Action Alert: Join us Tuesday, January 28 to speak up for citywide zoning reform!

Confused by all the headlines surrounding the inclusionary zoning debate in Pittsburgh? Read on for our summary of who’s proposing what, our position of support for the Department of City Planning’s proposal, links to proposed legislation, and information on how you can participate online or in person at tomorrow’s important public hearing.

The City of Pittsburgh is contemplating a series of proposed zoning code changes to help increase housing options and make it easier to build more affordable housing. The Department of City Planning has proposed changes that include changing parking requirements for new building developments, legalizing accessory dwelling units, and expanding inclusionary zoning citywide. 

The City’s Planning Commission met in December to review the first half of the legislative package; they will resume this discussion and take action at their next regular public meeting on January 28. Since the initial public hearing, City Councilperson Bob Charland has introduced a competing inclusionary zoning proposal that would re-write the current inclusionary zoning code to re-define  “affordable” to include more expensive housing, require the city to subsidize it, and make participation optional. Councilperson Charland’s bill, 2024-1284, is supported by Pro Housing Pittsburgh, who believe IZ has had a depressing effect on housing development in Lawrenceville. 

Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group and Lawrenceville United recently teamed up to fact-check that belief. They’ve published an analysis of Pittsburgh’s inclusionary zoning program, including accurate local data about the impact the zoning has had on local residential development - which shows that far from slowing, Lawrenceville’s pace of residential development increased following the introduction of IZ. You can find their report here.

The Planning Commission will review and act on Councilperson Charland’s bill at the January 28 meeting before taking action on the Mayor’s amendments.

We encourage you to join us at this public hearing and speak up in support of the original Housing Needs Assessment zoning amendments. We believe that Mayor Gainey’s proposals will effectively promote development and address the lack of affordable housing by decreasing barriers to construction and mandating inclusionary zoning city-wide. You can read OPDC’s written testimony to the Planning Commission here.

Residents can join the meeting virtually or in person at 412 Boulevard of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh. Click here for details on how to register to attend or share public comments in writing. 

Learn more about how these changes may affect Oakland: contact us at 412.621.7863 x217 or questions@opdc.org.

Adopt-A-Block

Between September 2023 and April 2024, OPDC’s Adopt-a-Block program fielded over 300 amazing volunteers who together collected 154 bags of litter from Oakland’s residential sidewalks. OPDC is deeply grateful for each of the students that took the time this year to invest in Oakland.

Adopt-A-Block student captains organize their own teams to claim one of 17 designated routes around Oakland, and schedule clean-up events as needed throughout the school year. The program encourages a sense of ownership and pride, connects students with their neighbors, and develops teamwork and leadership skills – all while making Oakland a cleaner and healthier place to live. Thank you!

Clutter for a Cause

Every year, summer student lease turnovers clutter Oakland sidewalks with piles of unwanted stuff. Since 2018, OPDC has collaborated with the University of Pittsburgh during spring and summer move-out season to reclaim useable items (including furniture, clothing, and non-perishable food) for donation and re-sale. “Clutter for a Cause” reduces waste, saves students money, and lessens the burden on the city’s environmental services.

Collection events occur during peak lease turnover times throughout the summer, with drop-off locations and curbside pick-up services available. Long-term Oakland residents are also welcome to participate! Please contact OPDC’s Liz Gray at lgray@opdc.org for more information.

2024 Commencement / Student-Move Out Dates

Congratulations to all the graduating students!

Carlow University

Commencement Ceremony, Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum

Carnegie Mellon University

Commencement Weekend: May 10-12, 2024 on CMU Campus.

Commencement ceremony, Sunday May 12, 2024 beginning at 10am, lasting for 1.5 hours

Chatham University

*Friday, April 26, 2024 Last Day of Classes

Spring Commencement ceremony, Sunday, April 28, at 1 p.m., at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

May 1, 2024 Summer Classes begin

Duquesne University

April 30, 2024 Last Day of Classes

May 2024 Commencement, Friday - May 10th, Saturday - May 11th and Saturday – May 18th at the UPMC Cooper Field House

June 14, 2024 Summer Classes begin

Point Park University

April 26, 2024 Semester Ends

Commencement ceremony, Friday, April 26, 2024 at 12:30pm at PPG Paints Arena

Oakland Planning and Development Corporation Announces the Appointment of Andrea Boykowycz as its New Executive Director

Pittsburgh, PA – March 12, 2024 – Today, the Board of Directors of OPDC announced the appointment of Andrea Boykowycz as its sixth Executive Director. As the public face of OPDC, Andrea will focus on fostering and maintaining working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, with a firm commitment to the sustainability and growth of OPDC’s efforts in Oakland.

“The Board could not be more excited to have Andrea serve as our next Executive Director,” said Board President Eric Macadangdang. “Andrea exhibits all the qualities you want to see in a community leader. She has a collaborative mindset that is grounded in justice, equity, and the recognition that the systemic challenges Oakland faces must be met with systemic solutions. She knows what Oakland was and is, and has a constructive vision of what it can become. She wants to see her neighbors thrive - and she possesses the skills and relationships to bring that vision to life in OPDC’s programs and projects.”

Andrea first joined OPDC’s board in 2006, reconnecting with the neighborhood she grew up in, after fifteen years spent living, studying, and working for a variety of nonprofit organizations and foundations in cities around the world. She joined OPDC’s staff in 2017 and has played a pivotal role in integrating and re-focusing the organization’s programs, outreach, and advocacy. In December of 2022, she was named Interim Director, and in the intervening 18 months has focused intensively on stabilizing the organization’s programs and strengthening the Board, insisting on a thorough search process for the permanent Executive Director.

Prior to working with OPDC, Andrea worked with several Pittsburgh-based nonprofits, including Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture); before moving back to Pittsburgh in 2004, she worked for Center for Court Innovation and the Open Society Institute in New York. She brings to the executive directorship a lifelong passion for economic and social justice, deep familiarity with Oakland’s neighborhoods and development history, and multidisciplinary experience in community engagement, advocacy, political organizing, data management, and nonprofit administration.

The OPDC Board was inspired by Andrea’s vision, dedication, and creative spirit. Their decision to appoint her Executive Director was unanimous. “I am grateful to the Board for the care and commitment they’ve demonstrated in this search, and excited to engage my neighbors in the implementation of the new Oakland Plan, building vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities with room for all. I look forward to continuing to work with OPDC’s many community partners to deliver that vision,” Andrea said.