District 1 News: Councilman Wilson

Hello everyone and happy spring!

I’m proud to share that last month, I introduced legislation to create a robust tax abatement program for Downtown Pittsburgh. The bill creates a new Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program for downtown, to incentivize the conversion of office towers into much needed apartments and condos.

The demand for commercial office space has dropped significantly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are looking at nearly a 50% vacancy rate in Downtown Pittsburgh office buildings by 2028. Given the recent wave of reassessments, the city’s real estate tax revenues are projected to drop by nearly $18 million a year.

Under my bill, eligible projects will receive an abatement for 10 years and can seek either a standard or enhanced exemption on their real estate tax bill. An applicant seeking the Standard Tax Exemption would receive an abatement not exceeding 50% of the city’s real estate tax on the portion of the property’s assessed valuation attributable to its conversion. An applicant seeking the Enhanced Tax Exemption would receive an abatement not exceeding 100% of the city’s real estate tax on the portion of the property’s assessed valuation attributable to its conversion. In order to receive the Enhanced Exemption, the applicant would have to create either affordable housing or jobs. This option will create additional tax revenue for the City of Pittsburgh while attracting more businesses Downtown. More details on my bill can be found at the official press release: pittsburghpa.gov/inc/newspage.php/6420.

As we enter into a new season, I’d also like to share some exciting opportunities for Northside residents and community organizations.

The first opportunity comes through the city’s Office of Management and Budget- Community Development Division as Public Service Grants. These are federally funded grants available to nonprofit organizations serving Pittsburgh residents with low and moderate incomes. In the past, Public Service Grants have funded projects such as food pantries, youth programs, job training, career counseling, literacy programs, and senior activity programs.

To be eligible to apply, organizations must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, have filed an IRS Form 990 (990-N, 990-EZ, or 990) last year, have a SAM.gov profile with a Unique Entity ID, be without any outstanding financial liabilities with the City of Pittsburgh, or demonstrate an approved payment plan, have current general liability insurance, and have current worker’s compensation insurance (only required if organization has paid staff). Public Service Grant funds are complementary, not operational; funds and grant requests should be for at least $10,000 and applicants are unlikely to receive more than $50,000. Contracts will be awarded to organizations on January 1, 2025. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 12, and must be submitted via this website: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/2024-PSG.

The City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events Community Festival Grant Program is now open through April 15. The program, established in 1977, provides financial assistance to neighborhood and community groups to launch and develop an annual event to bring together their community and foster togetherness. It will once again issue 30 grants of up to $1,000 in reimbursements for events hosted by the community-based non-profit groups during the festival season, which runs from June 1 to Oct. 31.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be a non-profit, tax-exempt, Pittsburgh community-based organization, have been in existence for at least three years, the festival must be free, open to the public, and to the benefit of the community at large, and the festival may take place over more than one day; however, in alignment with program goals, priority will be focused on one-day events. For more details on the program and to apply, visit pittsburghpa.gov/events/community-festivals or email cfpgrant@pittsburghpa.gov.

Citiparks is currently recruiting for the 2024 Lifeguard season. Lifeguards are hired to work at Citiparks Aquatic Facility locations June through Labor Day. Citiparks offers Lifeguard Certification Training courses prior to the season as well as recertification for experienced lifeguards. Candidates must have a Red Cross Lifeguard Certification valid through Sept. 4, 2024 and additionally are required to submit criminal background clearances and pass a medical exam. Wages for the 2024 season will range from $16.97 to $19.57 per hour, based on experience.

To be eligible for employment, applicants must be City of Pittsburgh residents, at least 16 years old by Sept. 3, be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and willing to work at any CitiParks Outdoor Pool. For additional information, and to fill out an interest form, visit: pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/lifeguard-info.

If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at district1@pittsburghpa.gov, or find us on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). My staff and I look forward to hearing from you!