BLOGSKI

CIVIC LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

As one of my top priorities for the City of Pittsburgh, I have worked to reform government through transparency and civic involvement. I believe that residents of the City of Pittsburgh deserve to know and understand how the City functions, how it serves their community and how they can work with local government to make their neighborhood a better place to live and work.

Too many times information on how City Departments function is relayed by word of mouth from one City resident to another. As a result, in many instances, it is often inaccurate or misinterpreted. In an effort to provide our residents the opportunity to accurately understand the workings of our City government I am pleased to announce the formation of the first-ever Civic Leadership Academy in the City of Pittsburgh.

The Civic Leadership Academy is a free, 10-week course about local government in the City of Pittsburgh. It includes tours, hands-on demonstrations and fun activities that give an up-close and personal view of how the City is operated and governed. In each two-hour class, participants will learn about a different City department and the services that it provides to make for a safer, more livable city.

As announced in my press release on July 12th, the deadline for application to the Academy was July 30, 2010. Twenty residents and business owners from neighborhoods throughout the City will be chosen to participate in the academy. The first full 10-week session will begin on September 14th and continue through November 16, 2010.

We hope that at the end of the course participants will be able to share with you information that they learned at your community meetings. If you missed this announcement, please be alerted that future 10-week sessions will continue as community interest grows.

If you have any questions, please contact the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Initiatives at 412-255-4773 or send an e-mail to civicleaders@city.pittsburgh.pa.us.

Dear Neighbors,

Our City is about to embark on it’s first ever City of Pittsburgh Comprehensive Plan. This Comprehensive Plan encompasses a host of issues, designed to work in concert with each other.  This will allow us to initially examine, in detail, how a plan for one area of the City would enhance or be detrimental to another area.

Twelve components will be under consideration in the City’s Comprehensive Plan:

1. Open Space, Parks and Recreation 7. Energy

2. Cultural Heritage 8. Infrastructure

3. Transportation 9. Economic Development

4. Public Art 10. Housing

5. Urban Design 11. Education

6. Public Facilities and Services 12. Land Use

A Comprehensive Plan is created through a process that allows residents to voice their opinions and make suggestions about how the City can grow gracefully over the next 25 years. This involves a process that will attract investment to the City and establish the most cost effective use of tax-payer dollars over those 25 years. The plan will help guide our elected officials, decision makers and residents make Pittsburgh an even better place to live, work, learn, play and thrive.

To all of you who have access to the internet, I ask that you visit www.planpgh.com to learn about the framework of PLANPGH and the Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Plan (OPEN SPACE PGH). In the near future we will post the PLANPGH Exchange.   By registering on the Exchange, residents will have the opportunity to complete various surveys and polls posted on the site.  You may also review and comment on the drafts of plan components as they are available. There will be additional opportunities for public involvement with the Plan. Currently on site you can find the survey for another component just getting underway, PRESERVEPGH, the Cultural Heritage Plan. I encourage you to complete this survey.  It will help us plan the City’s vision for historical and cultural resources.

We are also on Facebook and Twitter under PLANPGH, and will be updating our pages with announcements and meeting invitations, so look us up and become a fan of the Plan!  For more information or to get involved, please visit www.pghplan.com.

Dear Neighbors,

With the smell of spring flowers filling the air these days, many of us are focusing on what we can do to help improve the environment. We celebrated Earth Day and Arbor Day with festivals, clean-up events and by planting trees. But with these yearly events over for another year, we must continue to “think green.”

With that in mind, the City of Pittsburgh has created our first Green Guide, a tool to help you take advantage of the environmental resources that are available in our community all year long. This directory-style guide provides information on how to live more sustainably. The Green Guide includes information on:

* How to properly dispose of paint, household chemicals and motor oil;
* How to get an energy audit of your home;
* How to obtain a permit to install a solar panel;
* How to purchase and install a rain barrel; and
* How to get involved in volunteer activities like tree planting, litter clean ups and river trail maintenance.

To save on resources, the Guide has been made available electronically at http://green.pittsburghpa.gov. Citizens who do not have internet access can call 311 to obtain a copy.

Pittsburgh has been chosen as the North American host city for the United Nation’s World Environment Day (WED) on June 5th. This honor is a testament as to how far our City has come in terms of environmental protection, and the continuing efforts to become a more sustainable city. More than 65 events are already planned and I encourage all residents, especially those in the inner city, to take advantage of the events during the weeks leading up to WED.

Many of the events planned will be one-of-a-kind. ORSANCO will bring its 200 gallon fish tank, filled with water and fish from our three rivers. In an attempt to break the world record for the largest flotilla of kayaks and canoes, downtown Point State Park will highlight the final WED event, “Paddle at the Point.” To date, the record is 1,105 canoes and kayaks. Imagine, if you can, this flotilla rowing on the Allegheny, the Monongahela and meeting at the Ohio.

For more information on World Environment Day, please visit www.pittsburghwed.com for the complete list of events as well as contact information for getting involved. Once known as the “Smoky City” – filled with black soot and bad air, Pittsburgh now the Black and Gold and GREEN City – boasting showcase lawns, clean, fresh water and air and is a national leader in green building. Pittsburgh continues to exceed all expectations – and we’re just getting started.

Sincerely,
Luke Ravenstahl
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh

Dear Residents,

The snow has finally melted, a sure sign that spring is just a green plant away! I’ve noticed that when one neighbor starts sprucing up their yard it sort of catches on and before you know it neighbors are sipping a glass of iced tea as they look over their freshly renovated gardens. There is nothing like the feel of fresh green grass under your feet after a month of 50 inches of snow. Pride in a neighborhood starts with just one neighbor and grows from there.

Our great City of Pittsburgh has been selected as host city for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in North America for World Environment Day (WED) 2010. The kick off will be on Earth Day, April 22nd, and will continue for six weeks until June 5th.

Each year WED has an official theme built around a worldwide environmental challenge or crisis that the United Nation deems critical to global prosperity. The 2010 theme is “Biodiversity” and the supportive regional theme being embraced is Water Matters! As Earth Day approaches a series of events will take place around the City focusing on environmentalism and sustainability.

The Clean Pittsburgh Commission and Citizens Against Litter have been working together and have already gotten community leaders, groups and residents in more than 83 neighborhoods within the City to participate in the spring 2010 Redd Up Weekend, taking place between April 23rd and April 25th. The City’s goal is to have residents from each of our 90 neighborhoods actively participate.

If you would like to volunteer or lead a clean-up in your neighborhood, please contact Boris Weinstein, president of the City’s Clean Pittsburgh Commission and founder and president of Citizens Against Litter at boris.weinstein@verizon.net or call 412-688-9120.

For more information on the World Environment Day celebrations, please visit the United Nations World Environmental Day 2010 Pittsburgh web site at http://www.pittsburghwed.com.

Sincerely,
Luke Ravenstahl
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh

Dear Residents,

Every ten years, the U.S. government undertakes a census to count every person living in the United States and its territories.  The program requires years of planning and billions of dollars for success; more than that, it requires the active participation of each and every person residing in the U.S. and its territories.

The information taken from the Census is critical in determining how Congress is apportioned, as well as how federal funds are allocated to the City for things such as road repairs, parks, housing, schools, public safety and services for the elderly.

To ensure that Pittsburgh’s 2010 Census count is the most accurate data possible, we have created a Complete Count Committee consisting of representatives from local government, faith based groups, local businesses, educators, and community based organizations. The Committee is charged with working with community leaders to ensure that communities are accurately counted.

Your 2010 Census form will arrive in your mail box in mid-March.  I encourage you to take 10 minutes, complete the survey and mail it back by April 1, which is Census Day.  By late April, if you have not completed your census questionnaire form, workers will be sent to your home to help you complete the form.  All census workers will have federal identification which they will provide to residents immediately upon request.  To keep you safe, please do not be afraid to ask these workers to identify themselves and show their federal identification prior to opening your door. I also encourage you, when approached by census workers, to provide the most accurate information possible.

To help undertake this large effort, the Pittsburgh Local Census Office is working to promote employment by hiring temporary part-time census takers.  In Allegheny County alone, they are looking to recruit 1,000 people.

The positions offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training, and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work.  As a census taker, you’ll play a vital role in making sure that everyone is counted. If you are interested in applying to become a census worker, please call 412-770-3360 or visit http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/.

Sincerely,

Luke Ravenstahl

Dear Residents,

First, and most importantly, I’d like to begin by wishing you all a very Happy New Year. Although we have great momentum on many fronts, each New Year brings an added incentive to keep our designation as “America’s Most Livable City” alive and well.

During the last few years my administration has developed a blueprint for Pittsburgh, which serves as the groundwork for our City’s programs and initiatives. With your help, we will continue supporting our current residents and business owners, while telling our amazing story to those outside the city. Through these collective efforts, the story of Pittsburgh will continue to attract new residents and businesses.

One of our greatest assets is our rivers. We are working to reactivate our riverfronts and connect them to our neighborhoods. The success of these efforts will create more vibrant neighborhoods for residents to live, work and play.

We have invested heavily in our children’s education through the Pittsburgh Promise by offering students the education, tools and resources they need to be “Promise Ready” now and in years to come. I look forward to continuing to work with our world class colleges and universities to support our “Promise Ready” students as well as finding solutions to our City’s challenges.

This year I want to encourage all of you to renew your commitment to service and volunteerism in your community. Together, we can address our community’s most pressing issues and build healthy, strong neighborhoods.

Those of us who have lived here for the greater part of our lives tend to overlook or take for granted just what a terrific city Pittsburgh is. I think a good new year’s resolution would be to remind ourselves every now and then just what a great city we live in, which could not be possible without great people like you.

Once again, thanks for your support and have a great New Year!

Sincerely,
Luke Ravenstahl
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh

Dear Residents,

Thank you for your support and belief in my vision for Pittsburgh, which is grounded in the principles of clean, green and safe neighborhoods, promoting diversity, creating jobs and becoming a financially sound City.  I look forward to continuing to work with you over the next four years as your Mayor in the hope of realizing that vision.

The month of December is a time for reflection and giving back.  This year brought with it many successes for our City.  Our Pittsburgh Steelers made history becoming six-time Super Bowl champions and our Pittsburgh Penguins brought home the Stanley Cup. We received numerous accolades including being recognized by Forbes Magazine as the 2nd best place in America to start a business and Pittsburgh was once again named “America’s Most Livable City” by the Economist Intelligence Unit.  We welcomed international leaders and guests when we hosted the world’s most important financial discussion, the G-20 Pittsburgh Summit. Once again, I want thank the thousands of residents who worked together to make our City shine for the summit.

These opportunities speak volumes to the greatness, vibrancy and potential of our City.  It has been a banner year for Pittsburgh.  The eyes of the world have been upon us for our successes, and it’s important to note that we’ve also faced great challenges with resiliency and grace.  I have had to make some difficult decisions this year in order to fix some mistakes of the past.  However, I have done so knowing that bold decisions would have to be made now to support current and future residents and ensure continued growth for Pittsburgh.

As we begin the holiday season, I want to encourage you to attend your local neighborhood light up nights and support your neighborhood business districts when purchasing gifts for your family and friends. I also ask, especially during these upcoming holidays, that you take the time to remember our local men and women in the armed services.

I hope that you and your family have a safe and happy holiday and look forward to working with you in the New Year!

Dear Residents,

More than one million American students drop out of high school every year. That’s one student every 26 seconds, nearly 7,000 students every school day. Dropping out of high school affects not only the student’s future but the future of our families and community as well. To those who drop-out of school, the range of employment or advancement in employment is limited. Most lack health insurance or affordable health insurance and, quite often, find themselves in need of public programs or social services.

The Pittsburgh Promise was developed as a commitment to help City students and families plan, prepare and pay for higher education and keep them in school. By joining forces with the Pittsburgh schools, universities and foundations in implementing the Pittsburgh Promise, the City of Pittsburgh continues to remain invested in its student’s education beyond the limits of high school.

As part of the national America’s Promise Alliance Dropout Prevention campaign and in a continuing effort to develop a localized action plan to increase graduation rates and improve college readiness in our communities, the City of Pittsburgh is sponsoring a free one-day summit at the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh on November 12, 2009. The summit will be an opportunity for both School Superintendent Mark Roosevelt and myself to discuss the progress of the Pittsburgh Promise and the importance of being Promise Ready. Together we will present a “Community-wide Strategy to Combat the Drop-out Crisis” featuring a dropout data presentation from the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board

The summit is a starting point in the process of re-engaging dropouts and retaining youth through graduation. We can’t do it without you. To register for the Graduate Pittsburgh Summit, please call 412-225-2258/2637 or visit www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/graduatepittsburgh. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Luke Ravenstahl
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh

Dear Neighbors,

I want to thank you for your hard work and commitment to your neighborhood and community by cleaning up and beautifying the region in preparation of the G-20 Summit. Having a clean neighborhood shows others that we care and take pride in where we live. With your help, we had more than 1,000 volunteers out cleaning up our neighborhoods and parks. You have made an incredible impact across the region.

On October 17th, 2009, we will continue to clean our neighborhoods during the Annual City Fall Redd Up. We are expecting to have clean ups in each of our ninety neighborhoods. I want to encourage you to get involved and make a difference in your community, whether by participating in your community clean up, or taking the time to pick up litter on your block. If you would like to help, please contact my Office of Neighborhood Initiatives at 412-255-8680.

We are not only cleaning, but we are also greening our City. This October, the City is gearing up for our fall city-wide tree plantings. Through TreeVitalize, we will be planting more than 800 trees city-wide, with several business districts receiving additional trees as part of the Taking Care of Business Districts Program. The City has also received a grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to plant more than 3,000 trees in major corridors. We will begin planting more than 500 trees on Liberty Avenue and Penn Avenue corridors and will continue in other major corridors across the city.

In other tree planting news, the Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest has just wrapped up its most recent set of tree tender classes, teaching residents how to plant and take care of trees. We now have more than 600 certified tree tenders in the City. The more tree tenders we have, the more trees we can plant in your neighborhood. If you are interested in being trained to be a tree tender, please visit the Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest website at www.PittsburghForest.org. With your help, we can reach our goal of 20,000 by 2012.

For more information on these initiatives, please contact my Office of Neighborhood Initiatives at 412-255-8680.

Sincerely,
Luke Ravenstahl
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh

Dear Neighbors,

On September 24 & 25th, 2009, the City of Pittsburgh will welcome the world when the G-20 Economic Summit comes to town. As you have probably heard, it will involve a great deal of commitment from everyone in Pittsburgh: political leaders, businesses and residents alike. We must do all that we can to make this a successful experience for the leaders and visitors from various countries as they gather in a joint effort to resolve some of our country’s most pressing issues.

As your Mayor, I am happy to have the opportunity to showcase our City’s revitalization to our visitors. I want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding for any minor inconveniences you may experience.

In anticipation of thousands of visitors, we are taking this opportunity to redd up our City and we are asking for your help in the process. Our City, County and State public works crews have been working together for months to identify and rectify problems on Pittsburgh’s most visible streets. During July and August, City public works and safety crews ‘swept’ through the five areas that surround the Summit area. These areas include Downtown Pittsburgh, Mt. Washington, South Side, Oakland and the Strip District. Together these departments have tackled graffiti, power-washed sidewalks, swept streets, planted new street trees, removed invasive plants and overgrowth, replaced signs and many other maintenance issues in each business district.

On September 12th, 2009, volunteers from across the region will be working together to make Pittsburgh shine. Beginning the 12th, and continuing up until the G-20 Summit, volunteers will be picking up litter. We need more than 1300 volunteers to help clean up and beautify the region. If you are interested in rolling up your sleeves and helping to redd up, please log on to the Pittsburgh G-20 Partnership web site at www.pittsburghg20.org.

Help us show the world why Pittsburgh is “America’s Most Liveable City” and why we love it so much. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Luke Ravenstahl
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh