PDP's Strategic Vision for Downtown Pittsburgh (2025-2028)
Enhancing the cleanliness, safety, and vibrancy of Downtown Pittsburgh are among the top priorities in the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s (PDP) newly outlined three-year strategic plan. This roadmap, shaped by insights from 100 stakeholders, aligns with Governor Josh Shapiro’s $600 million, 10-year revitalization initiative, which aims to create 1,000 new housing units Downtown and drive significant urban improvements.
Activating Downtown Spaces
The PDP’s plan emphasizes creating dynamic spaces for art, culture, and community while addressing urban blight. Key activation goals include:
Hosting over 300 events annually.
Organizing four large-scale celebrations, including the ever-popular Picklesburgh (celebrating its 10th year) and the newly launched 11-day Oktoberfest.
Redesigning areas like Market Square and the Liberty Avenue medians at Gateway Center to incorporate public art and greenery.
Installing 10 prominent public art installations and increasing landscaping features by 20%.
Driving Transformation
To stimulate Downtown’s economic growth, the PDP plans to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and assist in converting office spaces into residential units. Revitalizing key areas, such as Smithfield Street—once a bustling retail hub—is a major focus. By fostering partnerships with developers, retailers, and other stakeholders, the PDP aims to:
Double residential square footage to accommodate a population of 15,000.
Increase retail occupancy by 10% over the next decade.
Strengthening Core Services
In the short term, the PDP is enhancing essential services to improve Downtown’s appeal. Plans include:
Expanding the “clean team” and securing sustainable funding for long-term operations.
Increasing alley power washing efforts.
Deploying Downtown “ambassadors” to assist visitors and enhance hospitality.
To address social challenges, the PDP has formed a dedicated team to connect homeless individuals with support services. This initiative includes providing shuttle services during peak hours to transport individuals to shelters.
A Collaborative Vision
The PDP’s strategy builds on past successes and introduces innovative solutions to maximize Downtown’s potential. According to Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the PDP, “This strategy leverages our past achievements and introduces forward-thinking solutions to fully realize Downtown’s potential through collaboration, action, and a collective commitment to revitalization.”
By addressing immediate needs and fostering long-term growth, the PDP’s three-tiered approach—focusing on core services, activation, and transformation—aims to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and economically robust Downtown Pittsburgh.
