The Downtown Blog

The official blog of Downtown Pittsburgh. Read up on what's new, what's happening, and what stories are being told in the neighborhood.

Perspectives

Perspectives: November 2025

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

A message from our President & CEO

Transformation in Action

Across the country, cities are talking about “revitalization” and “transformation.” In Pittsburgh, we’re proving what those words look like in action.

Over the past few weeks, Downtown has shown incredible momentum. From new data on residential growth to visible progress in Market Square and Arts Landing, the evidence is clear that transformation isn’t a buzzword here. It’s happening.

Read the full message


Strategy in Action

Working towards our Strategic Vision is a year-round effort. Here are some of the highlights from this past month.

Core

Highlights

On-Street Services: Latest Impact Metrics

Our on-street services work around the clock to keep Downtown clean, safe and welcoming. Here are a few recent highlights:

Clean Team Highlights (October 2025)

  • Collected more than 86,811 lbs. of trash.
  • Removed 287 stickers.
  • Eliminated 335 tags of graffiti.
  • Engaged in 6,753 public interactions.
  • Performed 874 acts of hospitality assistance.
  • Supported PDP’s regular event programming such as Lunchtime Concerts, Urban Serenity, and Yoga.
  • Continued coordination with Renewal, Inc. for scheduling power washing, alleyway cleanups, painting projects, and care of the PDP planters.
  • Continued power washing throughout the service area with a mid-month shift to seasonal leaf collection.

Outreach Team Highlights (October 2025)

  • Helped seven individuals acquire legal identification documents.
  • Assisted five individuals with employment applications.
  • Helped three people obtain cell phones.
  • Resourced housing for three people.
  • Provided five shelter bed referrals.
  • Provided one referral for rehabilitation treatment.

Golden Triangle Ambassador Highlights (October 2025)

Volunteer highlights: October

October began with a great collaborative volunteer with those of Allegheny Cleanways. We completed projects on along the Riverwalk and in Point State Park and are forward to additional collaborative events with Allegheny Cleanways leading up to next year’s NFL Draft.

Last month we also exceeded the number volunteers and volunteer hours from this same time last year. We tackled a variety of projects such as cleaning and weeding along the Boulevard of the Allies, Smithfield Street, and the First Avenue landscape boulders. We also had teams clean along the Riverwalk and riverbanks. In addition, teams completed clean projects along Fort Pitt Boulevard and Grant Street.

We thank all of our partners who served last month and every month. We could not do what we do for Downtown without you!

  • Allegheny Cleanways
  • Allegheny Courts
  • Café Momentum
  • ISACA (Information Systems Audit & Control Association)
  • Pittsburgh Cares
  • PNC Bank
  • Point Park University ‘Adopt a Block’ (with PDP)
  • Post & Schell, P.C.
  • Renewal, Inc.
  • University of Pittsburgh Phi Mu Delta
  • University of Pittsburgh Delta Epsilon Mu
  • University of Pittsburgh Gamma Sigma Sigma
  • Magisterial Courts/Attorney Offices

Want to get involved?

Sign up here to schedule your next volunteer outing. Questions? Email Bree!

Activation

Downtown Pittsburgh Kicks off 2025 Holiday Season with Highmark Light Up Night, Peoples Gas Holiday Market, Family-Friendly Santa’s House and KidsPlay, and a Market Square ‘Yinzer Wonderland’

the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and community partners unveiled details of the 2025 Holiday Season in Downtown Pittsburgh, including the much-anticipated return of Highmark Light Up Night®, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™, Santa’s House, and much more. These beloved traditions, along with new holiday attractions, are expected to draw thousands to Downtown Pittsburgh throughout the season, supporting local businesses, artists, and restaurants along the way.

Get all the details now at downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays

Plates & Perspectives Enters Final Month With Drawing to Win Free Art from Local Artists

Plates & Perspectives is a Market Square art activation administered through the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Downtown Placemaking Grant supported by Citizens Bank. The project aims to celebrate and showcase the vibrancy of the Downtown Pittsburgh community through partnering local artists with Market Square restaurants to create artwork inspired by the city, which are being displayed in participating establishments through December 1.

Share your perspective for a chance to win! Each restaurant features a unique piece accompanied by a thought-provoking question chosen by the artist. Scan the QR code on the poster to share your response to the question for a chance to win the art piece itself at the conclusion of the project!

Learn more about Plates & Perspectives

Before renovation (left) and after renovation (right)

Another successful Downtown Facade Renovation Grant in the Firstside Historic District

The historic building at 247 Fort Pitt Boulevard received a Paris to Pittsburgh matching grant to repaint and repair its front and rear facades.  The property owners worked collaboratively and closely with the grants committee to develop a dynamic paint color scheme that highlights the facades unique architecture, recognizing the building’s prominent location from viewpoints along the Mon River! 

The project was approved for a $20,000 matching grant, delivering more color and character to this evolving mixed-use historic block along the Mon Wharf. 

For more information on facade renovation or outdoor dining furniture grants, contact Sr. Director of Urban Design Bruce Chan.

Transformation

New Downtown Business: Keeta’s Pet Salon Celebrates Grand Opening on Liberty Ave

On Tuesday, November 11th, the Downtown Neighbor’s Alliance (DNA) and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership welcomed Keeta’s Pet Salon to the Golden Triangle. The local business is the latest opening of the PDP’s Keeta’s Pet Salon located on 947 Liberty Avenue, and is welcoming appointments now.

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Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Showcases Downtown as Center for AI-Driven Business Growth at Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2025

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) sponsored a featured panel discussion at the Pittsburgh Robotics Network’s Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2025 held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. Titled ‘How AI is Advancing Business in Downtown Pittsburgh,’ the conversation explored how major employers are using artificial intelligence to transform operations, talent strategies, and customer experiences.

Read the full story

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