Allegheny County revitalization plans draw support from SGB and urban planning students

County Executive Sara Innamorato announced the Main Streets Allegheny program, which will distribute over $4 million in public funding and grants to strengthen local business districts; Student Government Board members and urban planning students expressed support while also raising concerns about gentrification.

County officials have launched Main Streets Allegheny, a publicly funded program to revitalize neighborhood business districts and support local businesses. The program was announced last month by County Executive Sara Innamorato and is designed to distribute more than $4 million in grants to municipalities, neighborhoods and businesses. Allegheny County Economic Development Deputy Director Allan Sisco described main streets as places that foster connection and local pride. Student Government Board members and urban planning students have responded with both support for small-business aid and caution about possible gentrification impacts. Program details and reactions: - The Main Streets Allegheny program will distribute over $4 million through public funding and grants to municipalities, neighborhoods and local businesses. - Grant categories include Events and Activation; Implementation and Placemaking; Technical Assistance for Main Streets Districts; and Small Business Support and Capital. - Implementation and Placemaking grants are limited to municipalities outside Pittsburgh city limits, while Events and Activation grants are open to organizations and neighborhoods throughout the city and county. - SGB Chief of Staff Evan Levasseur said he supports the program’s emphasis on funding local businesses rather than chains. - Emma Mihok, a board member of the Urban Planning Club, welcomed public art funding but raised concerns about gentrification in historically redlined neighborhoods. - County officials said the program aims to build community through events, murals, lighting, signage and other placemaking projects. Summary: The program intends to channel public funds into local districts to encourage visits, support small businesses and add visual improvements. Applications are open now for Events and Activation and for Implementation and Placemaking grants, and other grant applications will open later this spring.