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Events

Resources

A special thanks to Sustainable Pittsburgh member HHSDR

3rd annual Regional Equitable Development Summit: County Comprehensive Planning for Equitable Development in Southwestern Pennsylvania

The 3rd annual Regional Equitable Development Summit, held on December 15, 2006, featured keynote presentation (links below) by Professor john powell, executive director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Ohio State University. powell provided analysis of our region's depth of inequities along with positive examples of local steps being taken to close disparity gaps and emerging best practices from around the nation for consideration in the areas of housing, education and economic development.

The Summit also served as a formal public input session of Allegheny Places (Allegheny County’s comprehensive land use plan in progress). Chief Executive Dan Onorato welcomed attendees by explaining why diversity and equity is key to the county and region's prosperity. James Hassinger, executive director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission moderated a panel of economic development and county planning directors who reviewed barriers and solutions to regional equitable development in southwestern Pennsylvania. Allegheny County Councilman Bill Robinson was on hand to explain the remarkable commitment by the county to have social equity serve as the organizing framework for Allegheny Places. An Allegheny Places Resource Panel of eight leaders representing economic development, transportation and equity and diversity shed light on opportunities to ensure individuals and families in all communities can participate and benefit from economic growth and activity. Cecile Springer, Springer Associates closed the event with reflections the lingering and increasing stakes for need for the region to firmly embrace regional equitable development.

The Summit was presented by Sustainable Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh's Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership, and the Greater Pittsburgh Diversity Festival. The Summit was sponsored by PNC BANK.

Links:

-Audio of john powell's presentation click here
-john powell's powerpoint presentation click here
-Kirwin Institute study on "Communities of Opportunities" a model of fair housing and community development to remedy inequities and disparities. click here
- Allegheny Places click here

Resources Continued

Champions of Sustainability Presents: Pennsylvania State Planning Board: Report Presentation/Public Input

Friday, January 26
1 - 2:30 pm (Registration 12:30)
31st floor of the Regional Enterprise Tower (425 Sixth Ave.)
No fee to attend
To register, call 412-258-6642 or email info@sustainablepittsburgh.org info@sustainablepittsburgh.org

The forum is the first public input meeting on the State Planning Board's recently released report to Governor Rendell. The report addresses recommendations for state policies and actions, including possible legislation, on development, conservation, and land use issues such as:

• Tax revenue sharing and additional authority for tax base sharing that will achieve smart growth goals.
• Amendments to the Municipalities Planning Code regarding comprehensive land use planning to address issues including capital investment decisions and coordinating transportation, infrastructure, and development.
• Amendments to county and municipal codes to establish clear procedures to permit municipal disincorporations as an intermediate step to merger or consolidation.
•Criteria for state investments, incentives for more multimunicipal planning and implementation, and policies for attracting private investment.
•Right-sizing provision of services at the state, county, and local levels; and efficient, well-designed transportation, water and sewer, and other infrastructure that serves state, regional, and local needs.

Presenters: Honorable Judith Schwank, chair PA Planning Board
Alex Graziani, vice-chair PA Planning Board
Dennis Puko, PA Department of Community and Economic Development

Panel: Lynn DeLorenzo, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties
Dick Hadley, Cranberry Township Supervisor
Honorable Jake Wheatley Jr., State Representative, 19th Legislative District

Attend and provide input to this important process of state-wide strategies for reinvesting in cities and towns, fostering growth and competitiveness of both urban and rural economies, and improving the quality of life in all of Pennsylvania’s diverse communities.

Hosted by: PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development, Regional Coalition of Community Builders, Sustainable Pittsburgh, and University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics. 

Sponsored by:

CMU School of Architecture presents Fritz Haeg

Monday, January 29
6:30 pm
Carnegie Museum of Art Theater
Pittsburgh (Oakland)
More Information about Fritz Haeg

This lecture is co sponsored by the Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture and the Heinz Architectural Center, Carnegie Museum of Art. Fritz Haeg graduated from the Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture in 1992. Since then, he has operated a multi-faceted practice incorporating architecture, design, ecology and education. Recent projects include the Bernardi Salcedo residence in L.A. and the widely publicized "Edible Estates", a sustainably-oriented program to turn urban lawns into domestic farms.

Basic Course in Community Planning

February 5, 12 & 19 (3 parts)
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Village Hall
150 Finoli Drive
Cost: $95
Register: 1-800-232-7722 ext. 42 or Click Here

This newly revised three-session, 10 hour course is intended primarily for new planning commissioners, but the information is also useful to experienced planning commissioners, elected officials, zoning hearing board members, and professional planning staff. It is designed to provide planning commissioners with the basic information they need to effectively serve on a planning commission. The course includes in-depth instruction on the PA Municipalities Planning Code, the 2000 and 2002 amendments to the code and the technical compnents of land use planning and regulation, as well as guidance for building effective working relationships among the commission members, the governing body and the public. Hands-on experiences and discussion are built in to each session.

The Future of Energy Policy in the Wake of Political Change

Wednesday, February 14
11:45 am
Omni William Penn Hotel
Pittsburgh (Downtown)
Cost: $30 members; $40 nonmembers; $15 students
More Information
Reservations: reservations@econclubpgh.org

It is clear that a change in the Congressional approach to energy issues has arrived. Many are beginning to wonder what Democratic control of the House and Senate will mean for the average American and the future of energy policy during a time when energy prices have soared and uncertainty abounds. Dr. John Felmy, Chief Economist and Director of American Petroleum Institute’s Statistics Department, will speak to these issues.

Planning for Agriculture

Wednesday, March 7
Ramada Inn
1170 W. Chestnut Street
Washington, PA
Cost $25
More information

A myriad of state statues are currently in effect to support agriculture, which continues to represent Pennsylvania’s number one industry. Staying up-to-date on state legislation can be tough for municipal officials. And, once aware of their existence, how do you find out what information within them is useful to your municipality? With almost every municipality in the state having some type of agricultural concern, the statutes discussed in this course will have some sort of application in your backyard. Attendees will explore the impact of state statutes guiding this industry, as well as its effects on your community, including environmental and aesthetic issues. Hosted by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors.

Corridors of Opportunity: Cultural District

Monday, March 12
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Omni William Penn Hotel (Downtown Pittsburgh)
Cost: $50. NAIOP members and Pittsburgh Business Times Subscribers: $45
More Information/Register Online

The event will focus on the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's upcoming $460 million project, bounded by Fort Duquesne Boulevard overlooking the Allegheny River, Penn Avenue, and Seventh and Ninth streets, which will be the country's first master-planned "green," mixed-use, arts/residential neighborhood, providing approximately 700 new residential units and 9,200 jobs for the region. Other panelists will include developers and others involved in the Cultural District's amazing transformation in the last two decades.

Save the Date: 2007 Smart Growth Conference

Friday, May 18
Omni William Penn Hotel
Downtown Pittsburgh
For sponsorship opportunities, contact: info@sustainablepittsburgh.org

Among topics, the 2007 Smart Growth Conference will review and collect input on progress made on the three community challenges/solutions as voted on at the 2006 Smart Growth Conference. Visit: http://www.sustainablepittsburgh.org/2006_Conference/Overview.htm for more information on last year's conference.

Resources

FHLBank's New AHP Grant Critera Focus on Community Stability

This year, the FHLBank of Pittsburgh is substantially changing its scoring criteria for Affordable Housing Program (AHP) applications, giving much greater weight to a project's impact on "community stability.

A 4-mile stretch of Saw Mill Run Boulevard exemplifies what years of neglect can do

People in the neighborhoods on both sides, primarily Overbrook and Brookline, say neither claims the boulevard. They say it's a traffic snarl they find ways to avoid and a nightmare of bureaucratic entities. It has state and city jurisdictions, different borough governments, a variety of legislative and senatorial districts and several ZIP codes.

$1.3 million gift expands Allegheny Land Trust’s Audubon Greenway

In the last week of 2006, Allegheny Land Trust expanded the Audubon Greenway in the Little Sewickley Creek Watershed with acquisition of a 51-acre parcel of land. This acquisition was made possible by through support from community groups and individuals, foundations and state agencies, and especially the generosity of Thomas McCargo’s family who donated $1.3 million towards the project.

Prestigious award may park in Mellon Square

An unassuming, peaceful piece of green in the heart of Downtown has support from a national historic landscape expert to be honored as a landmark, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has announced. Mellon Square -- a block of green dotted with fountains and sculptures near the Mellon Bank Building -- should be given National Historic Landmark status as the oldest-surviving park above a parking garage, said Charles Birnbaum, founder of the Cultural Landscape Foundation in Washington. "Think about the green roof movement in America. This came before that," Birnbaum said. "Think about the American fascination with the automobile in post-war America. This fed off that.

Penn Future Podcast: Going for the Green and Gold

This week’s podcast features Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Executive Director Court Gould, whose presentation, “The Business of Sustainability,” demonstrates that going green is great for the bottom line. Gould details how sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility are becoming the norm among leading U.S. and international corporations.

Economic Development and Redevelopment: A Toolkit on Land Use and Health

This toolkit is designed for nutrition and other public health advocates who need additional resources, beyond zoning and general plan revisions, to improve the food access in low-income neighborhoods and are seeking a fundamental, introductory understanding of the economic development and redevelopment tools available, their use, and how to effectively participate in decisions about their use.

PG&E to Launch Carbon Offset Program

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that it received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to launch a voluntary program that will provide customers the option to offset the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their energy use. The program is scheduled to launch in spring 2007.

Economic equity program fosters regional cooperation

The government equity (GE) portion is less well understood, but spreads some of the revenue gained by economic development across the county to communities that didn't do as well that year..."At the end of the day, it balances out," Vandalia City Manager Jeff Hoagland said. "There are communities getting that money and others paying into it because their financial situation is better that year. It does foster regional cooperation and all the communities that participate are made whole."

Locavore: Celebrate your foodshed

We are a group of concerned culinary adventurers who are making an effort to eat only foods grown or harvested within a 100 mile radius of San Francisco for an entire month. We recognize that the choices we make about what foods we choose to eat are important politically, environmentally, economically, and healthfully...Our food now travels an average of 1,500 miles before ending up on our plates. This globalization of the food supply has serious consequences for the environment, our health, our communities and our tastebuds.

Decades of transit trouble come to a head

Port Authority's current problem wasn't caused by one issue nor did it occur at any particular moment. Rather, a century of problems -- including the area's loss of population and skyrocketing labor costs -- have compounded and driven the region's bus company to the edge of disaster, transit experts say...Usage peaked in 1947 with 280 million riders. About 70 percent of the riders lived in 19 of the county's 129 municipalities. Then urban sprawl and a declining metro population worsened the situation. The U.S. Census Bureau put the county's population at 1.6 million in 1960, falling to 1.2 million in 2005 -- a loss of about 400,000 people. As people began moving from the urban center, transit routes stretched out to reach them. Bus and streetcars traveled 30 million miles in 1964 but increased to 40 million by 1975..."What we're going through now isn't dissimilar to what the city school district and the city went through," Bland said. "It's a regional problem. Part of it is the nature of how transit is funded in Pennsylvania, and part of it is the changes that have occurred in the region."

Living On Earth Interviews with Al Gore, EO Wilson and more

Audio and text of Living On Earth interviews with Al Gore, EO Wilson:
- Al Gore is looking to leverage the success of his film, "An Inconvenient Truth," by cloning himself. Well, not really. He's training more than a thousand people to give the slideshow presentation on global warming he gives in the movie. Living on Earth's Jeff Young sat down with Al Gore to ask him about his efforts to change the climate of public opinion.
- The European Union is calling on member countries to cut their CO2 emissions 20 percent below 1990 levels, and boost renewable energy 20 percent by 2020. Host Bruce Gellerman turns to Mark Mardell, the BBC's Europe editor, to find out what this means for energy supply, security, and future EU action on climate change.
- Harvard scientists and the 30 million strong National Association of Evangelicals have joined forces and have just released an "Urgent Call to Action" to President Bush and political leaders to address global warming. Living on Earth host Bruce Gellerman speaks with Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson and Reverend Joel Hunter from Northlands Church in Orlando, Florida about the new coalition.

Benedum Foundation Annual Report - Growing Together, Are Regional Approaches Getting Any Traction?

The Annual Report features a “virtual roundtable” among Southwestern Pennsylvania leaders on the issue of regional cooperation. There has been growing recognition that in order for the region with Pittsburgh at its core to prosper, we must move past traditional parochialism, and act on the realization that we are competing as a region with other regions around the world...The Benedum Foundation hopes that these examples will encourage elected officials and other leaders in Southwestern Pennsylvania, in adjoining states, and across state lines, to be open to the tremendous potential of regional approaches to regional problems and opportunities...We conducted individual interviews with nine distinguished professionals in Southwestern Pennsylvania, each a recognized leader in business, government, or the nonprofit arena, to learn their views on regional approaches to problems and opportunities...The unanimous opinion of all participants in our virtual roundtable is that the most logical and sensible way to tackle these kinds of challenges is by approaching them as a region. That means working together, working for the common good, and understanding that what’s good for each of the ten counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania is good for everyone who lives in them.

Car-sharing service to rev up in spring

"The idea of car-sharing really came out of our housing initiative," said Mike Edwards, president of the partnership. "It's a way to decrease the costs associated with Downtown housing. It makes it so a car is not a requirement to live Downtown." ..Cars can be rented for as little as a half-hour up to several days. Vehicles range from small fuel-efficient cars to heavy-duty pick-up trucks. Flexcar boasts that each of its shared cars takes 15 other cars off the road.

The PolicyLink Center for Health and Place

Our recently launched PolicyLink Center for Health and Place builds upon years of research, collaboration, and community engagement. It weaves research and action into policy initiatives to ensure that everyone—especially those in low-income communities and communities of color—can live, work, and play in healthy environments. "We need fresher and bolder approaches to policies that address the link between health and place," said Angela Glover Blackwell, founder and CEO of PolicyLink. "Since policy informs the answers to the questions, 'who benefits, who pays, and who decides,' we must work collaboratively and aggressively to advance policies that ensure everyone an equitable share of our nation's resources. That has been the continued mission of PolicyLink and that's the vision for our new center."

Descending the Oil Peak: Navigating the Transition from Oil and Natural Gas Report of the City of Portland Peak Oil Task Force

Every day, businesses, government agencies and households around the world plan and make decisions based on the assumption that oil and natural gas will remain plentiful and affordable. In the past few years, powerful evidence has emerged that casts doubt on that assumption and suggests that global production of both oil and natural gas is likely to reach its historic peak soon. This phenomenon is referred to as “peak oil.” Given both the continuous rise in global demand for these products and the fundamental role they play in all levels of social, economic and geopolitical activities, the consequences of such an event are enormous. This report assesses Portland’s vulnerabilities in the face of wide-ranging changes in global energy markets and provides an initial set of recommendations for addressing that challenge thoughtfully and prudently...While all the recommendations are important, achieving a significant reduction in oil and natural gas use is a necessity for easing the transition to an energy-constrained future.

Pittsburgh Climate Protection Initiative Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

Pittsburgh—already a national leader in environmentally responsible practices—has undertaken an initiative to join hundreds of cities around the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the effects of global warming. The Pittsburgh Climate Protection Initiative presents the city with great opportunities for improving the global climate, the local environment, the local economy, and will enhance Pittsburgh’s reputation as an environmentally progressive city...The city of Pittsburgh generated more than 6.6 million tons of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases in 2003. Of these emissions, four percent were directly attributable to municipal sources—city government and public authorities—while the remaining 96 percent were attributable to residential, commercial, and industrial sources, and transportation in the rest of the community.

Tiny N.J. Towns Are Resisting Push for Them to Merge

New Jersey, home of the nation's highest property taxes, is contemplating consolidating some of its 566 municipalities, 616 school districts and 486 local authorities to try to save money. Gov. Corzine has urged voluntary mergers and service-sharing, while some legislators are calling for mandatory consolidations.

Extreme makeover: City edition

The Youngstown 2010 plan exhibits many of the basics of a modern-day master plan. It envisions the city as a rezoned hub for regional business, encourages the creation of more green space, and invites people to help direct redevelopment. But it also recommends cutting the oversized infrastructure planners say makes Youngstown look like "a size-40 man wearing a size-60 suit." "There are too many abandoned properties and too many underutilized sites," Youngstown 2010's vision statement reads. "Many difficult choices will have to be made as Youngstown recreates itself as a sustainable mid-sized city."

Allegheny not ready to follow same path

Can Allegheny County learn from Youngstown's exercise in smart decline? Well, yes and no. Local officials applauded Youngstown, Ohio's efforts to eliminate blight and tackle quality-of-life issues -- acknowledging parallels with Pittsburgh's Redd Up campaign -- but were hesitant to back a strategy that manages shrinkage over bolstering growth.

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Sustainable Pittsburgh affects decision-making in the Pittsburgh Region in integrate economic prosperity, social equity and environmental quality bringing sustainable solutions to communities and businesses.

Please review SP's regional assessments and vision/policies for the future: SWPA Regional Indicators Report, Citizens' Vision for Smart Growth, and Regional Policy Guidance Document by clicking on the links to our website.

The Transportation for Livable Communities project is a partnership of Sustainable Pittsburgh and the national Surface Transportation Policy Project to advance a sustainable transportation system for Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Sustainable Pittsburgh benefits from support in 2007 from:

Elsie H. Hillman Foundation
Dollar Bank
The Heinz Endowments
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Roy A. Hunt Foundation
University of Pittsburgh


Special thanks to the SP Members

Sustainable Pittsburgh
425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1335
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 258-6642
fax (412) 258-6645
E-mail SP