Residential Division
Q: I am buying a home.
Can you provide assistance with the mortgage, closing cost, and down payment assistance?
A: The Allegheny County Residential Finance Authority (ACRFA) offers low-interest 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages through the 2006 Single-Family Mortgage Revenue Bond Program to eligible first-time homebuyers who are residents of Allegheny County. Learn more about the ACRFA.
Q: I want to do some home improvements and need a load. What assistance is available to me?
A: The Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Probram (AHILP) is an affordable way for eligible county residents to finance home improvements. Learn more about the AHILP.
Q: Where can I find financing for housing development?
A: The Allegheny Housing Development fund (AHDF) can provide gap-financing support for affordable housing developments. Learn more about the AHDF.
Q: Do you provide any funding for a human service or homeless program?
A: The Residential Division awards contract to nonprofit aggenics providing essential servies through the Community Development Block Grant Fund. Learn more about the CDBF and download an application.
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Economic Division
Q: How do I start a business?
A:Local Small Business Development Centers at the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University offer valuable resources for new and growing businesses. Contact these agencies to find out what tools are available at low or no cost to you.
Q: How do I get on your RFP/Q/DP list?
A: The following is a list of all current Request for Qualifications (RFQ’s), Request for Development Proposals (RFDP’s) and Request for Proposals (RFP’s):
http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/bids/
If you are interested in having your organizations name added to the distribution list for all RFQ/RFDP/RFP disbursements, please send all relevant information (Company name, address, point of contact, etc.) to:
Allegheny County Economic Development
425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 800
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Attn: Development Division
Q: What type of financial assistance do you offer?
A:See the attached funding matrix for an overview of funding programs.
Q: What type of license or permits do I need to do business?
A: Outside of industries regulated by the Department of Health. Liquor Control Board and regulations regarding construction no permits are needed to operate a business in Allegheny County. Contact the local municipality to determine if municipal permits and regulations apply.
Q: How can I find a site in Allegheny County?
A:Check out our profiles of preferred development sites located here OR submit a Site Search Form.
Q: Can you help me market a site in Allegheny County?
A:Submit a Site Marketing Form to our office. We will make sure we add it to our database.
Q: What business resources are available in Allegheny County?
A:Visit our list of partner organizations to determine how our extensive network can address each of your needs.
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Municipal Division
Q: How can I make my application more competitive?
A: The following considerations may make your application more fundable: A contribution of matching funds (local share or other funding) at or above program requirements will help; Also, a project that is multi-municipal in nature or part of a larger redevelopment effort; Projects that have a good cost benefit ratio; and projects that eliminate a serious health or safety concern.
Q: Are other sources of funding available to me or my local government for financing sewer and water projects?
A: The answer to this question is yes; there are many types of funding sources which are available from the different levels of government. Requirements for these sources can generally be accessed by computer websites which link to the different levels of local, state and federal programs and resources. However, most funding available for infrastructure projects, ie; loans, grants etc, similar to the CDBG program is made available primarily to units of governments and not individuals. There are specific loan programs available to assist individual homeowners with their cost related to special assessments imposed by infrastructure improvements and/or the cost of installing new lines from the new public to their homes. Since use of CDBG grant funds will not cover cost associated with work on private property, low interest loans may be available to homeowners who meet certain income eligibility requirements, one such program is available through Allegheny County’s, IMPAC program. Program details and information can be found at the County website, www.county.allegheny.pa.us or by calling Allegheny County Economic Development, IMPAC program at 412-350-6337.
Q: Can I apply independently for a municipal sewer and water CDBG grant and when should I apply?
A: Although the CDGB program is designed to provide assistance to and improve the quality of life for resident’s in neighborhoods and communities, ACED municipal sewer and water program proposals are not submitted by individual but by local governments and/ or municipal authorities which work in conjunction with one of eight Councils of Governments (COG) which exist across the County. The project must meet a required eligibility standard based on one of three HUD national objectives. Generally the project must benefit low and moderate income individuals. The need for sewer and water improvement throughout Allegheny County is vast and the availability of CDBG grant funds to meet these needs is limited. The Department has an established overall yearly, ‘period for application submission’ which commences in April for projects to be considered in the succeeding year’s, or the next CDBG funding year cycle, so proposal submission must be done a year in advance for the next year which generally begins March 1st of that year.
Q: For recreation activities, can state DCNR funding be used as the required 15% local match?
A: The answer is no. Although we look more favorably to applicants that have secured other funding sources, the Recreation Program still requires a 15% contribution from the applicant.
Q: What is a COG?
A: COG stands for Council of Governments. A Council of Government is a voluntary association of municipalities formed to foster intergovernmental cooperation and accomplish common goals and objectives. There are currently 8 COG’s in Allegheny County and 124 municipalities belong to one of the eight. The eight COG’s are as follows: Allegheny Valley COG, North Hills COG, Char West COG, Quaker Valley COG, South Hills Area COG, Turtle Creek Valley COG, Twin Rivers COG and Steel Valley COG.
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Authorities Division
Q: Do you lend money?
A: No. The Authorities act as a conduit. The borrower will work with the financial institution of your choosing we provide the opportunity for a lower interest rate.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: It takes approximately three months from the date your project is approved.
Q: Do I have to use your Professionals?
A: No. The project is your transaction and as such you select your team of professionals.
Q: Do 501©(3) Companies qualify?
A: Yes. Any 501©(3) corporation qualifies. If you are a nonprofit organized under 501©(4) or some other section within the Internal Revenue Code you will not qualify.
Q: As a manufacturing company, are there limits on borrowing?
A: Yes. You are limited to ten million dollars.
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Planning Division
Q: I’ve heard that Allegheny County is preparing a county-wide comprehensive land use plan. Where can I find out more about this?
A: You’ve heard correctly; the name of the Plan is Allegheny Places.
To find out more go to www.alleghenyplaces.com .
Q: I need to get my subdivision plan signed so that I can record it. What should I do?
A: You can download the Record Plans fact sheet or call 412-350-5594.
Q: I want to subdivide/develop/rezone my property and don’t know where to start. Can you help me?
A: The first thing to do is contact the municipality in which the property is located, and speak to the Zoning Officer. If you aren’t sure which municipality your property is located in or can’t find a municipal contact, give us a call at 412-350-1030.
Q: I own property in the City of Pittsburgh and have a question about it.
A: The City’s Planning Department will assist you.
Please call 412-255-2200, or visit their website at http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/cp/ .
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