Twenty community leaders from across Pittsburgh have been selected from nearly 300 applications to serve on the Community Working Group (CWG). These trusted neighborhood voices—including parents, artists, social workers, business owners, and community advocates—will guide the planning process and ensure historically underrepresented communities are heard.
"This group brings together people who understand the daily realities of life in Pittsburgh," said Sharonda Whatley, Assistant Director of Strategic Planning. "Their perspectives will be invaluable as we develop a plan that works for everyone."
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East: Maria Cohen, Ghadah Makoshi, Cherrell Fulton, Max Gonzales, Natalie Sweet, Alexis Seary, Gene Anderson
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North: Corey Carrington, Erik Kath, Milica Bogetić, Quinn Kirby, Debbie Reed
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Central: Naomi Chambers
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South: Shaqui Scott, DeAnna Caligiuri
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West: Blake Wilson, Keysha Gomez, Latisha Branch, Ahmed-Tacumba Turner Jr
Each member will receive up to $10,000 for approximately 20 hours of monthly work conducting outreach, reviewing materials, and providing feedback throughout the two-year process.
Summer of Engagement Brings Planning to Every Neighborhood
The Pgh2050 team will be all across the city this summer, bringing the comprehensive plan directly to you.
We are launching a calendar that features two exciting ways to get involved:
City Planning Events: Find us at locations throughout Pittsburgh where the Department of City Planning will be sharing updates and gathering input on the comprehensive plan. Some of these meetings, your neighbors will already be attending.
Summer of Engagement (SOE) Events: Experience something completely different. Thanks to our mini grant recipients and community leaders, we're hosting 60+ neighborhood events from June through September that reimagine how planning conversations happen. These aren't your typical planning meetings—they're vibrant block parties, cultural festivals, farmers markets, and community gatherings where discussions about housing, transportation, economic development, and climate resilience unfold naturally alongside the fun.
Building on Pittsburgh's strong foundation of community leadership, the Summer of Engagement transforms planning from a conference room activity into a neighborhood celebration. Every SOE event is designed by and for the community, making it easier than ever to have your voice heard while enjoying what makes your neighborhood special. These aren't traditional planning meetings—they're block parties, cultural festivals, farmers markets, and community gatherings that happen to include conversations about housing, transportation, economic development, and climate resilience.
"The overwhelming response shows that Pittsburghers are ready to shape their city's future," said Dr. Jamil Bey, Director of City Planning. "By embedding planning conversations into existing community events, we're meeting people where they are."
Critical Decisions Ahead
This summer, we need your input on tough choices Pittsburgh will face as we grow and change. What should our neighborhoods look like? How do we balance growth with affordability? Where should we invest to create the most benefit for everyone?
These decisions will shape Pittsburgh for the next 25 years. Join us for a critical public workshop on July 15th from 5:00-7:30 PM to tackle these challenging conversations together. RSVP at pgh2050.com/upcomingevents.
Get Involved
Join Summer of Engagement events, attend the July 15th workshop, or visit pgh2050.com for more opportunities. Even without attending events, residents can support the process by hosting conversations and spreading the word about this historic opportunity to shape Pittsburgh's future—together.
About PGH 2050
PGH 2050 is Pittsburgh's first-ever comprehensive plan, which will guide the city's development through 2050. Led by the Department of City Planning, this two-year planning process aims to engage 30,000 residents across all 90 neighborhoods to create recommendations for building a Pittsburgh that is safe, welcoming, and thriving for all residents. Learn more at pgh2050.com.
