2024 Election Guide
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“Governor Shapiro believed in our vision and provided the critical investments that will position Downtown Pittsburgh to secure and deepen its role as the economic and cultural heart of Southwestern Pennsylvania.”
“With the determination of such strong public/private partnerships, I am confident we will succeed in the bold and ambitious work ahead of us to transform Pittsburgh, capitalize on emerging industries, and offer a world-class destination to live and work.”
Pittsburgh, PA – On Oct 25th, Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled a groundbreaking 10-year plan aimed at revitalizing Downtown Pittsburgh to continue driving our economic growth, culture, and industry. Alongside Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, the Governor convened a diverse group of stakeholders — elected officials, corporate leaders, private developers, organized labor, nonprofits, and artists — to collaborate on building more housing, enhancing public spaces, and improving cleanliness, safety, and affordability in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The Commonwealth is committing over $62 million in the first four years of the plan, which is projected to spur nearly $600 million in total investments, creating over 3,500 construction jobs. The City of Pittsburgh is committing $22.1 million through the Urban Redevelopment Authority. A coalition of private sector leaders and regional foundations has pledged more than $40 million in additional funding, supporting specific, shovel-ready projects to be completed by the end of 2028.
Key Highlights of the Downtown Pittsburgh Revitalization plan:
-- Mixed-Use and Residential Construction Projects: Investment in seven major projects to create or preserve nearly 1,000 residential units, with a focus on affordable housing.
-- Public Space Revitalization: Significant funding to transform iconic spaces such as 8th Street Block, Point State Park, and Market Square, making them vibrant destinations for residents and visitors.
-- Community Safety, Business Support, and Vibrant Downtown: Boosting investments into local businesses, public safety and cleaner streets, and fostering a thriving local arts scene
This comprehensive strategy aims to make Downtown Pittsburgh a safer, cleaner, and more culturally vibrant place to live, work, and play. Read more about the complete list of projects in Pittsburgh’s 10-year downtown revitalization plan(opens in a new tab), with Commonwealth funding details and digital project renderings(opens in a new tab).
Just this month, Governor Shapiro highlighted several major economic milestones for the Pittsburgh region, including the launch(opens in a new tab) of the nation’s first NVIDIA AI Tech Community, a strategic Commonwealth investment(opens in a new tab) in Mainspring Energy, and the completion(opens in a new tab) of essential repairs on the Neville Island Bridge — each contributing to Pittsburgh's growth and resilience.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has been focused on making Pennsylvania more competitive on a national scale, attracting more businesses, and creating good-paying job — securing nearly $3 billion in private sector investments to create economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians and making transformational investments in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 budgets.
Read what elected officials and community and economic development leaders are saying about the historic investments and plan for Downtown Pittsburgh:
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis: “I grew up here in Allegheny County, and I know that a strong Downtown Pittsburgh is critical for our entire region. While some may view Pennsylvania’s downtowns, Main Streets, and central business districts as relics of the past, the Governor and I see them as engines for our economic future. What we will do here in Pittsburgh can be a blueprint for community revitalization efforts across the Commonwealth.”
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey: “Central business districts across the country are facing enormous challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. What sets our experience in Pittsburgh apart is the partnerships we’ve built to lead Downtown Pittsburgh into the future. When I came into office, I promised we’d get to work, not only to restore, but to reimagine a more vibrant downtown, filled with opportunity. A goal this ambitious couldn’t be met without convening every stakeholder to create a plan for businesses, residents, and visitors alike. In close partnership with the County Executive, we convened our regional leadership and presented the Commonwealth with a united vision for Downtown and the resources needed to achieve it. I’m thankful that Governor Shapiro believed in our vision and provided the critical investments that will position Downtown Pittsburgh to secure and deepen its role as the economic and cultural heart of Southwestern Pennsylvania.”
Senator Jay Costa: “On Oct 25th’s substantial initiative and investment will transform Downtown Pittsburgh into a community full of art, business, safety, and tourism, which will spur growth for the entire region. Downtown Pittsburgh, like many core urban neighborhoods, was hit hard by the pandemic and has struggled to regain its footing. But by banding together, we have restored our downtown before, and we are prepared to do it again, sparking a new and better era. Reinvigorating Downtown will take the cooperation and leadership of state and city government, private industry, and the foundation community. I look forward to these groups coming together and restoring Downtown to its full glory.”
Senator Wayne Fontana: “I commend Governor Shapiro for his bold leadership by investing in Downtown Pittsburgh, its residents, businesses, public spaces, and cultural assets. Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, it’s important we all work together to get the safe, clean, accessible, vibrant, and forward moving Downtown we all want, and that this city and this region deserves. With challenges can come opportunity, and we have a big opportunity to reimagine a sustainable 21st century Downtown Pittsburgh.”
Representative Aerion Abney: “This investment in Pittsburgh will allow us to reimagine the downtown experience, where everyone can enjoy all the downtown will have to offer. These funds will help position the downtown community as a place that attracts more residents, businesses, and those looking for social and recreational activity for years to come. Thank you to Governor Shapiro and DCED for their continued collaboration in Pittsburgh’s prosperity.”
Congresswoman Summer Lee: ““Across the country, downtowns are facing serious challenges in the wake of COVID-19, but Pittsburgh is coming together to build a downtown where everyone can thrive. Thanks to Mayor Gainey, County Executive Innamorato, and Governor Shapiro’s commitment, nearly $600 million will fund efforts like converting historic sites such as Gulf Tower, The Porter, and First and Market, into almost 1,000 new residential units — nearly 1/3 of them affordable housing. This work is building a livable, inclusive neighborhood, and I’m excited to continue collaborating with our regional leaders to save downtown and make Pittsburgh a national model for recovery.”
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY LEADERS:
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato: “I’m thrilled to be a partner in this work and on Oct 25th’s announcement of nearly $600 million to be invested in Pittsburgh’s downtown to make it a more livable, vibrant, safe, and clean neighborhood where everyone can feel comfortable and welcomed. Allegheny County is working hard to incentivize conversions from commercial to residential buildings, and through our Department of Human Services we are leading the way on providing help to our unhoused neighbors and people in need of mental health and substance use disorder treatment so everyone can feel safe and welcomed downtown.”
David L. Holmberg, President & CEO, Highmark Health and Chairman of the Board of the Allegheny Conference and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: “Building and renovating residential projects, reinventing and reinvigorating major public spaces, and creating a cleaner, safe, and relevant downtown further the Allegheny Conference’s vision for the region. With this vote of confidence and support as well as the determination of such strong public/private partnerships, I am confident we will succeed in the bold and ambitious work ahead of us to transform Pittsburgh, capitalize on emerging industries, and offer a world-class destination to live and work.”
Shawn Fox, President, Oxford Development Company: “Oxford and RDC are excited to partner with state and local government, as well as other Pittsburgh area developers, to bring online top-quality residential units for folks looking to live in a reimagined and revitalized downtown neighborhood. With Governor Shapiro’s leadership and through the strong public-private partnerships formed over the last several months, we look forward to doing our part in repositioning the Golden Triangle for future success.”
Greg Bernarding, Business Manager, Pittsburgh Regional Building & Construction Trades Council: “Pittsburgh's building and construction trades are some of the hardest working, most skilled workers in the country. Governor Shapiro knows this, and that's why we stand here with him and our other local and statewide leaders today to announce our strong support for this plan for Downtown Pittsburgh. I’ve always said I want our trades men and women to have plenty of work right here, where their families are, so they can contribute to our economy and community. This plan does just that — creating over 3,500 construction jobs downtown and giving our union workers the opportunity to provide for their families while rebuilding the city they know and love. We appreciate Governor Shapiro's continued commitment to our city and region, and we stand ready and eager to build Pittsburgh's future."
URA Executive Director Susheela Nemani-Stanger: “On Oct 25th, marks a significant moment in our city’s history. I'm thankful to Governor Shapiro and DCED Secretary Siger for their support of our plan. Built through a collaborative process with local public and private partners, we’ve illustrated a solid vision-to-action strategy to advance the revitalization of Downtown. Historically, the URA has led countless site-specific economic development and financing strategies to rebuild the city and position our residents for success. We know that with thoughtful planning, vision, and investment strategies, as well as forming a collective energy amongst our regional partners, we can create a place where future generations will want to stay. The challenge we now face is also a new opportunity to provide for a diversity of quality and affordable housing, job creation, infrastructure, and placemaking for our regional core.”
Jeremy Waldrup, President & CEO, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership: “On Oct 25th’s announcement marks a transformative milestone in the journey to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh. The collaboration between public and private partners sets the foundation for a vibrant, thriving urban center, benefiting everyone who lives, works, and visits here. With sustained focus on key areas, Downtown Pittsburgh will continue to be a hub of growth, innovation, and community. We are deeply grateful for Governor Shapiro's steadfast support during this pivotal phase and for the invaluable contributions of local leaders."
Emmai Alaquiva, Vice Chair, PCA: "The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is thrilled to join this collaborative funding effort, recognizing that a vibrant creative sector is catalytic to the health and vitality of our communities. As an artist based in Pittsburgh, I’ve seen firsthand how arts and culture impacted my life and transformed neighborhoods throughout the Commonwealth. From grassroots arts initiatives to the iconic Cultural District, home to treasures like the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and the many festivals that animate our streets—Pittsburgh simply wouldn’t be the same without its rich artistic landscape.”
See what Pennsylvanians are reading about these historic investments and plan for Downtown Pittsburgh:
WPXI: Governor Shapiro announces historic plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh(opens in a new tab)
KDKA: Pittsburgh gets $600 million to revitalize Downtown over next decade