A FAMILIAR REFRAIN
In recent weeks, Pittsburgh’s population crisis has yet again resurfaced as a trending topic. After a recent report by the Cleveland Federal Reserve showed continued population decline and negative job growth in our region, an explosion of stories and commentary sounded a perennial alarm bell: Pittsburgh is in decline.
This age-old story can be traced back to the infamous industrial collapse of the 1980s. But the collapse wasn’t just an industrial, economic, or population crisis. It was a collapse of spirit. And no one has been able to fill that soul-shaped hole.
SHIFTING FOCUS
As we envision the future, the question of Pittsburgh’s identity is core. Over the years, we’ve adopted many identities, often driven by external forces—exploration, conflict, and industry. But what would identity look like if it came from within?
We are seeking to establish (and rally behind) a shared sense of meaning by considering our memories as well as our dreams for this place. This is a vital step in shifting our collective focus from acknowledging the decline to catalyzing growth.
IDENTITY IN ACTION
Resolving these crises and moving forward as a region requires work. Our approach is to catalyze transformative change at the intersection of people and place. So here’s what that looks like for us this month:
- Taking this show on the road: We’re headed to SXSW this week to explore what outsiders think of Pittsburgh, get influential thought leaders involved in our mission, and learn from Austin’s journey of identity and growth.
- Activating crucial populations: We have exciting plans to engage with three key focus groups: international students considering studying in Pittsburgh, newcomers to the city looking to build their lives here, and young professionals who embody the pioneering spirit.
- Developing real solutions: We are debuting a new recurring event series called The Intersection. This provocative forum invites the thinkers, leaders, and influencers driving Pittsburgh forward to engage in themes shaping our future. We’re bringing together a cross section of society to get bold, new ideas flowing toward strategic solutions. This month’s topic? You guessed it: identity.
Stay tuned on our channels for more details about all of these efforts, and opportunities to get plugged in. We are open sourcing this revolution, and you’re all invited. Sounding the alarm is not enough. It’s time to respond to the call.
