Today’s episode is different. Rather than focusing on an individual’s “second act,” we’re going to look at a region of the United States that has emerged as the leading example of a “second act” or “turnaround” community. I’m talking about Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
I traveled to Pittsburgh at the invitation of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, a group that has been focused on advancing the region’s future over the past 75 years. In fact, this podcast will debut later this month at an event in Pittsburgh called “Our Next 75 Summit.”
During my visit, I had the chance to sit down with more than a dozen leaders from the area. We talked about the past and difficult challenges the region has faced. But mostly we talked about the future of Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania – essentially what I’m calling the Pittsburgh’s next act.
Reading this makes me proud to be a part of Pittsburgh’s story. We’ve come so far from our steel-town roots, and it’s exciting to think about what’s next as we balance growth with sustainability. Pittsburgh’s tech boom has brought so much life to the area, but I hope we can also preserve the history and culture that makes the city unique. I’m curious — what are other residents hoping to see in Pittsburgh’s future? More green spaces? Affordable housing initiatives? It feels like there’s so much potential here, and it’s up to all of us to shape it! 🌱🏙️