Main and Main Initiative for Business District Renewal

Published on January 13, 2026

Mayor O'Connor Announces Main and Main Initiative for Business District Renewal

Pittsburgh, PA –Standing along the Homewood Avenue business district corridor today, Mayor Corey O’Connor announced his “Main and Main” initiative to promote revitalization and investment in neighborhood business districts. Borrowing the real estate term, Main and Main signifies investing in the cornerstones of our communities – places of energy, connection and hope.  

Pittsburgh is a city built on the vibrancy of its neighborhoods and business districts, which have experienced challenges in redevelopment through barriers in financing, permitting, streetscaping, infrastructure and more. 

“We know that when our business districts thrive, our businesses are stronger, our streets are safer, and entrepreneurs have more opportunity,” said Mayor O’Connor. “Main and Main is my commitment to business districts that all have their own unique needs, but who all deserve resources that we can provide. For too long, Pittsburgh has said no, but Main and Main is our opportunity to say ‘YES’ to renewal of our business districts.” 

Main and Main will focus on a wide variety of programs that support business districts, such as small business loans, facade renovations, housing development incentives, zoning reform, permitting improvements, gap funding and more to cut through exhausting processes to move projects forward.  

Mayor O’Connor stood in front of an example of Main and Main at the site that will become the Homewood Gateway Project at the corner of Homewood Avenue and Hamilton Avenue. This project, which will deliver 44 units of housing and 4,000 square-feet of ground floor retail, has been held up for years. Last week, the Mayor worked with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Housing Authority (HACP) to close the funding gap to finally move the plan forward to construction. Of the 44 units, 85% will be affordable. 

“Today, we’re starting Main and Main here in Homewood to welcome the next generation, restore what once was and build on the legacy that makes this community – and our communities across the city – special,” Mayor O’Connor said.  

Main and Main will be a coordinated effort across City departments and agencies in partnership with community leaders, community development corporations, residents, businesses, trades, banks and other economic development agencies.  

Molly Onufer
Press Secretary
molly.onufer@pittsburghpa.gov