Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP)

Economic development and programming - our continuing efforts to create a vibrant and welcoming Downtown had to be reimagined during 2020. Within days of the stay at home orders, we launched an online covid response hub as a one-stop resource and information center for businesses and consumers. To help the Downtown small business community we launched several new initiatives such as the gift card give back program, shopopoly, restaurant recovery programs such as the shelter support initiative and the Downtown community takeout program, and public art campaigns. While many events were cancelled, we were able to reimagine and reconfigure some of our signature events such as the farmers market, yoga in the square and the holiday market, keeping safety considerations top of mind.

Transportation - whether you come by car, bus, bike or on foot, transportation remains a critical issue for those who work, live, and visit here. In 2020 we had to reexamine how we physically reconnect many key facets of Downtown life in a new and safely considered way. Through collaboration with business owners, residents and public agencies, we spearheaded efforts to rework several Downtown streets enabling restaurants to expand into outdoor spaces and stay open as indoor gathering restrictions increased. Other important work, specifically the Downtown mobility plan, continued to guide improvement to Downtown's transportation network and public realm for the next decade and beyond. We are constantly working to make getting to and around Pittsburgh simple and convenient.

Operations - the core mission of the organization continues to be fostering a clean and safe Downtown and it became more essential than ever during 2020. In addition to the removal of trash and graffiti and hospitality assistance to visitors, streets were power washed and enhanced services were provided by wiping down benches and bus shelters as well as deep cleaning high-touch areas with a sanitization fogger. Necessary changes were made to safety protocols requiring gloves and ppe to limit public and personal exposure to ensure our team remained safe. Our outreach team continued to provide critical support to those in need offering connections to mental health services, assisting in securing housing and providing hygiene kits and coats to ensure the safety and well being of those in need.