New Pittsburgh Mayor Embarks on "Monumental Shift"

With today's inauguration, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto is embarking on a "monumental shift in both style and substance in the mayor's office," reports Moriah Balingit. The biggest question facing the progressive mayor is where to begin.

1 minute read

January 6, 2014, 12:00 PM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Pittsburgh Skyline

Robpinion / Wikimedia Commons

As Bill Peduto completes his swearing-in on this frigid January day, a number of ambitious items compete to top the mayor's agenda as he eschews the "old-style politics" of past administrations. 

Neighborhood development is one area where the new mayor seeks to break from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's "grand vision for reform [that] was dubbed 'Pittsburgh's Third Renaissance,'" writes Balingit. "Tonight, we end the era of renaissance. There is not going to be a Renaissance Four," said Peduto on election night. "It's about building within, rebuilding the neighborhoods."

"To that end, his administration has expanded the city planning department to better engage with neighborhoods," adds Balingit. "And a whole division of his Cabinet will be dedicated to helping neighborhoods who have been left behind while the city forged ahead."

In addition to his own priorities, Peduto can draw on an extensive "blueprint" of ideas gathered from more than 1,100 members of the public. 

Sunday, January 5, 2014 in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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