Published on March 10, 2026
Pittsburgh, PA — Mayor Corey O’Connor has announced that Pittsburgh Urban Initiatives (PUI) has invested $500,000 to a Main & Main commercial façade program to help support vibrancy in our neighborhood business districts. The proposed Commercial Façade Grant Program will be managed by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and aims to boost neighborhood business districts and small businesses by providing grant dollars to eligible businesses and commercial property owners to improve their external façade.
“Main & Main is about identifying what our neighborhoods and business districts need and finding ways to meet those needs through partnerships, investment and support,” said Mayor O’Connor. “Our small businesses are looking for support to update and maintain their storefronts to attract customers and improve how their main street looks. Thanks to PUI and their leader Rebecca Davidson-Wagner, the URA will now be able to provide that support.”
The funding allows the URA to launch a round of applications in mid-April to fund façade renovations for up to 25 local businesses. Projects can receive reimbursement up to $20,000 with 25% matching funds from the business owner.
“We are excited to launch the Commercial Façade Grant Program next month,” said Susheela Nemani-Stanger, URA Executive Director. “Façade renovations can be transformational for main streets and enhance both curb appeal and pride for our small businesses. We’ve invested in hundreds of similar projects in the past and look forward to recapitalizing the façade fund so we can make additional investments in our communities.”
Authorization to accept thePUI funding andpresentation of the proposedCommercial Façade Grant Program guidelineswill take place atthe URA Board of DirectorsMeetingon Thursday. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the guidelines on the URA’s website until April 3, 2026.
Molly Onufer Press Secretary molly.onufer@pittsburghpa.gov