CONTACT INFO

If you’re about to start or expand a business, or if you’re assembling a team for a development or redevelopment initiative in the County, contact the number below.

(412) 350-1198

Special Projects and Finance

The Special Projects and Finance Division plays a pivotal role in major development projects throughout the County . . . and is just as active in meeting the custom needs of smaller businesses. The Division’s programs include:

  • South Hills TRID Planning Study – Public Design Workshop. On Wednesday, September 19, 2007 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM there was a Public Design Workshop for the South Hills TRID Planning Study to be held at the Hollywood Theater at 1449 Potomac Avenue, Dormont, PA 15216.


    The objective of this Study is to identify future land use and development scenarios that are desirable and feasible around the Dormont Junction, Potomac Station, and Mt. Lebanon Station Port Authority T stations in Dormont and Mt. Lebanon.

    This is the second of three public meetings during the course of this eight-month study. The first meeting explained the concepts of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and the use of the TRID as an economic development and community-building tool. We encourage you to join us for these important meetings, so please spread the word among your neighbors and friends.

  • Allegheny Economic Development Fund (EDF). This key financing vehicle is designed to assist in the establishment of new industries and the growth of existing businesses to expand the taxable base of properties in Allegheny County. Target sectors include: manufacturing; commercial and commercial service; advanced technology, and retail and retail service. EDF loans can be secured in three ways: fixed asset financing up to 40 percent of total eligible project costs not to exceed $100,000; operating funds financing up to 40 percent of total project costs not to exceed $50,000; fixed asset and operating funds financing combining a maximum of 40 percent of total project costs not to exceed $100,000, inclusive of operating funds, with operating funds not exceeding $50,000.

  • Development Action Assistance Program Revolving Loan Fund. The fund offers low-interest loans to help County businesses grow, create jobs and expand the tax base. Target sectors include manufacturing, commercial/industrial (excluding retail businesses) and advanced technology. Loans are secured with fixed asset financing up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs not to exceed $500,000.

    Development Action Assistance Program Revolving Loan Guidelines

  • Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA). The act authorizes local taxing authorities to provide tax abatements for certain improvements to deteriorated industrial, commercial and other business property and for new construction in blighted areas.

  • M/W/DBE Contractor Working Capital Loan Program (WCLP). The program provides accounts receivable financing for small minority-and woman-owned businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises executing public agency contracts in Allegheny County.

    M/W/DBE Contractor Working Capital Loan Program Guidelines

  • Small Business/Distressed Communities Revolving Loan Fund. The fund provides low-interest loans to businesses located in Allegheny County to stimulate job creation, business growth and enhancement of the tax base.

    Small Business/Distressed Communities Revolving Loan Fund Guidelines

  • Tax Increment Financing (TIF). This tool uses incremental increases in property within a specified area to finance public capital improvements that draw businesses and residents to that area, which becomes known as a Tax Increment Financing District (TIF District). The difference in tax revenues generated from properties within the TIF District on the date of its creation and revenues generated after the TIF District creation date is the “increment” that can be captured and applied to project costs. County policy states that “in any TIF in which the County is a participant, the County’s portion of the TIF shall be used only to finance and build the public works infrastructure portion of the project.”

  • Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID). The purpose of this tool is to spur transit-oriented development, community revitalization and enhanced character around public transit facilities in neighborhoods across the Commonwealth. In addition, TRIDs allow for the establishment of “value capture” areas in which incremental tax revenues generated within the TRID may be applied to public transportation capital improvements, related site development improvements, and maintenance.