Grounded Strategies

Pittsburgh-area land banks are taking a bite out of blight, but face an uncertain funding future Pittsburgh-area land banks have sold properties and evolved over time. But as they look to the next block, they must continue to secure funding and build on their models.

"Across the Pennsylvania-Ohio border in Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Land Bank is a national model of abundance. Since its inception in 2009, it’s cleared and sold 10,000 abandoned properties."
@wesa.fm
ow.ly/ahVC50WcW6J
*Grounded does not support the use of the word blight. Learn more: ow.ly/wolE50WcW6I

This is no April Fool's joke - we have a new truck! Thank you to all of our amazing donors and The Heinz Endowments for their generous support which helped to make this possible after the theft of our previous truck last fall. Now, what should we call it?
👇Comment any name suggestions below!👇

North Side property case puts conservatorship system on trial A developer sought conservatorship of a Pittsburgh property, but Rising Tide Partners intervened. The case is going to the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

"...costs incurred by the conservator when fixing up the property are added as a conservator’s lien. When the property is sold, the proceeds go to paying off the conservator up to the amount of the lien, leaving the remainder to the owner."
ow.ly/aYL250VkBXQ
@publicsource.org

Urban planner: Plan on climate migration changing Pittsburgh From Duluth to Barcelona, climate-related migration is bringing change. Here are seven topics Pittsburgh must consider for a mostly sunny future.

"By acting now, we can protect existing residents, preserve our rich cultural heritage, thoughtfully welcome newcomers, and harness climate migration as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth."
@publicsource.org
ow.ly/9J7x50ViUB8

Many cities in the United States use 311 as an alternative to 911 for non-emergencies. You can use it to report a range of issues that your city is (or should be) responsible for fixing.

Call 3-1-1 at any time if you see mobility issues in our city throughout the year!

Notice of Privacy Bookmark this page to manage your preferences any time in the future.

"[The land bank] can help transform vacant and abandoned properties into affordable housing, collaborating with neighborhood-led organizations like Hazelwood Initiative, rather than selling to for-profit developers."
@triblive.bsky.social
ow.ly/smwL50V8He1

The PGH Mobile Toolbox intake form is OPEN for engagements between April 1 and October 31!

You can learn more and submit your reservation request at www.lotstolove.org/reserve/

We're hiring a Land Use Policy Project Manager!
You can learn more and apply here: ow.ly/grk850V3xiZ

Pittsburgh Launches "Keep Pittsburgh Home" Initiative to Combat Predatory Real Estate and Boost Affordable Housing Pittsburgh's Mayor launched the Keep Pittsburgh Home initiative to create affordable housing and prevent predatory real estate practices.

"The initiative, which aims to keep local properties out of investors' hands permanently, is engineered to directly assist current residents in securing homeownership."
@hoodline.bsky.social
ow.ly/KCU450V5hNB

Rainbow Raccoon Park in Millvale set to open in April After years of work, Rainbow Raccoon Park in Millvale is set to open this spring. The park, located between Meade Street and Evergreen Avenue next to Strange Roots Experimental Ales, will open April 2...

This is what we love to see! 😍
"The land the park will occupy, visible from Route 28, was a longtime vacant lot — and basically was used as a “junk yard,” according to Wolovich."
@triblive.bsky.social
ow.ly/wcJe50UW104

Our Workplace Culture Committee organized a relaxing afternoon of delicious food and bowling at Coop De Ville on Friday! We love Team Grounded 💚

Multi-Faith Community Forestry Summit - Tree Pittsburgh Join Tree Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance for the inaugural Multi-Faith Community Forestry Summit! Thank you to Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light for partnering with us to bring th...

Please join Tree Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light, and the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance on February 24 from 8:30am-3:00pm at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to learn about resources for community greening and forestry projects.

You can register here: ow.ly/jtIM50UQCs4

Pittsburgh’s inclusionary zoning debate: what you need to know The Planning Commission will hear testimony on two rival proposals focused on inclusionary zoning, a contentious policy approach aimed at improving access to affordable housing in Pittsburgh. It’s a d...

"Inclusionary zoning is a policy that requires all new apartment buildings within a given area to set aside a portion of their units to be affordable for lower-income individuals."
@wesa.fm
ow.ly/KbNl50UPwhE

Are you a young person wanting to be directly involved in the City of Pittsburgh's Comprehensive Plan? The City of Pittsburgh is looking for 9 young people to join a Youth Working Group (“YWG”). You can apply here: ow.ly/We0t50UIJaO

The first State of the Land Report of 2025 is here! This month, we're taking a look at Pittsburgh's comprehensive plan process! Want the full story? You can sign up to receive our newsletter here: ow.ly/WT6m50UPu9O

Unpacking Pittsburgh’s two proposals for inclusionary zoning The Planning Commission is set to vote on Mayor Ed Gainey’s and City Councilor Bob Charland’s conflicting approaches to inclusionary zoning for affordable housing. Here’s the breakdown.

"The City Planning Commission is set to hold hearings [today], discuss and potentially vote on two competing approaches to inclusionary zoning."
@publicsource.org
ow.ly/3KzR50UO34q

6 data points to watch as downtown Pittsburgh transforms Pandemic-era restrictions shifted how people live and work downtown. As it preps for change, data highlights the business district’s present and future.

"Three months after Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a $600 million plan for revamping the Golden Triangle, the process has just begun, and big questions remain about the focus and emphasis of the effort."
PublicSource
ow.ly/kzij50UMuzu

The City of Pittsburgh is launching its first-ever citywide Comprehensive Plan, Pittsburgh 2050.
The Kickoff Event will be taking place on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 5pm to 8pm at the Wintergarden at PPG Place.
You can reigster here: pgh2050.com/upcomingevents

Pittsburgh Planning Commission postpones vote on zoning overhaul to expand affordable housing Many members of the Planning Commission said they support transit-oriented development but need to see changes to the current proposal before voting.

"Due to a busy agenda and a roomful of people eager to offer public comments, city planning officials were able to present only the part of the zoning overhaul..."
@wesa.fm
www.wesa.fm/development-...

New augmented reality app overlays Pittsburgh’s Black history on present-day East Liberty East Liberty has been the site of rapid, dramatic change over the past two decades. Technologist Adrian Jones dives into archives to tell stories from the neighborhood’s past.

"Jones’ advisor, social change and technology educator Xiaowei Wang, says Jones’ approach to creating the app is not only community-oriented in its subject matter, but also because it largely relies on open-source software for its technical infrastructure."
@wesa.fm
www.wesa.fm/arts-culture...

YouTube video by Grounded Strategies Vacant Land is Never Truly Vacant

We made a short documentary called "Vacant Land is Never Truly Vacant." You can watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zz4...

Visit our website at groundedpgh.org to learn more about us!

a brown and white dog is standing on a balcony looking out of a window . ALT: a brown and white dog is standing on a balcony looking out of a window .

Hello! Give us a follow if you want to learn more about and become involved in vacant land advocacy and access in Pittsburgh, PA 💚