Sustainable Cities Research & Programming

Downtown Pittsburgh stands as a crossroads, with a clear need for revitalization to restore its role as the vibrant heart of the city. Once a bustling hub of commerce, culture and community, the area has seen a decline in foot traffic and business activity, accelerated by changing work patterns and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Revitalizing downtown is essential not only to boost the local economy but also to reestablish it as a welcome, dynamic space where people want to live, work and gather.

Two research projects completed by PhD students in the Community Engagement and Leadership program include:

• Where Can We Go? How Improving Restroom Facilities in Downtown Pittsburgh Will Create Positive Outcomes for Businesses, Tourism and all Residents 
• Taking Out the Trash: Reimagining Pittsburgh's Alleyways