Sustainability

Hazelwood community members talking to developers about the Hazelwood Green development. They are pointing to different sections of the master plan and writing comments. Hazelwood development community meeting. Photo by Annie O'Neill

Overview

The Endowments’ Sustainability strategic funding area incorporates the activities of the foundation’s former Environment & Health and Community & Economic Development program departments. The Sustainability funding area seeks to address underlying threats to Pittsburgh’s quality of life while focusing on opportunities to support the region’s health, safety and prosperity, now and for the future.

The Sustainability area’s vision is to contribute to a Just Pittsburgh, where economic and community development and healthy environment systems protect and benefit all citizens, where race, experience, identity and zip code do not determine life outcomes, where air and water are safe and where large sections of poor and vulnerable populations are not left behind.

As part of our Sustainability strategy, the Endowments seeks to improve the economic position of marginalized populations and places by advancing a clean economy, protecting the environment and public health and pursuing equitable development.

The Endowments also is focused on reducing disparities in our broad community related to environmental health, increasing access to healthy foods and successfully reintegrating veterans and their families into our community, in recognition of the assets they represent for our region.

Goals & Strategies
Goal 1: Inclusive Economy

Improve people's economic position through higher wages, family-sustaining employment and entrepreneurship.

Strategies:

  • Connect workers on the margins to family-sustaining employment.
  • Expand minority entrepreneurs’ access to capital and business development assistance.
  • Bolster opportunities for minority entrepreneurs to manage and increase their own income.
  • Connect opportunities from the innovation economy to all residents.


Endowments point of contact: Rob Stephany, Director, Community & Economic Development

Goal 2: Clean Economy

Advance a clean economy with renewables, green infrastructure and climate-friendly solutions.

Strategies:

  • Implement renewable and alternative energy solutions.
  • Apply green infrastructure best management practices to improve the water quality in Pittsburgh’s rivers and streams while providing secondary benefits to communities.
  • Promote innovative strategies at the neighborhood, local and regional level to reduce climate pollution.


Endowments point of contact: Philip Johnson, Director, Environment & Health

Goal 3: Equitable Development

Pursue socially just economic opportunity so that distressed neighborhoods thrive without displacing vulnerable residents.

Strategies:

  • Target distressed neighborhoods that are adjacent to strong markets that can leverage public and private capital to improve housing markets without displacing vulnerable residents.
  • Embrace first-in-class civic design.
  • Connect Pittsburgh through “complete streets,” transit-oriented development and alternative transportation.
  • Engage the arts and artists in socially just community revitalization, ennobling culture and neighborhood beautification.


Endowments point of contact:  Rob Stephany, Director, Community & Economic Development

Goal 4: Environment & Public Health

Restore and protect Pittsburgh’s environmental systems, and enhance its public health.

Strategies:

  • Protect all populations from disproportionate harm caused by pollution and reduce environmental health burdens, especially among those experiencing environmental injustice.
  • Encourage socially and environmentally responsible use of western Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
  • Deepen community engagement and leadership networks through education, outreach and advocacy.
  • Advance independent, comprehensive and fact-based scientific knowledge to foster healthy environments.


Endowments point of contact: Philip Johnson, Director, Environment & Health

Goal 5: Food Systems

Promote community health and vitality through sustainable food systems, especially in food deserts.

Strategies:

  • Improve access to fresh, healthy, local foods in low-income neighborhoods.
  • Promote urban agriculture as a means of increasing food security and educating participants about food systems.


Endowments point of contact: Andrew McElwaine, VP of Sustainability

Goal 6. Military Veterans

Create communities where military veterans and their families are welcomed, valued and understood.

Strategies:

  • Create easy-to-navigate pipelines to family-sustaining jobs, services, and opportunities for veterans and service members in the region.
  • Equip post-9/11 veterans and service members with the skills and networks necessary to become regional leaders.
  • Promote changes in workforce initiatives, social services, program funding and community conversations about veterans by supporting and advancing the narrative that veterans are assets for the region.
  • Work proactively and preventatively in the support of veterans, service members and family members, and promote best practices to impact predominantly reactive public policy.


Endowments point of contact: Megan Andros, Program Officer, Community & Economic Development

Hazelwood Green

Hazelwood Green video outlines stunning transformation of former steel mill site into community-guided development

Hazelwood Green, a shared initiative of the Endowments, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, and Richard King Mellon Foundation, is a former steel mill site on 178 acres of Hazelwood’s riverfront along the Monongahela. Through deep community partnerships – and guided by tenets of equity and ecological sustainability - the twenty-year project has seen major progress in recent months. The openings of the Plaza at Hazelwood Green and The Roundhouse, the expansion of Mill 19, and significant new investment announcements are sparking international interest in the site. Watch this short video to learn more.  

 

Mapping the Navigation Systems of Pennsylvania: Opportunities for the Future

When a person in our community needs help, they must navigate an ever-changing landscape of benefits, services and programs scattered across an array of providers. The Endowments-funded “Mapping the Navigation Systems of Pennsylvania: Opportunities for the Future” dives into the real-world challenges – and considerable opportunities – of connecting individuals to services in today’s world.

As the Endowments’ Sustainability team found that an increasing number of our grantees were inquiring about assistance to develop networks to better connect with their potential beneficiaries, we wanted to learn more about the services navigation sector. This report offers a state-wide view of what it takes to overcome barriers to services, focusing on 20 independent navigation systems, 50% of which were created since 2016.

Capturing the Next Economy: Pittsburgh’s rise as a global innovation city

Pittsburgh’s innovation economy is strong and growing, but city leaders can do more with its existing assets to compete globally and capitalize on the region’s growing innovation clusters, according to a new report from the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Initiative on Innovation and Placemaking at the Brookings Institution.

The culmination of an 18-month study, “Capturing the Next Economy: Pittsburgh’s rise as a global innovation city” examines Pittsburgh’s unique opportunity to become a top global destination for technology-based economic activity and as a key part of Pittsburgh’s efforts to become a world-class innovation city.

Program Staff
Andrew S. McElwaine
Andrew S. McElwaine Vice President, Sustainability
Megan Andros
Megan Andros Program Director for Veterans
Matthew  Barron
Matthew Barron Program Director, Sustainability
Philip R.S. Johnson
Philip R.S. Johnson Senior Program Director, Environment & Health
Rob Stephany
Rob Stephany Senior Program Director, Community & Economic Development
Mary M.
Mary M. Program Assistant, Community & Economic Development
Ruth Hodsoll
Ruth Hodsoll Administrative Assistant, Sustainability
Corinne Connor
Corinne Connor Program Analyst, Sustainability

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Issue 2, 2022

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Secretary Russell Redding Tours Pittsburgh Urban Ag Sites in 6th Annual Visit
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Pittsburgh hospital workers say short staffing and low pay is causing burnout, survey finds
On Media: Audacy returning WAMO to its rightful place as Pittsburgh’s urban radio station
Twenty-Four Rising Black Professionals Step Forward: TALI Celebrates Graduates of Its New "Emerging Leaders Program"
Pittsburgh is the latest city to gain a freeway capping park
On Media: Pittsburgh journalist Nick Childers provides firsthand accounts from Ukraine
Pittsburgh's bike share rolling out new fleet, including e-bikes
Bike Share Pittsburgh gets new bikes and a new system with a new name: POGOH
Pittsburgh real estate development is becoming more the province of tech in Hazelwood and beyond
Pittsburgh City Council approves 2 department heads appointed by Mayor Ed Gainey
Joseph Sabino Mistick: The path ahead for Mayor Gainey
A generational opportunity for leapfrog growth and global economic leadership in Pittsburgh
Almono & Carnegie Mellon University reach agreements with Tishman Speyer to accelerate transformation of Hazelwood Green
Global developer hired to transform old Hazelwood coke works into robotics, AI and life sciences hub
Hazelwood Green, Pittsburgh’s largest development site, has a new lead developer
New York firm to develop 178-acre Hazelwood Green site in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh fire and EMS have run-down fleets and staffing issues, report shows
Grant Oliphant shares his successes and disappointments serving Pittsburgh — and why it’s time to move on
Obituary: James Mellon Walton | Executive who shaped Carnegie museums, Carnegie Library and Heinz Endowments
Nine housing and development issues facing the Gainey administration
Takeoff imminent, destination debatable: It’s decision time on Pittsburgh’s ‘next frontier’ for redevelopment
Digging it: RIDC preparing to do more development work at Hazelwood Green
Finalists Selected for Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award
Broadband companies need workers for high-speed internet projects. Military veterans could be a perfect match.
Progress continues on Beltzhoover school revitalization
First Tee Pittsburgh opens Arnold Palmer Learning Center in Schenley Park
$500,000 grant boosts affordable housing efforts in Hazelwood
Study links more asthma cases to 2018 Clairton Coke Works fire
E-bikes coming to Healthy Ride bike share thanks to grant from Heinz Endowments
Former Hazelwood coke works being considered for green manufacturing plant
Law meant to push drilling further from houses had little impact, study finds
Christmas Eve 2018 Clairton Coke Works fire made asthma worse for sufferers nearby
Study finds 2018 Clairton coke works fire impacted asthma patients
Community members hear plans, give input on Hazelwood Green project
‘Genuine Pittsburgh’: Hazelwood riverfront plan pumps new life into old industrial relics
From a marina to floating patios, plan for reimagining Hazelwood riverfront set to be unveiled
Pittsburgh officials seek proposals to develop former Beltzhoover Elementary
Fracking chemicals are showing up in bodies of people who live near drilling, research finds
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Gas industry hasn’t delivered on its economic promise to communities, report says
Business group's report claims region's air is getting cleaner, faster
Report: Shale gas boom counties saw little growth in local jobs, income
Study: Pittsburgh Kids Near Polluting Sites Have Higher Asthma Rates
Asthma Prevalence and Control among Schoolchildren Residing near Outdoor Air Pollution Sites
Historic roundhouse at Hazelwood Green being transformed into technology center
Post-9/11 Veterans Having Trouble Connecting to Others
For Clairton's most vulnerable, indoor air purifiers a lifesaver
Conservancy preserves 27 acres of South Huntingdon farm land on Earth Day
Once a foil of the city’s master builders, Sam Williamson now guides the URA while leading a union, advocates and a political ‘army’
'A Moving Target': Getting To The Heart Of Pittsburgh’s Mon-Oakland Connector Plan
New study identifies which veterans are using programs to gain employment
Could the Ohio River have rights? A movement emerges, testing the power of local control
Civic group proposes improvements to Mon Valley transit options
PAServes - Greater Pittsburgh best in U.S. for connecting returning veterans with essential services
Neighbors help open community center in Sharpsburg
Is 3-D Visualization Software the Future of Urban Planning?
Residents urged to weigh in on future of Neville Island’s former Shenango coke plant
Call For Nominations: 2020 Leopold Farm Conservation Award And $10,000 Prize
Old Hazelwood locomotive roundhouse to host tech, co-working space
1,000 Hours a Year initiative helps schools address lead, radon, air quality
Alcosan wet weather overflows much bigger than previously known
Gaining steam -- old locomotive roundhouse could be next Hazelwood Green redevelopment
Mapping a path to more equitable housing
Developers wanted: Consultant to help forge the future of Hazelwood Green
Mt-Glen Farms Earns Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award
Dean & Rebecca Jackson Of Mt-Glen Farms In Bradford County Receive PA Leopold Conservation Award
Help for Hispanics: A new business incubator and coworking space opens in Beechview
CMU Study Shows Natural Gas In The Region Has Brought Economic Benefits, But Also Premature Deaths
Autonomous vehicle company Aptiv moving to Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood Green
Hello Neighbor, local refugee mentoring agency, creates national network
Industrial Arts Workshop brings youth-based arts and workforce development to Hazelwood
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Are Focus of New Center
Key takeaways from the Climate Action Summit
Peduto: Fossil fuel industries will take toll on Pittsburgh region
‘Science Is Pointing To The Need For Immediate Action’: Mayor Peduto, Leaders Meet In Pittsburgh For Climate Action Summit
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Environmental groups secure air protections at proposed Ohio cracker plant
Third economic summit set for October
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Group Against Smog & Pollution Announces 2019 Michelle Madoff Environmental Excellence Award Winners
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Mill 19 in Pittsburgh hosts new ARM headquarters, Catalyst Connection
Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected
Mill 19 at Hazelwood Green now open, 15 years in the making
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State and U.S. lawmakers lead discussion on veteran suicide, tout bills
As home prices rise, neighborhoods turn to community land trusts to preserve affordability
Carnegie Mellon looks to expand its presence at Hazelwood Green
CMU moves to boost its presence at Hazelwood Green with land acquisition
Ricardo Iamuuri Robinson to project veteran voices with new public art residency
PHFA announces funding to redevelop mixed-use building in Homewood
Work Hard Pittsburgh and New Sun Rising receive $950,000 in tech workforce development grants
A New Tool From PPT Aims To Expand Rapid Bus Service
Pittsburghers for Public Transit launches website to spur transit development in east suburbs, Mon Valley
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Pittsburghers for Public Transit begins planning for better service to Mon Valley, east suburbs
New study details outcomes from long-term environmental justice partnership in East End
New Pittsburgh coalition aims to boost jobs for military families
Pittsburgh employers’ alliance announces launch of first data-centric Veteran Employment Coalition
'Breathing life into Braddock': Crazy Mocha founder still has plans for vacant Cuda Building
Walkabout: Youth orchard activates long-awaited Hilltop Urban Farm
Hazelwood Initiative buying 63 properties to preserve affordability
Steely resolve: Carnegie Mellon University fuels Pittsburgh's post-industrial reinvention
Industrial buildings tell Pittsburgh’s story. Preserving them is costly and takes dedication.
Making Space for Equitable Development in Pittsburgh
The Foundations That Work on Environmental Health, with an Eye on Building Power
Hazelwood Green opens to the public with streets and 1.9 mile trail
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Smell Something, Say Something: Carnegie Mellon and Seventh Generation Partner to Take Action Against Air Pollution with “Smell MyCity” App
How is the success of economic development measured? It depends on who you ask.
Filled storefronts and rising rents: How developers and residents view change in five areas of Pittsburgh
Oakland block party kicks off new streetscape initiative
Bridge to prosperity: Peduto says link between hilltop neighborhoods, Hazelwood would spur development
Have environmentalists lost their battle to thwart the petrochemical industry in Southwest PA?
A rail company claims a faster route through Pittsburgh for double-stack trains will reduce pollution. Here’s why some remain opposed.
Kids, teach your teachers well about environmental awareness
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Keystone Research Center report asks: How can AI create jobs, rather than destroy them?
Pittsburgh's neighborhood boosters face changing landscape
Harvest Home Farms In Northampton County Receives Sand County Foundation Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award
Pittsburghers for Public Transit to recommend Mon Valley transit improvements
What does Pittsburgh’s Hilltop Urban Farm need to do to mitigate a food desert? Access to healthy food may only be a start.
Teen’s asthma frames town’s struggle with dirty air
From global to local, a mix of developers set their sights on Hazelwood Green
Teenager’s asthma, in shadow of Clairton Coke Works, frames town’s struggle with dirty air
Catalyst Connection is moving to Hazelwood Green
Endowments launches new veterans media campaign
Allegheny Land Trust, regional partners launch interactive mapping tool
Hazelwood Green makes progress, but it could take 20 more years
Redevelopment of former Hazelwood mill site moves forward
Proposed Allegheny County ordinance would create oil and gas lease registry
25 years, 25 green buildings. See them all here.
Rethink Perception Exhibition Returns for the Gallery Crawl
Pittsburgh Collaboratory For Water Research Hosts Let’s Talk About Water - Steel to Sustainable Sept.
Innovation Works’ 20 years of supporting Pittsburgh startups: ‘We’re not resting on our laurels’
Updated Plan For Hazelwood Green Built On Flexibility, Sustainability
Pittsburgh Planning Commission briefed on details of Hazelwood Green development
‘Where are these folks supposed to go?’ Hazelwood renewal comes with fears of displacement
Women-powered incubator & coworking space The Hollander set to open next week in Braddock
16 women veterans who 'deserve our recognition': 100 Years of Heroes
National firm to design plaza for Pittsburgh's last large mill site
Hazelwood Green, Pittsburgh Selects Gustafson Guthrie Nichol As Public Plaza Designer
We’re on the cusp of a civic data surge
CMU's air pollution-spotting Breathe Cam network expands to Mon Valley
Speaker: Erie’s racial disparities not unique
Startups and the city: Why PGH Lab connects civic-minded companies with local gov
Famous private land conservation award added by Farm Bureau
Can Stefani Pashman remake the Allegheny Conference for the 21st century?
Solar panels at Sharpsburg Community Library could mean savings for borough
Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto to celebrate Frick's first-in-U.S. Living Building certification
Notes on p4 2018: provocative talks and solid research about Pittsburgh’s future
Murrysville native headed to Montana to document Superfund river clean-up
Circles of Greater Pittsburgh has hit high marks despite rocky start
How perceptions about natural gas production, climate change have changed
New WITF Conservation Heritage Documentary: Rachel Carson -Voice Of Nature
First Lady Frances Wolf Joins Adjutant General And Pennsylvania Commission For Women To Honor Female Veterans During Women’s History Month
The People Have Spoken! Landforce Winner Of Google Impact Challenge In Pittsburgh
Brian O'Neill: In these 'tranquil' city hollows, voices rise
Want to learn about the polluted air you breathe? Start here.
Opening Doors to the Outdoors: A Legacy of Advocacy and Play — free panel discussion
Ready or not: Tech boom brings complex changes to Pittsburgh’s real estate market
With or without HQ2, Hazelwood home sales picking up speed
Connecting reporters with experts, Sciline wants to improve the quality of today’s science reporting
New Oakland-based partnership focused on building Pittsburgh’s Innovation Economy
Karen Abrams shares her passion for Pittsburgh neighborhoods and the great outdoors
What will emerge from the launch of InnovatePGH?
Pittsburgh leaders announce InnovatePGH partnership
Public-private partnership formed to feed city's tech economy
List Of Design Teams Announced For Public Plaza At Hazelwood Green Site In Allegheny County
New frontiers: A clever CMU program scouts out the latest in artificial intelligence
St. Francis University releases comprehensive review on energy development
Millvale event helps educate about lead exposure
Pittsburgh Organization Offering Free Water Filters, Hosting Events On How To Prevent Lead Exposure
$15M in tax credits to transform former steel mill into tech hub
Karen Abrams appointed program director for equitable development
Continuing to serve: A bipartisan PAC wants more vets in Congress
Endowments names Karen Abrams Program Officer for Equitable Development
A free Primanti's sandwich or Sheetz car wash? Businesses offer thanks for vets' service
'Veterans Breakfast Club' offers help to heal from moral injuries
Nonprofit sets goals for connecting Pittsburgh-area veterans and jobs
Google launches $250,000 Pittsburgh Impact Challenge for nonprofits
2017 Shale & Public Health Conference Nov. 13 In Pittsburgh
Breathe Initiative Transitions to Independent Local Nonprofit Organization
Getting Real About Climate Change
Al Gore: We’re Getting Close to Bipartisan Action on Climate
From Flint to Pittsburgh, children need protection from lead, pediatrician says
Gore Tells Climate Activists: ‘We’re Going to Win This’
Last Major Pittsburgh Steel Mill Site Reborn As Hazelwood Green
Al Gore hosts 3-day climate change workshop in Pittsburgh this week
Pittsburgh's last major steel mill development site renamed Hazelwood Green
Al Gore coming to Pittsburgh next week for climate change workshop
Crossing the Corporate Bridge: BNY Mellon Hosts Veterans Leadership Forum in Pittsburgh
Ahead of our time in life sciences
Study: Pittsburgh and its universities aren't leveraging full economic potential
New Pittsburgh multicultural unit to translate 5 languages for immigrants
Pittsburgh's new multicultural unit will help communication — in Arabic, Chinese, Nepali, Spanish and Swahili
Almono mega-development in Hazelwood aims to be a “24/7 neighborhood”
Despite greater scrutiny, depth of schools' lead problem unclear
Hilltop Urban Farm in South Pittsburgh is set to become the largest urban farm in the country
One of the country's largest urban farms is underway at former St. Clair Village public housing project
Urban farm planned for former Pittsburgh housing project site
New Tazza d’Oro coffee shop to anchor Millvale’s Bennett Station project
No One Left Behind is the “first friend” to America’s wartime allies in Pittsburgh
Robotics institute set to anchor Pittsburgh's mammoth Almono development
Al Gore wants Pittsburgh to join the fight against climate change, and he’s giving us the tools to do it
Renovation of Elizabeth Pharmacy could be a sign of bigger things to come in Hazelwood
Gore to host climate change workshop in Pittsburgh
CREATE Lab clears the air with improved Smell PGH app and new website
Foundations gather in Pittsburgh to talk about lending support to help low-wage workers
Pittsburgh plans to spend $5 million to simplify building permit approval process
Smell Something, Say Something
After two years, countywide solar campaign ends on sunny note
Hire the vet: A comprehensive effort to employ veterans’ skills
Campaign urging Pittsburgh employers to hire vets
Heinz Endowments launches campaign for vets
Heinz Endowments' new messaging campaign to rethink veterans
Etna receives funding for commercial, residential redevelopment
Penn State: Shale Gas Threat To Forests Can Be Eased By Consolidating Infrastructure
Pittsburgh groups work to rid schools and child care centers of lead, radon
1,000 Hours a Year initiative will help local schools test for lead and radon
Pittsburgh environmental groups launch initiative to help schools and child-care facilities address lead and radon
This new initiative will help Pittsburgh-area schools and pre-schools test for lead and radon
Pittsburgh could spend $900K to restructure PWSA
Data Doesn't Solve Problems, But It Sure Can Help
What it was like “Living Downwind” of Shenango Coke Works
Shale gas threat to forests can be eased by consolidating infrastructure
Crazy Mocha banks on Braddock, invests in community revitalization
Kidsburgh: Local High School Students Jumpstart Redevelopment
Report Finds Fracking Companies Often Get Slap-On-The-Wrist Fines
La Gourmandine opens new storefront and bakery facility in Hazelwood
Endowments seeks veterans’ voices for special fact-finding forums

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ER visits for heart problems plummeted after Pittsburgh coal processor shut down

Levels of one highly-toxic pollutant fell by 90% and ER visits for heart problems decreased by 42% immediately after the shutdown.

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ER visits plummet after Shenango coke works on Neville Island closed

The closure of a Pittsburgh area coke plant resulted in dramatic decreases in local air pollution and fewer emergency room visits, a new study has found.

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Closure of Pittsburgh Coal-Processing Plant Tied to Local Health Gains

The closure in January 2016 of one of Pittsburgh’s biggest coal-processing plants led to immediate and lasting declines in emissions of fossil fuel-related air pollutants. 

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Out in Tech's Pittsburgh chapter wants to be a safe place for LGBTQ workers

Ross Greenberg and Todd Feiler seek to break the isolation that LGBTQ professionals and others may experience.

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Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award seeks nominees

You can now apply or nominate for the 2023 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award®.

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Study finds radioactive materials in Pa. waterways near treatment plants linked with fracking waste

A new study found higher levels of radioactive materials in rivers and streams near municipal wastewater treatment plants that handled runoff from landfills that accept fracking waste from Pennsylvania.

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Pittsburgh looks to dedicate $3.5 million to major Homewood Park renovations

Pittsburgh officials are looking to dedicate $3.5 million to a major renovation effort at Homewood Park.

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Springdale takes 1st step on zoning overlay; power plant owner threatens legal action

Despite opposition — and even a threat of legal action — from the property owner, Springdale officials took the first step in creating a zoning overlay district around the former power generating station property.

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From implosion's dust, competing visions for Allegheny Valley's future emerging

The future of Springdale Borough’s industrial riverfront is on the drawing board following the fall of iconic smokestacks in June.

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Innovations Works' Robotics Factory is moving to Robotics Row

Stakeholders say the space enables the Build Back Better-funded program to better support young robotics companies and give them a place to scale.

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Forever Chemicals

PFAS are casting a bigger and bigger shadow on our land and water.

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TALI names Alexis James Steals as its new Vice President of Operations

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI), an organization focused on preparing Black talent for career development and professional advancement, announced the addition of Vice President of Operations, Alexis James

...

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$6 billion Shell cracker plant hasn't yet spurred growth, report says

Shell’s massive petrochemical plant in Beaver County has yet to spur major economic growth in the region, according to a recent study by nonprofit research group.

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Bellevue's Food Assistance Match expands to double benefits at more farmer's markets

A pandemic-era food delivery program started in 2020 by the organizers of the Bellevue Farmers Market has evolved into a match program that allows people on food assistance programs like SNAP to double their benefits.

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The Center for Media Innovation: Creating a new news ecosystem in Pittsburgh

Andrew Conte, Ph.D., is focused on answering the million-dollar question: How can local news be effective and sustainable — now and in the future?

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Office of Violence Prevention promotes safe, healthy communities

Founded in 2016, the Allegheny County Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) takes a public health approach to gun violence, including creating a framework based on why gun violence occurs, what causes it, and its consequences on individuals and neighborhoods.

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Construction to start this summer on Pittsburgh's Homewood Field

Work is expected to start this summer on a project to update Homewood Field with a regulation-size football field and other amenities.

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Mayor Gainey and City of Pittsburgh Hosted Groundbreaking Ceremony in Celebration of Upcoming Construction at Homewood Field

PITTSBURGH — Earlier today Mayor Ed Gainey and the City’s Department of Public Works hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking to celebrate the upcoming construction at Homewood Field. The event also highlighted an approaching Pre-bid and Matching Meeting ...

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Heinz Endowments funds a new youth center in Downtown Pittsburgh

While concerns persist about the dwindling popularity of Pittsburgh's Downtown neighborhood, local foundations aim to boost the desirability of the area by establishing a new gathering space for young people.

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Penn Hills Charter to share its 'entrepreneurship mindset' with other schools

After operating for more than a decade as a chartered public school, Penn Hills Charter now plans to share its expertise with other schools in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties that serve low-income areas.

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Maximize veteran health spending with better care coordination

The significant increase in spending on general population and military veteran health care in the United States is a multi-faceted and complex issue that deserves attention.

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New fund aims to preserve affordable housing in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

A new multimillion dollar loan fund aims to preserve local affordable housing that’s at risk of becoming market rate housing or where tenants are at risk of being displaced.

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Editorial: Private sector takes lead on affordable housing

Affordable housing remains an enormous problem in Pittsburgh. So are abandoned and blighted properties.

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Hill District Federal Credit Union expands in more ways than one

The Hill District Federal Credit Union is expanding, not only in its physical size, but in its financial offerings for its customers.

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$11M loan fund aims to preserve affordable housing in Pittsburgh

The Henry L. Hillman Foundation and The Heinz Endowments are partnering with UPMCfor You, a Medicaid-managed care plan, to create the fund.

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UPMC working with foundations for $11M affordable housing program

UPMC subsidiary UPMC For You, the Henry L. Hillman Foundation and The Heinz Endowments on Monday unveiled a $11 million loan program to preserve affordable housing in Allegheny County.

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New $11 Million Loan Pool to Preserve Affordable Housing in Pittsburgh

UPMC For You, The Heinz Endowments, Henry L. Hillman Foundation, and Cinnaire Lending Partner to Preserve 1,200 Affordable Housing Units.

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Spartan Community Center of Hazelwood turns former elementary school into community hub

A building that formerly housed a Catholic elementary school in Pittsburgh's Hazelwood neighborhood now serves as a community hub.

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Women for a Healthy Environment improves quality of life in Western Pennsylvania

Women for a Healthy Environment's Healthy Schools Pennsylvania program provides training and guidance to reduce the number of environmental stressors present in school facilities.

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UPrep's resets: A school meant to bring Pitt's resources to Hill students goes back to the drawing board

Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12 University Preparatory opened nearly 15 years ago with Ivy League ambition, but now faces tanking test scores and slumping graduation rates. Its principal aims for a new identity.

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Pittsburgh Promise says donations honoring Franco Harris top $100,000

The Pittsburgh Promise on Wednesday said it has received more than $100,000 from over 330 donors to honor Franco Harris, its founding board chair who passed away unexpectedly at age 72 on December 20.

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Project Accelerator comes to Southwest Pennsylvania

WaterNow is excited to announce a new Accelerator Project in Southwest Pennsylvania!

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Editorial: Appreciating Pittsburgh’s philanthropic community, and welcoming a new leader

When it comes to addressing major social, economic and environmental problems, it’s easy to divide potential solutions between the public and private sectors. 

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Heinz Endowments will install next President in April

Chris DeCardy will become president of The Heinz Endowments in April.

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Heinz Endowments, Pittsburgh's $2.1 billion philanthropic ship, selects Chris DeCardy as new president

Pittsburgh’s philanthropic foundations are powerhouse economic forces in the city. They pour millions of dollars into a variety of causes ranging from education and environmentalism to the arts and food insecurity. 

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Chris DeCardy Named President of The Heinz Endowments

Former senior executive with major U.S. foundations appointed after national search.

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Declining population and small racial diversity threatens Pittsburgh's future tech scene, RAND report finds

A newly commissioned report is claiming that the success of Pittsburgh's future tech sector weighs heavily on the region's ability to increase its workforce and to ensure these employees come from diverse racial backgrounds. 

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Declining population and small racial diversity threatens Pittsburgh's future tech scene, RAND report finds

The nonprofit research organization enlisted the use of focus groups for the report, which was funded in part by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the Heinz Endowments, the Henry L. Hillman Foundation and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. 

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Heinz Endowments name Chris DeCardy as new president

The Heinz Endowments named Chris DeCardy as its new president on Monday, following a 10-month national search. 

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Heinz Endowments names new president after national search

The Heinz Endowments named Chris DeCardy as its president following a national search after Grant Oliphant stepped down in February 2022. 

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New president at The Heinz Endowments

The Heinz Endowments on Monday announced that Chris DeCardy is its new president and will begin in April. 

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The Heinz Endowments Names Chris DeCardy as Its New President

Heinz family ends 10-month national search to replace former president Grant Oliphant.

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The Heinz Endowments Names Chris DeCardy as New President

One of Pittsburgh’s most prominent philanthropies, The Heinz Endowments, announced on Monday that Chris DeCardy will be its new president. 

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Maxwell King: Franco's values: never stop helping

When I heard about the death of Franco Harris,so awfully sad and terribly premature, I began looking through every source I could find to read about this great sports hero and committed Pittsburgh community leader.   

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Editorial: Franco Harris: A Pittsburgh legend on and off the gridiron

There aren’t many people in Pittsburgh history instantly recognizable by their first name. Mario. Sophie. Roberto. Myron. 

Franco. 

 

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Carl Kurlander: Franco Harris, a true hero

There already was going to be much written about Franco Harris, the legendary Pittsburgh Steeler...

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PBGH's new CEO speaks about priorities for the organization

One of the blessings of the most recent months at the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health has been the ability to go back to in-person meetings and conferences between the local nonprofit and its membership. 

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Heinz Endowments awards $267,500 in grants to improve food security

The Heinz Endowments on Thursday said its board has approved $267,500 in new grants directed to urban farming and food access projects.

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New Heinz Endowments grants aid efforts to narrow region’s food security gap

Fresh funding for urban gardening, implementation of Greater Pittsburgh Food Action Plan increases food access commitment to $1.75 million over the past year.

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Center for Sustainable Business Celebrates Three Years of Progress

The University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Sustainable Business celebrates its three-year anniversary in October 2022 with ongoing commitments from 12 global and regional companies, a coalition dedicated to cleaner energy in the Ohio Valley, and expanded opportunities

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Radon the Invisible Danger

As a father of four, Tim Briggs considered it common sense that schools would test for radon.

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Toxic metals entered soil from Pittsburgh steel-industry emissions, study says

Pittsburgh’s soil is contaminated in some areas by five toxic metals emitted by historic coking and smelting from the region’s now-diminished coal and steel industry, according to a new study by geologists at the University

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Pa. company wants to build second fracking waste injection well in Pittsburgh suburb

A Westmoreland County company is asking the EPA to approve a second fracking waste injection well in the Pittsburgh suburb of Plum. It would be a few hundred feet from a controversial injection well the

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ElevateBio will anchor the new Pitt BioForge facility at Hazelwood Green

Pittsburgh’s life sciences industry is getting a boost via a new biotech hub, backed by both local and national partners.

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Secretary Russell Redding Tours Pittsburgh Urban Ag Sites in 6th Annual Visit

On July 12, 2022 the PFPC hosted Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding on a tour of four urban agriculture sites. This sixth annual visit occurred during Pennsylvania Urban Agriculture Week, which celebrates the importance

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Project aims at building Black wealth through economic cooperation

Ebony Luns-Ford, a former elementary school teacher, started the cooperative grocery store Farmer Girl Eb in 2020 because she lives in what she calls a “food apartheid” neighborhood.

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Families are leaving Beaver County as Shell's ethane cracker sets to open

Shell’s ethane cracker will begin operations this summer. It will turn natural gas from fracking into 1.6 million metric tons of plastic. Built with a $1.65 billion state tax credit, the largest in state history, the

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On Media: Comparing the 2 Sewickleys shows how news deserts are growing in Pittsburgh

One of the first questions they ask callers to the Sewickley Township offices in Westmoreland County is, did you mean to call the other place? You know, Sewickley Borough, 40 miles west in Allegheny County,

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About EHN.org and DailyClimate.org

EHS believes that equity work happens at the intersection of power and opportunity. We work with and within science and journalism to elevate power within communities and create opportunities so that race, gender, and/or ZIP

...

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Surveying the Ohio River for plastic nurdles, as Shell readies to open cracker plant

Shell plans to begin operations this summer at its new industrial complex along the Ohio River in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The plant will use ethane produced at the region’s natural gas wells to make tiny

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New, state-of-the-art medical center coming to Homewood

Come the fall of 2024, Homewood will be “home” to a new, state-of-the-art, $20 million facility with pretty much any health-related service one would need.

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The race is on to build out a low-carbon hydrogen economy in Appalachia

Thanks to a combination of government support and pressure from investors, companies are trying to revive the dream of a hydrogen economy.

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Pittsburgh hospital workers say short staffing and low pay is causing burnout, survey finds

A new survey paints a bleak picture of life for hospital workers in Pittsburgh.

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On Media: Audacy returning WAMO to its rightful place as Pittsburgh’s urban radio station

Radio DJ Kiki Brown was sitting in the conference room at Audacy’s Pittsburgh studios when she heard the news: The network was buying WAMO and restoring it as the city’s premier urban radio station.

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Twenty-Four Rising Black Professionals Step Forward: TALI Celebrates Graduates of Its New "Emerging Leaders Program"

On Friday evening at the Carnegie Museum of Art, April 1, 2022, The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) was pleased to present the first graduating class of its newest leadership development program – the Emerging Leaders

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Pittsburgh is the latest city to gain a freeway capping park

With the completion of the $32 million Frankie Pace Park, Pittsburgh has joined other cities where neighborhoods have been disconnected and the urban fabric disrupted by major freeway projects, and years later to stitched back

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On Media: Pittsburgh journalist Nick Childers provides firsthand accounts from Ukraine

Freelance videographer and photographer Nick Childers already had planned to leave his home in Polish Hill for a reporting trip to Ukraine when Russia invaded on Feb 24.

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Pittsburgh's bike share rolling out new fleet, including e-bikes

After seven years known as Healthy Ride, Pittsburgh’s bike share revealed a rebrand on Wednesday that includes new station locations and a new fleet that will include some electric-assist bikes, also known as e-bikes.

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Bike Share Pittsburgh gets new bikes and a new system with a new name: POGOH

Coming off of the most successful year in its seven-year history, Bike Share Pittsburgh is replacing all of its bikes, adding electric-assist bikes and completely revamping its system.

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Pittsburgh real estate development is becoming more the province of tech in Hazelwood and beyond

The hiring of a prestigious global firm to remake an old Hazelwood coke plant is another signal of the growing influence of tech in the region’s real estate development, experts say.

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Pittsburgh City Council approves 2 department heads appointed by Mayor Ed Gainey

Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday approved two more appointments to city departments by Mayor Ed Gainey.

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Joseph Sabino Mistick: The path ahead for Mayor Gainey

Like most newly elected chief executives, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey is entitled to a bit of a political honeymoon. 

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A generational opportunity for leapfrog growth and global economic leadership in Pittsburgh

Global real estate developer and owner of Rockefeller Center in New York City and Mission Rock in San Francisco to lead transformation of 178-acre former urban brownfield into a neighborhood centered on innovation, sustainability and

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Almono & Carnegie Mellon University reach agreements with Tishman Speyer to accelerate transformation of Hazelwood Green

Global real estate developer and owner of Rockefeller Center in New York City and Mission Rock in San Francisco to lead transformation of 178-acre former urban brownfield into a neighborhood centered on innovation, sustainability and

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Global developer hired to transform old Hazelwood coke works into robotics, AI and life sciences hub

Tishman Speyer has redeveloped part of the Bronx, Potsdamer Platz in Berlin and a steel mill in Beijing.  Now it will get its shot at an old coke plant in Hazelwood.

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Hazelwood Green, Pittsburgh’s largest development site, has a new lead developer

Last week, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey announced that he was putting an end to a controversial plan to build a shuttle link between Oakland and Hazelwood. 

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New York firm to develop 178-acre Hazelwood Green site in Pittsburgh

The streets, trails and sidewalks of the 178-acre Hazelwood Green site in Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood were completed in early 2020, and the area has since been awaiting finalized development plans to transform the former steel

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Pittsburgh fire and EMS have run-down fleets and staffing issues, report shows

Pittsburgh’s public safety bureaus face urgent equipment and staffing needs, according to a comprehensive report on the state of the city government. 

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Grant Oliphant shares his successes and disappointments serving Pittsburgh — and why it’s time to move on

After the sudden death of John Heinz — a U.S. Senator and heir to the Heinz family’s food conglomerate fortune — his wife, Teresa Heinz, asked the senator’s press secretary to join the staff at

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Obituary: James Mellon Walton | Executive who shaped Carnegie museums, Carnegie Library and Heinz Endowments

James Mellon Walton, who established five new galleries at Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and led one of the city’s major foundations, usually avoided the spotlight.

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Nine housing and development issues facing the Gainey administration

The new mayor will quickly face potential changes to landscapes in Oakland, Hazelwood and the Hill District while inheriting housing issues, initiatives and opportunities.

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Takeoff imminent, destination debatable: It’s decision time on Pittsburgh’s ‘next frontier’ for redevelopment

From the hulk of Mama Rene’s Restaurant to the freshly furnished tech spaces of Hazelwood Green to the woods encroaching on Sylvan Street, change laps at every corner of this neighborhood overlooking the Monongahela River.

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Digging it: RIDC preparing to do more development work at Hazelwood Green

Already a big force behind the transformation of the old LTV Coke Works in Hazelwood, the Regional Industrial Development Corporation is priming to do more.

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Finalists Selected for Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2021 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award.
 

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Broadband companies need workers for high-speed internet projects. Military veterans could be a perfect match.

The fiber-optic cable and related equipment arrives in boxes stacked on pallets and arranged under an awning beside an unassuming beige building in Greene County.

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Progress continues on Beltzhoover school revitalization

The Beltzhoover Elementary School revitalization project is full speed ahead.

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First Tee Pittsburgh opens Arnold Palmer Learning Center in Schenley Park

Learning how to play golf, a sport that allows you to compete and socialize with your friends outdoors, can also be a way to instill good habits and values in youngsters, preparing them to succeed

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$500,000 grant boosts affordable housing efforts in Hazelwood

A $500,000 state grant will help to boost key affordable housing initiatives in Hazelwood as part of an effort to prevent residents from being displaced as the neighborhood redevelops.

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Study links more asthma cases to 2018 Clairton Coke Works fire

Mon Valley residents with asthma had trouble catching a breath as a direct result of the massive 2018 Christmas Eve fire that knocked out pollution controls at U.S. Steel Corp.’s Clairton Coke Works, according to

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E-bikes coming to Healthy Ride bike share thanks to grant from Heinz Endowments

Pittsburgh’s bike share, aka Healthy Ride, has seen a lot of success over the years, with record-breaking ridership last year and an expanding network. But one thing that has always been an impediment for riders

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Former Hazelwood coke works being considered for green manufacturing plant

It sounds like a perfect match — a new green-focused manufacturing plant and a 178-acre riverfront tract designed to be the most sustainable in the region.

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Law meant to push drilling further from houses had little impact, study finds

Despite a 2012 Pennsylvania law creating a 500-foot setback from houses and other structures for new oil and gas wells, companies have drilled hundreds of wells within that 500-foot distance, a new study found. 

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Christmas Eve 2018 Clairton Coke Works fire made asthma worse for sufferers nearby

A University of Pittsburgh study recounts the health impact of the Christmas Eve 2018 fire that destroyed the pollution controls of U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works pollution controls. The study examines the impact on people

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Study finds 2018 Clairton coke works fire impacted asthma patients

The massive 2018 Christmas Eve fire at U.S. Steel Corp.’s Clairton Coke Works caused nearby asthma sufferers to reach for their inhalers even if many didn’t know why, according to a new study by researchers

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Community members hear plans, give input on Hazelwood Green project

A public, virtual meeting was held Wednesday evening to present and discuss master design plans for the Hazelwood Green Riverfront project.

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‘Genuine Pittsburgh’: Hazelwood riverfront plan pumps new life into old industrial relics

Imagine fishing from a piece of deck that was once part of an old mill coal loader. Or gazing out over the Mon from the top of a large mooring cell once used to tether

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From a marina to floating patios, plan for reimagining Hazelwood riverfront set to be unveiled

A 1.3-mile stretch along the Monongahela River in Hazelwood could become a destination for people to enjoy activities with a riverfront plaza, floating pool, boat docks, trails, play areas and more.

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Pittsburgh officials seek proposals to develop former Beltzhoover Elementary

Pittsburgh officials and a community group are seeking a developer partner to renovate the historic Beltzhoover Elementary School into senior housing and a community center.

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Fracking chemicals are showing up in bodies of people who live near drilling, research finds

Unexplained nosebleeds, rashes and migraines are among the health problems reported by residents who live near fracking activity. Telling the story of some of their experiences of physical and mental strain is just one piece

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Gas Industry Hasn't Delivered On Its Economic Promise To Communities, Report Says

Natural gas extraction has had little economic benefit in eight Pennsylvania counties where production has been most active over the last decade, according to a new report that was immediately dismissed by industry spokespeople.

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Gas industry hasn’t delivered on its economic promise to communities, report says

Natural gas extraction has had little economic benefit in eight Pennsylvania counties where production has been most active over the last decade, according to a new report that was immediately dismissed by industry spokespeople.

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Business group's report claims region's air is getting cleaner, faster

A new report says air quality in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area has improved significantly, but the region doesn’t get the credit it deserves for reducing pollution levels.

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Report: Shale gas boom counties saw little growth in local jobs, income

In the last decade, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio produced a tsunami of natural gas that exceeded even the most optimistic projections. That wealth of gas was supposed to translate into newly thriving local economies.

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Study: Pittsburgh Kids Near Polluting Sites Have Higher Asthma Rates

Pittsburgh-area children living near steel mills, power plants and other large sources of pollution had “nearly triple” the national rate of childhood asthma, according to a new peer-reviewed study.

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Asthma Prevalence and Control among Schoolchildren Residing near Outdoor Air Pollution Sites

A peer-reviewed study conducted by Community Partners in Asthma Care Medical Director Dr. Deborah A. Gentile shows children in Allegheny County living near major pollution sources had nearly triple the prevalence of asthma as compared

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Historic roundhouse at Hazelwood Green being transformed into technology center

A 133-year-old railroad roundhouse in Hazelwood is on its way to becoming the Pittsburgh location of a global entrepreneurship platform for economic development.

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Post-9/11 Veterans Having Trouble Connecting to Others

A recent study, led by researchers at the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, is the first to examine the relationship between moral injury and social well-being over a long period of time.

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For Clairton's most vulnerable, indoor air purifiers a lifesaver

Johnie Perryman, a 77-year-old Clairton resident recovering from recent major heart surgery, likes to sit on his front porch in the sunshine, but on most days he can’t because of the chronically bad air quality

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Conservancy preserves 27 acres of South Huntingdon farm land on Earth Day

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy members weren’t able to hold the signing ceremony they’d hoped for. Nonetheless, they were able to preserve nearly 30 acres of Westmoreland County farm land on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

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Once a foil of the city’s master builders, Sam Williamson now guides the URA while leading a union, advocates and a political ‘army’

A chain and padlock bound the mayor’s office doors on a sweltering July 2009 afternoon. Inside was Luke Ravenstahl’s administration. Outside – chanting, but barred by the links from the city’s corridor of power –

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'A Moving Target': Getting To The Heart Of Pittsburgh’s Mon-Oakland Connector Plan

A new report finds that a planned transit connection between Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood and Oakland neighborhoods would not meet the travel needs of existing residents nor future demand expected from continued redevelopment at the 178-acre Hazelwood

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New study identifies which veterans are using programs to gain employment

Compared to veterans of other wars, those who have served since 9/11 have the highest unemployment rate, particularly among young male veterans. Within the first three months of disconnecting from active duty service, more than

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Could the Ohio River have rights? A movement emerges, testing the power of local control

Can you imagine if the Ohio River and its tributaries had legal rights? While speculative, the idea isn't necessarily far-fetched.

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Civic group proposes improvements to Mon Valley transit options

Pittsburghers for Public Transit is recommending two corridors for Bus Rapid Transit-like improvements to provide better public transportation to the Monongahela Valley.

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PAServes - Greater Pittsburgh best in U.S. for connecting returning veterans with essential services

PAServes - Greater Pittsburgh, the local group created more than four years ago to connect returning veterans and their families with essential services that support their reintegration to civilian life, is outperforming its affiliate organizations

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Neighbors help open community center in Sharpsburg

The Sustainability and Community Engagement Center is not only located in the heart of Sharpsburg. It has the potential to become the heart of the borough.

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Is 3-D Visualization Software the Future of Urban Planning?

Research from Carnegie Mellon University, together with the Pittsburgh Department of City Planning, uses virtual reality and 3-D technology to help urban designers and other stakeholders better plan cities. 

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Residents urged to weigh in on future of Neville Island’s former Shenango coke plant

Plans for the 50-acre former Shenango Coke Works site on Neville Island remain unclear — but property owner DTE Energy hopes to ink a deal with one or more developers by the end of this

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Call For Nominations: 2020 Leopold Farm Conservation Award And $10,000 Prize

The Sand County Foundation, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award and its $10,000 prize to a farmer or forester to recognize voluntary conservation

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Old Hazelwood locomotive roundhouse to host tech, co-working space

An old locomotive roundhouse at the former LTV Coke Works site in Hazelwood may go from serving trains to fueling tech.

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1,000 Hours a Year initiative helps schools address lead, radon, air quality

Kids spend an average of 1,000 hours per year in schools. It’s second only to the time they spend in their own homes, says Kara Rubio of Women for a Healthy Environment (READ MORE

Alcosan wet weather overflows much bigger than previously known

As much as 15 billion gallons of sewage-laced stormwater has overflowed the regional sewer system into the Pittsburgh region’s rivers in each of the last two years, according to Jordan Fischbach, a senior policy researcher

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Gaining steam -- old locomotive roundhouse could be next Hazelwood Green redevelopment

An old locomotive roundhouse dating back to the late 1800s could represent the next stage of development at the former LTV Coke Works in Hazelwood.

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Mapping a path to more equitable housing

For the sixth consecutive year, Carnegie Mellon University's EarthTime platform will help leaders at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, visualize data on global challenges such as climate change, poverty and mental health.

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Developers wanted: Consultant to help forge the future of Hazelwood Green

A consultant that has been serving in an advisory capacity in the redevelopment of the former LTV Coke Works in Hazelwood is now in line to take a lead role in building out the 178-acre

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Mt-Glen Farms Earns Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Mt-Glen Farms has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award.

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Dean & Rebecca Jackson Of Mt-Glen Farms In Bradford County Receive PA Leopold Conservation Award

On January 10, the Sand County Foundation announced Mt-Glen Farms has been selected for the 2019 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award.

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Help for Hispanics: A new business incubator and coworking space opens in Beechview

When then-Councilman Bill Peduto began talks years ago with local Latino leaders about creating a business resource center, Beechview was the obvious choice as a location.

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CMU Study Shows Natural Gas In The Region Has Brought Economic Benefits, But Also Premature Deaths

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University finds that in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia region, the economic boost from shale gas drilling has been less than the cost of premature deaths caused by pollution from

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Autonomous vehicle company Aptiv moving to Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood Green

 

A self-driving car company is the first private business to announce it will move into Hazelwood Green, a development taking shape at the site of a former LTV Steel mill along the Monongahela River in ...

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Hello Neighbor, local refugee mentoring agency, creates national network

Leaders of several refugee organizations from around the country spent several days in Pittsburgh recently helping Sloane Davidson formalize the Hello Neighbor Network.

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Industrial Arts Workshop brings youth-based arts and workforce development to Hazelwood

M.J. Farkas credits the Industrial Arts Co-op with changing his life. Growing up poor in Appalachia, he welded old cars out of necessity, never thinking it could turn into a career.

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Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Are Focus of New Center

In late September, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and University of Pittsburgh Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann E. Cudd were among local leaders who highlighted the region’s accomplishments in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development

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Key takeaways from the Climate Action Summit

Climate change is a threat multiplier.

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Peduto: Fossil fuel industries will take toll on Pittsburgh region

At a climate forum in Pittsburgh Wednesday, Mayor William Peduto said he opposes construction of any new petrochemical facilities in the region because of their long-term toll on climate, the environment, public health and even

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‘Science Is Pointing To The Need For Immediate Action’: Mayor Peduto, Leaders Meet In Pittsburgh For Climate Action Summit

Examining the reasons behind changes in our climate and finding solutions was the focus of a Climate Action Summit in Pittsburgh.

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Climate Change Is Already Affecting Western PA, How Can We Manage The Inevitable Effects?

Pennsylvania’s ecosystem has already been permanently altered due to climate change, but it’s not too late to act before these changes become unmanageable, experts say.

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New Pitt Center Engages Companies in Sustainable Business Practices

The University of Pittsburgh announced today its Center for Sustainable Business will engage leading global and regional companies to integrate environmental and societal concerns into their business models.

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City council urged to confront inequities, institutions hindering Pittsburgh’s black residents

Pittsburgh’s elected leaders should own up to historical barriers as well as persisting structural and institution-driven ones that contribute to the city’s drastic racial inequities and poverty-based segregation between whites and blacks, several residents told

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Environmental groups secure air protections at proposed Ohio cracker plant

A petrochemical company and three environmental groups have reached an agreement to increase air quality protections at a proposed ethane cracker plant in Belmont County, along the Ohio River.

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Third economic summit set for October

The public is invited to attend an event titled the Sustainable Economic Development Summit III – Reinventing Rural America, sponsored by the Indiana County Sustainable Economic Development Task Force.

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Climate change lessons aren’t yet required in PA’s public schools, but local districts are finding ways to include it

Allderdice High School biology teachers Angela Lindenfelser and Mariah Diehl stood in the sweltering heat of an August afternoon taking the temperatures of model frogs placed outside of Langley Hall at the University of Pittsburgh. 

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Group Against Smog & Pollution Announces 2019 Michelle Madoff Environmental Excellence Award Winners

On September 12, the Pittsburgh-based Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) announced the winners of the 2019 Michelle Madoff Environmental Excellence Awards-- Laura Nettleton, Thoughtful Balance; Eva Resnick-Day, Sierra Club Ready For 100; Patricia Himes,

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Pittsburgh transplant is poster child for the city's new economy

Ryan Green describes himself as a “scrappy, hustle, business kind of guy,” who moved to Pittsburgh four years ago with little more than a new job in banking and a dream of starting his own

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Mill 19 in Pittsburgh hosts new ARM headquarters, Catalyst Connection

This past week, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing, or ARM, celebrated the formal opening of its new headquarters at Mill 19 at Hazelwood Green in Pittsburgh. The public-private partnership is dedicated to increasing the global competitiveness

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Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2019 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award.

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Mill 19 at Hazelwood Green now open, 15 years in the making

It was worth the wait. On Wednesday morning, leaders from Pittsburgh’s government, business and academic communities gathered with hundreds of guests at Hazelwood Green to celebrate the grand opening of Mill 19, a stunning research and

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Construction Of Public Plaza At Hazelwood Green Brownfield Redevelopment Site Underway In Pittsburgh

Construction of the $5.7 million Plaza at Hazelwood Green, the site’s first outdoor public space and civic heart of the 178-acre riverfront development, is now underway. This first phase of construction comprising the Lower Lawn

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State and U.S. lawmakers lead discussion on veteran suicide, tout bills

Federal and state lawmakers led a roundtable discussion Tuesday on suicide by military veterans as part of a series of panels held by state Sens. Mike Regan and Pam Iovino.

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As home prices rise, neighborhoods turn to community land trusts to preserve affordability

The five properties on Lanark Street that could become the Perry Hilltop and Fineview community land trust have a stunning view of Downtown that rivals the more-frequented overlooks in Pittsburgh.

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Carnegie Mellon looks to expand its presence at Hazelwood Green

Carnegie Mellon University has announced plans to invest further in Hazelwood Green by acquiring 8.3 acres of property.

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CMU moves to boost its presence at Hazelwood Green with land acquisition

Carnegie Mellon University is doubling down on Hazelwood Green. The university has acquired options for 8.3 acres of land in a bid to significantly expand its presence at the Hazelwood site, the location of the former

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Ricardo Iamuuri Robinson to project veteran voices with new public art residency

Local artist Ricardo Iamuuri Robinson will work to give veterans a voice with a new public art residency. 

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PHFA announces funding to redevelop mixed-use building in Homewood

The Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency today approved $600,000 in funding to redevelop a building at 627 N. Homewood Avenue in Homewood. The property is located in a crucial commercial corridor in the heart

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Work Hard Pittsburgh and New Sun Rising receive $950,000 in tech workforce development grants

Pittsburgh’s technology sector continues to be one of the most prosperous and fast-growing parts of our local economy. But so far, the gains have not been equally shared.

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A New Tool From PPT Aims To Expand Rapid Bus Service

A new mapping tool from Pittsburghers for Public Transit asks residents in the Monongahela Valley and eastern suburbs to design bus routes that would best serve them. 

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Pittsburghers for Public Transit launches website to spur transit development in east suburbs, Mon Valley

Pittsburghers for Public Transit launched its interactive website, Beyond the East Busway, Tuesday to allow residents of the eastern suburbs and Monongahela Valley to design the type of public transit they need.

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Young Voices for the Planet is making a lot more noise with $90,000 Heinz Endowments grant

Young Voices for the Planet empowers kids to speak their minds about environmental issues. Thanks to a $90,000 grant from The Heinz Endowments, more people are hearing them.

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Pittsburghers for Public Transit begins planning for better service to Mon Valley, east suburbs

Pittsburghers for Public Transit’s effort to design a cheaper alternative to expand public transit service in the eastern suburbs and Monongahela Valley begins in earnest this month.

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New study details outcomes from long-term environmental justice partnership in East End

For the past 40 years, research has proven that people of color, low-income communities and ethnic minorities suffer the effects of environmental contamination more than other communities. The Flint, Mich., water crisis and the Dakota

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New Pittsburgh coalition aims to boost jobs for military families New Pittsburgh coalition aims to boost jobs for military families

A new collaboration among major employers in the region including Highmark, PNC Financial Services and the city of Pittsburgh will use hard data to better track recruitment and retention of military veterans and match their

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Pittsburgh employers’ alliance announces launch of first data-centric Veteran Employment Coalition

Institute for Veteran and Military Families at Syracuse University and The Heinz Endowments join forces to empower veterans

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'Breathing life into Braddock': Crazy Mocha founder still has plans for vacant Cuda Building

Among the vacant structures along Braddock’s main drag is the Cuda Building. At various times, it has had life as an Italian market, a five-and-dime store and even a tea room during the decades when

...

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Walkabout: Youth orchard activates long-awaited Hilltop Urban Farm

Two hundred young fruit trees were planted Saturday on a site that, after embodying a half-century of public housing, is making the transition back to agriculture.

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Hazelwood Initiative buying 63 properties to preserve affordability

An agreement between a neighborhood nonprofit and a local landlord aims to keep 63 homes in redeveloping Hazelwood permanently affordable.

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Steely resolve: Carnegie Mellon University fuels Pittsburgh's post-industrial reinvention

This year, the Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania (RIDC) turned over the keys for two floors of the first building at Mill 19 to Carnegie Mellon University, which is subleasing 94,000 sf for

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Industrial buildings tell Pittsburgh’s story. Preserving them is costly and takes dedication.

Over the decades of Pittsburgh’s transformation from an industrial center to a hub of education, medicine and technology, the steel mills and associated plants that once crowded area riverbanks have mostly disappeared.

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Making Space for Equitable Development in Pittsburgh

At Knotzland Bowtie Company, founder Nisha Blackwell and the team recently reached a new milestone. A member of the seamstress team surpassed Blackwell’s own record for the number of handcrafted bowties completed per hour.

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The Foundations That Work on Environmental Health, with an Eye on Building Power

Scary stats on the effects of environmental problems on human health can be hard to stomach. In a 2019 U.N. report, an international team of scientists called for “urgent” environmental action to slow the

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Hazelwood Green opens to the public with streets and 1.9 mile trail

Pittsburghers will now be able to access the long-in-development Hazelwood Green project.

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Hazelwood Green streets, trail open to public for the first time in a century

The Hazelwood Green development site, where the LTV Steel mill once stood, officially opened to the public for the first time in more than a century on Monday morning.

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Smell Something, Say Something: Carnegie Mellon and Seventh Generation Partner to Take Action Against Air Pollution with “Smell MyCity” App

Seventh Generation, a leading household and personal care products company and pioneer in the environmentally conscious products space, today announced a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab to provide citizens in communities across the country with tools

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How is the success of economic development measured? It depends on who you ask.

When looking at the impact of economic development, economists and academics often look at metrics like new jobs and tax revenue to understand if a place is better off.

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Filled storefronts and rising rents: How developers and residents view change in five areas of Pittsburgh

At a table in Arnold’s Tea on East Ohio Street, Mark Masterson weighed the outcomes of his organization’s recent success on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Community organizations here are finding traction after years of courting developers

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Oakland block party kicks off new streetscape initiative

Roger Randolph was on his way home to work on a paper when he cut through Oakland Avenue and happened upon a street party.

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Bridge to prosperity: Peduto says link between hilltop neighborhoods, Hazelwood would spur development

The city has lots of economic development tools at its disposal to help spur growth. But a bridge?

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Have environmentalists lost their battle to thwart the petrochemical industry in Southwest PA?

Construction of Shell’s ethane cracker plant in Beaver County is in full swing. The 97-mile Falcon pipeline has obtained the state permits it needs to feed ethane to the plant. And the state recently announced

...

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A rail company claims a faster route through Pittsburgh for double-stack trains will reduce pollution. Here’s why some remain opposed.

Glenn Olcerst spent more than an hour explaining the dangers of increasing train traffic through Pittsburgh to about 50 residents in the Allegheny West neighborhood on a Monday evening in February.

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Kids, teach your teachers well about environmental awareness

Kylan Bjornson of Scenery Hill, Washington County, has a thing or two to say about fracking.

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Artificial Intelligence Isn't Taking Our Jobs Anytime Soon, Report Says

A new report suggests policy makers should create regulations around artificial intelligence to protect workers in the future. But researchers say not to worry – artificial intelligence isn't going to cause massive job displacement in

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Keystone Research Center report asks: How can AI create jobs, rather than destroy them?

We hear the dire warnings: The rise of artificial intelligence could take an untold number of jobs away from American workers.

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Pittsburgh's neighborhood boosters face changing landscape

In 2016, the Mount Washington Community Development Corp. considered its future. Consultants suggested it close up shop, but the board didn’t consider it, said board president Alaina Davis: “That’s not where our hearts were.”

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Harvest Home Farms In Northampton County Receives Sand County Foundation Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

On January 11, the Sand County Foundation announced the DiFebo family’s Harvest Home Farms of Northampton County has been selected as the first recipient of the 2018 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award.

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Pittsburghers for Public Transit to recommend Mon Valley transit improvements

The next plan for improving Port Authority service might not come from within the transit agency at all, but rather from a grassroots group that has fought against service cuts.

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What does Pittsburgh’s Hilltop Urban Farm need to do to mitigate a food desert? Access to healthy food may only be a start.

It was raining nonstop, but that didn’t seem to have any effect on Sarah Baxendell’s enthusiasm as she showed visitors the future site of the Hilltop Urban Farm in Pittsburgh’s St. Clair neighborhood.

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Teen’s asthma frames town’s struggle with dirty air

From her front porch, Collette Williams can see the lights of US Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, the largest coke plant in North America, between the houses across the street.

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From global to local, a mix of developers set their sights on Hazelwood Green

Rebecca Flora won’t say how many developers are ready to take a shot at redeveloping part of the former LTV Coke Works in Hazelwood. But she insists that she is happy with the response she

...

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Teenager’s asthma, in shadow of Clairton Coke Works, frames town’s struggle with dirty air

From her front porch, Collette Williams can see the lights of US Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, the largest coke plant in North America, between the houses across the street.

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Catalyst Connection is moving to Hazelwood Green

Hazelwood Green, the 178-acre site that houses an economic development program several generations in the making, just signed a new tenant

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Endowments launches new veterans media campaign

The Heinz Endowments has launched a new digital media campaign that aims to help bridge the military-civilian gap of the United States’ 2.6 million Post-9/11 veterans, including approximately 50,000 who have settled in the Pittsburgh

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Allegheny Land Trust, regional partners launch interactive mapping tool

An online mapping application is the latest tool the Allegheny Land Trust is using to help communities in the region protect land.

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Hazelwood Green makes progress, but it could take 20 more years

It’s been more than 15 years since The Heinz Endowments, Benedum Foundation and Richard King Mellon Foundation combined forces to purchase the 178-acre riverfront tract today known as Hazelwood Green, promising to rehabilitate the space “with the

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Redevelopment of former Hazelwood mill site moves forward

Developers of a former LTV Steel plant site in Hazelwood have secured tenants for two buildings going up under the steel skeleton of a former rolling mill on the property and are pushing ahead with

...

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Proposed Allegheny County ordinance would create oil and gas lease registry

For municipal leaders who want to plan their communities, environmental groups that want to track how fracking is impacting Allegheny County resources, or residents curious about the well pad next door — there ought to

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25 years, 25 green buildings. See them all here.

It was 25 years ago that a small group of local environmentalists and engineers received funding from The Heinz Endowments to create the first nonprofit in the country to focus exclusively on greening a region’s commercial building sector.

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Rethink Perception Exhibition Returns for the Gallery Crawl

Pittsburgh, PA…September 13, 2018…The Office of Public Art, in collaboration with Rethink Vets and The Heinz Endowments, will bring back the exhibition Rethink Perception for ten days beginning on September 21, and concluding on

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Pittsburgh Collaboratory For Water Research Hosts Let’s Talk About Water - Steel to Sustainable Sept.

The Pittsburgh Collaboratory for Water Research, Education and Outreach will hold a Let’s Talk About Water - Steel to Sustainable Program on September 6 at the Frick Fine Arts Building at the University of Pittsburgh

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Innovation Works’ 20 years of supporting Pittsburgh startups: ‘We’re not resting on our laurels’

When Rich Lunak first came to Innovation Works in 2005, fewer than 100 startups per year would approach the organization for help. Now marking its 20th anniversary, the seed investment engine has blown past those

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Updated Plan For Hazelwood Green Built On Flexibility, Sustainability

In a presentation to the Pittsburgh Planning Commission this week, the project manager for Hazelwood Green said the 178-acre development could be transformative for Pittsburgh. 

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Pittsburgh Planning Commission briefed on details of Hazelwood Green development

The owners of a former steel mill property in Pittsburgh have submitted a design that they hope will lure residents and businesses by offering amenities that reflect future urban trends.

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‘Where are these folks supposed to go?’ Hazelwood renewal comes with fears of displacement

Foundations are working with the community, but the fate of low-income residents is the ‘thing that’s keeping everybody up at night’

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Women-powered incubator & coworking space The Hollander set to open next week in Braddock

In each room of Braddock’s new incubator, you’ll find another woman-powered business ready to thrive.

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16 women veterans who 'deserve our recognition': 100 Years of Heroes

This slideshow highlights the military service and achievements of these 16 women from Pennsylvania. They hail from various sections of the state and possess a variety of backgrounds and a multitude of tours. Their time

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National firm to design plaza for Pittsburgh's last large mill site

The owners of a former steel mill property in Hazelwood have selected a Seattle firm that designed the grounds of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington to create plans for

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Hazelwood Green, Pittsburgh Selects Gustafson Guthrie Nichol As Public Plaza Designer

Hazelwood Green, a former steel mill site that is the City of Pittsburgh’s largest riverfront redevelopment project, Monday announced the design firm Gustafson Guthrie Nichol (GGN) has been selected to create the first public plaza

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We’re on the cusp of a civic data surge We’re on the cusp of a civic data surge

On May 15 through 17, a diverse group of policymakers, artificial-intelligence practitioners, researchers, industry representatives and domain experts from over 60 countries gathered in Geneva, Switzerland for the second annual AI for Good Global Summit.

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CMU's air pollution-spotting Breathe Cam network expands to Mon Valley

Carnegie Mellon University is expanding its network of air pollution monitoring cameras to the Mon Valley.

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Speaker: Erie’s racial disparities not unique

Karen Abrams visited Erie a few weeks ago to see the city and get a feel for what is happening here in preparation for a lecture she presented Thursday night titled “Addressing Inequity and Inequality:

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Startups and the city: Why PGH Lab connects civic-minded companies with local gov

PGH Lab’s third class of startups included a farming software company, a lower-cost internet provider, a “compost cooperative” and a company that makes AI-powered sensors.

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Famous private land conservation award added by Farm Bureau

Pennsylvania is joining 14 states to offer the prestigious Leopold award to the state's farmers.

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Can Stefani Pashman remake the Allegheny Conference for the 21st century?

Stefani Pashman does not want this article to be about her. Ms. Pashman’s professed discomfort with a recent interview focused on her — “I’m so glad you didn’t ask me my favorite movie and favorite food,”

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Solar panels at Sharpsburg Community Library could mean savings for borough Solar panels at Sharpsburg Community Library could mean savings for borough

Sharpsburg Council wants to save money and energy by installing solar panels on Sharpsburg Community Library along Main Street.

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Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto to celebrate Frick's first-in-U.S. Living Building certification Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto to celebrate Frick's first-in-U.S. Living Building certification

Frick Environmental Center on Friday will celebrate its distinction as the first Living Building in the U.S. that is municipally owned and free to the public.

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Notes on p4 2018: provocative talks and solid research about Pittsburgh’s future Notes on p4 2018: provocative talks and solid research about Pittsburgh’s future

“Power comes from not knowing what comes of our actions, but having faith that something will.” That was Grant Oliphant speaking to some 800 people, 720 of them based in Pittsburgh, at the start of p4

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Murrysville native headed to Montana to document Superfund river clean-up Murrysville native headed to Montana to document Superfund river clean-up

A Murrysville native will join a group of environmental photography students from Point Park University as they document clean-up efforts at the largest Superfund site in America.

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Circles of Greater Pittsburgh has hit high marks despite rocky start Circles of Greater Pittsburgh has hit high marks despite rocky start

Four years after Pittsburgh’s first Circles chapter formed in East Liberty, Circles of Greater Pittsburgh has helped participants nearly triple their assets and shed more than $5,000 of debt on average, according to a 2017

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How perceptions about natural gas production, climate change have changed How perceptions about natural gas production, climate change have changed

A new Franklin & Marshall College and StateImpact Pennsylvania poll on climate change and shale gas surveyed 423 Pennsylvanians – all registered voters, equally distributed across the state. The mix of party affiliations – Democrats,

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New WITF Conservation Heritage Documentary: Rachel Carson -Voice Of Nature

WITF this week premiered another in its series of PA Conservation Heritage documentaries-- Rachel Carson - Voice Of Nature. This program focuses on Rachel Carson’s connection to Pennsylvania and the impact her work has had

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First Lady Frances Wolf Joins Adjutant General And Pennsylvania Commission For Women To Honor Female Veterans During Women’s History Month

Harrisburg, PA - First Lady Frances Wolf and Major General Anthony Carrelli, Pennsylvania's Adjutant General, today joined the Pennsylvania Commission for Women to host the third annual Female Veterans Day Ceremony in celebration of Women's

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The People Have Spoken! Landforce Winner Of Google Impact Challenge In Pittsburgh

The people have voted-- for the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Landforce which polled more online votes than three other groups to win the second round of the  Google Impact Challenge Pittsburgh and $50,000...(Read more)

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Brian O'Neill: In these 'tranquil' city hollows, voices rise

There is nothing older than yesterday’s newspaper. That’s an old saying in more than one language, but there is something even older: a government report. Generally, they get churned out only so politicians have something for their

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Want to learn about the polluted air you breathe? Start here.

Pittsburgh’s air was once so soot-filled that Downtown office workers would bring a second shirt to work each day, changing midday so they wouldn’t be walking around with a fine dusting of ash on their

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Opening Doors to the Outdoors: A Legacy of Advocacy and Play — free panel discussion

Pittsburgh’s outdoor amenities and green spaces have been touted by everyone from National Geographic to The New York Times, but how can the region ensure that our environmental assets are protected, preserved and accessible to

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Ready or not: Tech boom brings complex changes to Pittsburgh’s real estate market

PITTSBURGH — It’s Sunday morning and the Strip District sizzles with tourists hitting up President Obama’s favorite breakfast spot. Others duck into one of the many immigrant-owned markets along Penn Avenue or grab some Steelers

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With or without HQ2, Hazelwood home sales picking up speed

Real estate speculators have been turning up the heat in Hazelwood as rumors fly that the online giant Amazon could relocate its second headquarters there.

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Connecting reporters with experts, Sciline wants to improve the quality of today’s science reporting

If you believe the experts, regularly eating dark chocolate can help lower your blood pressure, make you smarter, and help you lose weight. Also, say the experts: Chocolate can contribute to obesity and diabetes and

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New Oakland-based partnership focused on building Pittsburgh’s Innovation Economy New Oakland-based partnership focused on building Pittsburgh’s Innovation Economy

InnovatePGH was born from the 2017 Brookings Institution study: “Capturing the next economy: Pittsburgh’s rise as a global innovation city,” which was funded by the Heinz Endowments and the Hillman Foundation. Formed to implement key

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Karen Abrams shares her passion for Pittsburgh neighborhoods and the great outdoors Karen Abrams shares her passion for Pittsburgh neighborhoods and the great outdoors

We catch up with Karen Abrams two months after she started her new position as Program Director for Equitable Development at The Heinz Endowments. An avid hiker, urban planner and equity advocate, Karen previously served as manager

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What will emerge from the launch of InnovatePGH? What will emerge from the launch of InnovatePGH?

InnovatePGH, launched yesterday as a “public-private partnership conceived to accelerate Pittsburgh’s growth as a global destination for technology-based economic activity,” is rebranding Oakland and its surroundings as an “innovation district.” The new initiative aims to “implement recommendations

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Pittsburgh leaders announce InnovatePGH partnership

Regional leaders announced a new public-private partnership called InnovatePGH, meant to accelerate Pittsburgh’s global innovation city status...

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Public-private partnership formed to feed city's tech economy

A public-private partnership has been formed to accelerate Pittsburgh’s growing tech economy, with Oakland serving as the hub...

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List Of Design Teams Announced For Public Plaza At Hazelwood Green Site In Allegheny County

Hazelwood Green, a former steel mill site that is the City of Pittsburgh’s largest riverfront redevelopment project and last urban brownfield, Monday announced the names of eight design teams that will vie for the

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New frontiers: A clever CMU program scouts out the latest in artificial intelligence

Carnegie Mellon University has hit on an interesting strategy for predicting which industries are most likely to be affected by artificial intelligence in coming years — knowledge that has the potential to affect government policy,

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St. Francis University releases comprehensive review on energy development

St. Francis University’s Institute for Energy has finished a comprehensive review on energy development on Pennsylvania’s public lands. 

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Millvale event helps educate about lead exposure Millvale event helps educate about lead exposure

As of Jan. 1, it is mandatory for children residing within Allegheny County to undergo blood screenings between 9 and 12 months old and again at 2 years of age to detect lead exposure...

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Pittsburgh Organization Offering Free Water Filters, Hosting Events On How To Prevent Lead Exposure Pittsburgh Organization Offering Free Water Filters, Hosting Events On How To Prevent Lead Exposure

A local nonprofit is offering free water filters to Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority customers, while working to educate Pittsburgh-area residents on preventing lead exposure...

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$15M in tax credits to transform former steel mill into tech hub $15M in tax credits to transform former steel mill into tech hub

Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday that the state will pitch in $15 million in tax credits to expedite construction at Hazelwood Green — the site of a massive abandoned steel mill that a group of

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Karen Abrams appointed program director for equitable development

The Heinz Endowments has appointed Karen Abrams program director for equitable development. Abrams, who most recently was manager of diversity and community affairs for the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, starts her new post at the

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Continuing to serve: A bipartisan PAC wants more vets in Congress

Congress needs less partisanship and more earnest problem-solvers. That means calling in the Marines, along with the Army, Navy and Air Force, according to one newly launched political action committee...

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Endowments names Karen Abrams Program Officer for Equitable Development

The Heinz Endowments today announced the appointment of Karen Abrams as program officer for equitable development. Ms. Abrams joins the Endowments Dec. 7 and will focus on infusing equity into the Endowments’ redevelopment funding

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A free Primanti's sandwich or Sheetz car wash? Businesses offer thanks for vets' service A free Primanti's sandwich or Sheetz car wash? Businesses offer thanks for vets' service

The grizzled military veterans stood sentry in a line that started around 9:30 a.m. Saturday and grew longer by the minute. Many had beaming families by their side, children and grandchildren in tow.

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'Veterans Breakfast Club' offers help to heal from moral injuries 'Veterans Breakfast Club' offers help to heal from moral injuries

For several months, Diana Nelson Jones has been listening to the stories of war veterans over coffee, at their workplaces, in lunch booths, at conferences and at gatherings of the Veterans Breakfast Club. Each one

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Nonprofit sets goals for connecting Pittsburgh-area veterans and jobs Nonprofit sets goals for connecting Pittsburgh-area veterans and jobs

At least 50 organizations in the Pittsburgh region have declared a mission to serve veterans in some capacity, from housing assistance to education to social services. For one of the most basic — getting a job

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Google launches $250,000 Pittsburgh Impact Challenge for nonprofits Google launches $250,000 Pittsburgh Impact Challenge for nonprofits

Google officially launched a $250,000 challenge that will provide funding to Pittsburgh-area nonprofits with ideas on how to grow the local economy.

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2017 Shale & Public Health Conference Nov. 13 In Pittsburgh

The League of Women Voters of PA and University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health will host the 2017 Shale and Public Health Conference on November 13 at the Pitt University Club, 123 University

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Breathe Initiative Transitions to Independent Local Nonprofit Organization

PITTSBURGH, Pa., Oct. 26, 2017 – The Breathe Project, a web and social media platform developed by The Heinz Endowments to increase community awareness about Pittsburgh’s poor air quality, has completed its transfer to local

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Getting Real About Climate Change Getting Real About Climate Change

This week in Pittsburgh, about 1300 people are in training to become climate leaders in their communities. That means convincing other people to make changes to their lives. But how? Ken Berlin is the president ...

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Al Gore: We’re Getting Close to Bipartisan Action on Climate Al Gore: We’re Getting Close to Bipartisan Action on Climate

Al Gore says he’s optimistic the U.S. will break its political standoff over climate change, and that the U.S. is “not that far” from a bipartisan consensus on climate change.

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From Flint to Pittsburgh, children need protection from lead, pediatrician says From Flint to Pittsburgh, children need protection from lead, pediatrician says

“How do we preserve the tomorrows of our kids?” asked Flint, Mich., pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha at an event Wednesday sharing her ongoing advocacy for eliminating lead exposure in children, first sparked by her city’s water

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Gore Tells Climate Activists: ‘We’re Going to Win This’ Gore Tells Climate Activists: ‘We’re Going to Win This’

Al Gore stood on a stage at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center showing a crowd of 1300 would-be climate activists what is by now his signature visual aide: his slide show.

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Last Major Pittsburgh Steel Mill Site Reborn As Hazelwood Green

With key infrastructure elements and land remediation at or near completion at the 178-acre Almono site in Hazelwood, Allegheny County elected officials, community leaders and Almono LLC Project Director Rebecca Flora gathered October 13 to

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Al Gore hosts 3-day climate change workshop in Pittsburgh this week Al Gore hosts 3-day climate change workshop in Pittsburgh this week

Just days after the Trump administration signaled its continued retreat from Obama-era climate change policies, former Vice President Al Gore will open his latest Climate Reality Leadership Corps training program in Pittsburgh this week.

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Pittsburgh's last major steel mill development site renamed Hazelwood Green Pittsburgh's last major steel mill development site renamed Hazelwood Green

The owners of Pittsburgh's last major industrial property rechristened the 178 acres along the Monongahela River on Friday after its host neighborhood: Hazelwood Green.

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Al Gore coming to Pittsburgh next week for climate change workshop Al Gore coming to Pittsburgh next week for climate change workshop

Al Gore will be in Pittsburgh next week headlining a three-day climate change workshop for more than 1,000 environmentally minded activists, scientists and community leaders.

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Crossing the Corporate Bridge: BNY Mellon Hosts Veterans Leadership Forum in Pittsburgh

A recent Veterans Leadership Forum (VLF), hosted by the Pittsburgh chapter of BNY Mellon's VETNET employee resource group, brought together senior BNY Mellon executives and talent professionals, members of the broader Pittsburgh nonprofit and academic

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Ahead of our time in life sciences

Pittsburgh is usually ahead of its time. Occasionally we get reminded of this in surprising and satisfying ways.

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Study: Pittsburgh and its universities aren't leveraging full economic potential Study: Pittsburgh and its universities aren't leveraging full economic potential

Pittsburgh talks a lot about its great universities, hospitals and their draw for businesses, but the region isn’t really exploiting the assets that have been so attractive to so many tech giants, among others, according

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New Pittsburgh multicultural unit to translate 5 languages for immigrants New Pittsburgh multicultural unit to translate 5 languages for immigrants

Pittsburgh will translate messaging from its public safety departments into Arabic, Chinese, Nepalese, Spanish and Swahili as part of an effort to ensure that immigrants and refugees can access city services.

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Pittsburgh's new multicultural unit will help communication — in Arabic, Chinese, Nepali, Spanish and Swahili Pittsburgh's new multicultural unit will help communication — in Arabic, Chinese, Nepali, Spanish and Swahili

Pittsburgh's Public Safety department is angling to strengthen ties — and trust — with refugee and immigrant communities through a multicultural program.

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Almono mega-development in Hazelwood aims to be a “24/7 neighborhood” Almono mega-development in Hazelwood aims to be a “24/7 neighborhood”

The big piles of dirt move, sometimes. So far, one might think that’s the extent of the excitement at the long-awaited Almono development in Hazelwood. As much as $1 billion in development has been mapped

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Despite greater scrutiny, depth of schools' lead problem unclear Despite greater scrutiny, depth of schools' lead problem unclear

Ronald Joseph recalled waking up anxious every Friday for two months straight. The chief technology officer of Pennsylvania's second-largest school district described having "a hold-your-breath moment" each week during summer 2016 as he met with

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Hilltop Urban Farm in South Pittsburgh is set to become the largest urban farm in the country

"First ribbon-cutting for a farm in probably 100 years in the City of Pittsburgh,” quipped Mayor Bill Peduto at the future site of Hilltop Urban Farm, a 107-acre property in the city’s tiny St. Clair

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One of the country's largest urban farms is underway at former St. Clair Village public housing project One of the country's largest urban farms is underway at former St. Clair Village public housing project

Aimee Mangham has found shoes, dolls, baby booties and jump ropes in the soil as she plows around the horseshoe that used to be Bonifay Street. With her husband James, she co-owns Go Supreme, a

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Urban farm planned for former Pittsburgh housing project site Urban farm planned for former Pittsburgh housing project site

Rev. Maurice C. Trent Jr. remembers walking the streets of St. Clair Village when the former Pittsburgh housing project was a notorious haven for drug dealers, gang activity and murder.

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New Tazza d’Oro coffee shop to anchor Millvale’s Bennett Station project New Tazza d’Oro coffee shop to anchor Millvale’s Bennett Station project

It took nearly 25 years, but Millvale is finally getting its Tazza d’Oro.

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No One Left Behind is the “first friend” to America’s wartime allies in Pittsburgh No One Left Behind is the “first friend” to America’s wartime allies in Pittsburgh

“The first thing we say is, ‘Welcome home,’” says Tiffany Landis, director of family services for the newly-launched Pittsburgh branch of No One Left Behind. “That’s when the real work begins.”

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Robotics institute set to anchor Pittsburgh's mammoth Almono development Robotics institute set to anchor Pittsburgh's mammoth Almono development

Carnegie Mellon University's Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute will be the first anchor tenant to set up shop in a former Hazelwood steel mill, officials said Monday.

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Al Gore wants Pittsburgh to join the fight against climate change, and he’s giving us the tools to do it

Want to do something about climate change but don’t know where to start? What better way to learn than through an event organized by one of the world’s most famous environmental activists: former Vice President

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Renovation of Elizabeth Pharmacy could be a sign of bigger things to come in Hazelwood Renovation of Elizabeth Pharmacy could be a sign of bigger things to come in Hazelwood

Joe Reich surveys the aisles of his pharmacy as he walks toward the front, winding his way around a cart with dry goods an employee has parked by the food shelves. He exchanges warm hellos

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Gore to host climate change workshop in Pittsburgh Gore to host climate change workshop in Pittsburgh

Al Gore, former vice president of the United States and climate change crusader, is bringing his Climate Reality Leadership Corps training program to Pittsburgh in October.

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CREATE Lab clears the air with improved Smell PGH app and new website CREATE Lab clears the air with improved Smell PGH app and new website

Smell PGH—a mobile app built by Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab—has provided residents with a tool to sniff out the sources behind noxious, and possibly dangerous odors in their neighborhoods. And in Pittsburgh, a city

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Foundations gather in Pittsburgh to talk about lending support to help low-wage workers Foundations gather in Pittsburgh to talk about lending support to help low-wage workers

Stephanie Fello, a prepared-foods clerk at the South Side Giant Eagle, rose through the ranks of the union representing workers during her nearly six years with the O’Hara-based grocer.

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Pittsburgh plans to spend $5 million to simplify building permit approval process

The city of Pittsburgh plans to spend more than $5 million in a bid to simplify and speed up its system for approving permits, an issue that has been the topic of growing complaints from

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Smell Something, Say Something Smell Something, Say Something

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's CREATE Lab are rolling out new features in Smell PGH, a smartphone app that helps Pittsburgh area residents collectively report foul odors and alert each other to suspicious smells that

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After two years, countywide solar campaign ends on sunny note After two years, countywide solar campaign ends on sunny note

Randy Bondi had never given solar energy much thought until he noticed a serendipitous advertisement. One day in the fall of 2015, he saw an item in Etna’s borough newsletter about a campaign launching to

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Hire the vet: A comprehensive effort to employ veterans’ skills

The Heinz Endowments’ new campaign to promote the hiring of veterans is about more than putting people in jobs. It’s about getting employers to understand the sophisticated skills veterans bring to the table and matching

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Campaign urging Pittsburgh employers to hire vets

As a maintenance officer in Iraq during the Second Gulf War, Megan Andros commanded more than 100 troops in a heavy brigade combat team, and oversaw millions of dollars worth of weapons and other equipment.

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Heinz Endowments launches campaign for vets Heinz Endowments launches campaign for vets

The Heinz Endowments has unveiled a national campaign to help veterans re-enter the civilian workforce.

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Heinz Endowments' new messaging campaign to rethink veterans

A major public campaign was today launched in the Pittsburgh region in efforts to help create a true understanding of the challenges faced by veterans seeking to re-integrate into the community after returning from active

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Etna receives funding for commercial, residential redevelopment

Etna has received two grants to revitalize its business district for commercial and residential use, according to borough Manager Mary Ellen Ramage.

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Penn State: Shale Gas Threat To Forests Can Be Eased By Consolidating Infrastructure

Fragmentation of ecologically important core forests within the northern Appalachians — driven by pipeline and access road construction — is the major threat posed by shale-gas development, according to researchers, who recommend a change in

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Pittsburgh groups work to rid schools and child care centers of lead, radon

Two nonprofits are launching a program to help Pittsburgh-area schools and child care centers get rid of lead and radon hazards.

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1,000 Hours a Year initiative will help local schools test for lead and radon 1,000 Hours a Year initiative will help local schools test for lead and radon

Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) and the Green Building Alliance (GBA) announced at a joint press conference Thursday a new initiative, 1,000 Hours a Year, that will provide funding to local schools and early

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Pittsburgh environmental groups launch initiative to help schools and child-care facilities address lead and radon Pittsburgh environmental groups launch initiative to help schools and child-care facilities address lead and radon

Children spend an estimated 1,000 hours every year in schools, early-education centers and after-school programs. While parents can work to protect their children from environmental hazards like lead and radon at home, they have little

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This new initiative will help Pittsburgh-area schools and pre-schools test for lead and radon This new initiative will help Pittsburgh-area schools and pre-schools test for lead and radon

Superintendent Patrick Graczyk didn’t sleep for 48 hours after he had received his school district's lead testing results.

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Pittsburgh could spend $900K to restructure PWSA Pittsburgh could spend $900K to restructure PWSA

Pittsburgh has chosen a Maryland-based infrastructure consulting firm to manage a possible restructuring of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.

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Data Doesn't Solve Problems, But It Sure Can Help

Bob Gradeck can’t stand the term “data-driven.” It might seem odd that the project director of the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center would recoil at a data-centric phrase, but Gradeck sees data as tools and

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What it was like “Living Downwind” of Shenango Coke Works What it was like “Living Downwind” of Shenango Coke Works

In 2015, communities near Neville Island rejoiced when it was announced that the Shenango Coke Works, a plant blamed for pumping out noxious pollution, would shut down. In the months since it officially closed, organizations

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Shale gas threat to forests can be eased by consolidating infrastructure

Fragmentation of ecologically important core forests within the northern Appalachians -- driven by pipeline and access road construction -- is the major threat posed by shale-gas development, according to researchers, who recommend a change in

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Crazy Mocha banks on Braddock, invests in community revitalization

The blighted town of Braddock is poised for a jolt of caffeine from a brand-name coffeehouse that could open this fall if financing comes through.

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Kidsburgh: Local High School Students Jumpstart Redevelopment Kidsburgh: Local High School Students Jumpstart Redevelopment

A group of incredibly impressive kids and their passionate, dedicated teacher at Brownsville Area High School in Fayette County, are getting national recognition for helping jumpstart redevelopment in their boarded up downtown.
 

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Report Finds Fracking Companies Often Get Slap-On-The-Wrist Fines Report Finds Fracking Companies Often Get Slap-On-The-Wrist Fines

According to a new report from the group PennEnvironment, only 17 percent of environmental or health violations by fracking companies in Pennsylvania resulted in fines. And when companies did get fined, the penalties were relatively

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La Gourmandine opens new storefront and bakery facility in Hazelwood La Gourmandine opens new storefront and bakery facility in Hazelwood

Second Avenue in Hazelwood is smelling much sweeter these days as French bakery La Gourmandine prepares to open its third Pittsburgh location on Monday. The artisan bakery is a key part of the area’s revitalization

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Endowments seeks veterans’ voices for special fact-finding forums

The Heinz Endowments is hosting three special meetings in February for area veterans and military servicemen and servicewomen to share their thoughts on improving veteran services and programs in southwestern Pennsylvania.

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