Straight from the Source: Newcomers Share What It’s Really Like to Land in Pittsburgh
After the success of our Newcomer’s Experience Lab, we knew there was more ground to cover—and more voices to hear. At our first event, we heard from the unofficial welcoming committee – established Pittsburghers who help newcomers get plugged into Pittsburgh. For this second event, we invited the newcomers themselves to share their stories, connect with each other, and develop actionable ideas for a more welcoming city.
The room was alive with energy as participants ranged from individuals who had arrived just one month ago to others who’ve lived in Pittsburgh for over a decade, but still consider themselves new to the region. This mix brought rich perspectives to the table, as everyone—from recent transplants to long-time newcomers—shared their journeys of navigating a new city and finding a sense of belonging.
The event was a true mosaic of lived experience. Attendees hailed from cities across the U.S.—including Chicago, Portland, Austin, New York City, and Los Angeles—bringing with them insights from other vibrant urban cultures. We were also proud to welcome international voices from Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, the Czech Republic, China, and Zambia, whose global viewpoints added depth and resonance to our conversations.
Together, we explored what makes a city feel like home, the gaps that still need to be bridged, and the small but powerful ways we can foster connection, empathy, and community. Ideas emerged for events, programs and initiatives that we’re adding to our roadmap to create a more welcoming city.
After brainstorming, we stayed and mingled for a while, finding common ground and forging new friendships. This workshop wasn’t just an event—it was a step toward building a Pittsburgh that listens to, learns from, and grows with its newest neighbors.
Stay tuned—this is only the beginning.
