Mayor’s Office Launches New Tools to Help Residents Future
Published on May 27, 2025
New Online Guides Make It Easier for Residents to Get Involved in the 2050 Plan
Pittsburgh, PA – Last month, the Mayor's Office and Department of City Planning proudly released 20 Topic Area Learning Guides on www.PGH2050.com —a significant milestone in the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan process. This extensive collection of research spans 20 critical topic areas that affect the city and its 90 neighborhoods, and represents a major achievement in the collaborative effort to shape Pittsburgh's future.
“This is a pivotal moment for Pittsburgh,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “With these guides, we’re not just planning for our city’s future—we’re putting the power of knowledge into the hands of every resident. When people have access to clear, honest data, they can shape the neighborhoods they call home. This is how we build a city that works for all of us.”
The Topic Area Learning Guides capture existing conditions and trends in Pittsburgh, framing how the city has changed over time, its current state, and projected future directions. Each 4-page Learning Guide is accompanied by a more comprehensive Topic area Audit Book containing more extensive detailed analysis and research, representing an unprecedented depth of information for city planning efforts.
Public Engagement Opportunity
Residents and stakeholders are invited to engage with this research through multiple channels:
These extensive research materials serve as the foundation for Phase 1 of the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The research has been informed by reviews of past plans, original research and analysis, and input from the Department of City Planning and its various partners. This living repository will continue to evolve through additional research, stakeholder outreach, working groups, and public engagement. Unlike conventional approaches that often use rigid land use frameworks and lack clear implementation paths, Pittsburgh's growth-oriented approach emphasizes:
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Fostering Pittsburgh’s Just Transition in environmental, social and economic recovery and unlocking growth potential across all neighborhoods
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Adapting to changing market trends and emerging opportunities, while protecting and strengthening the people and places that make Pittsburgh great
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Creating clear paths for implementation, investment, and measurable outcomes
- Coordinating efforts across all city agencies and non-governmental entities to maximize development potential
"We've committed to a planning process built on inclusive and sustainable growth and economic opportunity," said Dr. Jamil Bey, Director of City Planning. "These research guides and books reflect countless hours of work and collaboration, representing not just data points, but a comprehensive understanding of what is needed for Pittsburgh's growth potential."
Residents and stakeholders are invited to explore the research at Pgh2050.com.
"Please use the research to guide actions for your organization, your resident group, and most importantly, as a basis to engage with this Comprehensive Planning process," said Sharonda Whatley, Director of Strategic Planning, Department of City Planning. After connecting with the research, there is an opportunity to share feedback on each area. The feedback will be synthesized for inclusion in the next phase of the work.
The Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan is guided by a core focus on growth, with special emphasis on economic development, strategic expansion, and building a strong and sustainable future for all neighborhoods. The Mayor's Office emphasizes that this two-year, community-led planning process will ensure every voice is heard as Pittsburgh charts its course for the next generation.
For more information about the Comprehensive Plan and to review the Topic Area Audit Books, visit pgh2050.com/learn .
About the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan:
The Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan will guide the city in creating a vibrant, competitive, and economically thriving community for all residents. It focuses on accelerating growth, improving infrastructure and market conditions, capitalizing on Pittsburgh's unique assets, driving strategic development, and creating opportunities where all Pittsburghers can contribute to and benefit from the city's economic future.
Olga George
Press Secretary
Mayor's Office
olga.george@pittsburghpa.gov
412-627-0679