Pittsburgh: Lost In Transition

Despite efforts to reinvent itself, the 'Steel City' is facing an identity and economic crisis.

1 minute read

January 2, 2004, 2:00 PM PST

"Call Pittsburgh Steel City these days, and many residents will take offense. Pittsburgh, they say, is now home to "clean industries" like bioengineering and robotics. The bleak Dickensian tableau of big steel is virtually gone... But so are most of the hand-dirtying, high-paying union jobs that once made steel the fiscal marrow in Pittsburgh's bones. And now the city is broke, relegated to junk-bond status. Despite layoffs and service cuts, Pittsburgh will face an $80 million budget gap in 2004 and needs to raise taxes, officials contend."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Decade After Big Steel's Demise, a City Lost in Transition

Friday, January 2, 2004 in The New York Times

Community / Economic Development Pennsylvania

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