Allegheny County

Coming out of the pandemic, it is becoming clear that many downtowns, especially those around big cities, are at an inflection point. These places face a fundamental need to reinvent themselves to remain attractive and competitive.

Remaining vibrant was a key ingredient of the Allegheny County comprehensive plan, which spun out a program designed specifically to support the 43 traditional business districts stretched across the City of Pittsburgh. This program, titled Allegheny Together, was launched in 2007 and provided strategic planning and technical support through community visioning and focused commercial revitalization to 15 of the county’s traditional “Main Street” business districts.

In 2019, Allegheny County hired Fourth Economy Consultants and evolve environment : architecture (evolveEA) to reimagine the program. The Team led participating downtowns through facilitated strategic and action planning process that produced downtown plans organized around a unique framework rooted in the community’s sense of Place, Identity, and Market. Using the framework, the Team explored the Place-based aspects of business districts, their perceived Identities, and each district’s Market potential.

The reimagined program immediately gained traction. People became excited about what was possible and the importance of planning and place-building. The Place, Identity and Market framework not only yielded positive outcomes in participating communities also generated a transferable model that could be used in other communities.

On the ground results have included the redevelopment of the Clocktower Plaza in Mt. Oliver Borough; a renovated historic bank building in the City of Clairton; and a business association in Pitcairn Borough.