The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is a dynamic organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations and residents who provide energy, vision and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers and visitors alike.
Founded in 1994, the PDP is a nonprofit organization directed by a volunteer Board. The PDP manages the Business Improvement District, through which property owners within the Golden Triangle agree to assess themselves to pay for services provided by the PDP. These programs include clean and safe, transportation, housing and economic development and advocacy.
Pittsburgh’s Downtown is uniquely rich in historic importance and cultural significance. As the economic and political center of Allegheny County, Downtown Pittsburgh is experiencing significant renewed investment that is reflected in more than $1.2 billion of economic development activity in the Central Business District and a wave of new residents choosing to make Downtown Pittsburgh their home. Newly built and remodeled residences like 930 Penn Avenue, The Encore on 7th and 151 Firstside, as well as those under construction, such as The Granite Building and Piatt Place offer luxury condos and apartments for young urbanites and empty-nesters. There are currently 3,200 individuals residing in Downtown Pittsburgh, many of whom are attracted to the area by the pulse of urban life, including proximity to galleries, cafés, cabarets, world-class ballet, opera and theater.
Being Downtown, enjoying the hustle and bustle, and sharing it with others makes for a vibrant Downtown experience. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has launched several marketing and programming initiatives aimed at enhancing Downtown Pittsburgh and showcasing it as a premier destination in the region. Those efforts include:
Housing and Economic Development
Walk and Dine: A Tour of Downtown Living – A showcase of Downtown residences including lofts, condominiums, rental apartments and more, many with stunning views of Pittsburgh’s skyline, recently voted the 16th best in the world by CityNoise.org.
Vacant Upper Floors Program – The PDP partners with property owners by offering preliminary architectural consulting for any owner interested in converting the unoccupied upper floors into residential units.
Transportation and Parking
Downtown Pittsburgh Made Easy Guide – Everything you need to know about getting into and around Downtown, available from the PDP.
Carsharing – For residents, workers and businesses alike, carsharing programs are gaining national popularity. The on-demand nature of using a carsharing program’s vehicles helps to reduce the need for cars, which boosts public transit ridership and results in less traffic and pollution. The PDP is investigating the feasibility of a local carsharing program
Clean and Safe
Clean Team – You’ll see them every day on nearly every Pittsburgh street, working to keep Downtown streets tidy and clean.
Safety Ambassadors – Trained and devoted Ambassadors will walk the Golden Triangle daily, making Downtown a visibly safer place to be.
Retail and Entertainment
Thursdays in Market Square – Music, farmers markets and great atmosphere in Downtown Pittsburgh are free for the taking every Thursday at noon from May to August in Market Square.
Light Up Night/Holiday Season - The region’s single largest event and an annual tradition, Light Up Night kicks off the holiday season, which includes holiday lights and a variety of festivities in the Greater Downtown from November through January.
