City of Pittsburgh, U.S. Department of Labor, and Partner4Work, Announced Three Significant Commitments of the Pittsburgh Workforce Hub

Primary to those announcements, was Mayor Gainey and the leadership of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) reaching agreement on core terms for a Regional Workforce Equity Agreement (RWEA). Those terms include:       

• Implementing equity contracting program requirements for both job quality and diverse workforce participation standards on construction projects either through our purchasing, development financing, and real estate processes. 

• Requiring prevailing wage rates, fringe benefits, and worker protections for workers on those construction projects; 

• Requiring apprenticeship utilization on those construction projects to increase the supply of a highly trained, skilled, and diverse workforce; 

• Establishing a Regional Oversight Committee that will govern this agreement and its implementation; 

• Establishing a Project Advisory Committee for collective strategizing to support implementation of this agreement, as well as problem-solving, resolving challenges, and connecting contractors, community partners, and workers to available resources; and   

• Establishing and contributing to a Technical Assistance Fund to support training, supportive services, recruitment, and advancement for disadvantaged workers.  

The Parties will finalize the agreement over the next several weeks as they also initiate the process of taking this agreement to their respective Boards and City Council for authorization.  The intention is to secure approval by the end of the year and then develop the necessary individual and collective regulations and process to roll out implementation in the Spring 2025 construction season.  This significant step adds HACP and the URA to a growing list of public agencies that have made commitments to increase the participation of disadvantaged workers on construction projects with good jobs.  

“We have made it our focus to center and to prioritize disadvantaged workers – those who are from under-represented neighborhoods, marginalized communities, and that face systemic barriers to employment,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. Having public agencies, the Housing Authority and URA commit to these efforts is a significant step forward for our region. This is how we ensure everyone is able to grow together and make the City of Pittsburgh a place where every resident is afforded the opportunity to thrive.”  

“We are not just proving that the Opportunity Infrastructure is a plausible idea; through our Workforce Hub collaboration with Mayor Gainey’s administration and local partners, we are making it real for Pittsburgh’s working people from all backgrounds and zip codes,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. “With more than $2.3 billion in federal investments to Pittsburgh so far, we’re building and investing in people and in the workforce training and supportive services required to have an economy that includes everyone, particularly those who have been shut out for far too long.”  

"The Workforce Hub is a big deal for team Pittsburgh," said Caster D. Binion, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. "This is a major investment in our city and our next generation. HACP is proud to be a part of this initiative and prepared to meet the challenge of ensuring that our growing workforce has access to quality, affordable housing." 

The city also announced, the “Pittsburgh Prosperity Project,” a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, philanthropy, community partners, and Partner4Work to design and build a coordination network that will ensure that disadvantaged workers get the support they need to remove barriers, complete training, and obtain and retain employment.  The Project is supported by initial local commitments of $275,000 between The Heinz Endowments, McAuley Ministries, and Partner4Work.  It will launch in Spring 2025 with an initial pilot and then scale region wide.  

"The Heinz Endowments is excited to be a partner and supporter of the City of Pittsburgh Workforce Hub and is committed to the success of the supportive services pilot program. We have invited a proposal to financially support this work in the amount of $100,000," said Matt Barron, Program Director of Sustainability at the Heinz Endowments.

The third announcement the City made was the expansion of the 4Construction Program to the first city site, the construction of the new music venue on the Lower Hill, in collaboration with Partner4Work, Intro to the Trades, and PJ Dick.  PJ Dick committed today, to hiring for open roles out of the program, where possible.  

“Partner4Work is proud to continue to serve as the anchor institution to galvanize opportunities under Mayor Gainey and President Biden’s designation,” said Rob Cherry, Partner4Work CEO. “We work to bring resources to catalyze public and private-sector investments in workers, particularly under-represented workers.”  

“Today’s announcements show what we can accomplish when federal investments meet local vision. Pittsburgh is leading the way in building a city where every resident, no matter their background, has access to the dignity of a good-paying job” said Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12). “This workforce hub, the Regional Workforce Equity Agreement, and the 4Construction program are laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive Pittsburgh—one that gives Black, brown, and working-class folks the opportunities they deserve. With over $2.3 billion in federal funding already driving our city forward, we’re showing the nation that equitable growth is possible when we work together. Pittsburgh is setting the standard, and I couldn’t be prouder to stand with our partners in this transformative work.” 

The leadership of the Hub is calling on other public owners to join the Regional Workforce Equity Agreement; local philanthropy to invest in this work; and additional employers, training providers, community partners, elected officials, educational institutions, and organized labor to commit to the Pittsburgh Good Jobs Principles and join us in this work.