Josh Shapiro, Governor | Pennsylvania Government
One year after the launch of a plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh, Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined local officials and community leaders to announce progress in efforts to improve the area. The event took place on the North Shore outside Acrisure Stadium, with representatives from Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, law enforcement, and leadership from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates present.
The initiative has led to several outcomes over the past year. Homelessness encampments have been reduced by 93 percent, with all major encampments closed. This has resulted in safer public spaces and new housing opportunities for unhoused residents that include supportive services.
Efforts to clean city streets have included power-washing more than 3 million square feet of sidewalks and alleyways by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. The organization also provided rent abatements and pop-up storefronts aimed at supporting small businesses and reducing vacancies.
Public safety measures have expanded as well. With support from state government, Pittsburgh hired more than 50 new police officers and increased its public safety presence downtown. Both the Steelers and Pirates contributed $1 million each toward strengthening co-responder mental health teams, expanding youth outreach at the Jordan Miles Youth Center, adding patrol officers, and supporting homelessness outreach.
Reported homicides are down 30 percent compared to last year and have decreased by 55 percent since 2022 during the same period.
Seven mixed-use residential projects are moving forward as part of these efforts. These developments will create or preserve nearly 1,000 residential units—about one-third designated as affordable for low-to-moderate income residents. Six projects involve converting unused office space into housing.
Governor Shapiro launched this ten-year strategy last October in partnership with private sector organizations, local government entities, corporate leaders, and nonprofits. The goal is to build more housing while improving public spaces’ safety, cleanliness, and affordability. Since then, nearly $600 million in investment has been secured: $62.6 million from state funds; $27.1 million from local government; $376.9 million from private capital; plus additional federal funding along with contributions from foundations and corporate donors. These investments are expected to generate over 3,500 construction jobs within four years.
“Pittsburgh's success shows what happens when we bring everyone to the table - state, city, county, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders - and focus on delivering real results,” said Governor Shapiro. “Because we came together, Pittsburgh is already cleaner and safer, with more opportunity for all. We're turning old office buildings into new housing, investing in parks and public spaces, and creating opportunities for families and businesses alike. This is only the beginning - these projects will strengthen Downtown for decades to come - and I'm proud to report that Pittsburgh is on the rise.”
Speakers at the announcement included Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato; David Morehouse of the Pittsburgh Steelers; Travis Williams of the Pittsburgh Pirates; Mayor Ed Gainey; Commander Timothy Novosel of Pittsburgh Police; Erin Dalton of Allegheny County Department of Human Services; Senator Wayne Fontana (PA’s 42nd Senatorial District); Leader Jay Costa (PA’s 43rd Senatorial District); along with Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis.
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