary governmental policy. International students should not have to choose between leaving their new homes and prioritizing their health and safety. I stand firmly committed to working to preserve the ability of our international students to remain in Pittsburgh while pursuing their education."  

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 10, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works has selected a design consultant for the renovation of Homewood Park.

The Department of Public Works issued a request for proposals in February of this year.  After an extensive interview process, DPW accepted a proposal from Studio Zewde, a New York firm specializing in landscape architecture, urban design andcommunity engagement.

“Homewood Community Sports & Bridging the Gap Development are excited about the selection of the firm Studio Zewde,” said Mubarik Ismaeli, president of Homewood Community Sports. “They have a positive track record for their work across the U.S. and are the right firm for this project. We’re equally excited to work with this firm in a truly collaborative manner to bring our project to fruition. We appreciate the Mayor and his staff for their honesty and consistency with this process. We look forward to bringing something great to the Homewood Community! Stay Tuned!” 

The New York firm describes itself this way: 

“Studio Zewde is a vibrant landscape architecture, urban design, and public art practice based in New York City. Fusing the years of experience of Sara Zewde and Ashley Ludwig, our work is lauded for its innovative design methodology that syncs site interpretation with community engagement, a design process powered by narrative, and a dedication to the craft of construction. 

A Black and woman-owned firm, our employees have backgrounds in landscape architecture, architecture, city planning, urban design, sociology, statistics, community organizing, and public art. Our practice is recognized for its ability to design meaningfully for people and their stories in the context of contested narratives and development pressure. Projects like the Mander Rec Center Campus in Philadelphia, Africatown Plaza in Seattle, Volango Wharf in Rio de Janeiro, and Domino Park in New York City demonstrate the potential for our design work to illuminate the stories of people and place. Our design energy is devoted to the “aesthetics of being” and to creating enduring places where people belong.” 

Proposed renovations for Homewood Park include:

• Site engineering for the development of a combined, regulation-size football and baseball field, seating and site-wide ADA accessibility
• Structural engineering for retaining walls surrounding the site
• Relocation of existing pool and bathhouse/ locker room to accommodate field renovations
• Site-wide stormwater management solutions, including cisterns or r-tanks under the athletic fields
• Connection to the Martin Luther King Jr. Busway and renovated pedestrian bridge to Westinghouse Park
• Cultural/ performance space with connections to the Afro American Music Institute
• Playground and multi-purpose courts for various youth activities

A copy of the full bid is here. 

The project team is anticipating a minimum 18-month design process prior to beginning construction.

For questions about the park contact:

Andrea Ketzel

Senior Project Landscape Architect

City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works

414 Grant Street, Room 301, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

[e] andrea.ketzel@pittsburghpa.gov.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 10, 2020) While Governor Tom Wolf has extended protections for homeowners and renters from foreclosure or eviction through August 31, eligible residents of Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh should be aware they can apply for rental assistance if needed. 

Allegheny County has the CARES Rent Relief Program (C-RRP) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh has the Housing Stabilization Program (HSP) hosted by the Housing Opportunity Fund. 

C-RRP offers up to six months of rent assistance to December 30, 2020. HSP offers up to $3,000 for rent, mortgage, legal and utility assistance. 

The chart below describes both programs more completely. Those seeking assistance may find more information on County programs here and about URA programs here. Pennsylvania residents may also seek help here from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. (Please also note this press release from Allegheny County.)

Mayor William Peduto this spring directed funding to the Commission on Human Relations to offer rental mediation services to those impacted by COVID-19. The City’s Financial Empowerment Centers have also been helping residents with free financial management consulting during the pandemic. 

“One of our goals is to help those in need avoid evictions and other financial catastrophes before they happen. I want to thank all of our public and private sector partners for their assistance in providing people the help they so desperately need right now,” Mayor Peduto said. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 10, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, July 13. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are in City Council Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 13, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh has joined a suit filed by Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology challenging a move by the Trump Administration and ICE to suspend international visas under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. 

Pittsburgh is one of 26 municipalities nationwide that signed onto an amicus brief in support of the Harvard-MIT suit today, seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the order. Mayor William Peduto released a statement on Friday denouncing the order. 

It says in part: 

“This matter will have a direct and deep impact on amici [cities] and their communities. First, amici care deeply about their foreign-born populations (some of the largest in the country) and have a strong interest in protecting the rights and well-being of all students and their families as they seek to complete their higher education in the United States. These interests are reflected in, for example, the adoption of welcoming-city ordinances and policies, the provision of healthcare and public health services to all, especially during the current pandemic, and the provision of funds for immigration legal services.  

Second, the international students enrolled in amici’s educational institutions make significant economic contributions to amici’s communities.” 

A copy of the brief is available here. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 13, 2020) Due to personnel issues involving COVID-19, employee quarantine and other injuries, there have been some disruptions in city services most notably recycling collection in some East End neighborhoods as some essential staff have been unable to work.  

Last week, several neighborhoods reported missed recycling and refuse collection due to limited staffing. The Department of Public Works’ Environmental Services asks all residents whose recycling or refuse hasn’t been collected to leave it at the curb where it is usually picked up until our crews are able to pick it up. Residents are asked to review the refuse and recycling rules and regulations and tips for keeping our Environmental Services workers safe. 

Since the increase in the number of residents staying at home starting in March, the amount of refuse and recycling has expanded creating a much greater workload for environmental services workers. In April, environmental services reported an increase of 506.9 tons of solid waste (8,522.56 tons total) and 40.08 tons of recycling (1,280.04 tons total) compared to April 2019. 

“We appreciate our residents’ patience as we prioritize the health and safety of our front line workers,” Mayor William Peduto said. “Our staff in Environmental Services and Public Safety are constantly out working in the field and are more vulnerable to exposure to the coronavirus and potential injury. We will continue to take precautions for their safety on the job to avoid the spread of illness to other staff or the public.”  

Environmental Services reports:  
2 employees off of work as confirmed COVID-19 cases 
5 employees off of work from heat-related health issues or illness  
15 employees off with other injuries  

In addition, the Department of Public Safety reports the following number of confirmed cases in each bureau: 
Police has 7 employees off as confirmed cases 
Fire has 5 employees off as confirmed cases 
Emergency Medical Services has 2 employees off as confirmed cases 

Both the Department of Pubic Works and Public Safety will continue to utilize employee screenings at the beginning of shifts and work safety guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, Pennsylvania Department of Health, Allegheny County Health Department and City of Pittsburgh Emergency Management Agency.  

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 13, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Health Network are creating a new model for responding to the needs of those experiencing homelessness, problematic substance abuse and unaddressed mental health issues. 

The program from the Office of Mayor William Peduto, Office of Management and Budget, and Department of Public Safety and AHN’s Center for Inclusion Health will build street outreach community-based teams that will connect people with services, housing resources, and health supports, collaborating with first responders to prevent continued engagement and promote healthier outcomes.  
 
This program is funded by a portion of the "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act’’ or the ‘‘CARES Act" funds allocated to the City. 

The funding opportunity, which was announced April 28th, was developed in response to longstanding calls from the community and Public Safety to provide more robust supports to individuals with unmet needs in Pittsburgh communities. Often, first responders from Pittsburgh Public Safety respond to calls to address these needs but are not provided with the tools to do so.   

“As part of the Center for Inclusion Health’s ongoing commitment to health equity for vulnerable and marginalized populations in our region, especially persons experiencing homelessness, we are extremely grateful to have been awarded this funding. We look forward to working with the City of Pittsburgh to create innovative street outreach models that help mitigate risks posed by the compounding public health crises of homelessness, COVID-19, and social exclusion,” said Patrick Perri, MD, Medical Director, AHN Center for Inclusion Health.  

The program aligns with a “Housing First” model, aimed at ensuring that people are able to access housing without barriers, while acknowledging and addressing health as a critical part of stable housing and wellbeing. COVID-19 has resulted in increased housing instability and crises, and as such, we anticipate continued calls to first responders.  

The agreement between the City and AHN will be introduced to Pittsburgh City Council tomorrow. 

Builders Guild Online Meeting

Time: 11 a.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 14, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Innovation and Performance is set to join two data-sharing agreements, at no cost to the City, that will improve planning and analysis related to mobility, transportation and public works. 

One resolution is with the app Waze, which will provide anonymized traffic data to City employees to manage congestion surrounding construction projects. Another is with the I-95 Corridor Coalition Traffic Flow Data Program, a regional alliance of transportation agencies, toll collection agencies, and related organizations. 

The City takes the privacy of residents seriously; accordingly, the agreements do not entail accessing or sharing personal data. The information instead represents aggregated traffic volumes, and incident data is not linked to any of the drivers involved nor those who report it.  

Both agreements are being introduced to Pittsburgh City Council today. 

The Waze data comes via the company's Connected Citizens Program, through which hundreds of cities and public agencies are granted access in real time to reports from Waze users on things like accidents, potholes, and traffic slowdowns. The Waze data can also be used to visualize traffic patterns and estimate travel time, helping the City identify roadways that are consistently congested or accident-prone and address such issues more quickly.  

In the case of the I-95 Coalition data, the City will be given access to a feed with real time and historical information on PennDOT road incidents, traffic congestion on highways, travel time estimates, lane closures, and weather alerts. This will allow the City to better understand regional mobility issues and place local data in that context.  

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 14, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh plans to partner with BOOM Concepts to create a responsive social justice public art program on City-owned properties. 

BOOM Concepts is a Pittsburgh-based creative hub for artists. Through the proposed program with Mayor William Peduto’s office and the Department of City Planning, BOOM will do a call for artists, help artists monetize their art works and perform a community engagement process on sites and programming. 

The program is similar to a 2016 effort BOOM led in conjunction with the Andy Warhol Museum and Artists Image Resource called “Activist Print,” in which artists created works to raise awareness of contemporary issues and inspire change. 

A resolution on the program was introduced to Pittsburgh City Council today. The City plans to put $5,000 into the agreement with BOOM and then seek matching funds from local philanthropies. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 14, 2020) Mayor William Peduto issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration rescinding their June 6th U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy directive regarding the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP):

Earlier today, at the start of a hearing for a corresponding federal lawsuit brought by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Trump Administration rescinded federal policies announced last week that would have suspended international visas under the Student Exchange and Visitor Program. The City of Pittsburgh is proud to have joined 25 other municipalities nationwide that signed on to an amicus brief in support of the Harvard-MIT suit. The ICE policy announced last week would have jeopardized the safety and well-being of our international students and caused unnecessary panic and trauma during an unprecedented global pandemic. 

Pittsburgh’s international students are woven into the fabric of our institutions of higher learning, regional economy, and neighborhoods. We are relieved that this decision preserves the ability of these essential members of our community to prioritize their health and safety and remain in their new home. As we face difficult decisions around reopening, whether it be within our institutions of higher learning or elsewhere, my administration remains committed to the belief that these decisions must be firmly rooted in an effective public health approach. The policies that were rescinded today represented a continuation of harmful efforts by the Trump Administration to chip away at duration of status. These efforts are not only economically misguided but morally wrong. Immigrants have shaped the history of Pittsburgh and continue to shape our city for the better. I remain firmly committed to standing with our immigrant and refugee communities in building a Pittsburgh for All.

Climate Mayors Coordination Call

Time: 2 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 15, 2020) The newly formed City of Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Commission is seeking applicants to serve as commissioners. The LGBTQIA+ Commission legislation was approved by City Council and signed by Mayor Peduto last week.

Commissioners are required to either live or work within the City of Pittsburgh and the City is seeking individuals who can advise on LGBTQIA+ experience in the areas of workforce development and employment, education and educational barriers, health and ADA issues, homeless community and housing barriers, and senior citizen and aging communities.  

Those interested in applying can fill out this interest form by August 28, 2020.  

The Commission originated from Mayor William Peduto’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council that started in 2016 to advise on policy and issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. By signing the LGBTQIA+ Commission into City Code, the Commission is required by law to ensure LGBTQIA+ community voices are heard and reflected in the city's plans, agendas and policy decisions. 

Interview for the Menino Survey of Mayors

Time: 11:30 AM

Welcoming Remarks, Opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing in the U.A.E.

Time: 12:30 PM

U.S. Conference of Mayors Eliminating Poverty Working Group Session

Time: 3:00 PM

Meeting with Bob Bauder

Time: 5:00 PM

No public events scheduled

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 17, 2020) With the expanded food distribution services that started Monday, June 15 the Department of Parks and Recreation and its partners distributed 5,662 meals to children and seniors this week for a total of 76,515 meals since they first started giving out food at the start of the COVID-19 shutdown in March. A sincere thanks to the Salvation Army, who has again provided support and meals to children.

Total meals distributed to seniors: 2,347 

Total meals distributed to children: 3,315 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 17, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, July 20. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are in City Council Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 18, 2020) Mayor William Peduto issued the following statement on the death of Chief Bob Full of Swisshelm Park, the former state and county emergency management official and City of Pittsburgh Assistant Chief of the Rescue Division: 

“Bob Full started work as a paramedic in the first days of the City’s Emergency Medical Services bureau, marking the beginning of decades of dedication to the people of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania. Throughout his life and service his sole focus was protecting public safety, and he remains a role model for generations of emergency workers throughout our region. 

I extend my condolences to his wife Geri and his family.” 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 20, 2020) After three years of work and more than $14 million in investment, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will bring the Microfiltration Plant in Highland Park back into service this week. The work preserves water safety for some 250,000 customers, with a permitted capacity to treat up to 20.8 million gallons of drinking water per day. 

The plant treats water from the Highland I Reservoir, which provides drinking water to customers living in Pittsburgh’s eastern neighborhoods, the Hill District, and parts of Oakland. This major investment, which was long a priority of Mayor William Peduto and PWSA leadership, will impact more than half of the authority’s drinking water customers. 

The MFP was taken out of service in 2017 to meet stricter state water quality standards. Over the past three years, PWSA has made the needed changes to improve treatment methods, rehabilitate the microfiltration system, and provide greater security around the Highland I Reservoir. 

“The work PWSA has done the past few years to ensure clean and safe drinking water for Pittsburgh residents is nothing short of extraordinary. I commend the authority’s leadership for this work, which is going on while it is also replacing thousands of lead service lines around the city, and thank residents for their patience during all these years,” Mayor Peduto said. 

“Completing the improvements at the MFP will ensure high quality drinking water that meets or surpasses all drinking water standards for over 250,000 residents,” stated Will Pickering, Executive Director of PWSA. “Reopening this unique and state of the art treatment plant allows us to focus on other previously-deferred critical projects. We appreciate our customers’ patience as our team of engineering, construction and operations experts continues to aggressively modernize our water system.”  

The Microfiltration Plant provides the necessary retreatment of water leaving the uncovered Highland I Reservoir before it is distributed to homes. Because the water goes to an open reservoir, it is no longer considered potable water and must be treated again before reentering distribution. 

This project included adding ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology to the treatment process. UV disinfection is one of the most effective ways to treat water – when exposed to these powerful light-rays, it rapidly and effectively inactivates micro-organisms such as bacteria, pathogens, and protozoa that may have come in contact with the water. This second layer of treatment, in addition to membrane filtration, ensures the safety, quality, and reliability of our water after it leaves the open Highland I Reservoir. 

By restoring the MFP, PWSA can better distribute water to its entire service area. With the MFP back in service, PWSA has a redundant water system and can spread the demand for water across the entire water distribution network. This enhances PWSA’s ability to reliably provide water to customers.   

The Highland I Reservoir provides potable water to PWSA customers in eleven city neighborhoods and supplies water to secondary storage facilities including the Garfield Tank, Herron Hill Tank and Reservoir, Bedford Tanks, and Lincoln Tank. 

PWSA is doing the necessary testing and operational preparation to bring the MFP back into service this week. Customers should not notice any changes to service once the MFP is operational. 

Restoring service to the MFP and the Highland I Reservoir strengthens PWSA’s entire water distribution system. With this redundancy in place, it can turn to other critical water infrastructure projects. 

The total capital cost of all the direct and indirect improvements to support the restoration of the MFP Facility is approximately $14,500,000.00. Over the next several years, PWSA will invest approximately $312 million for other large system improvements. These “once in a generation” projects will modernize our water distribution system and provide customers with more secure and reliable water services. 

Photos: PWSA

Call with U.S. Conference of Mayors Working Group on Eliminating Poverty

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 20, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh and CONNECT have been awarded funds to develop and implement a public health-focused, pre-arrest diversion program for people who commit low-level crimes stemming from behavioral health issues, including those whose crimes are related mental health and poverty as well problematic substance use.  

The funds are from the Allegheny County Health Department's Overdose Data to Action CDC grant and will directly align with the City's public health focus in the new Office of Community Health and Safety. Legislation accepting the support will be introduced to Pittsburgh City Council tomorrow. 

This pilot program will: 

1. Work to ensure that participants do NOT enter the criminal justice system; 
2. Support people who have high engagement with police (specifically associated with crimes of poverty) and instead refer to social services and supports; 
3. Be harm reduction-based (i.e., participants have agency and identify goals). 

"We know that cycling people through the criminal justice system does not improve outcomes. Our goal is to continue to work with the community, county partners, public safety, and CONNECT to interrupt this cycle by implementing public health-informed practices like diversion," Mayor William Peduto said. 

Zone 1 was identified as the place for the first pilot with the goal of expanding it city-wide (and regionally, in partnership with CONNECT). The Northside is the only place in the county with a formal youth diversion program, which is run by Foundation of HOPE and funded by Dollar Bank, Buhl Foundation, and Pittsburgh Foundation. 

“Our objective is to understand the strengths of all models to — in partnership with the community — develop sustainable, scalable, effective ways to connect people with durable supports that promote health, safety and well being. We will work to create a public health-driven approach that results in improved outcomes for residents and communities," Zone 1 Commander Christopher Ragland said. 

Lydia Morin, executive director of CONNECT, said "CONNECT is always proud to partner with our members like City of Pittsburgh, with support from Allegheny County Health Department, to listen and respond to the needs of our community and public safety, and our collaborative works to continue developing public health-informed diversion programs to provide support for the people who use drugs in our region." 

 

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 20, 2020) On Monday, July 27, the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) anticipates the start of reconstruction on the Lowrie Street Bridge over Rialto Street in Troy Hill. The City is investing nearly $1.1 million in the project, ensuring that this bridge can serve the community for another 75+ years.

The existing structure was built in 1972 and in recent years has had diminished capacity and a lane restriction due to deterioration in several of its concrete beams. This project will replace the bridge beams, deck, sidewalks, and railings, restoring the bridge to full load capacity. The project will implement improved safety features for vehicles and pedestrians. The metal stairway connecting Lowrie Street to Rialto Street will be relocated to the opposite side of Rialto Street, providing a direct connection to the Rialto steps without need for crossing the street.

The general contractor for the project is A. Merante Contracting. The newly reconstructed bridge is anticipated to be completed in December, 2020.

Road closures will be necessary starting July 27 for the duration of the project. Rialto Street will be closed to vehicular traffic with the suggested detour route using Troy Hill Road and Route 28. Pedestrian access along the Rialto Street steps will be maintained throughout construction with minimal disruption for certain activities such as bridge demolition. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Lowrie Street will be detoured via Ley Street and Sundeman Street. The Port Authority #4-Troy Hill bus will maintain service while using the detour route.

For more information on the project, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at DOMI@pittsburghpa.gov

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 21, 2020) Since June 2016, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has replaced over 7,400 public lead service lines and more than 4,700 private lead service lines throughout Pittsburgh. The authority and Mayor William Peduto remain committed to ensuring city residents have safe and clean drinking water. PWSA is on target to replace all lead service in its water service area by 2026. 

The comprehensive Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) program implemented in 2018 generated the momentum that we are experiencing today. The actions taken by PWSA’s Board of Directors and a change in state law made it possible to replace private side lead lines at no cost to homeowners while replacing public side lines. This incentive to homeowners, coupled with a dedicated lead team to manage and coordinate the work with our customers, provided the ability to move forward with lead line replacements at a steady pace. 

As part of the 2018 and 2019 neighborhood-based LSLR Programs, PWSA replaced over 6,000 public lead lines and more than 4,600 private lead lines at a cost of $90 million. This includes $49 million in state funding assistance provided by PENNVEST for the 2019 program, which included a $13.7 million grant and a $35.4 million low-interest loan. 

PWSA has surpassed the number of lead line replacements required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The 2019/2020 compliance year from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 has been our most productive year. We replaced more than 3,200 public lead service lines – replacing nearly four times the amount of lead service lines required by state regulations. 

(Graphic: The graph of public lead service lines replaced shows the year-to-year comparison of required replacements versus actual replacements. PWSA has consistently exceeded state expectations with the 2019/2020 compliance year being our most productive year yet.)

Going forward, PWSA will replace lead service lines in conjunction with water main replacement projects taking place across Pittsburgh. Additional PENNVEST funding, totaling $65 million, will support the replacement of over 15 miles of aging distribution pipes and more than 2,000 service lines throughout the city in 2020 and early 2021. This approach is a more efficient way to replace lead lines, and we will continue to implement these projects for years to come. 

Elements of the lead line replacement program will remain the same. PWSA focused its neighborhood-based lead line replacement program by using community-based data to prioritize the most vulnerable neighborhoods. Prioritization was based on blood lead levels in children and the concentration of children under six years old as well as women of child-bearing age. It also included income levels of the neighborhood and the presence of lead service lines. We will continue to use this prioritization model in selecting our areas for water main replacements going forward.

Additionally, PWSA's lead team will continue to manage and oversee the coordination with residents. They ensure residents are aware of the process, have completed the necessary agreement to allow us to replace private side lead service lines, and know what to do before and after construction. PWSA’s construction contractors will continue the successful use of trenchless methods to replace private lead service lines, minimizing construction impacts on our customers. 

The Community Lead Response Advisory Committee remains active in advising PWSA on the procedures developed to provide transparency to community members. The authority is also implementing affordability programs that will help low-income customers remove lead service lines from their homes at no cost.

"Our Community Lead Response programs go over and beyond to protect the health and safety of our customers," stated Will Pickering, PWSA's Executive Director. "With each lead line we replace, we are reducing potential exposure to lead, and improving service reliability. This project is a priority for PWSA and our community, so we won't stop until this work is complete."

"PWSA has made tremendous strides though its lead line replacement program, doing even more work than what is required by the state. That is a testament to how seriously Pittsburgh has tackled this issue, and how hard we will continue to work for years to come," Mayor Peduto said.

For more information about Community Lead Response, please visit http://lead.pgh2o.com/. 

Press Conference with PWSA

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Gross Street, Bloomfield

Interview with CNBC

Time: 11 a.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 24, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, July 27. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are in City Council Districts 2, 4, and 7.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

Interview with Wolf Blitzer of CNN

Time: 5:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 26, 2020) Mayor William Peduto released the following statement today on the 30th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act:

"This is a historic day to reflect on how much we have accomplished in making our communities inclusive for all, and to remind us how very far we still have to go. Across every city department the City of Pittsburgh has been committed to the principles guaranteed by the ADA, and is working to reinforce that commitment every day."

Under Mayor William Peduto the City of Pittsburgh has taken a number of actions to drive real change and reform. He established an Office of Equity — only the fifth such office in the country, run by Chief Equity Officer Majestic Lane — and implemented many other efforts that included:

• Joining the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), leading to citywide training in racial equity and establishing racial equity toolkits for every City department to use when budgeting
• Reforming the City’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, leading to a 37% increase in contracts to minority and women-owned businesses
• Established the Housing Opportunity Fund within the URA, using $10 million in city funds annually to establish the Rental Gap, Homeowner Assistance, Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance, Housing Stabilization, and For-Sale Development programs; overseeing rental and mortgage assistance programs for those impacted by COVID-19; and the citywide Roof-a-Thon which will provide a total of 24 homes in Pittsburgh between $30,000-$35,000 worth of home repairs and a new roof
• Established the Office of Gender Equity, released the Gender Equity Commission’s groundbreaking "Pittsburgh's Inequality Across Gender and Race" report in 2019, and became the 6th U.S. city to approve a CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) ordinance
• Established the online Housing Assistance Resource Portal (HARP) to connect residents to organizations and resources that will help them buy a home
• Proposed and signed the City’s first Inclusionary Zoning Overlay District ordinance, which requires that all new developments in rapidly growing Lawrenceville include at least 10% affordable units
• Established free Financial Empowerment Centers to assist low-income residents with their personal finances, which has helped 557 people save a combined $319,777 and reduce their debts by $223,417 total
• Implemented expansion of “ban the box” on criminal convictions when applying for City jobs
• Implemented a ban on salary history on job applications
• Created the Rec2Tech program, which transforms our recreation centers into after-school learning hubs
• Joined the My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which coordinates with partners throughout the city and region to build opportunities and a brighter future for young Black men
• Created the Summer Learn & Earn program, which connects nearly 2,000 underserved residents in the region between the ages of 14 and 21 with six-week summer jobs
• Supported the URA’s Catapult program, the business incubation program for minority and women entrepreneurs who want to start a business, or existing businesses looking to grow
• Joined 12 select cities nationwide in the Mayors for Guaranteed Income pilot, to help those with low and moderate incomes
• Distributed thousands of free books to children through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library
• Established the Welcoming Pittsburgh office protecting and supporting the city’s immigrant community
• Improved infrastructure such as sidewalks and countdown pedestrian signals in minority communities like Homewood that were long underinvested
• Won federal support of the community-driven Larimer Choice project, which includes hundreds of mixed-income housing units and a new neighborhood park space
• Approved important gun safety ordinances following the Tree of Life massacre
• Established the civil affairs unit within the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, increased staffing in the PBP’s Neighborhood Resource Officer and Community Resource Officer beats, and invested further in the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program
• Required implicit bias training for police and all City departments
• Supported use-of-force legislation introduced by state Representatives Summer Lee and Ed Gainey, and called on state leaders to take action to amend Act 111 and allow municipalities to release police body camera footage
• Agreed with American Civil Liberties Union to change police interview process for applicants in effort to boost minority hiring
• Signed President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Pledge, which charges the City with reforming our Police Bureau with community input
• Oversaw five years of declining crime rates, including the lowest number of homicides in 20 years
• Launched the Office of Community Health and Safety, which will utilize social and public health services rather than policing to respond to certain situations in the community.
• Collaborated with Allegheny County and CONNECT to implement a pre-arrest diversion program for people who commit low-level crimes stemming from behavioral health issues, including those whose crimes are related mental health and poverty as well problematic substance use

Ribbon-cutting for AHN Cancer Institute at Allegheny General Hospital

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: 320 E. North Ave, Central Northside

Online Press Conference on Federal Pandemic Relief with National League of Cities and US Conference of Mayors, with Nan Whaley, Mayor, Dayton, Ohio; Van Johnson, Mayor, Savannah, Georgia; Jeff Williams, Mayor, Arlington, Texas; Clarence Anthony, CEO of NLC; and Tom Cochran, CEO of USCOM.

Time: 1 p.m.

ICLEI Quarterly Board Update

Time: Noon

Call with Clergy

Time: 2 p.m.

Chicken Latino Ribbon Cutting

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Location: 2100 Broadway Avenue, Beechview

Interview with Lynne Hayes-Freeland

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Interview on MSNBC with Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Call with Councilman Bruce Kraus

Time: 11 a.m.

Interview with Meghan Schiller

Time: 12:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 31, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh has been awarded $4,636,819 in grants from federal and state agencies and national and local foundations so far in 2020. Grant monies are being used to support specific projects and ongoing programs and services.  

Grant funding is awarded for projects that specifically support the funding government agency or foundation’s purposes or values. The money is often used as a supplement to the city’s investment in programs or projects.  

“As we are preparing for a deficit of over $115 million in our 2020 city budgets, grant funding opportunities are critical to adding additional financial support for ongoing work in our neighborhoods and communities. We will have tough budgetary decisions to make for 2021, but we are grateful for the support from our federal, state and foundation partners to ensure that our residents will continue to see community investment and programs,” Mayor William Peduto said.

Some of the ongoing city projects, programs and services that the 2020 awarded grant monies will support include:  

$132,000 total committed to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a free program run by the Office of Equity where any child who lives in the City of Pittsburgh age 0-5 can register to receive one book a month in the mail until their fifth birthday. When they turn five, they will have their own library of up to 60 books. The program, which was started in the City of Pittsburgh through the Benter Foundation's five-year sustaining grant commitment, is affiliated with the national initiative started by music icon Dolly Parton and recently sent its 30,000th book to local children. McAuley Ministries awarded the program a sustaining commitment totaling $82,000 and the Hillman Foundation provided $50,000.   

$400,000 was awarded by the Land Water Conservation Fund for two recreational upgrades in South Side Park that were outlined in the community-driven South Side Park Master Plan. They include a new discovery garden for children of all ages and a boardwalk to replace the stairs currently linking the park to the fields to improve park accessibility. The boardwalk will also serve to connect the South Side Slopes neighborhood to the Great Allegheny Passage trail network, opening the neighborhood and park users to additional recreation opportunities.  

$100,000 from the Hillman Foundation to support the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) Program. GVI is a program from the Department of Public Safety and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police in partnership with Operation Better Block. GVI utilizes community leaders and mentors as an outreach team to work directly with violence-prone groups, affected communities and young people to improve public safety, minimize arrest and incarceration, foster police-community collaboration, and change the narrative in neighborhoods that may have felt both over-policed and under-protected.  

Grant opportunities are continually monitored, sought and managed by the Office of Management and Budget’s Grants Office.  

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 31, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, August 3. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are in City Council Districts 4 and 5.

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 3, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh remains committed to fighting housing discrimination, despite recent actions by the Trump Administration to roll back fair housing rules. 

The Department of Housing and Urban Redevelopment stripped protections from Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH) regulations, which are meant to reduce residential segregation, housing discrimination, and unlawful housing practices that were borne out of systemic racism. 

Despite this move by the Trump Administration, Mayor William Peduto and the Commission on Human Relations (CHR), with the support of the Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh, remain committed to reducing discrimination, and will continue to enforce AFFH regulations as they have since 2015. 

“This is just the latest move by the Trump Administration to reinforce generations of systemic racism plaguing our communities, in which government housing policy is used to negatively impact black people by not allowing the same opportunities that other neighbors have,” Mayor Peduto said.    

“With rising rents nationwide, a shortage of affordable housing, and new housing instability created by COVID-19, we must create just and equitable housing opportunities in order to provide safe housing as a human right, available to all and free of discrimination,” CHR Executive Director Megan Stanley said. 

The new rule increases the risk of segregation and harmful practices rooted in systemic racism, as practices like redlining continue in Pittsburgh and other communities around the nation. It comes as the Commission has adjudicated 25% more housing discrimination complaints than the previous year, which shows the City needs more, not less, protections and policies in place to reduce unfair housing practices. 

CHR has partnered with CREATE Lab on Earthtime visualizations on the need for AFFH in Pittsburgh and is now extending these efforts into City Planning and public engagement.  

It also formed a AFFH Task Force, which released a report on fair housing this spring. 

Phone Call with Richard Stewart, President of Pittsburgh NAACP

Time: 11 a.m.

Department of Finance 2021 Operating Budget Meeting

Time: 1 p.m.

Meeting with Laken Duckett

Time: 11 a.m.

Office of Municipal Investigations 2021 Operating Budget Meeting

Time: 1 p.m.

Department of City Planning 2021 Operating Budget Meeting

Time: 2 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 4, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh has signed a six-year collective bargaining agreement with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2719, a union that represents more than 200 clerical and professional employees in various departments. The agreement issues them salary increases and other employment upgrades through 2025. 

“We’re happy the City is out of Act 47 and we can sit down and collectively bargain for what is a fair and equitable contract for our employees,” said John Galuska, Director of AFSCME District Council 84. 

The collective bargaining agreement includes: 

• Salary increases in line with compensation offered by peer cities that support family sustaining wages for the City’s workforce; 
• Part-time employees will now be paid at the full salary rate for positions instead of a reduced salary rate; 
• Most new employees will start at the full salary rate for a position instead of a reduced rate that increases with length of service; 
• Paid Parental Leave; 
• Paid Safe Leave; 
• A time donation policy wherein an employee may donate paid time off to another employee who has exhausted PTO for a medical reason; 
• The City can now run content produced by a third party on its City Channel; 
• The City can assign overtime to those who hold necessary certifications or licenses to perform the work instead of based solely on seniority; 
• The City has adapted its bereavement leave policy to account for the restrictions in place due to COVID-19 that may prevent some employees from attending funerals for family members who have died. 
• The CBA also has changed all gendered pronouns (he/him/his, she/her/hers) to gender neutral pronouns (they/them/theirs) in an effort to be more inclusive for all gender identities. 

The term of the agreement is from January 2020 through December 2025. 

Call with Sister Mary from Save a Life Today

Time: 11 a.m.

Call with Tim Stevens

Time: 12 p.m.

Call with Taili Thompson

Time: 1 p.m.

Clean Pittsburgh Commission Meeting

Time: 10 am

Learn and Earn Closing Virtual Event with Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Partner4Work

https://www.facebook.com/LearnAndEarnPittsburgh

Time: 11:30 am

Pittsburgh Technology Council's 100th Edition of "Business As Usual"

Time: 12:30 pm

Department of Public Works 2021 Operating Budget Meeting

Time: 1 pm

Celebrating Professor David Miller

Time: 3 pm

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 6, 2020) Mayor William Peduto has issued a letter to U.S. congressional leadership in support of three bills that would offer relief and support to independent music and entertainment venues and theaters that are in danger of permanent closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The letter, sent in support of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), outlines the economic value and contributions of venues and theaters for cities prior to the pandemic. Since the pandemic has shut down live events, it is estimated that 90% of independent venues nationwide could close permanently. The trickle-down of these closures would negatively affect local artists, whom Mayor Peduto previously supported in getting financial relief, who rely on venues and theaters to showcase their talent.   

“Our independent venues and theaters aren’t just important because of their economic impact. Art, music and entertainment are historically woven into the rich cultural fabric of Pittsburgh. There’s no price you can put on their cultural value for our neighborhoods and our city, but there is price we can put on making sure they don’t go under,” Mayor William Peduto said. “I’m urging congress to ensure that our local venues are included in and protected by relief packages. They’re what make our neighborhoods great and, frankly, they’re what make Pittsburgh Pittsburgh."  

Pittsburgh National Independent Venue Association members: 

• 3577 Studios, Pittsburgh  
• Club Cafe, Pittsburgh  
• Don't Let the Scene Go Down on Me! Collective, Pittsburgh  
• Drusky Entertainment, Pittsburgh  
• Four Chord Music, Pittsburgh 
• Grey Area Productions, Pittsburgh  
• Honcho, Pittsburgh  
• Hot Mass, Pittsburgh  
• Pandemic Dance Party/Pittonkatonk/Weather Permitting Concert Series, Pittsburgh  
• Pittsburgh Irish Festival, Pittburgh  
• Opus One Productions, Pittsburgh  
• Rex Theater, Pittsburgh  
• Spirit, Pittsburgh  
• The Mr. Roboto Project, Pittsburgh  
• Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall, Pittsburgh  
• Con Alma, Pittsburgh  

Greater Pittsburgh National Independent Venue Association members: 

• Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, Carnegie  
• Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, Munhall  
• Crafthouse Stage & Grill, Baldwin Township  
• Jergels, Warrendale  
• Mr. Smalls Theatre, Millvale  
• Roxian Theatre, McKees Rocks  
• Shady Lady Productions, Sarver 

A copy of the letter is available here. 
 

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 6, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is appointing Douglas Anderson as Director of the Department of Finance and City Treasurer. 

Anderson, of Shadyside, has long served as Deputy Controller for the City of Pittsburgh. Mayor Peduto is sending his appointment later this month to City Council, where it is subject to approval. He will take office the first week of September. 

“Douglas Anderson brings vast experience in finance and government to our administration, and provides a steady hand in a time of great economic uncertainty. I am very happy he is joining us,” Mayor Peduto said. 

Anderson replaces Margaret Lanier, who retired this summer after 38 years with the City. 

The Finance Department is responsible for the collection, deposit, and investment of all funds received by the City from any source. The Department bills and collects tax and fee revenue, intergovernmental payments, certain grant payments, lease payments, and other payments due to the City to be used for budgeted expenditures. The Department also manages tax abatements (including homestead and senior citizen exemptions), tracks tax increment financing, and performs audits designed to help business taxpayers to submit returns correctly. The Department is also the designated tax collector for the School District of Pittsburgh as well as the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. 

As Deputy Controller and Chief of Staff to City Controller Michael Lamb, Anderson oversaw the implementation of several government transparency initiatives including the creation of Open Book Pittsburgh, a website and searchable database of City of Pittsburgh contracts, campaign finance contributions to candidates running for office in the City of Pittsburgh and database of lobbyists that do business with the City; oversaw the annual preparation of the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR); and managed many other roles, including assigning audit work to performance and fiscal audit staff and approving all Controller’s office expenditures. 

"As Pittsburgh faces the fiscal challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, I am honored to have the opportunity to lead and work with the great staff of the Department of Finance to help the City through these unpredictable times,” Anderson said.   

Anderson was formerly an auditor for the Pennsylvania Auditor General and public information officer for the Allegheny County Office of the Prothonotary before joining the City Controller’s office in 2008. He has a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Duquesne University and a Master’s Degree in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. 
 

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 7, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, August 10. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are in City Council Districts 1, 6, and 7. 

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

Call with Nina Esposito-Visgitis
Time: 11 AM
 

Equity Series: Equity in Action with Chief Equity Officer and Deputy Chief of Staff Majestic Lane
Time: 12 PM
https://www.facebook.com/city.of.pittsburgh
 

Department of Human Resources and Civil Service 2021 Operating Budget Meeting
Time: 2 PM
 

Department of Mobility and Infrastructure 2021 Operating Budget Meeting
Time: 3 PM

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 10, 2020) The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Board of Directors will be voting to approve investing $4,051,475 in community-based affordable housing projects in Marshall-Shadeland, Hazelwood, Fineview and more at their regular board meeting this Thursday.  

Funded through the Housing Opportunity Fund, a citywide initiative that provides $10 million a year for affordable housing programs, and other URA programs, many of the selected projects are run by neighborhood community development groups who are working to fix up homes in their neighborhood to sell at an affordable rate.  

“We are pleased to see this level of consistent investment from the URA and Housing Opportunity Fund. This kind of funding puts our communities in the driver seat of development and helps to ensure that their neighbors can stay in their neighborhood,” Mayor William Peduto said. “A great thanks goes to the URA board, URA and HOF staff and our community partners.”  

The proposed financing includes, but is not limited to: 

• Over $852,000 total to the Brightwood Civic Group’s two-phased Woodland Avenue Revitalization Project intended to increase homeownership and stabilize housing values in the Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood. The project to date has sold seven rehabilitated homes to buyers at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).  
• $300,000 to the Hazelwood Initiative for the Hazelwood Affordable Homeownership Program (HAHOP) which provides quality affordable for-sale houses to long time renters in the neighborhood to support their mission of “development without displacement.” The program has already sold six homes.  
• Over $112,000 to the Fineview Citizens Council to renovate a single rental unit to be rented to a household at or below 60% AMI.  
• $200,000 to Pittsburgh Housing Development Corporation for their “Rehab for Resale” program to develop five affordable housing units to sell in neighborhoods with affordable housing scarcity.  
• Increase in Homeowner Assistance Program funding for a total of $950,00 to the Hilltop Alliance, a community development corporation servicing the Hilltop neighborhoods of Allentown, Arlington, Arlington Heights, Beltzhoover, Bon Air, Carrick, Knoxville, Mount Washington, Mount Oliver, Saint Clair and South Side Slopes; $600,000 to Rebuilding Together that provides critical home repairs and improvements for low-income households; and $685,000 to Low Country Building Solutions a Minority-Women-Owned Business Enterprise that performs repairs for the Homeowner Assistance Program citywide.  

The URA Board Meeting will be this Thursday. August 13 online at 2 PM. More information can be found here. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 11, 2020) Mayor William Peduto, City Council President Theresa Kail Smith and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh will present over $626,000 in community investment funding for Council District 2 projects to the URA Board of Directors for approval this Thursday.   

"The funding provided by the URA for these projects will meet important community needs in our District 2 neighborhoods like community resources, accessibility upgrades for older residents, and access to high quality affordable housing,” said Mayor Peduto. “Thank you to Council President Theresa Kail Smith for collaborating with us to identify and see these projects through and the URA for their continued support of community projects."  

“We are pleased to provide support to catalytic projects located throughout neighborhoods like Chartiers City, Crafton Heights, Sheraden, and Duquesne Heights,” said URA Deputy Executive Director Diamonte Walker. “Stabilizing and growing the vitality of this part of the City through investments in affordable housing and essential community-serving facilities is critical to our mission. We believe this sends a strong signal of market confidence in the area. Thank you to the Mayor, Council President, and all of our development partners.” 

The URA Board of Directors will vote on the following funding for projects located in District 2 :  

• A $351,000 loan agreement with Washington Heights Elderly Housing Corporation for the complete overhaul and modernization of the elevator at Sweetbriar Place. Sweetbriar Place is an eight-story, 55-unit HUD 202 senior apartment building located in the Duquesne Heights neighborhood. This project will secure the long-term safety and accessibility of the community for its residents and visitors.  
• A $200,000 Housing Recovery Program - Developer loan agreement with Pittsburgh Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)  to provide second deferred mortgages related to the rehabilitation of five affordable for-sale housing units in the Chartiers City, Crafton Heights and Sheraden neighborhoods. The properties were acquired through bank foreclosures as part of PHDC’s “Rehab for Resale” program that develop affordable housing in areas that lack affordable, for-sale housing opportunities.  
• A $75,000 District Improvement Fund grant agreement with Jasmine Nyree Homes, Inc. for the Jasmine Nyree Campus project in Sheraden which will transform a 180,000 square foot vacant lot into a multi-service facility for those with special needs and residents of District 2 neighborhoods. The project is being done in multiple phases with the Administration Building having opened in June 2020 and a 65,000 square foot Learning Center featuring basketball court, computer lab, library and daycare for adults with special needs intended to open in 2021. Subsequent phases will include a Community Center and 40-unit apartment building for low-income seniors, disabled veterans and adults with special needs.    

“The Jasmine Campus is very grateful for the grant provided by Mayor Peduto, the URA and Council-President Kail Smith. This grant will help assist us with renovations to our Learning Center where we will provide services to 600 at risk children, and 300 special needs adults a day. We thank you for your contribution,” said Christy Porter, executive director for the Jasmine Nyree Campus.  

"I'd like to thank everyone for coming together and working together to make sure that District 2 residents see investment to meet their needs,” said City Council President Theresa Kail Smith. “Thank you to Mayor Peduto and his staff for working closely with our office and our neighbors to help connect them with the resources they need. Thank you to Director Greg Flisram and his team at the URA for their energy around these projects and financial support. Thank you especially to our neighbors - to Cristy Porter and her team with the Jasmine Nyree Campus project, Washington Heights Elderly Housing Corporation and Pittsburgh Housing Development Corporation for making these plans a reality."  

The URA Board Meeting will be this Thursday, August 13 online at 2 PM. More information about these projects and the meeting can be found here.  

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 11, 2020) The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Pandemic Logistics/ Community Engagement Office will begin distributing fresh produce to Citiparks Healthy Active Living centers tomorrow, to supplement the lunches the City has been supplying to seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Citiparks distributes Grab and Go meals to seniors at its HAL centers every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Last week — in partnership with Ebenezer Church and Produce to the People — police community engagement officers delivered boxes of produce to the West End and Sheraden senior centers. That proved a success, and starting tomorrow the officers will expand the distribution to all 9 of the centers citywide. 

The boxes of produce typically contain apples, onions, and potatoes, and sometimes pears. 

Police will be dropping off the produce at the centers by 10 a.m. each Wednesday in advance of the 11 a.m.-1 p.m. food distribution window. 

The Community Engagement Office’s mission is to enhance relationships between citizens and law enforcement by addressing community needs, to build strong relationships based on trust, and to partner with neighbors to improve public safety. This produce distribution plan is part of the office’s ongoing effort to help people during the pandemic. 

While HAL centers are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic Citiparks has been offering regular free food for seniors and children at its senior and recreation centers since March. Each week up to 2,500 meals are distributed to Pittsburgh seniors. Those seeking to register for the meals may contact the SeniorLine at 1-800-344-4319. 

The nine centers offering the meals and produce are: 

• Beechview 
• Greenfield/Magee  
• Glen Hazel  
• Hazelwood 
• Homewood 
• Lawrenceville 
• Sheraden 
• Southside Markethouse 
• West End 

More information on the centers is available here. 

Meeting with Councilman Bruce Kraus 
10 AM

Pennsylvania Municipal League Press Conference
11 AM

Call with CityLab
12:30 PM

Meeting with Dan McCaffery
1 PM

Call with Mike Kennedy and Solicitor Hilton
3 PM

Mayor's Office Staff Meeting
4 PM

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 11, 2020) Mayor Wiliam Peduto issued the following statement in support of historic designation for the Shrine of the Blessed Mother ahead of its review by the Planning Commission today:  

"Today the Planning Commission will review historic designation plans for the Shrine of the Blessed Mother, a shrine located on a South Oakland hilltop overlooking the Parkway East and Monongehela River. This shrine was created by a diverse group of community members from the South Oakland neighborhood in the 1950s and its location offers architectural and geological features that celebrate this unique and diverse Pittsburgh fellowship. The shrine’s highly visible location has historically provided a place of cultural significance those who pass it – including the steel workers working along the river who could look up and see her during their grueling day. Commonly called "Our Lady of the Parkway, the shrine is visible to the tens of thousand of motorists who use the Parkway East daily.  

Bernadette Fincke, a family member of one of the shrine’s founders recently said:  
‘The Shrine of the Blessed Mother in Oakland should be designated as a historic site as it reflects the qualities that make Pittsburgh so special. Without government or private management or supervision, it was created and maintained by a diverse group of people from all over the city. It has been a place of inspiration, reflection, and spirituality for Pittsburghers regardless or race, gender, or religion. The Shrine has weathered the economic and social changes of the past sixty years with the same resilience that has enabled Pittsburgh to remain a strong, vibrant, and unique community.  

As a native Pittsburgher and daughter of one of the founders of the shrine, I can think of no other property in the City of Pittsburgh, that reflects the unconquerable spirit and love of community than the Shrine of the Blessed Mother.’ 

The Shrine of the Blessed Mother continues to bring together our diverse neighbors and visitors who come from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds for pilgrimage and worship. This site was created by the community, designed by the community, and maintained for generations by the community for the community and deserves protection through historic designation.” 

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 12, 2020) A new café and learning space will be coming to the Centre Heldman plaza on Centre Avenue in the Hill District, under plans by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. 

The URA is set to begin lease negotiations with The Cares CommuniTEA Café for a space in the vacant plaza, to establish a coffee house to match the expertise of Hill professionals with a learning lab for local youth. The coffee house will also offer special events and initiatives that will connect the community such as community conversations, book clubs, art displays, and jazz events. 

The café is a program from the Center that CARES, which is headed by the Rev. Glenn G. Grayson, and has the support of Mayor William Peduto and City Councilman Daniel Lavelle. 

"For 21 years, the Center that CARES has been committed to serving the children, youth, and families of the Hill District. Through this opportunity, the Center that CARES looks forward to providing this exciting social enterprise in order to create career development opportunities for our youth and young adults, as well as share the rich legacy of entrepreneurship, pride, and history of the Hill District,” said Rev. Grayson, the President and CEO of the Center that CARES. “CARES CommuniTEA Cafe is a unique project that empowers our youth as leaders, entrepreneurs, and change agents while also collaborating and showcasing other vendors, artists, and entrepreneurs.”  

It is wonderful to have an opportunity to partner with a long standing community resource in the Center That CARES to begin populating the Centre Heldman Plaza with business,” Councilman Lavelle said. “This space with both be a much needed cafe and gathering place for the community. But it will also provide an innovative opportunity to teach children how to run a business.” 

“This innovative space will match opportunities for youth with the deep resources, knowledge and culture of the Hill District community. I couldn’t be happier to be collaborating with the URA, the Center that CARES, and café operator Claudy Pierre on this proposal,” Mayor Peduto said. 

The beginning of lease negotiations will go before the URA board on Thursday. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 12, 2020) Mayor William Peduto announced today that the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund has issued grants to three groups promoting local gun violence prevention efforts. The funding is going to South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace, CeaseFirePA Education Fund, and Black Women for Positive Change.  

Mayor Peduto — a member of Everytown’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition, which advocates for life-saving gun safety reforms — thanked the organization for its continued support in the city.  

“The Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund has been a great partner in our efforts to get illegal guns out of Pittsburgh neighborhoods and across the state, and these generous grants to these impactful organizations will only help us and our residents further,” Mayor Peduto said.  

“Local gun violence intervention programs continue to serve a valuable role in communities hit hard by gun violence, despite long standing inequities now further exacerbated by the pandemic,” said Michael-Sean Spence, director of Policy and Implementation at the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. “We’re honored to stand with and support groups using evidence-based strategies to prevent shootings. With support from their communities, these groups can continue to make a difference in the lives of their communities.”  

Everytown Support Fund provided the funding through its Community Gun Violence Prevention Grant Program, the CityGRIP COVID Response Grant, and Wear Orange Community Grants. The funding includes:  

• South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace received $40,000 from the Community Gun Violence Prevention Grant Program. This program is in its second year and also includes a year of peer-to-peer counseling, convenings and training from Everytown Support Fund staff and subject matter experts.  
• CeasefirePA Education Fund received a $20,000 CityGrip COVID Response Grant to support community-based gun violence education programs that are continuing the life-saving work of helping prevent violence that has been exacerbated during and after COVID-19    
• Black Women for Positive Change received a $20,000 Wear Orange Community Grant, which was in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 5. Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers fundraised to support community groups across the country working at the intersection of racial justice and gun violence prevention.   

"As the Pittsburgh Outreach Chair of Black Women for Positive Change, I hope many are aware of our ongoing commitment to end gun violence and create systems that support our families, youth and communities of color. We are proud that our efforts have been recognized by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Everytown,” Diane Powell from Black Women for Positive Change. “Gun violence doesn’t stop because of Covid-19, and neither does the movement to stop it.” 

"While the County continues to address the pandemic, the ongoing public health crisis of gun violence is worsening in our communities. Firearm sales have spiked to record levels and now we're seeing a growing wave of violence. Everytown's ongoing partnership and support will allow us to expand the reach of our Leadership Institutes to educate, engage, and empower communities to more effectively combat gun violence,” said Rob Conroy, Director of Organizing for CeaseFirePA. 

“The South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace is very humbled and grateful to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund for their continued grant support for our South Pittsburgh Peacemakers initiative as we strive to intervene and interrupt street violence and target shooters in South Pittsburgh,” said the coalition’s Director, the Rev. Eileen Smith. “Being part of the Everytown ‘family’ has been an amazing experience. The training, peer-to-peer counseling, personal support and vast resources made available to us has been priceless. We thank Everytown for helping us to save lives.” 

###  

About Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund 

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund (the “Everytown Support Fund”) is the education, research and litigation arm of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with nearly six million supporters. The Everytown Support Fund seeks to improve our understanding of the causes of gun violence and help to reduce it by conducting groundbreaking original research, developing evidence-based policies, communicating this knowledge to the American public, and advancing gun safety and gun violence prevention in communities and the courts. Learn more at 

www.EverytownResearch.org. 

Groundbreaking of Helm On The Allegheny Residential Housing

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: 23rd & Railroad Streets, Strip District

Virtual Meeting on Willie Stargell Field

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Meeting with Public Safety Director Hissrich and Police Chief Scott Schubert

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh Magazine Interview

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 13, 2020) Today the City of Pittsburgh launched Engage PGH, an interactive online portal for community participation with City projects and programs.  

Engage PGH provides a one-stop location to learn more about projects and participate in activities to provide input and share experiences to improve the plans and implementation from the City. City departments will be adding projects to Engage PGH as opportunities to engage open, starting with projects from the Department of City Planning and Department of Public Works. In the coming weeks, projects from the Office of Management and Budget, Department of Mobility & Infrastructure, and development review projects going through City Planning Boards and Commissions will be available for resident feedback and engagement.  

Engage PGH opens new opportunities to continue community-informed decisions for City projects and programs. The City has traditionally led engagement activities in person, though those can bring challenges due to accessibility or timing. Our goal is to have more citizens engage in projects by having Engage PGH work in coordination with in-person activities. In addition, input received will be shared after engagement activities close to increase transparency. 

COVID-19 restrictions have limited in-person opportunities for the community to share their comments, concerns, and ideas. Engage PGH online engagement will allow City projects to continue and programs to evolve to the needs of residents during this time. The site will allow the City to continue to listen to residents and partner with Pittsburghers in decision making.  

“I am excited to build on the work from the City’s Public Engagement Guide by providing online activities and expand access to projects and programs that benefit our residents,” said Mayor William Peduto. “Hearing what our residents need and want guides our work and Engage PGH grows our ability to reach the community where they are.”  

Engage PGH exceeds ADA accessibility standards and is translatable. In addition, the platform is accessible on any device – computer, mobile phone, or tablet. If you do not have a device or internet access, call 311 and the operator will talk you through a project's engagement activities. Future improvements will include the ability text input on projects.  

Visit engage.pittsburghpa.gov to get started today.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  

Alex Holmes 

Communications Specialist  

Alex.Holmes@pittsburghpa.gov 

Andrew Dash 

Director of City Planning 

Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov 

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 13, 2020) Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Finance Housing Agency board today announced that six affordable housing developments in the City of Pittsburgh will be receiving tax credits this year, which is a record-high for the city. 

The agency is increasing the number of 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) allocations for developers constructing affordable housing, following Mayor William Peduto making an increase in such tax credits his top priority in Harrisburg. 

The projects awarded today were supported by over $5 million in preliminary commitments from the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh to provide gap funding, as part of their applications.  

Governor Wolf today also announced the issuance of a new round of funding for housing programs through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund, including $250,000 for the URA’s Housing Stabilization Program. 

“I want to thank Governor Wolf for delivering these credits, which are the most powerful weapon we have to advance affordable housing in Pittsburgh. Finding housing has been a major issue in the city the past several years, and has become even more burdensome with the economic devastation of the pandemic, so these credits are all the more necessary and welcome,” Mayor Peduto said. 

The redevelopment projects receiving the credits are the following: 

• Larimer CNI Phase III by McCormack Baron Salazar/Allies & Ross Development, for new construction of 37-unit mixed income, mixed use (4,800 sq. ft. commercial space) building on Larimer Avenue @ Meadow Street  building plus 5 townhomes on Winslow Street (total 42 units; 33 affordable) 
• Gladstone Residences by Hazelwood Initiative & The Community Builders, for adaptive reuse and historic rehabilitation of a portion of the former Gladstone School into 53 mixed income apartment units (44 affordable; 9 market rate) 
• Garfield Highlands by Bloomfield Garfield Corp./Gatesburg Road Development, for scattered site, lease to own program on North Aiken, Kincaid, Hillcrest and Rosetta Streets 
• Harvard Beatty by Trek Development Group, for new construction of 42-unit mixed income apartment building to complete Mellon's Orchard South development (32 affordable; 10 market rate units); provides replacement housing for former Penn Plaza residents 
• Cal-Bride by Northside Properties R & S LLC, for new construction of 42 affordable units as replacement housing for final phase of Northside Properties; 30 unit apartment building @ California & Kirkbride; 5 duplexes and 2 detached houses 
• Burrows Views by BCJ Partners II LLC/(Corcoran Jennison/Beacon Communities/HACP), for new construction of 123 mixed income units to improve the economic integration of the Oak Hill community 

Today’s announcements follow successful affordable housing initiatives by the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF). 

Under recommendations from an Affordable Housing Task Force named by Mayor Peduto in 2015, the HOF uses proceeds from a $10 million annual City allocation to fund affordable housing programs and activities. In 2019, HOF assisted 230 households through the Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program (DPCCAP), Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP), and Housing Stabilization Program (HSP), and created and/or preserved 110 rental and for-sale affordable housing units through the Rental Gap Program (RGP) and the For-Sale Development Program. 

For information on housing matters please visit the Housing Assistance Resource Portal (HARP) launched by the City of Pittsburgh in May. 

Department of Parks and Recreation 2021 Operating Budget Meeting

Time: 11 a.m.

U.S. Conference of Mayors Webinar on Police Reform and Racial Justice

Time: 2 p.m.

Online Interview with Rabbi Ron Symons of the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Presenting Proclamation for Jordan Duckett

Time: 12 p.m.

Location: Chartiers Field, Chartiers

Meeting with Chief Resilience Officer Grant Ervin

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Mayor's Office

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 14, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure is pleased to announce the continuation of the List Street landslide remediation project. This will require the closure of Buente Street between List Street and Lappe Lane in the Spring Hill – City View neighborhood. Residents will be able to access and use List Street and Lappe Lane during this road closure. Buente Street will be closed starting August 24th for approximately six weeks to complete this work.

Detour route:

From Brahm St right turn to Overbeck St left turn to Solar St left turn to Yetta Ave left turn to Rhine St left turn to Buente St

From Buente St right turn to Rhine St right turn to Yetta Ave right turn to Solar St right turn to Overbeck St left turn to Brahm St

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at domi@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2523

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 14, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, August 17. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are largely in City Council Districts 2, 3, 7 and 8. 

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

Online overview of U.S. Conference of Mayors 2020 Vision For America

Time: 1 p.m.

Online interview with Meghan Schiller/KDKA-TV

Time: 7:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 17, 2020) Mayor William Peduto released the following statement regarding the arrest of a protester in Oakland Saturday by Pittsburgh Police using an unmarked van: 

"It is hard to find the words for how livid I was after seeing the online videos of the disturbing arrest at Saturday's protest. I have taken the time to review all the video and information that has been made available to me. As Mayor, I will never tolerate these tactics being used at peaceful protests again." 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 19, 2020)This week, the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) has completed the landslide remediation of a section of Forward Avenue / Commercial Street below the intersection of Summerset Drive in Squirrel Hill.

A subsidence required the removal of landslide material, construction of a steel beam retaining wall and reconstruction of the roadway. This project was started on February 10, 2020 and completed on August 18, 2020 at a cost of $631,800.00. The contractor was Allison Park Contractors.

All barriers have been removed and full vehicle access is permitted.

Comments and questions can be directed to 412-255-8850. Details of the project can be found here.

Before:

After:

(Photos: DOMI)

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 19, 2020) Mayor William Peduto released the following statement regarding late night protests outside his home in Point Breeze: 

“I have long defended First Amendment rights to peaceably protest. I strongly believe that Black Lives Matter, that we are in a historic fight for civil rights in this country, and that it is right for people to take to the streets to demand much-needed reforms to policing in our cities. 

What I cannot defend is any neighborhood in our city — and their residents and families — being disturbed through the night and morning, and a peaceful protest devolving into unacceptable conduct in which residents are being harassed and threatened. This crosses a line that cannot be allowed to continue, causing those committing crimes against residents to face possible legal consequences for their actions. Using protests to create conflict and division, as some are doing, only impacts the ability of others to exercise their constitutional rights safely. 

I am working to make Pittsburgh a better city for all, and I have condemned and halted the arrest methods Pittsburgh Police used last weekend. I understand that people are feeling fear, pain and anger in our communities, and that some want to take their frustrations out on me. I fully accept that, but I will not accept unjustified actions that threaten neighbors in any part of the city.” 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 19, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works has issued a request for proposals on behalf of the Clean Pittsburgh Commission (CPC) for the “Pick Up PGH” project to enter into contracts with local businesses or organizations to do regular litter and illegal dumping clean ups over the course of one year in priority areas and pay neighborhood participants for their service. The CPC intends to award multiple contracts for a total amount of $30,000.  

Priority clean-up locations will be located in historically underserved communities. Respondents submitting proposals should identify areas by referencing a combination of maps and visual assessments including citizen reports of litter and illegal dumping submitted to the City through its 311 reporting system and using a map of redlined areas. Redlined area maps served banking and insurance providers with an unjust racial lens to identify and systematically deny mortgages to individuals and families of color in specific areas until the late 1970s. This longtime practice contributed to broad divestment in housing and infrastructure and lead to vacant lots, condemned structures, and seldom-travelled alleys that invite illegal dumping.  

Established‌ ‌in‌ ‌2005‌ by the Mayor's Office, the CPC acts as a primary ‌resource‌ ‌for‌ ‌addressing‌ ‌quality‌ ‌of‌ ‌life‌ ‌issues‌ ‌in‌ ‌Pittsburgh's‌ ‌neighborhoods‌ ‌through‌ ‌litter and illegal dumping education,‌ ‌policy, clean-ups,‌ ‌and‌ beautification and includes representatives from volunteer, nonprofit, corporate and municipal organizations. The CPC unanimously decided that reinvesting in historically redlined neighborhoods is but one small way to promote racial justice and equity in our City. 

“Advancing racial equity is a priority in my administration,” said Mayor William Peduto. “The Clean Pittsburgh Commission’s Pick Up PGH further affirms our commitment to serve every one of our 90 neighborhoods equitably. Paying participants for this work will reinvest our resources back into our communities and make certain that the spotless environments all neighborhoods deserve are maintained.”  

CPC Co-Chair Rachel Nawrocki said of the program: “We are expanding the CPC’s work beyond sharing information and collaborating with city, non-profit, community organizations for projects. Our values hold that the‌ ‌best‌ ‌approach‌ ‌to‌ ‌neighborhood‌ ‌improvement‌ is‌ ‌always‌ ‌directed‌ ‌by‌ ‌the‌ ‌people‌ ‌in‌ ‌that‌ neighborhood.  

We’ve long relied on community organizations and volunteers to clean our neighborhoods, and now we would like to invite them to apply for this new funding to assign value to the work of litter and illegal dumpsite eradication. Pick Up PGH intends to do just that.” 

The clean ups in priority areas will be done in addition to the regular clean-up work of DPW crews and in coordination with DPW to ensure accountability.  

“Even with the Department of Public Works’ daily operations and assisting volunteer efforts through events like the Garbage Olympics, litter and illegal dumping prevail,” said Public Works Director Mike Gable. “Pick Up PGH creates financial incentives to clean up and maintain underserved areas.  We will require before and after photos to allow us to quantify and qualify further investment in keeping our neighborhoods clean.” 

3 information sessions will be hosted virtually for interested parties, and the frequently asked questions from those sessions will be posted online at the City’s competitive solicitation site, Beacon: https://pittsburghpa.gov/beacon/bid-opportunities.html as RFP20000346. 

Visit the @CleanPGHCommission on Facebook for details on other initiatives to #KeepPittsburghClean. 
 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 21, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, August 24. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are largely in City Council Districts 7 and 8. 

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts here or by calling 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 21, 2020) Mayor William Peduto released the following statement regarding the responses of Pittsburgh Police to ongoing protests, and changes he is implementing today: 

“When I raised my hand and took the oath of office in 2014 my guiding principle was to reform and change Pittsburgh government across all departments and offices, including the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The overarching goal was to provide safe, inclusive and equal opportunities for every Pittsburgher regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or immigration status, which is key to protecting the diversity that makes our city so special. 

I have repeatedly watched interactions between police and protesters that escalated to uses of less-lethal weapons, arrest methods and other actions that I do not support, and which run counter to our common principles. This is not the reform I wanted, and that I continue to believe in today. 

As a result I am immediately making the following changes. 

We will be assigning a new Incident Commander to oversee protests, and additionally there will be new seats at command posts for Civil Affairs and Public Safety Community Engagement staff who will make sure that responses to protest activity are not just tactical in nature, but balanced with the essential goals of improving police-community relations and protecting 1st Amendment rights.  

We will be assigning a new oversight and command structure for the Police Special Response Teams (SRTs); these units trained in crowd-control methods will not be used as the primary units to respond to incidents and protests, and only dispatched during narrowly-defined situations when absolutely necessary to protect the public health. The use of SRT units at these events will be subject to clear, written guidelines that city officials are working on now, and will be made public once finalized. 

These guidelines will formalize that jump-out arrests of protesters by non-uniformed police in unmarked vehicles — which I ordered to be halted on Monday — are not permitted. In a related move, all police units will be barred from wearing military-style camouflaged uniforms at such events as well. 

Police Chief Scott Schubert and I are reinforcing to all officers the need to protect media covering these events. I fully support the unabridged 1st Amendment rights of the press, and I want them to freely monitor activity at protests on behalf of the public. Their presence and coverage are the backbone of transparency, accountability and democracy, and I apologize if that was hindered in any way on Wednesday. 

Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich, Chief Schubert and I are working together in coming weeks to expand the role of the Pittsburgh Police Community Engagement office to expand their oversight and decision making of the Civil Affairs Unit, police recruitment and other proactive programs the Bureau operates that are critical to reestablishing trust, confidence and positive relationships between police and all they protect and serve. 

We will be announcing a new position to head this office and report directly to Chief Schubert.” 

No public events scheduled

Interview with Kevin Gavin of WESA

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 25, 2020) – The future placement of Frank Vittor’s Christopher Columbus statue in Schenley Park will be considered beginning on Wednesday, August 26, with a discussion at the City of Pittsburgh’s Art Commission virtual meeting.

Mayor William Peduto has asked the Art Commission to commence a public process to review the 1958 Christopher Columbus statue – which is owned by the City and is on City property – and to make a recommendation on how he should proceed.

“Public art is an essential element of community identity, public history, and evolving culture. It reflects and reveals who we are and what our communities mean to us,” Mayor Peduto said. “As they did with the Stephen Foster Memorial, I know that the Art Commission will take this opportunity to thoughtfully lead the City through this evaluation with the backdrop that the public process is very important.”

The Mayor has called for a public process for reviewing the Christopher Columbus statue,  including a Special Hearing with opportunities for interested members of the public to give testimony to the Art Commission and a period of online engagement during which the public can express their opinion and recommend action to the Mayor to leave the statue unchanged, remove it, replace it, or alter it in some way.

The Mayor has requested a final report, summary of public comments, and recommendation from the Art Commission regarding the statue once a thorough public process has been completed to inform his final decision. 

The Art Commission will discuss the Christopher Columbus statue and future public involvement at the Hearing on Wednesday, August 26, at 2 p.m. Information can be found on the Virtual Art Commission page. 

For More Information:

Sarah Minnaert

Public Art & Civic Design Manager

Sarah.Minnaert@pittsburghpa.gov

Andrew Dash

Director of City Planning

Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 25, 2020) Through an unprecedented public-private collaboration, a coalition of corporate, civic and community leaders today unveiled plans for an innovative 45,000-square-foot facility near downtown Pittsburgh that provides shelter and comprehensive wrap-around services for homeless adults.

The five-story facility, which will be located on Second Avenue, adjacent to the Liberty Bridge, is the first-of-its-kind in Allegheny County operating as a year-round, low-barrier shelter for adults and their pets. Its wrap-around services will aim to address the complex issues confronting people experiencing homelessness, including addiction, unemployment and physical and behavioral health.   

Clients will have access to resources that support self-sufficiency and empower them on their path to a safe and secure quality of life.

Today’s announcement is the culmination of more than nine months of research and unprecedented collaboration among the following partners:

• Action Housing
• Allegheny Conference
• Allegheny County 
• Allegheny Health Network
• City of Pittsburgh Office of Mayor William Peduto
• DLA+ Architects
• Highmark Health
• Hillman Family Foundation
• Pittsburgh Mercy and Operation Safety Net 
• PJ Dick
• PNC
• UPMC

“This region always is at its best when we work together, and this project really epitomizes that idea,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “This public-private partnership identified a need and has worked cohesively and collaboratively to put the pieces together to find a way to address this challenge. We are grateful to all of the partners who have stepped up to the plate to advance this project and look forward to even more community partners becoming part of this initiative.”

"As a city and a region, we are coming together to focus on eliminating harm and risk to people who become homeless by restoring autonomy — to do so, we must ensure that people do not have to sleep in unsafe situations or be separated from loved ones, prioritize individual agency and dignity, and facilitate rapid connections to healthcare and other services. We cannot accept that the safest place for a person to sleep is under a bridge or that people without homes are somehow less deserving," Mayor William Peduto said. "I am grateful for our many partners and providers, and particularly our direct service workers, for tirelessly working to meet these needs."

This $21 million project, the first in which both the public and private sectors were hands-on in the development and design, has been made possible by contributions of $5 million each from both Highmark and the PNC Foundation, plus $5 million of in-kind services from UPMC, ongoing fundraising efforts from local foundations, and countless hours of consultation and expertise from the stakeholder group at large. Key to the success of the project will be the ongoing support services at the shelter run by Allegheny County. Land for the facility was donated by the City of Pittsburgh and the Urban Redevelopment Authority. 

“Public-private partnerships are at the core of some of the most successful initiatives in our community and represent Highmark’s commitment to creating and growing healthier and more vital communities in the process. That’s why Highmark has committed $5 million to this project and AHN is proud to be a part of the Steering Committee,” said Dan Onorato, executive vice president and chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Highmark Health. “We are a stronger community when we all work collaboratively to address issues and solve problems that impact our region.”

“It is particularly challenging to manage the complexities of mental health, poverty, physical health, and addiction, especially when the needs of our homeless neighbors can be so profound. We will serve all with utmost dignity and respect,” said Dr. Steven Shapiro, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, UPMC. “At UPMC, we hold tight to our mission of making care accessible, and today we celebrate the mission of service that UPMC shares with all partners.”

The deliberate approach to planning and design has been informed by best practices and lessons learned from comparable facilities across the country, as well as experts who are addressing homelessness daily and understand specific local circumstances. These experts include individuals representing local health care, government, public safety, human services, NGO and professional services (design and construction) organizations. The vision for delivery of services centers on dignity, personal control, security and privacy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care and flexibility.

“As a Main Street Bank, PNC takes a collaborative, market-specific approach to everything we do,” said Lou Cestello, head of regional markets and regional president of Pittsburgh for PNC. “While we are pleased to contribute funding from the PNC Foundation, as well as technical expertise on building and development for this project, we know the best results can’t be achieved without collaboration among local organizations with roots in the community and the infrastructure in place to make the biggest impact possible. We are eager to realize the results of this public-private collaboration. Our goal is to drive meaningful change by providing much-needed services to individuals experiencing homelessness in our own backyard.” 

“Having a home is a basic need for everyone,” said Linda Metropulos, special consultant for Action Housing. “We might look the other way when we see someone who is experiencing homelessness, sitting on the sidewalk, sleeping in an alleyway, or waiting for a cold weather shelter to open. But when you stop to think about where this person can go at the end of the day when they are exhausted or need a shower or where their next meal will come from, you realize just how hard his or her life really is. While short-term help can be found, long-term solutions will require a community-sized response. This collaborative effort is breath-taking in its scope and an incredible show of compassion and generosity that is needed to truly serve those members of the Pittsburgh community who are most in need. It is an important addition to an existing safety net that is already caring for some of our most at-risk citizens.”

Functions and services include the following key components:

• Client services, including care for shelter, drop-in and single-room occupancy populations. The case management team will assess the needs and navigate to appropriate resources and supportive services, including a small clinic for physical and behavioral health services as well as alcohol and other drug treatment programs;
• Drop-in Center with personal hygiene facilities, laundry, snacks and client services for individuals experiencing homelessness, but who are not necessarily staying at the facility;
• 95 beds with room for 42 overflow beds in group sleeping rooms with dedicated personal hygiene facilities, living room and locker storage;
• Mail services, important to those without a permanent address;
• A singular area to include lounges, a library and computer room, kitchen, dining and outdoor plaza space and seating;
• 42 single-room occupancy units to facilitate transition to independent housing; and
• Adequate quiet room and support space, workstations and kitchenette for the staff serving this facility.

Full design and construction activities are expected to proceed imminently. 

Progress will be tracked and measured toward outcomes that reduce chronic homelessness in Pittsburgh. 

CONTACT:

Olivia Lammel

412-952-4880

olivia.lammel@pnc.com

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 25, 2020) The Mayor’s Office and Department of Public Works (DPW) have proposed legislation that will permit Allegheny CleanWays to remove litter and illegally dumped materials from city-owned properties. This agreement would solidify an existing cooperative partnership between DPW and Allegheny CleanWays and will allow them to go onto city-owned property to remove debris, litter, and illegal dumping without having to obtain the city’s permission each time. The agreement between the City and Allegheny CleanWays will also formalize access to DPW’s Division yards for disposal of the collected debris. 

Allegheny CleanWays is a non-profit organization dedicated to engaging and empowering people to eliminate illegal dumping and littering in Allegheny County. Since 2000, they have organized 14,124 volunteers for the removal of 30,569 tires and 1,727.3 tons of debris within city limits.  

The agreement would allow Allegheny CleanWays to enhance the work of DPW’s Environmental Enforcement Coordinator and Anti-Litter Specialist, who are responsible for the management, investigation, clean up of illegal dumping and littering sites, and coordinating volunteer clean ups. This team has worked collaboratively with Allegheny CleanWays to identify over 900 sites where dumping on city-owned property and privately-owned property regularly occur. 

“In our work on the seemingly unending problems of litter and illegal dumping, we know that Pittsburgh is uniquely reliant on volunteer efforts to keep our streets, alleys, lots, and waterways clean,” said Environmental Enforcement Coordinator Missy Rosenfeld. “All together these tasks can be such a huge undertaking that we are extremely grateful to have organizations like Allegheny CleanWays getting out there and doing the hard, necessary work that the City can sometimes struggle to keep up with.” 

“People who illegally dump do not discriminate between privately-owned or publicly-owned property. When privately owned, getting the owner’s permission to clean the site can be challenging,” said Anti-Litter Specialist Chris Mitchell. “Allowing Allegheny CleanWay’s sweeping access to all city-owned properties instead of seeking permission parcel by parcel will speed up the cleaning process.” 

As part of the City's many-pronged approach to illegal dumping, plans are also underway to update City Code 601.11 language to better match what is seen in the field: construction and demolition waste, tires, TV’s, furniture, appliances, shopping carts, and more. The update will also include increasing the penalty when violators are caught. 

“Illegal dump sites degrade the quality of life of the people who live near them; create significant risks to public health and safety; lower property values in communities where they exist; and decrease the overall environmental health of the community,” said Myrna Newman, Executive Director of Allegheny CleanWays. “Allegheny CleanWays has been cleaning up illegal dump sites in Pittsburgh for the past 20 years and we are eager to formalize an agreement with the city to continue this vital work.” 

Earlier this year, Pittsburgh participated in a study by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to quantify the costs of litter and illegal dumping for nine cities State-wide. The cities studied collectively spend more than $68 million annually on cleanup, education, enforcement, and prevention efforts.  

The legislation for this agreement will be presented to City Council today for consideration.  

More on the City’s anti-litter initiatives and resident empowerment can be found at https://pittsburghpa.gov/dpw/litter-dumping. More on Allegheny CleanWays can be found at www.AlleghenyCleanWays.org. 

Project Cares Press Conference (via Zoom)

Time: 11 a.m.

Interview with Margaret Krauss of WESA

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 26, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh will for the first time offer fertility coverage to its employees, for free. 

Starting in 2021 the City will offer two cycles of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for those covered under those municipal health care plans. The City will cover the health care costs and monthly employee insurance contribution will not rise for those using the benefit. 

This benefit will be offered to all employee groups that are part of the Municipal Healthcare Group. 

Mayor William Peduto announced in 2017 that the City would be begin offering health care coverage for surgical treatments for gender affirmation, and for many years has been offering mental health and hormonal therapy benefits for those transitioning.  

Pittsburgh will be one of the few cities in the country offering health coverage for both gender affirmation surgery and fertility treatments. 

“The City of Pittsburgh is a welcoming place to work, where we are always looking to improve the quality of life for our employees and their families,” Mayor Peduto said. 

Coffee with Namir Hourani
Time: 10 a.m.

Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority Meeting
Time: 11 a.m.

Filming Remarks for Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Time: 12:30 p.m.

Interview with Rich Lord and Juliette Rihl from Public Source
Time: 4:30 p.m.

Call with Mayor of Glasgow

Time: 1 p.m.

Bunker Labs Launch Event

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: 200 Lincoln Ave., Millvale

Webinar on Confronting Gun Violence in America's Cities, with Nan Whaley, Mayor of Dayton (Host/Moderator); Christine Hunschofsky, Mayor of Parkland; Sam Liccardo, Mayor of San Jose; and Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of Chicago 

Time: 7 p.m.

No public events scheduled

UPDATE (August 30, 2020): With Pittsburgh Public Schools delaying their start until September 8, Citiparks will be issuing food to children at Rec Centers around the city. Further details are available here.

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 28, 2020) Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and through the summer the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation has served nearly 150,000 Grab & Go meals to children and seniors. 

With the school beginning on Monday for Pittsburgh Public Schools students meal distributions will still be available but will change slightly. Meals for seniors will not change. 

Total to date Grab & Go meals served to children were 98,951, with 58,913 via Rec Centers and Salvation Army sites, and 40,038 through summer food partner sites. 

Meals for seniors totaled 48,126, which includes all of the meals provided by the Area Agency on Aging and some, but not nearly all of the meals that have been additionally donated.  

More recent meal donations including fresh produce made available via Pittsburgh Police are being delivered to all City senior center locations on Wednesday and Fridays each week. Hot meals are also being distributed one day per week at the Markethouse and Sheraden locations. 

Altogether that is a total of 147,077 free meals served by Citiparks employees during the pandemic. 

“Our Citiparks employees are on the front lines just like so many City workers helping Pittsburghers in need. I’m very proud of them and thankful to all the partners who have pitched in to help the past five months,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

Citiparks gathered testimonials from some of those helped during the pandemic. 

“Thank you so much for making sure no kid went without food or activities during this virus time. My name is Mrs. Terry and I love helping the kids in hopes that one day they will be come respectful and helpful adults. Again thank you for your thoughtfulness.” 

“The Citiparks lunches were great. My children loved them. They helped out tremendously. . . They really loved the mac & cheese, corn dogs, and cheeseburgers,” Ms. McClintock said. 

“We all appreciate what has been given to us because I have three grandchildren and I’m on disability and the food I get helps them so, so much! We thank you Kyra and Erin for all you do for our family.” 

With the school beginning on Monday, August 31, for Pittsburgh Public Schools students meal distributions will still be available but will change slightly. 

On Monday Citiparks will be moving to the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) meals for children, as the SFSP (Summer Food Service Program) will end after today. Senior meal distribution will not change. 

Citiparks will serve meals three days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Monday and Wednesday will include meals for Tuesday and Thursday (with the exception of this coming Monday). 

Under state rules Friday cannot include meals for Saturday as it is not a school instructional day. 

Meals will include dinner and a snack. Parents/guardians can pickup meals without a child present, but have to sign for the child (as do children if picking up for more than one child). 

There will be NO meal service on Monday, September 7, due to the Labor Day Holiday 

Food distribution sites are: 

AMMON REC CENTER 2217 Bedford Avenue 3-4:30 p.m.  

ARLINGTON REC CENTER 2201 Salisbury Street 3-4:30 p.m.  

BROOKLINE REC CENTER 1400 Oakridge Street 3-4:30 p.m.  

JEFFERSON REC CENTER 605 Redknap Street 3-4:30 p.m.  

MAGEE REC CENTER 745 Greenfield Avenue 3-4:30 p.m.  

PAULSON REC CENTER 1201 Paulson Avenue 3-4:30 p.m.  

PHILLIPS REC CENTER 201 Parkfield Street 3-4:30 p.m.  

WARRINGTON REC CENTER 329 Warrington Avenue 3-4:30 p.m. A 

CH CLEAR PATHWAYS 510 Heldman Street 5-6 p.m.  

ALLEGHENY DWELLINGS 171 Belleau Drive (Rear) 2:30-4:00 p.m.  

NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS 441 Mt. Pleasant Road 2:30-4:30 p.m.  

PROJECT DESTINY 1 3737 Brighton Road 2:30-4:30 p.m.  

PROJECT DESTINY 2 2200 California Avenue 2:30-4:30 p.m.  

SALVATION ARMY-HOMEWOOD 8020 Frankstown Avenue 2:30-4:30 p.m.  

SALVATION ARMY-WESTSIDE 1821 Broadhead Fording Road 2:30-4:30 p.m. 

(Recreation Center photos from top: Jefferson; Beechview; Ammon; Warrington. Credit: Citiparks)

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 28, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure is pleased to announce the construction of speed humps on Gold Way from Melwood Avenue to Denver Street. This project will include the re-installation of three speed humps on Gold Way.

Permanent signage and pavement markings will be installed to alert motorists of approaching speed humps and bicycle facilities.

Work is tentatively expected to begin on Monday, August 31, 2020, and is expected to last one to two days, weather permitting. Hours of construction will be 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Due to the narrow width of Gold Way, vehicles will be detoured to Bigelow Boulevard. Emergency Response Vehicles and bicyclists will be permitted to use Gold Way.

We understand this may be a short-term inconvenience and we hope to work together with you in a professional and amicable manner for the long-term improvement of your neighborhood. If you have questions about this project or other traffic calming projects, you may contact us by email at trafficcalming@pittsburghpa.gov, or by calling 3-1-1. You can learn more about DOMI’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program at www.pittsburghpa.gov/domi/traffic-calming.

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 28, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, August 31. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are largely in City Council Districts 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8. 

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts by 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 29, 2020) At the Black Voting Rights Forum today at St. Benedict the Moor Church in the Lower Hill District, Mayor William Peduto announced that Juneteenth will be an official City of Pittsburgh holiday starting in 2021. 

The announcement was made at the forum celebrating the 150th year of Black men’s right to vote and the 100th year of Black women’s right to vote. Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States in 1863. 

“Today, we celebrate those who fought for equitable access to voting – who fought to tell the world that Black people have a voice and that voice is important to helping to shape the future of our neighborhoods, our state and our country.   

We also celebrate those who have kept the rich culture and heritage of our Black communities alive and thriving – those such as B Marshall and others, who have passed along the rich tradition of Juneteenth in Pittsburgh every year with the Grand Jubilee of Freeman Parade, which was started in Pittsburgh in 1870.   

Today, I’m announcing that starting June 19, 2021, Juneteenth will be a holiday in the City of Pittsburgh by order of the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh. This follows a resolution by Council President Theresa Kail-Smith commemorating the holiday this summer. 

Juneteenth reminds us of the rich history of Black Pittsburgh and celebrates those who worked hard so that Black people’s voices could be heard through voting.   

Throughout history, many have tried to silence Black voices. We have arrived in a critical time where they are finally getting the attention that they deserve – and they are being heard. Many of us, particularly privileged white men, have not always listened as much as we should have. The time is now to make that change permanent, and formally set aside this holiday to celebrate Black voices." 

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 30, 2020) With the announcement by Pittsburgh Public Schools that it is delaying the start of school until after Labor Day, the City of Pittsburgh will continue distributing food to children at Recreation Centers around the city.

On Friday Citiparks announced it was changing up food service with the start of classes on Monday, August 31. Now that PPS is delaying the start of school until September 8, Citiparks will revert to the distribution methods used through the summer.

Citiparks will continue Grab & Go meal service this week (August 31 - September 4) from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at these Rec Centers:

Ammon, Arlington, Brookline, Jefferson, Magee, Paulson, Phillips and Warrington.

Citiparks is in the process of contacting partner food distribution sites as well.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA  (August 31, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh is one of ten cities nationwide chosen to be part of the Food Matters Regional Initiative, a program seeking to advance food waste prevention, surplus food rescue, and recycling of food scraps. 

Legislation finalizing the City’s participation with the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) program is being introduced to City Council tomorrow. The effort will be led by the Department of City Planning. 

"The Food Matters legislation will allow the City to continue expanding work to reduce food waste through prevention, food rescue, and recycling of food scraps. These solutions benefit the economic prosperity of the area and decrease pollution caused by waste," Planning Director Andrew Dash said. 

NRDC describes the initiative this way: 

"In 2017, NRDC, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, released a duo of Food Matters reports that estimated quantities and types of food wasted and opportunities to expand food rescue in three U.S. cities—Denver, Nashville, and New York City. Key findings included that two-thirds of food thrown out at the residential level could have been eaten, and there is a substantial amount of surplus food throughout city sectors. These findings led us to develop a toolkit of policies and programs for cities to tackle food waste.   

. . . Our in-depth work with Nashville, Denver, and Baltimore provided us the opportunity to test many of our strategic approaches and develop additional tools to help prevent food from going to waste, rescue surplus food, and recycle food scraps, including implementing Mayoral restaurant challenges, training health inspectors to advocate for food waste strategies, and deploying our Save the Food consumer education assets. Some of the lessons learned during this work included the importance of a systems approach, including building cross-agency teams and engaging local partners."   

There is no cost to the City for entering the program. 

City Planning is working closely with its local partner, Sustainable Pittsburgh. Staff from both Sustainable Pittsburgh and City Planning (Shelly Danko+Day and Rebecca Bykoski) attended the Food Matters Cities Summit in Denver in November where they were inspired by NRDCs work in Baltimore, Nashville, and Denver. This program will help the City learn from these forward thinking cities as Pittsburgh navigates towards its Climate Action Plan 3.0 Zero-Waste goals. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 1, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to announce the commencement of construction of the Semicir Street wall and soil stabilization project.

This work in the Perry North neighborhood follows months of extensive geotechnical analysis and engineering design. The $890,000 project will remedy an ongoing slope instability issue and construction will be performed by Mele & Mele & Sons, Inc.

This will require the complete closure to through traffic of Semicir Street on Monday, September 14, 2020 in the immediate area of the slide between Perrysville Avenue and Hemphill Street and will remain closed for approximately six months. Residents of Semicir Street, emergency services, trash and delivery vehicles will be allowed access from both ends which will act as a small temporary two way street.

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at domi@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2523.

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 1, 2020) Today the City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning announced the beginning of a citywide comprehensive planning process, ForgingPGH. 

“ForgingPGH is the first comprehensive look at land use citywide and will guide future growth and development. The plan will provide an equitable framework for housing, development, mobility, sustainability and land use for the next 20 years,” said Andrew Dash, director of the Department of City Planning. 

The Conditions and Trends Report, also released today, outlines where the City of Pittsburgh has been and where the City is now. The report identifies inequalities that have come with previous development in the City and the uneven growth across Pittsburgh. This data will inform ForgingPGH, in which the City will take a people-based approach to land use. 

“With our people and our planet at its center, ForgingPGH guides planning and development for the City of Pittsburgh through a shared vision for the future,” said Mayor William Peduto. “This community-driven plan, with equity at its foundation, will continue to make Pittsburgh a place for all.”

The data presented in the report helped to inform the development of the Data Visualization Tool which allows residents to view data and maps at the citywide and neighborhood level. In addition to the Conditions & Trends Report, ForgingPGH will be guided by the p4 framework, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the Displacement Vulnerability Index. The Conditions & Trends Report and the data visualization tool, along with more information about the planning process and upcoming events, are available at ForgingPGH.org. 

The first opportunity for community involvement is an online scenario planning workshop that includes a survey and an interactive map activity. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, engagement activities for ForgingPGH will start online on Engage PGH to keep our communities safe and healthy. The workshop can also be completed by calling 3-1-1 or by visiting open Carnegie Library locations. 

COVID-19 has had significant impacts on our region and our City. While the ForgingPGH planning process develops a plan for the next twenty years, it will account for those impacts and meet residents where they are at this time to help prepare and build for a future of growth and opportunity. 

In addition, the Department of City Planning will release Requests for Proposals for Economic Development and an update to the Housing Needs Assessment, which will be elements of the Comprehensive Plan. These opportunities will take into consideration the impacts of COVID-19 and inequities in access. Both will be available on Beacon.

For More Information: 

Anthony Kobak

Project Manager, Senior Planner

anthony.kobak@pittsburghpa.gov

Andrew Dash

Director, Department of City Planning 

andrew.dash@pittsburghpa.gov

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 1, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh has joined a large coalition of attorneys general, cities, counties, and the bipartisan U.S. Conference of Mayors in taking legal action against the Trump Administration’s impairment of the 2020 Decennial Census.  

Earlier this month, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that it was reducing — by an entire month, from October 31 to September 30 — the time in which self-response questionnaires will be accepted and door-to-door follow-ups by census enumerators will take place. The coalition filed an amicus brief in National Urban League v. Ross, supporting the plaintiffs’ request for a nationwide stay or preliminary injunction to halt this “Rush Plan.”  

The coalition argues that this expedited schedule will hamstring the bureau’s ongoing efforts to conduct the census and will thus impair the accuracy of its enumeration of the total population of each state. 

“Pittsburgh and other cities are faced with being undercounted this fall due to these Trump Administration moves, and we are doing all we can to fight for the full representation our residents deserve,” Mayor William Peduto said.  

In the brief — filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California —the coalition of 23 attorneys general, five cities, four counties, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, argue that amici have a direct stake in this dispute, as the decennial census determines the states’ political representation in Congress, provides critical data for states’ redistricting efforts, and affects hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding to states and localities.  

An inaccurate census will directly impair those interests, inflicting harms that will persist for the next decade. The administration’s efforts to reduce the time for both self-responses of the questionnaire sent to every household across the country, as well as non-response follow-up operations for those who don’t respond, will inevitably harm the accuracy of the population count.  

The shorter time period also flies in the face of what the Census Bureau previously said itself was necessary to conduct an accurate count, as it alters the deadline that the bureau had adopted specifically to accommodate the unique difficulties posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Such a loss would deprive these states of political power in Congress for a decade, hampering city efforts to serve their residents and depriving them of the representation to which they would otherwise be entitled. The undercount would also affect harm within states since census data is used for redistricting of state legislative seats as well. 

 Additionally, an undercount would affect hundreds of billions of dollars of federal funding that are dependent on the decennial census’s population count. In particular, at least 18 federal programs distribute financial assistance based in whole or in part upon each state’s relative share of the total U.S. population. Numerous other programs distribute funds based off of census data as well. 

The coalition goes on to argue that the court should not view this Rush Plan in a vacuum. The very integrity of the 2020 Decennial Census is at stake, and the defendants — the U.S. Department of Commerce, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, the Census Bureau, and Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham — have all repeatedly attempted to manipulate the census, in multiple ways, under the direction of President Donald Trump by previously attempting to add a citizenship question to the census and by excluding undocumented immigrants from the population count that will be used for congressional apportionment. The coalition highlights that all three of these efforts disregard unambiguous constitutional or statutory requirements, consciously deviate from centuries of consistent practice, and fail to deal honestly with the public and the courts. 

Joining Pittsburgh and New York Attorney General Letitia James in filing this amicus brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The attorneys general are joined by the cities of Central Falls, RI; Columbus, OH; Philadelphia, PA; and Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, Cameron, El Paso, and Hidalgo Counties in Texas; Howard County in Maryland; and the bipartisan U.S. Conference of Mayors joined the amicus brief as well. 

Press Conference on ForgingPgh Comprehensive Planning Process

Time: 11 a.m.

Presenting Virtual Proclamation for Black Girls Equity Month

Time: Noon

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 2, 2020) City facilities will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 7, and refuse collection will be delayed by one day through next week.

No refuse, bulk waste or recycling collection will occur on Monday. 

The holiday week schedule will proceed as follows: If your scheduled day of collection is on Monday, September 7th, you will be serviced on Tuesday, September 8th. If your scheduled day of collection is on Tuesday, you will be serviced on Wednesday, September 9th, and so on through the week. Those with a scheduled day of collection on Friday, September 11th, will be serviced on Saturday, September 12th.

All City offices will be closed. 

Spray parks will be open on Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A complete listing of spray parks and playgrounds with water features can be found here.  

All Healthy Active Living (senior) centers will be closed Monday for for Grab & Go meal distribution. Grab & Go Meals will resume on Wednesday, September 9, and Friday, September 11.

All recreation centers will be closed Monday for Grab & Go meal distribution. The afterschool Grab & Go meals will begin on Wednesday, September 9, and continue on Friday, September 11. Please note:  time changes for Grab & Go meals and all available locations can be found here.

The Mellon Tennis Bubble remains closed during the pandemic.

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 3, 2020) The Art Commission has announced a Special Hearing and public comment period regarding the Christopher Columbus statue in Schenley Park.

The Special Hearing will be on Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 p.m. This Hearing will include a presentation of the history and context of the statue and public testimony time. The link to join the meeting will be posted on the Virtual Art Commission page the day before the meeting. The Hearing will also be live streamed on the Pittsburgh City Planning YouTube channel.

Testimony may be given by the public in one of three ways: by a verbal statement during the Hearing, through Engage PGH, or in a written statement. Each person will have one statement and preference of outcome (No Action, Remove, Replace, or Alter) counted in the official tally. If you have submitted comments in previous Art Commission meetings, by written correspondence, or on Engage PGH, that testimony is in the record already.

To provide testimony during the Special Hearing, participants in the Zoom meeting will use the raise hand function to request to speak. Public testimony will be limited to three minutes per speaker. If you have already given a public statement, please prioritize giving time to those who have not yet spoken. If you do not plan to provide testimony, please tune into the YouTube live stream. to allow those who want to speak the opportunity to do so.

The City has also set up an opportunity for input on Engage PGH, the City’s online engagement platform, to encourage residents to comment on the Columbus statue to the Art Commission.. Participants will choose one of four options for the statue: no action, remove, replace, or alter. There is also the opportunity to provide written comment through this platform. This page will remain active through 12 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22 for consideration at the Special Hearing and the September Art Commission meeting.

Written correspondence will be accepted by email to pacd@pittsburghpa.gov by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16 or by mail to attn: Art Commission Special Hearing, 200 Ross St., 4th floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 by September 15 to be incorporated into the Special Hearing correspondence.

A decision will not be made during the Special Hearing. The Art Commission will review any additional correspondence before the regularly scheduled Art Commission meeting on Wednesday, September 23 at 2:00 p.m. and make a decision at that time.

For More Information:

Sarah Minnaert

Public Art & Civic Design Manager: Sarah.Minnaert@pittsburghpa.gov

Andrew Dash

Director of City Planning: Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov

Interview with Michelle Wright of WTAE-TV

Time: 11 a.m.

Online Meeting with Foundations

Time: Noon

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 4, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Tuesday, September 8. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are largely in City Council Districts 4, 7 and 8. 

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts by 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

Virtual Interview with Good Morning America

Time: 9:45 a.m.

Meeting with Jordan Fields

Time: 2 p.m.

Labor Day

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 8, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) advises that Marshall Avenue (State Route 0019) from Brighton Road to Perrysville Avenue will be striped with new painted lane markings in Pittsburgh’s Perry South neighborhood.

The purpose of the project is to discourage motorist speeding, enhance pedestrian safety, and provide accommodations for bicyclists. Speed data collected by the Department in the summer of 2019 showed the median speed of motorists on Marshall Avenue near Linwood Avenue is 33 mph. After completion of the project, DOMI will collect data to determine if the project’s objectives have been accomplished.

The project will include installation of high visibility piano key-style crosswalks and painted bump outs at intersections to improve pedestrian and motorist sight lines. From Brighton Avenue to Linwood Avenue, a parking lane with a buffered bicycle climbing lane will be striped on the south curb line to reduce travel lane widths.

Pavement marking work is tentatively expected to begin on Wednesday, September 9, and last approximately five days, weather permitting. Hours of construction will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lane restrictions may occur but at a minimum, one lane of traffic will be maintained.

We understand this may be a short-term inconvenience and we hope to work together with you in a professional and amicable manner for the long-term improvement of your neighborhood. For more information about the project please see the project fact sheet located here at https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/current-projects. If you have questions about this project or other traffic calming projects you may contact DOMI by email at trafficcalming@pittsburghpa.gov, or by calling 311.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 8, 2020) A resolution was presented to City Council today for “Contract Connections: Bids for PGH”, a partnership between the City of Pittsburgh Office of Management and Budget and the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence's Small Business Development Center. The educational program is intended to help local, diverse small businesses learn how to participate in the City and other agencies’ procurement processes in a three-part remote webinar series aimed at diversifying vendors working with the City and promoting the local small business economy.  

Contract Connections: Bids for PGH is open to small businesses for training and support in how to gain access to City of Pittsburgh contract opportunities so that they can be better prepared to submit solicitations and proposals for services needed by the City. The trainings will begin September 22, 2020 and will be held every other week throughout October at two different times during the day to accommodate varying schedules of small business owners or managers. The classes will include: Identifying Availability of New Contracts, Responding to Solicitations, and Closing the Deal.  

The program is being funded in part by the Living Cities Accelerator grant received by the City of Pittsburgh to enhance accessibility of the procurement and contracting process so that more small businesses- especially minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) - can do business with the City. Other city deliverables of this grant include the Buying Plan forecast of local government agency bids anticipated over the next year so smaller businesses can prepare their proposals or collaborate with other small businesses to submit proposals and the Beacon procurement platform that allows businesses to sign up to receive e-mail notifications for solicitations within their scope of service. The Equal Opportunity Review Commission’s 2019 annual report indicates that initiatives aimed at better accommodating MWBE and small business familiarity with the city’s procurement process have contributed to more contracts being awarded to MWBEs.  

“I’d like to thank our Office of Management and Budget and our partners at the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence’s Small Business Development Center for their continued commitment to making our procurement process more inclusive,” said Mayor William Peduto. “Offering the sorts of direct assistance identified by our MWBE community as part of the Living Cities Accelerator program assessment means that we can better equip them to be competitive in our procurement process to get city contracts. When our small businesses and MWBEs succeed, our whole economy grows stronger by increasing sales, creating jobs, keeping jobs local, and investing city funds back into our communities.”  

For more information and to register, interested small businesses can visit entrepreneur.pitt.edu/events/bids-for-pgh or call 412-648-1542. 

Online Shade Tree Commission Meeting

Time: 11 a.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 9, 2020) Mayor William Peduto and the City of Pittsburgh have joined an amicus curiae brief on behalf of a nationwide coalition of local and tribal governments opposing recent U.S. Postal Service (USPS) changes that have slowed critically important mail delivery.  

The brief, filed by 32 local and tribal governments, urges courts in Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania to block the USPS changes, which impede the ability of localities to administer the November election and provide other core governmental services in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

A copy of the brief is here.

Starting in July 2020, U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy implemented a number of changes at USPS that have slowed down mail delivery and will make it harder for vulnerable communities, such as the elderly and communities of color, to vote by mail and receive essential government services. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted these same communities, and due to the changes, now face even greater hurdles in exercising their right to vote and receiving often life-saving services such as mail-delivered prescriptions.  

“These troubling changes from the Trump Administration are not only a threat to democracy, but to the quality-of-life of some of our most vulnerable neighbors. They must be reversed,” Mayor Peduto said. 

The amicus brief highlights how the USPS changes and resulting mail delays directly interfere with local and tribal government plans to administer the November election, including by delaying the delivery and receipt of ballots—posing a particular risk that ballots cast by members of the military overseas as well as elderly and disabled voters mailing their ballots will not be received in time to be counted. As a result, many local and tribal governments now must revamp election plans and find the funds—a mere two months before the election—to increase voting hours, secure additional polling locations, and/or add ballot drop boxes to ensure their constituents can safely and reliably exercise their right to vote.  

The brief also details the ways that many local governments rely on the mail to provide their residents essential social services, such as mailing prescriptions and providing rental assistance. Delays in receiving these services are particularly high stakes for vulnerable communities, given the health and economic crisis across the nation.  

“As the brief makes clear, the USPS provides the backbone to so many crucial government services delivered by local and tribal governments,” said Public Rights Project’s Legal Director Jonathan Miller. “This isn’t just about the upcoming election. The USPS’s changes undercut the ability of those on the front lines of government committed to serving their communities. They delay needed medications, delivery of test results, and crucial notices. These politically motivated and totally unnecessary changes harm people’s lives.”  

A diverse coalition of local and tribal jurisdictions joined the City of Columbus, the County of Santa Clara and Public Rights Project in filing the amicus brief. Signatories include: Philadelphia, PA; Cook County, IL; Alameda City, CA; Cincinnati, OH; Atlanta, GA; Dayton, OH; Austin, TX; East Palo Alto, CA; Berkeley, CA; Flint, MI; Boston, MA; Gary, IN; Cambridge, MA; Houston, TX; Chicago, IL; Harris County, TX; Los Angeles County, CA; Los Angeles City, CA; Portland, OR; Madison, WI; Saint Paul, MN; Marin County, CA; Santa Cruz, CA; Monterey County, CA; Seattle, WA; Oakland, CA; Somerville, MA; West Hollywood, CA; Yurok Tribe, CA.  

The brief, attached, was filed in support of motions for preliminary injunctions filed in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, et al. v. DeJoy et al., No. 2-20-cv-04096 (E.D. Pa.) and State of New York, et al. v. Trump, et al., No. 1-20-cv-02340 (D.D.C.).  

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 10, 2020) On September 26, 2020, 34 Pittsburgh neighborhood teams and Penn Hills plan to compete in the city’s fourth annual Garbage Olympics to pick up trash from city streets. With COVID-19 protocols in place, groups will be encouraged to socially distance, and thus cover more ground in their neighborhoods. 

The City’s Department of Public Works and the Mayor’s Clean Pittsburgh Commission will provide not only bags and gloves this year, but also personal protective equipment (PPE) and "nifty nabber" litter grabbers.

The Garbage Olympics began in 2017 with five teams competing for an Oscar award for the most trash collected. The event has grown exponentially since starting, with more than one third of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods city-wide participating in 2019. 

Linda Donahue, who organizes clean-ups through the Carrick Community Council, says, "It might be a simple act, but picking up litter makes an immediate and noticeable difference in our community.  It connects us to one another - even WITH social distancing- and makes us feel part of something bigger."

"The Garbage Olympics is truly a team effort! Neighborhoods are kept clean and beautiful thanks to a lot of collaboration among neighborhood groups, non-profits, and the City's Department of Public Works. The Clean Pittsburgh Commission is thrilled to help with empowering this work and some fun along the way," said Alicia Carberry of the Clean Pittsburgh Commission.

The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works will again collect the trash from designated locations in each neighborhood, and the City’s hard-to-recycle vendor, ECS&R, will drive around to pick up and recycle the televisions found during clean-ups. 

"Volunteer efforts are a great way to help in keeping our city as litter-free as possible. It also exposes those who volunteer to what an ongoing problem litter is in our city.  We want everyone to be careful in this COVID-19 climate, and are proud to be able to provide supplies and services to the Garbage Olympics," says Public Works Superintendent Bill Crean.

Some Pittsburgh City Councilmembers are purchasing gift cards to local restaurants for the teams in their districts to take out lunches to go. Previous years have ended with an in-person closing ceremony-- this year’s winners will be announced in a YouTube video the same day.

Registered neighborhood teams, captain contact information and meeting spots can be found on https://sites.google.com/view/gopgh/neighborhoods

The deadline for new neighborhood teams to register is Monday, September 14th.

Registering guarantees bags, gloves, and PPE, as well as timely collection of the trash collected. 

Interested participants can also email garbageolympicspgh@gmail.com or text or call (412) 447-1017 to join a team. RSVPS’s are strongly suggested. 

This year’s Garbage Olympics are dedicated to Boris Weinstein, who passed away this summer, for his decades-long dedication to community organizing and redding up the streets of Pittsburgh.

Garbage Olympics Contacts: 
Chris Mitchell, Anti Litter Specialist for the City of Pittsburgh - (412) 302-3460
Lena Andrews, event organizer - (412) 607-1957
Renee Robinson, event organizer - (412) 999-8928

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 10, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh is seeking input on the 2021 Operating Budget. Given projections of decreased revenue in 2020 and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, input from residents is more important than ever before to ensure that the City can continue to provide critical services in an equitable manner.

Following three 2021 Capital Budget Forums hosted earlier this summer, the City of Pittsburgh is hosting an online 2021 Operating Budget Forum to discuss and collect input on the 2021 Operating Budget. The City is providing a survey through its EngagePGH Platform, and is highlighting several other ways to engage:

1. Understand the Operating Budget. The Budget Guide is the very first section of the full operating document and offers insight into how the City of Pittsburgh operates. Find it here.
2. Complete the 2021 Operating Budget public input survey, available on the City's new online engagement portal here. The surveys are due Friday, October 16th, 2020. Residents who do not have digital access or require language access can call 311 to complete the survey over the telephone.
3. Attend an education forum. The Operating Budget Public Forum will be held on September 16, 2020 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The forum will include staff from the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Law. Sign up for the forum here. Those who do not wish to participate in the forum can view it live or view a recording later at youtube.com/citychannelpittsburgh.
4. Submit a draft budget through Balancing Act, the City of Pittsburgh's participatory budgeting tool. The tool can be found here. Balancing Act also allows residents to see an unofficial breakdown of how their tax dollars are spent each year through the Tax Receipt Tool. 
5. Watch City Council budget hearings. Residents can find the meeting schedule here.

The Operating Budget functions as the legal financial plan for the City of Pittsburgh. Expenditures are spread across all City Departments, Bureaus, and Elected Offices. These expenditures represent costs resulting from the administration and distribution of governmental services. These services include, but are not limited to:

• Public safety (police, fire, emergency medical services, animal care and control)
• Refuse collection
• Snow removal
• Issuance of permits and licenses
• Maintenance and programming for City of Pittsburgh parks and community recreation centers

In addition, the General Fund also supports the routine administration of local government that includes employee wages and health benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, utility and fuel usage, the funding of municipal pension plans, and debt service.

Recordings of Capital Budget Forums from earlier this year can be found at the City's Youtube page here. Residents are still able to provide input on the 2021 Capital Budget through Balancing Act here.

For more information on how to engage with the 2021 Operating Budget, please visit: https://pittsburghpa.gov/omb/operating-budget-engagement. Questions and comments can be directed to: OMBoperating@pittsburghpa.gov.

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 11, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation is teaming up with the United Way of Southwestern PA and Eat'n Park Hospitality Group to host "Citiparks Family Dinner Night" on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. 

Five hundred family style pasta dinners for four will be distributed to families that are facing increased food insecurity due to COVID-19. Eat'n Park is working with chefs from the EAT Initiative, Aunt Cheryl's Cafe, and Mediterra Bakehouse to create these family meals. United Way is activating volunteers to assist with distribution and has helped to steward the funds from Allegheny County that make this effort possible. All meals will be distributed in partnership with Citiparks on Monday and Tuesday, September 21 & 22. 

In addition to distribution of family dinners, all diners and the community at large are invited to join us for a 30 minute, fun, family friendly livestream program that will include special guest diners, information about how the meal was made and an opportunity to participate in a Q&A with the chefs. We hope that this program will provide a way for the Pittsburgh community to come together and enjoy a stress free evening during COVID-19. This livestream program will happen at 6:00 p.m. on September 22 — details and a link to the program are forthcoming. 

Registration to receive a family dinner will be taken at all Citiparks food distribution sties and can be reserved on line at this link until September 17th: https://forms.gle/bV5pDcrnaZ42Vr6u8. Meals are first-come, first-served.

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 12, 2020) Mayor William Peduto released the following statement today on the death of Father Jack O’Malley, the longtime chaplain of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council: 

“Pittsburgh, and working men and women everywhere, have lost a great champion in Father Jack O’Malley, but the legacy of his work on behalf of labor will live on for decades. It was my honor in 2018 to present him with the Key to the City in recognition of his service, and today I join all those celebrating his memory.” 

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.  

(Traditional Irish blessing) 

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 14, 2020) The renovation of the City of Pittsburgh’s Oliver Bath House on the South Side has won a $100,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. 

The funding will go toward the estimated $3.5 million cost to renovate the indoor swimming facility, which opened in 1915. The City is currently in the selection process for professional architectural and historic preservation services for the redesign of the bath house, and hopes to begin reconstruction in 2022. 

Work on the Oliver Bath House is expected to include repair work to the exterior masonry and window systems, sidewalk vault repairs, repairs to the pool structure, new mechanical and ventilation systems and equipment, upgrades to network and electrical systems and equipment, repair and/or replacement of finishes, ADA design, space layout, and bathroom and changing room reconfiguration.   

The City is committed to achieving the energy-efficient upgrades in line with its Climate Action Plan while preserving the historic character of the 105-year-old building. 

Online Panel on The Exchange 2020: Guaranteed Income and the Transformation Of Cities

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 15, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) will implement a full closure of the Greenfield Bridge between Schenley Park and the Greenfield neighborhood starting at 7:00 a.m., Monday, September 21, 2020.  

Mosites Construction Company, the contractor who built the bridge, will be addressing several outstanding issues that will ensure the longevity of the structure. The concrete deck surface will be milled and overlaid with a 1-1/4” thick concrete wearing surface meant to ensure water does not permeate into the deck. Also, the protective coating on the east bridge barrier will be replaced to address flaking and peeling that has been observed.  

This work will take approximately 30 days during which time the bridge will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.  

Traffic will be detoured via Beechwood Boulevard, Forward Avenue, Murray Avenue and Beacon Street. There should be no impact to travel on I-376 below. For more information on this project, please contact DOMI's Eric Setzler at eric.setzler@pittsburghpa.gov. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 15, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to announce the opening of the new McFarren Street Bridge.

The new bridge replaces an existing 120-year-old bridge across Nine Mile Run which was weight restricted and only a single lane wide. Vehicles crossing the old bridge had to travel under a low railroad trestle, make sharp turns on and off the bridge, and then back under the railroad trestle making access to the Duck Hollow neighborhood difficult.

This new bridge was designed and constructed providing unrestricted access to the Duck Hollow area for emergency vehicles and others. The $2.6 Million project used green "Clean Construction" methods and the bridge was opened a month ahead of schedule. The existing bridge will be retained for non-motorized access to the Duck Hollow trail. For questions, please contact DOMI at domi@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2523.

Photos: DOMI

No public events scheduled

Mayor's for Guaranteed Income Zoom Press Conference 
Time: 11:00 AM

Beltzhoover Neighborhood Initiatives Fund Award Presentation 
Time: 12:00 PM
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/city.of.pittsburgh

Speaking at CeaseFire PA Webinar
Time: 1:30 PM
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/events/769105737184007/

Speaking at The Immigrant Experience: The Way Forward
Time: 5:00 PM
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/AACCPittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 16, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh and Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) announced today that they are investing $72,000 in improvements to the historic former Beltzhoover Elementary School as part of the URA’s Neighborhood Initiatives Fund (NIF) program. The investment was presented to the Beltzhoover Consensus Group today, who intend to redevelop the former school using a community-driven revitalization strategy.  

The former Beltzhoover Elementary School is a historic 60,000 square-foot building purchased by the Beltzhoover Consensus Group in 2018 with the intention to create a community center to meet the needs of the neighborhood, including affordable housing and a shared community space. Phase I of the revitalization project includes roof repairs and stabilization, an environmental site assessment, existing condition plans, and community outreach and engagement. The community group is working with additional partners on the project, including Neighborhood Allies, Heinz Endowments, and the Birmingham Foundation. 

“Today we’re seeing the purpose of the NIF in action,” said Mayor William Peduto. “Through this program the City of Pittsburgh and the URA are able to directly invest money into our communities for a project that is being run by our communities and for our communities. It puts their vision at the center of development. Community-driven development can and should be the strategy and our standard for all of our development so that it’s responding to what our residents want and need.”  

Funding for this project is part of the second round of the NIF, which totals $568,000 being awarded for 12 neighborhood improvement projects and programs across nine neighborhoods. This program is designed to help unlock the economic opportunity and placemaking potential within neighborhoods by allowing communities to access funding for neighborhood-scale projects, particularly those in Community Development Block Grant eligible communities.  

“It’s imperative that we continue to support nonprofit organizations during this time of uncertainty to ensure they can continue their important neighborhood work, and the URA thanks the City of Pittsburgh for providing this funding,” said URA Deputy Executive Director Diamonte Walker. “Through the NIF Program we are investing in these neighborhood-scale initiatives intended to improve residents’ quality of life and shine a spotlight on the amazing projects happening within our communities.” 

The announcement was made today on site of the project where Mayor Peduto, Deputy Executive Director Walker, and Mayor’s Office Chief Economic Development Officer Marty LaMar were joined by City Councilman Bruce Kraus and Jennifer Cash Wade of the Beltzhoover Consensus Group.  

"We are witnessing the rebirth of the Beltzhoover School which has stood for generations as an important anchor for Betlzhoover and Hilltop residents alike,” said Councilman Kraus. “This begins the process of restoring this historic landmark to its well deserved glory." 

"The NIF has proven to be an invaluable tool in providing support to community driven projects undertaken by community members who are committed to continually improving the quality of life for their residents,” said Ms. Cash Wade. “Receiving this award will allow the Beltzhoover Consensus Group to begin the work of restoring Beltzhoover Elementary School to it's rightful place as the center of our community in a manner that best serves the community and the entire Hilltop for today and years to come.  And for this we are grateful.” 

Online Meeting with Regional Mayors

Time: 3 p.m.

Connect's Online 11th Annual Legislative Session

Time: 4 p.m.

Presenting Proclamation to Allegheny Center Alliance Church Pastor Rock Dillaman

Time: 5 p.m.

Location: 250 E. Ohio Street, Deutschtown

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 17, 2020) After thorough study, the City of Pittsburgh Comprehensive Municipal Pension Trust Fund has adopted new “Socially Responsible Investing” guidelines to screen for pension investments in companies that follow environmentally friendly and socially responsible business procedures. 

Last summer, Mayor William Peduto asked the CMPTF to divest the City’s pension funds from fossil fuel industries and in February the pension board named a subcommittee to study the matter. At its meeting this month the board unanimously adopted the new investment polices, which in the investment industry are called ESGs (Environmental, Social and Governance) guidelines. 

In July Pittsburgh and 16 other cities cosponsored a policy adopted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors urging  cities across the globe to explore divesting from fossil fuels and invest in climate solutions to support a green recovery and a just transition. Divestiture is also supported by C40 and Climate Mayors, of which Mayor Peduto is a member. The Mayor will be speaking on a Climate Week online panel on sustainable investing this Tuesday with the mayors of New York City, London and New Orleans. 

“When we began our work to develop Pittsburgh's third climate action plan, we realized that responsible investing by our pension fund is one of the most critical tools not only in advancing a just and clean energy transition, but a move that is simply a good economic investment strategy too," Mayor Peduto said. 

The pension board amended its investment policy statement September 3 to include language on its new Socially Responsible Investing Program Guidelines that goes beyond the divestment goals in the City’s Climate Action Plan. The amendment incorporates policies on Protection of the Environment, Reducing Arms Production and Promotion of Human Dignity, and adopts a screening tool to invest in socially responsible assets and companies that align with the CMPTF’s existing financial performance investment criteria.  

“The CMPTF believes that socially responsible investing should be factored into the makeup of the fund’s portfolio,” said CMPTF Board Chairman Ralph Sicuro. “Moving forward we will work to make sure City funds are not invested in entities that could have a negative effect on society and our environment while also maintaining a portfolio that generates strong returns. I would like to thank our ESG subcommittee for their work to create an investment policy that aligns with the values of board trustees and plan participants.” 

The full wording of the Socially Responsible Investing Program Guidelines is as follows: 

“In addition to CMPTF requesting all equity separate account managers screen out particular investment holdings which have been mentioned above, CMPTF has set aside a portion of the portfolio dedicated for a socially responsible investment allocation with a focus on aligning the underlying investment holdings with the values and beliefs of the trustees and participants of the plan. These dedicated investment mandates will incorporate socially responsible investment factors through a positive screening investment approach. Positive screening selects companies based on specific investment factors including environmentally friendly products and practices as well as socially responsible businesses procedures. By investing in companies who practice responsible initiatives in this transparent manner, investors are encouraging behaviors that align with their underlying values and beliefs. Positive screens will include: 

Protection of the Environment:  

• Consider companies that engage in development and implementation of environmentally friendly products and services. 
• Consider companies that preserve the planet’s ecological heritage and creating environmentally sensitive and innovative technologies 
• Consider companies that undertake energy conservation initiatives and develop alternative renewable and clean energy resources 

Reduce Arms Production 

• Support shareholder actions to limit weapon productions, limit foreign sales of weapons and convert corporate capacity and energy to non-military uses and initiatives 

Promotion of Human Dignity 

• Use shareholder resolutions and other means to encourage companies to provide sufficient wages, working conditions and other social benefits that enable their employees and families to a balanced working life. 
• Encourage efforts by companies to promote a respect for fundamental human rights throughout the countries in which they operate and sale products or services 
• Favor companies that actively promote corporate policies on equal pay and promotion opportunities for women and minorities 
• Encourage efforts by companies to promote the active participation of women and minorities in the representation and management of the company, particularly in creation of company policies and decision-making as well as inclusion in executive and corporate leadership 
• Favor companies who strive to make a positive impact on housing, health care and other necessary services that improve the quality of life for the under-served population 
• Favor companies that engage in practices or policies intended to end human trafficking 
• Favor companies who exhibit the ability to hire and advance the careers of women and minorities 

In addition to the above listed positive screens, managers may add additional positive initiatives as long as it is for the benefit of society and aligns with CMPTF’s risk adjusted return objectives. 

Lastly, additional socially responsible investment policies may be added if ever there is a conflict with the Client’s values and current investment holdings.” 

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 18, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be milled or resurfaced starting on Monday, September 21. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are largely in City Council Districts 7 and 8. 

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts by 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

Press Conference on Safe Routes to School

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Faison K-5, 7430 Tioga St., Homewood

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 21, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to kick-off the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program with the resumption of the 2020-2021 school year.  While most students are engaged in remote learning, DOMI remains focused on the safe travel of our most vulnerable residents. 

Safe Routes to School is a national program focused on improving communities by increasing the number of students biking and walking to school and developing their skills as safe users of our public streets.  The goal of the Safe Routes to School program is to educate school age children in safe walking and biking practices, encourage children to use an active mode of transportation, provide engineering improvements around schools and engage with community organizations how Safe Routes to School should begin. 

The City of Pittsburgh Safe Routes to School program (SRTS) focuses on elementary and middle, public and charter schools. Participating schools will benefit from education, encouragement, and infrastructure improvement programs.  After a competitive search process, four schools were selected to participate as inaugural SRTS “Champion Schools”. We are pleased and eager to announce partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools Faison K-5, Pittsburgh Arlington PreK-8, Pittsburgh King K-8 and Propel Schools – Hazelwood as the selected schools for the 2020-2021 academic school year.   

This school year will look and feel different than any other we have witnessed before.  The Safe Routes to School program will support students and families through remote learning safety activities and social distancing events that can be found on the City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure website on the Safe Routes to School program page [pittsburghpa.gov/domi/srts].  

All City of Pittsburgh public and charter elementary and middle schools will benefit from the city-wide SRTS initiatives.  These include a calendar of events that schools may participate in like Walk Safety Week, Bike to School Day and Crossing Guard Appreciation Day found on the SRTS webpage. 

“The Safe Routes to School Program is another step forward in our pursuit of safe, sustainable and equitable mobility for the City of Pittsburgh,” said Karina Ricks, Director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, “Through this program, the youngest travelers of our street will lead the way toward improvements for all.” DOMI SRTS Program Coordinator Harriet C. Jackson added, “We’re happy to collaborate with Pittsburgh Public Schools, Propel Schools, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, City of Pittsburgh Crossing Guards, BikePGH and looking to build other partnerships as the program unfolds.” 

Principal Nathan Berkowitz of Pittsburgh King said, “I look forward to working with the Safe Routes to School program to encourage our students to walk and bike safely to and from Pittsburgh King through positive encouragement and education with our Northside families”while Tina Mayer, Head Principal at Propel Schools Hazelwood adds,“The Safe Routes to School program will benefit the Hazelwood community by providing safer commuting conditions for our scholars, while promoting physical activity and fitness”   

The Safe Routes to School is a program initially established in 2005 by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU), a national funding bill.  More than just building infrastructure improvements, the Safe Routes to School funding category offers programming to develop safer places and safer habits for students. 

To learn more about the SRTS program please visit the website: pittsburghpa.gov/domi/srts 

Contact: 

Harriet C. Jackson 

Program Coordinator 

Safe Routes to School 

412-459-2586 

harriet.jackson@pittsburghpa.gov 

Speaking at Online Forum on “Divesting from Fossil Fuels, Investing in a Sustainable Future," with Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City, LaToya Cantrell, Mayor of New Orleans, Mxolisi Kaunda, Mayor of Durban andSadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Location: YouTube Live

Meeting with Councilman Bobby Wilson

Time: 2 p.m.

Speaking at Online Citiparks Family Dinner Night

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: YouTube Live

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 23, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is pleased to announce the opening of Buente Street.

Buente Street was closed on August 24, 2020 to replace a wooden retaining wall with a modular block wall thereby stabilizing Buente Street. The opening of Buente Street allows traffic to once again use this street in the Spring Hill - City View neighborhood. This road closure is part of the List Street Landslide Remediation project. The entire project is anticipated to be completed this fall.

For questions, please contact the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure at domi@pittsburghpa.gov or (412) 255-2523.

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 23, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh and Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) announced today that they are investing $100,000 in improvements for Esser’s Plaza on the South Side as part of the URA’s Neighborhood Initiatives Fund (NIF) program. The investment was presented to the South Side Community Council today, who are working to revitalize the plaza to be a welcoming, open space where the community can gather. 
 
Located at 12th and East Carson Streets, Esser’s Plaza is a poorly lit park area between Armstrong Park and the old market house in the heart of Pittsburgh’s historic South Side. Formerly the Birmingham Plaza, it was renamed Cindy Esser Plaza in August 2006 to honor the long-time South Side advocate who passed away in October 2002. 
 
The renovation project includes infrastructure and site improvements, new lighting, green areas, seating, paving, and programming. The community group is working with additional partners, including Laquatra Bonci Landscape Architects, who donated the conceptual design, Engineers Without Borders, who will draw up construction documents, and the Colcom Foundation. 

“We are so grateful to see the revitalization of this South Side park and community space through partnerships and collaboration, including the NIF program,” said Mayor William Peduto. “Esser’s Plaza was named in honor of Cindy Esser, a community advocate, and we’re grateful to honor her memory by providing the investment the South Side Community Council needs to realize their community’s vision for their neighborhood.” 

Funding for this project is part of the second round of the NIF, which totals $568,000 being awarded for 12 neighborhood improvement projects and programs across nine neighborhoods. This program is designed to help unlock the economic opportunity and placemaking potential within neighborhoods by allowing communities to access funding for neighborhood-scale projects, particularly those in Community Development Block Grant eligible communities. 
 
“The Neighborhood Initiatives Fund program is a perfect example of how we are working together to drive neighborhood-scale development in Pittsburgh,” URA Executive Director Greg Flisram said. “We are unlocking the economic and placemaking potential within neighborhoods citywide, improving residents’ quality of life while shining a spotlight on these important community assets.” 
 
The announcement was made today on site of the project where Mayor Peduto, URA Executive Director Flisram, Mayor’s Office Chief Economic Development Officer Marty LaMar, and City Councilman Bruce Kraus were joined by Barbara Rudiak, president of the South Side Community Council, and members of the South Side community. 

"Esser Plaza has served as a quiet oasis in the heart of South Sides' Carson Street corridor, for residents and visitors alike, for decades,” said City Councilman Bruce Kraus. “Receipt and application of this NIF grant compliments the dedicated and much appreciated restoration and fundraising efforts of the Plaza Stakeholder Task Force residents, ensuring Esser Plaza remains a safe, clean and well maintained park space for generations to come." 

"The Esser’s Plaza renovation project began about a decade ago when the South Side Local Development Company ‘bequeathed’ funds to the South Side Community Council to improve the parks in the Flats,” said Kitty Vagley of the South Side Community Council Plaza Stakeholder Task Force. “That ember was kept alive through the efforts of multiple persons, notably Jennifer Holliman, who engaged the commitment of Engineers Without Borders. The URA Neighborhood Initiatives Fund grant allows the project to be realized and the community is deeply grateful." 

South Side Neighborhood Initiatives Fund Grant

Time: 11 a.m.

Online Staff Meeting

Time: 4 p.m.

U.S. Conference of Mayors Online Fall Leadership Meeting

Time: 1 p.m.

U.S. Conference of Mayors Online Evening Discussions

Time: 8:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 24, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Office of Management and Budget today was awarded a $40,000 grant for a master site development plan for Fowler Park in Perry South.

The grant is from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)'s Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2), which announced its 2020 grants today.

"This is great news for Perry South, and I want to thank Senator Wayne Fontana, Representative Jake Wheatley and Councilman Daniel Lavelle for their support," Mayor William Peduto said.

Fowler Park is located in Perry South, and is accessed from North Charles Street via two entries along the west and north boundaries. The City’s open space plan, OpenSpacePGH, recommends investment and expansion, which is why the City is seeking to complete a master plan. The park has a swimming pool, sports courts, children’s play area, and two ball fields.

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 24, 2020) Over the past several years, Citiparks has offered their KidSMART Club program as an after-school program for children in 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Citiparks has re-imagined their KidSMART Club into an @Home program!

Per Ross Chapman, Director, Department of Parks and Recreation, said “With the success we had this summer with our CitiCamp@Home Kits, we are really excited to be providing this education support during the school year."

This KidSMART Club @ Home program supports a wide variety of fun and educational STEM/STEAM, Art and Enrichment learning, along with health and wellness!  The current program will run for 11 weeks beginning October 5, 2020.  Registration is required to participate and on-line registration can be accessed here.

Kits have been designed with activities that match each week’s theme.  These kits will be distributed every Monday (beginning 10/5/2020) from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Recreation Centers of registration, during our Grab ‘N Go Meal distribution.  

These locations are:

ARLINGTON        2201 Salisbury Street

JEFFERSON        605 Redknap Street

MAGEE                745 Greenfield Avenue

PAULSON            1201 Paulson Avenue

PHILLIPS              201 Parkfield Street

WARRINGTON     329 Warrington Avenue

A Pre-K option is available and can be selected during the registration process.  Children who participate in and complete 6 weeks or more of the STEM/STEAM projects will be eligible for a chance to win cool prizes!

Full information is available at: https://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/kidsmart-club

Allegheny-Fayette Labor Council Rally

Time: Noon

Location: North Shore Drive, North Shore

Equity Series: Equity in Workforce Development

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Facebook Live

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 28, 2020) Thirty-eight neighborhood teams and Penn Hills kept busy Saturday morning competing in Pittsburgh's 4th Annual Garbage Olympics. More than 774 volunteers had two hours to pick up trash in their communities.

Members of the Mayor's Clean Pittsburgh Commission helped to organize, fund, and judge the competition, and Mayor Peduto announced the winners at a virtual “Closing Ceremony” on YouTube.

Long-time community organizers as well as fresh faces acted as captains for the neighborhood teams, with City Council President Theresa Kail-Smith at the helm of the Crafton Heights/Ridgemont/Westwood team, and City Park Rangers leading a Frick Park team. 

A magical unicorn found by the East Liberty Trash Warriors won for strangest item while California-Kirkbride boasted the dirtiest volunteer. 

Outside City limits but joining for the second year, Penn Hills again won the most spirit award for their enthusiasm in a choreographed routine. 

Finally, Carrick took home the 1st place trophy for most trash collected, where 45 volunteers scrounged up 91 bags of trash, 62 tires, 86 TVs, 3 shopping carts, 2 fridges, satellite dishes, lawn mowers, fridges, a couch, and an exercise bike.

2nd place - Elliott had 12 volunteers collecting 120 bags of trash, 5 tires, 2 TVs, hubcaps and other car parts, furniture, and a pallet of shingles.

3rd place - Allentown had 40 volunteers that collected 75 bags of trash, 100 tires, 20 TVs, and a freezer.

The Department of Public Works hauled the trash piles to the landfill and the tire stacks to be recycled. The City’s hard-to-recycle vendor Environmental Coordination Services & Recycling collected the electronic waste to properly dispose.

In total:

• 38 neighborhood teams
• 774+ volunteers
• 1,129+ bags of garbage
• 670+ tires
• 254+ TVs
• 12 shopping carts
• 6 couches
• 5 refrigerators 
• 5 mattresses
• 4 lawnmowers 
• 2 satellite dishes
• 1 jukebox

Team photos have been posted on the Clean Pittsburgh Commission Facebook page and can also be found by searching #PGHGO or #garbageolympics across social media. 

More of the Department of Public Works’ anti-litter initiatives can be found on the City website here: https://pittsburghpa.gov/dpw/litter-dumping/.

Last year’s results can be found here: 2019.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Reed, California-Kirkbride team captain and Beechview’s strangest items (below)

Mt. Oliver City’s team spirit

Strangest item award-winning magical unicorn as found by the East Liberty Trash Warriors

South Side Slopes team

Garfield

Carrick’s haul, photo courtesy of Katie Mitchell

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 29, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh and Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) announced today that they are investing a total of $250,000 in three community-driven projects in the Hill District neighborhood as part of the Neighborhood Initiatives Fund (NIF) program.  

Checks were presented to three community organizations: 

The Amani Christian Community Development Corporation was awarded $100,000 in funding for the redevelopment project on two parcels located at the intersection of Herron and Wylie Avenues. The project site has an existing three-story building and vacant lot that will be redeveloped as a newly renovated and constructed space. The project will include a 1,600 square foot architecture and design accelerator, studio, and gallery.  

The Hill Community Development Corporation was awarded $50,000 for their Wylie Avenue Restaurant project. While the initial stages of this project have been completed, the NIF project will be completed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to renovate two adjacent lots to add outdoor seating and a chef’s garden. This funding will provide the final renovation and equipment necessary to launch a functioning restaurant in a transformed neighborhood that is ripe for investment and growth.  

The Hill District Federal Credit Union was awarded $100,000 to double the size of their facility to 2,500 square feet. This project will allow for the expansion of financial education services and counseling to accommodate the rapidly increasing volume of low-income individuals and families requiring their unique financial services assistance.  

“The NIF program awards to these three organizations are a great example of how community-driven development responds to the needs of the people in our neighborhoods with the services and amenities they want to see,” Mayor William Peduto said of today's announcement. “We are grateful for the work that Amani Christian Community Development Council, Hill Community Development Corporation, and Hill District Federal Credit Union are doing in providing these important projects for their neighbors and their community’s vision.”  

"The NIF program is a perfect example of how the City, URA, and community are working together to create an equitable Pittsburgh," said URA Deputy Executive Director Diamonte Walker. "The program is designed to support nonprofit and community organizations by increasing project visibility and access to funding so that community-based projects can truly be realized. By investing in these types of neighborhood scale initiatives, we are improving residents' quality of life and helping to revitalize and stabilize these neighborhoods. We are excited about these three projects and how they will complement the URA's and community's plan to breathe new life into the Centre Avenue corridor." 

Funding for these three projects is part of the second round of the NIF, which totals $568,000 being awarded for 12 neighborhood improvement projects and programs across nine neighborhoods. This program is designed to help unlock the economic opportunity and placemaking potential within neighborhoods by allowing communities to access funding for neighborhood-scale projects, particularly those in Community Development Block Grant eligible communities. 

The announcement was made today at the Centre Heldman Plaza in the Hill District where Deputy Executive Director Walker, Mayor’s Office Chief Economic Development Officer Marty LaMar, and City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle presented checks to Reverend Lee Walls and Lakeisha Byrd of Amani Christian Community Development Corporation, David Serbin of the Hill Community Development Corporation, and Richard Witherspoon of the Hill District Federal Credit Union. 

"Amani is committed to preserving and revitalizing existing structures within the Hill District and working with Hill businesses like Communion LLC to revitalize the landscape in our community. We are grateful to have a resource like NIF to accomplish this goal," said Reverend Lee Walls, executive director of Amani Christian Community Development Corporation. 

“The Hill CDC is pleased to have the support of the URA and City in bringing much needed resources to the community relative to food venues" Marimba Milliones, president and CEO of the Hill Community Development Corporation, said of the award. "We believe that having additional options to access food in our neighborhood is vital for economic and health benefits.”

“The Hill District Federal Credit Union is in its 50th year of attending to the financial health of the residents in the Hill District community,” said Richard Witherspoon, CEO of Hill District Federal Credit Union. “Today, with the consciousness in society toward social and economic justice in African American communities across the country, there is a higher desire to support and help to prosper institutions such as ours. With that in mind, we are now experiencing significant growth. Since July of 2020, we have opened over 200 new accounts. We have created new savings and loan programs to help people get through these difficult times. If this trend continues, we will have to increase capacity and income to accommodate our growth. We have been working on plans to expand and strengthen HDFCU. With the grant from the URA’s NIF program, we will be that much closer towards the goal of capacity building.” 

Neighborhood Initiative Fund Presentation with URA

Time: 11 a.m.

American Cities Climate Challenge Meeting

Time: 3 p.m.

Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh Online Press Conference

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Zoom

Haifa City Gender Equality Action Plan Conference

Time: 11 a.m.

BlueSphere Ribbon Cutting

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: 350 Technology Drive, South Oakland

University of Pittsburgh Center for Government and Markets Virtual Seminar on Policing

Time: 12 p.m.

Climate Mayors National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery

Time: 2 p.m.

Meeting with Chief Resilience Officer Grant Ervin

Time: 11 a.m.

Meeting with Bill Recker

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Forte Condos Groundbreaking

Time: Noon

Location: 2635 Penn Avenue, Strip District

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 5, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh welcomes upcoming trick-or-treating this Halloween but urges residents to follow safety protocols during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

The official trick-or-treating hours will be 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, but following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention many behaviors will have to change this year. 

Residents are urged to: 

• Trick-or-treat only with family members 
• Wear cloth facemasks as well as Halloween masks 
• Carry hand sanitizer 
• Distribute candy by leaving it outside, and not have in-person and face-to-face interactions at the door 
• Follow social distancing on sidewalks, and when approaching homes where others are getting candy 
• Not attend indoor costume parties 

Like any other year, motorists are asked to be especially vigilant on Halloween night, decrease speeds and increase awareness of trick-or-treating children and families. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 5, 2020) The Office of Mayor William Peduto has submitted the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act to City Council today to offer additional protection from hairstyle discrimination for Black Pittsburghers in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. 

Black individuals’ natural hair grows in different textures, lengths, and colors, and can be worn in a variety of hairstyles, which hold cultural and personal significance in the Black community. However, modern ideas of professionalism tend to reflect European or white standards. The recent CROWN study conducted by the JOY Collective indicates that 80% of Black women in the study said that they felt the need to alter their natural hair to “fit in” in professional setting. The CROWN study also indicates that Black women are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair, their hair is 3.4 times more likely to be considered “unprofessional,” and they are 83% more likely to report being judged more harshly on their looks than white women nationally.  

The Gender Equity Commission’s 2019 “Pittsburgh’s Inequality Across Gender and Race Report” suggests that these national trends are reflected here in Pittsburgh as the report outlined that personal, professional, housing, and educational outcomes are the most inequitable for Black women in the city. Locally, some workplaces, schools, and other groups have created grooming policies that create the opportunity to exclude Black women, Black men, and religious minorities in that space. This legislation seeks to remove these barriers and protect residents and employees from this type of discrimination.  

“The City of Pittsburgh is committed to equity and to eliminating the barriers that unfairly affect our communities,” said Mayor William Peduto. “Black hair is and always has been professional, but that has not always been reflected by employers, schools, or agencies in this city. This legislation affirms our commitment to improving outcomes for Black residents and make certain that they do not face natural hair discrimination in the workplace, when searching for a home, or when entering a business.” 

The legislation would provide legal recourse for individuals experiencing hairstyle discrimination. Claims or reports of hairstyle discrimination can be reported to the City of Pittsburgh’s Commission on Human Relations (CHR), who have already received numerous complaints. The CHR will be releasing guidance for landlords, employers, and business owners to understand the ordinance, understand hairstyle discrimination, learn best practices for creating a welcoming environment, and promoting actions to proactively prevent this type of discrimination over the coming weeks.  

“Pittsburgh’s CROWN legislation is an important step in creating explicit protections that can help us realize a more inclusive and racially-just city,” said CHR’s Executive Director Megan Stanley. “While claims of natural hair discrimination may have been filed previously under the classes of race or religion, we want to make clear that natural hairstyles and coverings are welcoming, do not affect a persons skills or abilities, and that no person should be treated differently based on how they choose to wear or treat their hair. Sadly, we know this to be an issue both locally and across the country, and we hope that the legislation introduced and the companion guidance documents will help to create a more equitable Pittsburgh.” 

Similar legislation has been passed and implemented in California, Colorado, New Jersey and has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, PA State House of Representatives, and is being pursued by the Philadelphia City Council. The CROWN Act in Pittsburgh has been supported by the local community.  

“Black women and girls have historical been negatively judged and excluded both personally and professionally based on the texture and/or style of their hair,” said Kathi Elliott, Executive Director of Gwen’s Girls. “Society has taught us that it’s not professional or not beautiful. To be sent home from school or denied a job because ‘it’s a distraction’ or not professional, is an remnant of systemic racism. As the Crown Act continues to make progress on the state and federal levels, it’s encouraging to see the City of Pittsburgh taking this step, sending the message that this discrimination will not be tolerated and that violations will be met with legal recourse. Now we need school systems and businesses to review and change their policies and practices that perpetuate this discrimination.” 

The legislation will be introduced during the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 6. The full ordinance is available here.  

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 6, 2020) City of Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Services stations will be outfitted with diesel exhaust systems to protect medics from harmful vehicle fumes. 

The overall $1 million in upgrades will be assisted by a $592,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and $446,000 from the City’s capital budget. The funding is being introduced to Pittsburgh City Council today. 

Diesel exhaust systems expel diesel fumes from the vehicles to the outside, while the vehicles are running inside the station, making for a safer breathing environment for EMS staff.  They are specially designed for Public Safety equipment, so will automatically disengage from the vehicles when they go out for a call. 

“This project will help protect the Public Safety's most important asset — its personnel. Ensuring a safe work environment will help provide employees the comfort of knowing that they are not breathing unhealthy exhaust fumes,” Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said. 

Fire Bureau stations already have the equipment, so the project will bring EMS in line with Fire. The upgrades are being managed by the Department of Public Works. 

The diesel exhaust systems are planned for Rescue 01: 4 systems; Medic 14: 3 systems; Medic 10: 3 systems; Medic 08: 1 system; Medic 06: 4 systems; Medic 04: 4 systems; Medic 03: 2 systems;  Medic 02: 4 systems; Medic 01 and 11 (located in the same station): 2 systems; Headquarters: 7 systems; EMS Training: 6 systems.  

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 6, 2020) Mayor William Peduto is a featured speaker this morning at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Mayor's Forum, where he will be addressing the online forum on Pittsburgh's leadership on green buildings.

Other speakers include Dagur B. Eggertsson, Mayor of Reykjavík, Iceland; Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, United Kingdom; Ilsur Metshin, Mayor of Kazan, Russian Federation; Ion Ceban, Mayor of Chișinău, Moldova; Andres Jaadla, Vice Mayor of Rakvere, Estonia; Pierre Hurmic, Mayor of Bordeaux, France; and Lisa Helps, Mayor of Victoria, Canada.

The link to watch the forum is here.

Pittsburgh and ECE are collaborating closely through the International Centre of Excellence to advance high performance buildings for everyone. The built environment is one of the strongest leverage points to address climate change, human health, and social equity.

Through the Centre of Excellence, Pittsburgh’s Green Building Alliance is working with the City of Pittsburgh and other public-private partners to rapidly transform the built environment so that all people can experience healthy, affordable, comfortable, and high performing places to live, work, learn, and play. The Pittsburgh 2030 District has over 556 existing buildings committed to reducing energy use, water use, and transportation emissions 50% by the year 2030. The 2030 goals have also been incorporated into some City zoning efforts for new construction. Future equitable growth of this program is important to achieve our climate, equity, and health goals.

Pittsburgh was the second city in the United States to adopt the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and also the second city internationally to officially launch a Centre of Excellence for High Performance Buildings.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Mayor's Forum

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: UN.org

University of Pittsburgh's Center for Sustainable Business Sustainable Finance Policy Hub Panel of Mayors

Time: 10 a.m.

Western PA Making Housing Matter Virtual Press Conference

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: Facebook Live

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 8, 2020) After a year of complicated work by several agencies and utilities to address a sinkhole and other damages, 10th Street in Downtown Pittsburgh is finally reopening today. 

Pittsburgh Public Safety officials responded to the sinkhole on October 28, 2019, which was so large (60 by 35 by 18 feet deep) that it swallowed the rear of a Port Authority bus. The driver of the bus and its riders were safe, but Public Safety’s next concern was the stability and safety of steam lines, water and sewage lines, and communications infrastructure perched below the street’s unsupported, cantilevered slabs of concrete. With the assistance of Allegheny Crane Rental and DiPasquale Engineering, officials ultimately brought a crane to the scene to carefully remove the bus while not further disrupting the infrastructure below. 

Plans were to reopen the street within weeks. However utility companies found there was indeed damage to infrastructure beneath 10th Street and they began months of work to fix the damages, work that was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic starting in March of this year. 

The City’s response was overseen by Chief Operations Officer Kinsey Casey and included work by Public Safety, Public Works, and Mobility and Infrastructure. Responding utilities and companies included Duquesne Light, Peoples Gas, Comcast, Verizon, Port Authority, Pittsburgh-Allegheny County Thermal (PACT), and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. Officials from the adjacent Westin Pittsburgh hotel were also helpful throughout the work. 

Restoration costs were shared 50/50 between the City and PWSA. 

“This has been an incredibly challenging year for our city, nation and planet, and the 10th street sinkhole represented everything 2020 has been about — danger, disruption and frustration, but ultimately solutions, due to a lot of hard work by people working together. I can’t thank our partners, and especially our Downtown residents and businesses, enough for their patience and understanding,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

Duquesne Light made improvements to the street grid without any outages to customers, and replaced terra cotta conduit run between 3 manholes with new PVC ducts encased in reinforced concrete. 

Peoples Gas conducted a complete safety check and performed corrosion protection work on their existing steel pipeline. 

Comcast technicians replaced conduit at the site and protect their fiber, which was secured during street restoration. Verizon secured and repaired their lines as well. 

Some of the most complicated work was performed by PACT and PWSA. 

PACT pumped and removed water and soil materials from steam tunnels and cleaned and sanitized them; removed stray concrete damage; repaired several piping supports and concrete anchors damaged during the incident; reinsulated sections of the main steam line that sustained water damage or needed to be removed to make concrete and support repairs; and made sure the steam line below to was ready for this fall and winter. 

PWSA cleared approximately 2,500 tons of debris from the 48-inch sewer running down 10th street to the Allegheny River outfall point, utilizing a vactor machine sitting on a river barge and a diver to remove debris from the river bed. 

A PWSA contractor then took the lead on removing all debris from the sinkhole, giving space for other utilities to repair damaged infrastructure. As part of the rebuilding process, PWSA also installed a new bulkhead to the sewer manhole that was damaged when the street collapsed. After all repairs were complete, they filled the hole with stone, replaced bricks, and poured new concrete to reopen the street to car and pedestrian traffic.  

At the end of the project, crews completed the following: 

• Added approximately 746 tons of stone backfill to the sinkhole 
• Replaced 2,097 square feet of bricks 
• Poured approximately 395 tons of concrete 
• Logged over 1,100 hours of work to complete the project 

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 8, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) will be closing the Highland Park Reservoir Path while they resurface it to improve users’ mobility experience.   

The path will be partially closed on Friday, October 9 with safety barricades and personnel present to divert users from the construction area. It will be open over the weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 10-11.  

The path will be fully closed to all users from Monday, October 12 through Friday, October 16.  

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 9, 2020) In partnership with Environmental Coordination Services & Recycling (ECS&R), the City of Pittsburgh will host three neighborhood events on Saturdays this fall for collection of electronic waste and household hazardous waste that cannot be collected regularly by refuse and recycling such as TV’s, computers, paints, batteries, light bulbs, chemicals, and more.  

The events are scheduled from 9 AM to 1 PM and advance registration is required. Registration for a five minute appointment can be done online at ecsr.net/pittsburgh-recycling by selecting the preferred event or by calling the City’s 311 line.  

North Side collection/City Council District 1 
Date: October 17th, 2020 
Location: 2706 N Charles St, 15214 (Pittsburgh Project parking lot) 

East End collection/City Council District 8 
Date: October 24th, 2020 
Location: 315 Shady Ave, 15206 (Calvary Episcopal parking lot) 

South Side collection/City Council District 3 
Date: November 7th, 2020 
Location: Three Rivers Heritage Trail Turnaround, 15203 

Participants are required to drive to the event location and must remain in their vehicles for the duration of their visit. Social distancing guidelines will be followed for this event, and face masks are required.  

Each event will be able to serve up to 240 people. Additional neighborhood events will be scheduled next year.  

The City subsidizes the cost of recycling electronics and household hazardous waste, but fees apply for most items. Accepted materials and fees can be found here on ECS&R’s website.  

The Clean Pittsburgh Commission is sponsoring financial assistance, available upon request by contacting 311. 

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 9, 2020) After much deliberation, Mayor William Peduto today announced his agreement with the City Art Commission finding that the Christopher Columbus statue in Schenley Park be removed, and directed that the statue be displayed in a private location still to be determined.

The Commission unanimously voted September 23 to remove the statue. After reading Commission testimony and talking to passionate advocates on both sides of the issue, the Mayor made the difficult decision that removing the statue is justified, and that it can be better displayed in a private location that places Columbus, his memory and his history in different context.

The Mayor issued a letter to the Art Commission today that reviews the celebration of Columbus by Italian-Americans who were subject to discrimination after emigrating to the United States, and the subsequent reckoning with the explorer’s support of slavery and genocide. The letter says in part:

“All four of my grandparents were Italian and personally experienced discrimination, yet learned to love their new country. I am tremendously proud to be part of the Italian-American community in Pittsburgh, just as I am proud to be Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh and to represent all people of our city.

After much thought and prayer I believe it is now time for us to return the Columbus statue to the Italian-American community that brought it into existence. They can preserve it in a manner than celebrates Italian-American culture, while acknowledging the wreckage that slavery and racism has done to America.”

The letter asks the Art Commission to make a final vote on the disposition of the statue.

No decisions have yet been made on when the statue will be removed, or the private location where it will be stored and displayed. City crews may cover the statue until it can be removed.

A copy of the Mayor’s letter is available here.

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 9, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) today announced two public meeting engagement opportunities to be held for the Mon-Oakland Mobility Project.

DOMI will conduct an In-Person Public Meeting and a Virtual Public Meeting this month to discuss project details and gather public feedback. Both meeting options will feature updates on the project’s design, operations/permitting, and park features/landscape architecture.

The meeting details are as follows:

In-Person Public Meeting

Monday, October 19, 2020

4:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Spartan Center

134 East Elizabeth Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15207

Register by October 16, 2020:

Online or Call 412-329-4420

Virtual Public Meeting

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Zoom Presentation: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Register and Join the Zoom Meeting

Or Join by phone: +1 253-215-8782

Meeting Passcode: 192730

Meeting Materials Online:   mon-oaklandmobility.com/virtual-meeting

October 14th to 30th

The In-Person Meeting will provide meeting materials in an Open House format. The meeting will follow all COVID-19 protocols for the safety of attendees and team members including occupancy limitations. As such, all attendees are asked to register for a 30-minute timeslot in advance of the meeting. Due to these limitations, no formal presentation will be provided at the In-Person Meeting but will be included as part of the Virtual Public Meeting. The Virtual Public Meeting will also provide the same station-by-station details as the In-Person meeting and digital options for providing comments and speaking with team members. 

The Mon-Oakland Mobility Project is part of the City of Pittsburgh’s efforts to create a public, accessible, and controlled mobility network that will connect the neighborhoods of Hazelwood, Greenfield, Four Mile Run, and Oakland. The project also includes a proposed network of bicycle and pedestrian routes to enable non-motorized transportation between these neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.mon-oaklandmobility.com. 

The In-Person Public Meeting location is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, if you or an individual with whom you are familiar does not speak English as their primary language and who has a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English desires to participate in this meeting or if you require special assistance to attend and/or participate in this meeting or need additional information please contact Carrie Machuga, at McCormick Taylor, Inc. at (412) 329-4420.

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 11, 2020) The Greenfield Bridge, which had been closed for maintenance, reopened this weekend ahead of schedule.

The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) implemented a closure September 21 that was supposed to last 30 days.

Mosites Construction Company, the contractor who built the bridge, addressed several outstanding issues to ensure the longevity of the structure. The concrete deck surface was milled and overlaid with a 1-1/4” thick concrete surface meant to ensure water does not permeate into the deck. Also, the protective coating on the east bridge barrier was replaced to address flaking and peeling that had been observed.  

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 12, 2020) Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Citiparks and its partners have distributed more than a quarter million meals to children and seniors in need. 

Approximately 209,000 Grab & Go meals have been served to children through Friday. Another 63,000 meals have been served to seniors. Overall 272,000 free meals have been served. 

"I would like to offer the most sincere thank you to not only those within my department who work so hard to ensure that we're doing our best to look after city residents, but also to the many community partners and agencies who have consistently stepped forward to help us provide meals to children and seniors,” Citiparks Director Ross Chapman said. 

“We would not have been able to have had this type of impact if were not for all of the generosity and support of the entire community. And, we're going to keep distributing Grab & Go meals for going as long as necessary, to ensure that we're doing what we can to benefit area children, seniors and families." 

Ongoing additional meal distribution will continue through the assistance of donations Parkhurst Dining and The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. 

150th Anniversary of Original Oyster House

Time: Noon

Location: Market Square

Topping Off Ceremony at 75 Hopper Place

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: 28th & Railroad Streets, Strip District

SHARE Pittsburgh General Session

Time: 2:30 p.m.

PA Black Votes Matter Online Townhall with U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn

Time: 5 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 13, 2020) Using smart garbage cans with sensors, the Department of Public Works is both expanding garbage pick-up service in neighborhood business districts while saving money by more efficiently deploying department resources. 

Pittsburgh is the first city in the country to deploy the cans citywide, for a total of 1,300 cans across city neighborhoods. (Other cities typically focus them in only certain business districts). First deployed in 2017 the cans send information to DPW indicating when they are full, allowing the department to dispatch pick-up crews only to those receptacles in need of service. 

The moves follow other technological upgrades from DPW and the Department of Innovation and Performance related to the city’s Snow Plow tracker that are saving the City $1 million annually in road salt costs. 

“Cutting-edge work by officials at Public Works are providing better services and saving taxpayer money at the same time. These are simple and smart changes that are a model to other cities nationwide,” Mayor William Peduto said. 

Previous to the adoption of the smart cans DPW could have up to 24 people in a given day (across all three shifts) emptying street garbage cans. The department is now deploying six dedicated workers, which will free up the other 18 people to be reassigned to other tasks such as pothole patching, weed removal and so on. 

The new Sensored Litter Receptacle Crews will work for the first time on weekends, and on Mondays will target cleanup of high-impact sites such as the North Shore, East Carson Street and Lawrenceville. 

"I’m excited to implement the first ever crew dedicated to using technology that will make us more efficient and ensure our city is cleaner seven days a week," DPW foreman Mike Boyd said. 

Following real-time data sent by the smart cans to DPW, one crew will cover the 2nd and 3rd Divisions covering half the sensored cans in the city, while another crew will run the remaining routes of 1st, 4th and 5th Divisions covering the other half. A third crew will overlap on Mondays to clear cans that typically get high use over the weekends. 

Data collected during the roll-out of the cans shows that on any given day only 13% of the city’s cans reached the 90% full threshold for emptying. Before the smart cans were deployed roughly 1,130 cans were emptied each day whether they were full or not — now the sensors show only about 90 cans are in need of service daily.  

By more efficiently deploying pick-up staff DPW is expected to cut personnel costs for receptacle cleanup by at least half, while also expanding service.  

The change is also good for the climate, as the elimination of un-needed pickup routes decreases the usage of vehicles and fuel. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 13, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh will be closing Wenzell Avenue from Denlin Street to Banksville Road as part of the second phase of the Wenzell Avenue Reconstruction and Carnahan Bridge Replacement Project. Wenzell Avenue will close Saturday, October 17, 2020, and is projected to end December 15, 2020.

The project consists of the widening of Wenzell Avenue, drainage improvements, new traffic signals and sidewalks. The Contractor for this phase of the project will continue to be Allison Park Contractors.

Signage for detours will be posted and will utilize Crane Avenue and Broadway Avenue.

If you are interested in further information regarding this project and others, please follow this link to our fact sheet: https://pittsburghpa.gov/domi/current-projects/

For information please contact Patrick Bopp with DOMI at patrick.bopp@pittsburghpa.gov.

EMS Swearing-In

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Great Lawn, North Shore Drive

Avenues of Hope Press Conference

Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Larimer Avenue at Mayflower Street, Lincoln-Larimer

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 14, 2020) Mayor William Peduto and the Urban Redevelopment Authority today formally launched the “Avenues of Hope” initiative to reprioritize business district investments in diverse city neighborhoods. 

Avenues of Hope is a place-based, people-first approach that intervenes across all layers of successful, healthy, and sustainable Main Street development in largely Black and diverse neighborhoods across Pittsburgh, focusing on seven major business corridors. This initiative seeks to invest in existing small businesses and residents, supporting the inclusive growth of these neighborhoods. 

The initiative will boost neighborhoods and help support middle-class jobs, families and entrepreneurship. The URA focus will be on housing investment, workforce connectivity, commercial corridor activation, façade renovations, and other impactful MWBE and small business supports.  

The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure will assist with paving, sidewalk improvements, traffic calming and pedestrian enhancement, and Public Works will assist in land maintenance, with the assistance of City Planning. 

Avenues of Hope will also have an affordable housing component and work in conjunction with the City/URA Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 

“Retail follows rooftops. By supporting both business districts and high-quality affordable housing, Avenues of Hope will bring a holistic approach to community revitalization,” Mayor Peduto said. 

The avenues currently targeted for the program are Homewood, Larimer, Centre, Perrysville, Chartiers, Warrington and Irvine Street in Hazelwood. 

“The URA was asked by the City to prioritize development with a focus on building black wealth and community health. What would it mean to intentionally drive investment into Black neighborhoods in a way that centers the preservation and celebration of Black life in Pittsburgh? Avenues of Hope takes the first step towards this kind of holistic community revitalization, revealing economic justice is about action, not rhetoric,” said Diamonte Walker, Deputy Executive Director of the URA. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 15, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh is the latest member of ICLEI’s Global Lead City Network on Sustainable Procurement (GLCN). By joining the network the city has expressed the commitment to take an exemplary role globally in the implementation of sustainable public procurement, to act as a global and regional champion of sustainable procurement, and to collaborate with other cities in the network to exchange experiences and knowledge.

Pittsburgh drives sustainable procurement as a means to be a role model for climate action, local workforce development, fair and green consumption as well as circular use of resources. Through its commitment to equity and climate action, the City of Pittsburgh recognizes the responsibility for sustainable procurement to ensure that their investments are providing key public services while contributing to a better tomorrow for all. 

"Pittsburgh is proud to join the cities in the GLCN as we recognize that climate justice and sustainability must be addressed locally and globally. Procurement is an investment of public money and so it's critical that it be spent in an equitable and responsible way that promotes clean energy and sustainable solutions so that our money, our investments, and our jobs are creating a better Pittsburgh and world for all," said Mayor William Peduto.

Global exchange is valuable whilst operating in a different local context. Pittsburgh already got a first taste of sharing experiences and deep technical procurement insights in a recent exchange with the City of Rotterdam, GLCN member. The exchange focussed on the topic of renewable energy procurement and social return of investment, facilitated with support by the Urban Transition Alliance, a city network and knowledge-exchange hub that supports industrial legacy cities from across the globe to identify common challenges, share knowledge, and develop solutions tailored to their individual sustainable transitions. Through the Alliance, Pittsburgh is embarking on efforts towards reducing 75 per cent of carbon emissions in the city administration by 2030 while seeking to generate up to 110,000 new full-time positions in the renewable energy sector. The key element of this transition is a new platform for electricity procurement to enable Pittsburgh’s buying cooperative, a group of 30 municipal agencies, to shift to renewable energy through power purchase contracts. 

ICLEI USA will support Pittsburgh in the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions impacts associated with the city’s procurement and supply-chains. Working throughout Pennsylvania and the nation, ICLEI USA will share Pittsburgh’s accomplishments as an encouragement for other cities to follow Pittsburgh’s lead.

Becoming a member of the GLCN, Pittsburgh joins a select group of leading cities across the world that set ambitious, quantifiable targets and showcase achievements tackling the climate crisis leveraging procurement as a tool. 

The GLCN is a group of 16 cities committed to drive a transition to sustainable consumption and production by implementing sustainable and innovation procurement. The network is coordinated by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability. Learn more about the GLCN here and explore Pittsburgh’s sustainable procurement profile.

For more information and queries please contact Josefine Hintz, Officer Sustainable Economy and Public Procurement, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability (josefine.hintz@iclei.org). 

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 15, 2020) In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law and recognition of the gaps in service that remain for people with disabilities here in Pittsburgh, the City is implementing the Disability Service Facilitator Program to ensure efficient, integrated service to the disability community while minimizing potential violations to the ADA by City actions. This program will increase efficiency and quality of services, and help the City comply with all state and local accessibility laws. 

The City of Pittsburgh is committed to eliminating barriers to access for individuals with disabilities and promoting equitable access to services and programs. All employees of the City and the departments they serve are required to be in compliance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition to the City’s ADA Coordinator, the newly chosen Disability Service Facilitators will help to increase comprehensive support for people with disabilities by making systemic changes to service. 

“The City is a large entity serving a diverse community that interfaces with each City department differently. The Disability Service Facilitator program is a significant and meaningful step toward making the City’s disability inclusion efforts more holistic and robust,” said Hillary Roman, City of Pittsburgh ADA Coordinator.

The responsibilities of Disability Service Facilitators will include: 

• Act as a liaison between the department and the ADA Coordinator 
• Posses an understanding of how the ADA interfaces with their department
• Advise department director and ADA Coordinator of ADA policy, protocol, implementation, and related accessibility issues
• Work with department and ADA Coordinator to develop action plans to resolve areas of noncompliance and increase equitable delivery of services
• Serve as point person for implementation of their department’s accessibility measures
• Attend City-County Task Force on Disabilities meetings as necessary
• Attend online or in-person trainings on ADA compliance

Each Director has selected a permanent staff member to oversee their department’s ADA compliance. This staff member will understand how the ADA works in their department and oversee resolution of potential issues and will influence front-line practices as they relate to ADA compliance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Hillary Roman

ADA Coordinator

Hillary.Roman@pittsburghpa.gov

Andrew Dash

Director of City Planning

Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov

Pritzker Virtual Forum on Global Cities: Adapting Governance

Time: 11:45 a.m.

Location: YouTube 

SportsPITTSBURGH Online Press Conference on NCAA Events

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Zoom

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 16, 2020) Vehicle owners are reminded to heed alerts from the City and move their vehicles from streets set to be resurfaced starting on Monday, October 19. 

The list of impacted streets is available here. New streets on the list are largely in City Council Districts 1, 2, 4 and 7. 

This year the City is investing nearly $15.7 million in the street resurfacing program, which supports asphalt street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp upgrades on paved streets, and repair of concrete, brick and block stone streets throughout the Pittsburgh.   

Roughly 27 miles of streets will be resurfaced this year. Additional mileage will be resurfaced through cooperation agreements with local public utilities. Mechanical patching will improve many miles more by addressing particular trouble spots on otherwise acceptable street corridors.  

As many residents are staying indoors and sheltering in place, the City is making an extra effort to notify residents to move their vehicles to enable street resurfacing to proceed. Streets scheduled for upcoming paving are posted on the DOMI website and will be publicized through city social media channels.   

Residents who have registered to receive telephone alerts from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will receive robocalls if their street is to be paved the following week (residents can sign up for alerts by 412-255-2423). Paving crews will be placing fliers on vehicle windshields 48 hours in advance. 

Ribbon-cutting for Baxter Parklet

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Frankstown and N. Braddock Avenues, Homewood

Presenting Proclamation for World Food Day

Time: 12:30 p.m.

Location: Energy Innovation Center, Lower Hill District

Release of Community Taskforce on Police Reform Report

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Opening of Astrobotic Technology Office

Time: 3 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA, (October 19, 2020) – The City of Pittsburgh, through the Department of City Planning, released the 2020 Feed Pittsburgh report, a review of the state of food insecurity in the City of Pittsburgh, on World Food Day. 

FeedPGH describes the four dimensions of food insecurity based on the United Nation’s 2018 report, identifies 23 Healthy Food Priority Areas in Pittsburgh through extensive mapping, outlines the City's goals to achieve Zero Hunger, and pinpoints key next steps.

"Food insecurity is a pressing issue for our City. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, one out of every five residents lived in food insecurity. Any amount is unacceptable for our community and the need is only greater now,” said Mayor William Peduto. "It is critical that we acknowledge the movement for racial equity that has swept the country over this summer and which has highlighted many of the challenges faced by our Black neighbors.” 

Looking at food insecurity mapping, it’s clear that equity plays a crucial role in food security. Although only about 12% of Pittsburgh residents reside in one of the Healthy Food Priority Areas, one in three Black residents live in places that lack in food availability, face barriers in food access, and have high rates of diet-related chronic health diseases. 

FeedPGH explores ways to address each of the dimension of food insecurity: 

• Develop food pathways that increase healthy food availability and reduce barriers to food access for the most vulnerable Pittsburghers.
• Develop people, especially youth, to establish a future without food insecurity while ensuring workforce development opportunities and workplace protections now.
• Develop place, deepening opportunities for local food production while investing in Healthy Food Priority Areas.
• Shift culture around how to produce, acquire, consume, and dispose of food to establish a sustainable food system.

“The information (in FeedPGH) provides a foundational tool for the relationship of food and food insecurity to land use and community in comprehensive and neighborhood planning,” said Andrew Dash, Director of City Planning. “It will serve as a decision support tool for everything from guiding development decisions to determining productive reuse of vacant lots as we work to create a City that focuses on solutions for its most vulnerable residents.”

The City is working with community partners including the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council to address these challenges, recently receiving a Healthy City-County Challenge grant from the Aetna Foundation to engage residents.

"Food is essential to our survival. The level of stress created when you can't meet your basic needs is immense, and feeds into all other areas of one's life, increasing the chance of illness and disease,” says Shelly Danko+Day, Food Policy Planner. “There is not one solution to food insecurity. There need to be multiple actions happening simultaneously to alleviate hunger, while at the same time mitigating the causes of food insecurity.”

The full 2020 FeedPGH report and other materials can be found here. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Shelly Danko+Day

Food Policy Planner

Shelly.DankoDay@pittsburghpa.gov

Andrew Dash

Director of City Planning

Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 19, 2020) Mayor William Peduto released the following statement regarding the final report by the Community Taskforce for Police Reform, which he named in June: 

“This amazing work by the Taskforce is more than I ever could have hoped for, and I am humbled and thankful by their exhaustive work on the critical need to reimagine police work in Pittsburgh. As the report notes the work by a diverse group of civic leaders — from corporate, religious and philanthropic entities; unions; health care and community-based service organizations; grassroots activism; and the law — brings the breadth of knowledge and experience that was necessary to take this very complicated and important subject to task. 

Their independently produced recommendations are noted in the report under the focus areas of Eliminating Racial Disparities; Officer Wellness; Reimagining Policing; Recruitment, Training, Education and Hiring; Relations with Pittsburgh’s Fraternal Order of Police; Transparency and Accountability; Use of Force Changes Needed to Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Policy; and Use of Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets, “Flash-Bang” Devices and Other Less Lethal Methods of Crowd Control. 

These recommendations will be our guiding influence as we make changes to police policy and budgeting to restructure police operations to make them more community-driven, safe and supportive for all residents, especially our Black neighbors. With these recommendations we will make real changes to policing, backed up by data and research, to ensure equity, accountability and transparency for all. 

I must also thank Pittsburgh City Council for its initial changes to police methods already put into City law this year. 

This report is only the latest step toward reform, following work we have already done and assistance we need from state and federal legislators. In June I created the Office of Community Health and Safety to redirect city resources to better meet community needs by housing social services, public health and social work experts who can assist first responders. I also called on Harrisburg to promote several police accountability and transparency reforms, and to make it easier for municipalities to immediately release body-worn camera footage. 

I have joined efforts led by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to engage with other city leaders nationwide as we together seek the best practices for reimagine how policing is performed across America, in many ways through the types of changes recommended in the Community Taskforce report. 

In sum, the Taskforce report is a model not only for Pittsburgh but the nation, and is a springboard for actions we must continue to take to protect Black lives.” 

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 19, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure has opened the Monitor to Forward trail, creating a connection for non-vehicular traffic between the residential neighborhoods in that area south of the Squirrel Hill tunnel to Forward Avenue and the Murray Avenue business district.  

The trail, which cost an estimated $50,000, is constructed of compacted aggregate, with asphalt paving through an existing gravel parking lot. It is between the terminus of Monitor Street at Beechwood Boulevard and the parking lot of Solevo Wellness on Forward Avenue. 

Work by DOMI, Folino Construction and Solevo included clearing of overgrowth along the trail alignment; minor grading to improve trail slope; and construction of a gravel trail between the asphalt path and the tie-in at the Solevo parking lot. 

(Before/after photos: DOMI)

No public events scheduled

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 21, 2020) The U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has designated the Bedford Hope Center in the Hill District as the department's latest HUD EnVision Center.

A part of the Bedford Dwellings development, which received a HUD HOPE VI Grant 20 years ago, the Center is a one stop resource for Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) residents. EnVision Centers are those recognized by HUD as being leaders in connecting residents with the resources they need to succeed.

The Bedford Hope Center includes:

• Property management office
• Resident-Self Sufficiency staff
• Audio/video production studio – possibly one of a kind in the nation
• Computer lab
• Child- care center
• After school programs
• Conference rooms
• Classroom space
• Resident employment programs
• Tax assistance
• Financial literacy programs
• Mental health services

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 21, 2020) The Department of Innovation & Performance (I&P) announced today that they will be seeking requests for proposals (RFPs) in November 2020 for NetPGH, a comprehensive, unified fiber internet connectivity network for city facilities.  

In July 2019, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an order requiring cities to pay for institutional networks provided by cable franchise operators. The City of Pittsburgh has provided internet and network connectivity to its facilities using a variety of technologies and providers, with approximately half of its facilities using institutional networks. Anticipating rising costs from institutional networks combined with Mayor William Peduto’s goal for a resilient tool to connect city government and its residents, I&P is conducting a competitive bidding process for NetPGH to provide a streamlined network and unified experience for city facilities to improve standards of service, delivery, and availability.  

The RFP will seek a partner or a private-public partnership to build or lease a high availability fiber network that will sustain service for the city into the future. NetPGH will provide fiber connectivity to all city buildings including fire stations, EMS stations, recreation and healthy active living centers, and public safety infrastructure. Facility upgrades will include wiring to enable NetPGH and will promote efficiency in the delivery of public services.  

NetPGH will also help facilitate future plans for critical network use such as creating Smart Corridors by connecting the city’s traffic management system to use high-bandwith technology to prioritize transit vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. NetPGH will also support Mayor Peduto’s digital equity initiatives, like Rec2Tech that provides coding and technology-based education to youth, by providing high-quality internet connectivity at recreation centers and should enable future deployments of public WiFi in the city.  

The budgeted amount for the project is $1.5 million per year, which constitutes about 10% of the annual technology budget. The City hopes to find partners that can offer subsidies or additional outside funding to the project. The total investment of a built network is estimated to be above $10 million. 

The RFP will be available on the City’s procurement portal, Beacon.  

Virtual Meeting on Operating Budget

Time: Noon

Verizon/US Conference of Mayors Online Panel on Eliminating Poverty with Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon; Hugh Evans, Founder and CEO of Global Citizen; Carmine Di Sibio, Global Chairman and CEO of EY; Mayor De La Isla of Topeka, KS; Mayor Tubbs of Stockton, CA; and Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the USCM.

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Pre-Registration Required

Virtual Meeting on Capital Budget

Time: 4 p.m.

Interview with Danielle Ziri of Haaretz Magazine

Time: 12:30 p.m.

Police Promotions

Time 2 p.m.

Online Briefing on Marshall Plan for Middle America

Time: 3:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 22, 2020) The Public Art & Civic Design Division (PACD) of the Department of City Planning is pleased to announce the unveiling of a large public art project in the newly renovated Wightman Park in Squirrel Hill. 

The free-standing sculptures were designed and fabricated by artists Oreen Cohen and Alison Zapata of OOA Designs. OOA DESIGNS is a woman owned and operated artist collaboration between founders Oreen Cohen and Alison Zapata, established in 2018. They create aesthetic and functional public art that embraces color, forms and nature within their collaborative work. OOA developed, produced, and fabricated the Wightman Park sculptures between 2018-2020. 

This City of Pittsburgh project was administered by PACD in collaboration with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and Council District 8. Funding came from DPW’s Capital Budget to meet the City’s Percent For Art requirement. The artists were selected through an RFP process, and have been working with DPW and Pashek + MTR to install the artwork.

Cohen and Zapata incorporated Wightman Park’s water and pollinator conservancy initiatives while also considering the history of the site as a glass manufacturing plant. The four large-scale sculptures of this installation are inspired by a waterfall, a bee hive, and pollinator insects. The works, titled Cascade (the bench), Transform, Pollinate, and Illuminate (the bugs), use a zero-waste model that incorporates laser cut stainless steel to reflect the park’s nature and new storm water run-off design. 

During meetings held by Council and the City, the community expressed wanting to see Wightman Park represented as a historical site of the Lorenz and Wightman Glass manufacturers. To commemorate this, eleven plates of dichroic borosilicate glass are inserted into the negative boulder shapes of the large waterfall sculpture. These glass pieces were purchased from the last standing glass production facility in Pittsburgh, Jeanette Glass. These fine details to the final aesthetic of the sculptures adds dimension not only to the artwork but activates the park as a reflective and welcoming site that incorporates the visions of community, history, and its future. OOA partnered with the Pittsburgh Glass Center, glass artist Ashley McFarland, and Protohaven Makerspace in the production of this work. 

OOA Designs’ intentions in designing these sculptures was to fabricate considerate aesthetic designs that build connections with the immediate environment, communities, and functions of place. The no-waste process incorporates often discarded pieces into their concepts. Made in collaboration with a local Pittsburgh industrial facility, the production of the laser-cut stainless steel created negative and positive organic shapes. The “drops” or “fall outs” that normally are scraped were used to create three of the sculptures. 

In December of 2019, OOA ran a workshop using the drop cuts from a small scale wooden model to work with the young students at the Carriage House Children's Center across the street from the park. The children puzzled together the pieces into what inspired the creation of the pollinator bugs. In the fabrication process, OOA used the steel drop pieces to create the three pollinator bugs (a butterfly, a bee, and a lighting bug) to be placed in the meadow areas of the park. Now, the children playing in the park will be able to remember that their vision had a part in creating these monumental works of art.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Oreen Cohen

Lead Project Artist, OOA Designs

585-732-8885

ooadesigns@gmail.com

Anthony Cavalline

Arts, Culture, and History Specialist, PACD

Anthony.Cavalline@pittsburghpa.gov 

Andrew Dash

Director of City Planning

Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov

(Graphic: OOA Designs)