$600M to go toward revitalizing Downtown Pittsburgh as part of 10-year plan

PITTSBURGH — A new, historic plan aims to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration announced Friday that elected officials, corporate leaders, private developers, organized labor, nonprofits and artists from Pittsburgh came together for this collective effort to improve Downtown.

Projects are already in the works that have equaled about $600 million, all of which are part of the initial phase of the plan and are expected to wrap in 2028.

As part of this effort, the Shapiro Administration is investing $62.6 million and the City of Pittsburgh is committing $22.1 million through the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

A broad coalition of private sector leaders and regional foundations have committed more than $40 million in additional funding. Those public and nonprofit dollars will help spur an additional $376.9 million in private sector investment from real estate developers Downtown.

“Pittsburgh is a great city, and in order for our Commonwealth to thrive, we need to ensure Downtown Pittsburgh is a hub of innovation, opportunity, and culture,” said Governor Shapiro. “With the Commonwealth’s significant support, we have a plan to invest in and revitalize Downtown – and help it reach its full potential as a great neighborhood where thousands of Pennsylvanians can live, work, enjoy safe public spaces, and contribute to our vibrant culture. Pittsburgh’s elected officials, corporate leaders, sports teams, nonprofits, union workers, and artists are all behind this plan – and together, we will write the next chapter of this great city’s story.”

DCED estimates the investments announced today as part of this plan will create over 3,500 construction jobs over the next four years.

“I grew up here in Allegheny County, and I know that a strong Downtown Pittsburgh is critical for our entire region,” said Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. “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.”

The strategy to revitalize the Golden Triangle focuses on three primary objectives to make Downtown more livable, vibrant, safer and cleaner:

• Downtown Pittsburgh will move forward with seven major mixed-use development and housing projects, using $501.1 million in combined capital to create or preserve nearly 1,000 residential units – nearly a third of those units being affordable for residents with low-to-moderate incomes.
• The plan invests significant public and private funding to transform three iconic public spaces in Downtown Pittsburgh, including Point State Park, the 8th Street Block Civic Space and Market Square and Liberty Avenue Medians.
• Multiple agencies are coming together to back a series of initiatives to support local businesses, invest in public safety and street cleaning and growing the local arts scene.

“Today’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,” said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “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.”

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