How Can We Help?

Recent production of ACED has been prodigious, with nearly $70 million in financing assistance leveraging over $1 billion in private investment. Just as compelling are the success stories behind the numbers. As the department charged with coordinating success in economic and residential development, we have been able to advance projects that will serve the entire region, as well as some that are focused on individual neighborhoods.

Among the most significant ongoing stories is the rapid, multifaceted development of the Pittsburgh International Airport corridor. With the County acting as catalyst, private developers and public-private partnerships now have nearly 2,000 acres under development in the corridor. The most advanced projects, Clinton Commerce Park and Imperial Park, have expanded and welcomed important new tenants. Moreover, the extension of the Cherrington Parkway will open additional acreage for development.

These new sites are providing much-needed Class A warehouse, industrial and flex space and have already created hundreds of jobs. Even more are expected, as the revitalized airport corridor has captured international attention. There is keen interest in the airport corridor on the part of Xian Airport in China, which is scouting potential hubs for its U.S. deliveries. Our thriving, centrally located airport corridor is likely an ideal partner.

The emergence of highly regarded large-scale sites is gratifying, but no more so than the resurgence of downtown business districts throughout the County. We have recently launched a new program called Allegheny Together, aimed at maintaining and extending the vitality of those business corridors.

We'll be collaborating with the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and Town Center Associates to assess business district needs and identify financing partnerships.

Elizabeth Borough, Stowe Township, Swissvale Borough and Tarentum Borough are our initial Allegheny Together participants, and we expect to enroll more soon as we collaborate to strengthen the business backbone of the County.

We become aware of opportunities for both large-scale development and neighborhood-based projects by working with local organizations. I am pleased to serve as chair of the Gaming Implementation Task Force and co-chair of the Transportation Action Partnership. Other ACED officials and staff serve in similar capacities. It's through this service that we learn about the needs of municipalities, businesses and residents, and how we can work together to meet those needs.

We are deeply appreciative of the support of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through such agencies as the Department of Community & Economic Development, and of the United States government, through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, among many key departments. We also are grateful for the assistance of municipal officials as well as the foundation community, whose support has been especially generous.

I am just as appreciative of the outstanding service of the men and women of ACED. They blend excellence in their fields with commitment to the community, a rare combination that forms the foundation of our success. Many dedicate their careers to our mission. Their often-unsung contributions are among the wonderful stories inside the numbers.

Yours very truly,
 
Dennis Davin, Director
ACED