Strong and Equitable Economic and Community Development
The unemployment rate in Allegheny is at a historic low of 3.7%, and there are currently more job postings than there are unemployed people. However, around 38% of Allegheny County households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level still struggle to cover the costs of household essentials like housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and a basic smartphone plan. The county is taking the following steps to attract new employers, support local entrepreneurs, and help workers to thrive.
Initiatives
- Not Started Yet 14%
- In Progress 86%
- Completed 0%
Community Priorities
Members of the Allegheny County community value:
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- Creating more vibrant downtown and neighborhood corridors that feel safe, welcoming, and interesting
- Creating more affordable housing
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Helping local entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses
- Addressing the needs of workers
See the 7 initiatives Supporting Strong and Equitable Economic and Community Development
6 Month Action Items
1 year action items
Help businesses thrive in neighborhood commercial districts through the Allegheny Together program
Through the Allegheny Together program, which provides technical assistance and strategic planning support for municipalities and main street groups through the creation of new employment opportunities and the attraction and retention of businesses to revitalize traditional business districts.
In 2023, the Allegheny Together program provided support to Braddock, East Pittsburgh, North Braddock, Pitcairn, Blawnox, and Glassport. In the coming year, Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) will transition the program from a selective application process to providing ongoing support and assistance for municipalities with local economic development initiatives.
In Progress
Allegheny Together is a strategic planning and technical support program reserved for traditional business districts throughout Allegheny County. The process stresses community organization and data-driven planning to direct public investment spur private investment and revitalize communities. Allegheny Together offers communities assistance through partnering with Pittsburgh-based consultants Fourth Economy and Evolve Environment and Architecture. The program will be assessed and improved through the ACED strategic plan.
Deepen the County’s partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, the Allegheny Conference, and local development groups to collectively invest in downtown Pittsburgh
In Progress
This partnership is underway and will stretch over the next decade. This includes state investment in conversion projects, LERTA, and implementation of a new vision plan.
Make it easier for minority- and women-owned businesses to contract with the County
Allegheny County will begin with an equity review of existing contracting processes to identify ways the county can invite greater participation from minority- and locally-owned businesses.
In Progress
Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) funds a MWDBE Working Capital Loan Program that provides support through small business loan and grant programs.
Conduct a public engagement and education campaign, supported by the County’s Human Relations Commission on anti-discrimination policies and protections
To address the community priority of “protecting the rights of workers and strengthening anti-discrimination policies in hiring and in workplaces”, Allegheny County will conduct a public engagement and education campaign, supported by the county’s Human Relations Commission on anti-discrimination policies and protections.
Not Started
Update coming soon.
Strengthen the County’s partnership with the workforce investment board, Partner4Work, to connect people to high-value jobs
The county will use its technology resources, relationship with job seekers, and partnership with Parnter4Work to:
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- Better connect people to job postings by developing an online tool that helps people search for opportunities that match their skills and preferences
- Encourage employers to hire residents with criminal histories by making it easier for employers to access subsidies for second-chance hiring
In Progress
Partner4Work, the Department of Children Initiatives (DCI), and Trying Together were awarded a National Fund for Workforce Solutions grant to improve job quality in the early learning/childcare sector.
Create an online tool with centralized information that makes it easier for entrepreneurs, non-profits, and business owners to access information
To deliver on the community priority of “creating a one-stop-shop that connects small businesses to all necessary applications, permits, and programs” and “increase access to loans and grants for small businesses,” Allegheny County will create an online tool with centralized information that makes it easier for entrepreneurs, non-profits, and business owners to access information about applications, permits, grant programs, and other important processes.
The county will first convene a board of community stakeholders and members of county government, including Allegheny County departments such as Economic Development (ACED), Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Human Services (DHS), and Information Technology (DIT), to understand what information is most critical for local business owners to access, and then create this tool based on their feedback.
The county will then conduct a public education campaign to share this new resource with local business owners throughout the county.
In Progress
The county’s website was recently updated, and the changes to ACED’s sections make it easier for businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs to find information. An “Additional Resources” webpage will be added for businesses/entrepreneurs so that they may locate even more information regarding funding and technical assistance. ACED will also develop clearly defined small business programs (technical assistance, loans, grants) with defined and straightforward requirements and timelines.
Create a more user-friendly and streamlined process for small businesses
Create a more user-friendly and streamlined process for small businesses by reviewing existing contracting processes, which currently vary across departments, and identifying ways to reduce the burden on small businesses seeking to win county contracts.
In Progress
The Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) strategic plan will help to assess programs and products available to small businesses and how ACED can design more straightforward and effective programs and resources with recommendations available by 2025 Q2. Small business loan and grant programs will be designed, defined, and launched by 2025 Q2.