Pittsburgh Awarded 3-Star Certified Welcoming Designation for Leadership in Inclusion and Belonging
Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh has earned a 3-star Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America under the organization’s updated certification system. This recognition reaffirms the city’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, including immigrants, can fully participate in and contribute to community life. Pittsburgh now joins 35 other Certified Welcoming communities nationwide.
Previously certified under Welcoming America’s original system, Pittsburgh has now been recertified under the new star-based framework introduced in 2023. The Welcoming Standard evaluates city policies and programs across seven areas, measuring how effectively they promote inclusion and belonging for all.
“We’re proud to take part in the Certified Welcoming process, a comprehensive review that looked at every part of our city to see whether immigrants are truly included, and whether we’re living up to our belief and promise that everyone in Pittsburgh should feel safe, welcomed, and able to thrive, said Mayor Ed Gainey. Together, we’ll continue building a Pittsburgh where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.”
Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said, “Pittsburgh shows what happens when cities invest in people. After decades of population loss, the city is growing again because local leaders have created real pathways for Pittsburgh residents, including those with immigrant backgrounds, to contribute their talents, start businesses, and help rebuild neighborhoods. This recertification recognizes that work and the partnerships making it possible.”
Community partnerships at the heart of Pittsburgh’s welcoming efforts
Pittsburgh’s progress is guided by strong community partnerships and neighborhood-driven initiatives. City in the Streets brings city services directly to residents with interpretation support and multilingual materials. The Welcoming Communities Network convenes monthly, giving community connectors a direct line to city staff.
"It's good to see the work that has been done over the years for the city to get the 3-star certification. It's important for the city to get that recognition again," said Kheir Mugwaneza, immigrant community member and Welcoming Communities Network member.
Programs like Sharing Our Story foster relationships between immigrant and U.S.-born residents through storytelling workshops, while Open Field engages youth from immigrant and refugee communities in leadership development and college and career readiness. The Immigrant Workforce Program—a partnership between Jewish Family and Community Services and Literacy Pittsburgh—supports immigrants in rebuilding career pathways through cohort-based services.
The 3-star designation affirms Pittsburgh’s ongoing commitment to strengthening inclusion, accountability, and opportunity for all who call the city home.
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.
About Certified Welcoming
Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local governments on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life in their communities. With a Certified Welcoming designation, communities distinguish their local efforts, build a competitive advantage, and gain access to opportunities to share their welcoming practices on a regional, national, and global stage. Learn more at certifiedwelcoming.org.
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