About City Planning

The Integrated & Strategic Planning Division leads research, data analysis, and cross-agency collaboration to shape policies related to food access, vacant land, housing, mobility, and economic opportunity. They advance holistic planning approaches that prioritize historically underserved and marginalized communities in Pittsburgh.

This work includes producing trend analyses and reports, as well as neighborhood and city-wide convenings while partnering with innovation-focused departments to align goals and pilot new solutions. The division also supports residents in understanding and using planning tools to play meaningful roles in shaping policies and programs.

The team coordinates and develops both neighborhood and city-wide plans to create a shared vision and roadmap that guides the physical, environmental, and economic transformation of Pittsburgh toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Assistant Director
Sharonda Whatley
sharonda.whatley@pittsburghpa.gov

The Public Realm Division proactively engages and supports communities facing the greatest barriers to accessing civic design, historic preservation, and public art opportunities.

The division leads policies, programs, and partnerships that reflect Pittsburgh’s diverse cultures, histories, and traditions in the public realm. It builds community awareness and capacity to participate in planning processes to shape neighborhood and Comprehensive Plan strategies that foster a sense of belonging.

The division also ensures neighborhood and city-wide plans inform urban design guidelines and staffs the Historic Review Commission, Public Art and Civic Design Commission, and Contextual Design Advisory Panel.

Assistant Director
Kevin Kunak
kevin.kunak@pittsburghpa.gov

The Sustainability and Resilience Division advances Pittsburgh’s goals for environmental protection, climate mitigation, and adaptation, with a focus on reducing climate impacts on vulnerable communities.

The division leads the coordination and implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan, oversees compliance with environmental regulations, and develops performance standards. It partners across agencies to strengthen sustainable City operations and works with residents to integrate climate investments—across energy, waste, stormwater, and open space—into neighborhood and city-wide planning strategies.

Assistant Director
Flore Marion
flore.marion@pittsburghpa.gov

The Zoning & Development Review Division manages land use policies and regulations to support affordable, inclusive, resilient, and vibrant neighborhoods.

The division promotes high-quality, sustainable development by coordinating regulatory processes and ensuring a consistent, transparent, and predictable review experience. It helps communities—especially those historically impacted by past planning decisions—navigate land use and regulatory systems.

Zoning & Development Review administers the City’s zoning code, supports development review, and staffs the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Assistant Director & Zoning Administrator
Carolyn Ristau
carolyn.ristau@pittsburghpa.gov