What are goals?

Goals are long-term outcomes that organizations and the City of Pittsburgh will work towards by taking action on policies, projects, and programs. Goals are aspirational in nature and express the neighborhood's collective desires and values for various topics in the plan. Compared to the policies in the section below, goals can encompass many different ideas and desires whereas policies focus on one specific topic. The goals below are organized as specified in the City's Neighborhood Plan Guide.

C1. Community programs and livability

• C1.C Neighborhood of choice. Excellent access to healthcare, educational opportunities, entertainment, and cultural resources make Oakland uniquely desirable for people at all stages of life.

C2. Cultural heritage and preservation

• C2.A Preservation supports housing goals. Existing structures are part of the strategy to provide affordable housing and different living opportunities in Oakland.

C8. Nuisance and enforcement issues

• C8.B Improve standards for renters. Renters, and particularly student renters, have safe, healthy living conditions and are given access to resources.

• D1.B Land use addresses community needs. The use of private and public land, including the rights-of-way, consider the needs of current and future Oaklanders.

• D2.A High performing buildings. Buildings reduce energy, water, and other resources used in construction, materials, management, and across their life cycle.
• D2.B Prioritizing green. Buildings in all areas of Oakland incorporate green features to improve the comfort and livability of Oakland for people and other animals.
• D2.C Excellent urban design. Building design incorporates high-quality materials, values Oakland’s unique character and outstanding architectural heritage, and contributes to the public realm.

• D3.A Welcoming Oakland. Oakland's institutions, non-profit organizations, businesses, residents, and students work proactively to welcome BIPOC, LGBTQ, immigrant and refugee, and disabled people to live, work, study, invest in businesses, and play in the community.
• D3.B Buildings that overcome inequities. The construction, rehabilitation, and tenanting of buildings are opportunities to overcome inequities experienced by residents, entrepreneurs, and employees.

• D4.A Jobs and housing for all. Residents have access to career services and opportunities that allow them to work in good paying jobs in their neighborhood, and Oakland’s low income employees and students have access to affordable housing that allows them to walk to work or school.
• D4.B Healthy and comfortable buildings. All buildings in Oakland are well maintained, resource efficient, and healthy for their residents and employees.
• D4.C Housing Diversity. Ensure a mix of rental and for-sale owner-occupied housing is available for residents at a wide range of income levels, providing a variety of affordable options for all residents.

I3. Energy system planning

• I3.A Reduce energy burden. Reduce energy burden today to fight displacement, while making investments in structures to permanently reduce energy demand.
• I3.B Expand access to renewables. Transition energy use for all structures to renewable sources including those generating on sites in Oakland and district energy systems.

M1. Transit service and stations

• M1.A Maximize the value of shuttles and transit. Public and institutional transportation services are part of an efficient system that serves both economic development and resident needs.
• M1.B Oakland as transit hub. Oakland is a hub of the regional transit system, on par with downtown, to ensure equitable access to the jobs and activities that are growing here.

M3. Accessibility

• M3.A Accessibility without bounds. True accessibility results from intentional design on the part of public and private investments in the right-of-way and in buildings.

M4. Bicycle infrastructure

• M4.A Bike networks. A network of bike facilities gets people to and around Oakland safely, and conveniently, without gaps or the need to divert out of the way. The bike and transit networks are integrated.
• M4.B Bicycle-oriented development. Activities and facilities in the ground floors of buildings and public right-of-way support and are supported by cyclists.

M6. Parking

• M6.A Comprehensive parking strategy. On- and off-street parking are continuously managed as a system to reduce parking demand and meet a variety of changing needs with the minimum space dedicated to parked vehicles.

What are policies?

Policies set a preferred direction and describe what must be done to achieve the goals in the section above. Where goals can have many elements that relate to a central theme, policies should have one clear focus. They are specific enough that future projects can be assessed to determine if they would advance the values in the plan or run counter to them. Along with the vision statement, and goals, policies are formally adopted by the City's Planning Commission. The policies below are organized as specified in the City's Neighborhood Plan Guide.

C1. Community programs and livability

• Increase access to daily needs. Housing is close to facilities that offer access to daily essentials such as shopping, education, and recreation.

C2. Cultural heritage and preservation

• Center equity in preservation. Ensure affordability and economic inclusion throughout historic preservation processes.

C6. Public health

• Center universal design. Ensure design is friendly to all ages and supports a universally designed, age-in-place neighborhood. Reinforce this built experience with health and supportive services such as case management support, mental health resources, health programming and education.

• Enforce the Rental Registry Program. Ensure rental units meet all applicable building, existing structures, fire, health, safety, and zoning codes.
• Manage occupancy issues. Occupancy issues are appropriately, consistently, and equitably enforced through the City of Pittsburgh Code.

D1. Land use policy and regulations

• Managed density. Locate dense development in appropriately designed buildings and in locations near transit and other supportive amenities.
• Reduce negative externalities. Design new buildings to internalize or otherwise address nuisance issues to avoid increasing conflict between residents.
• Limit development on hillsides. Avoid new development activities in environmentally sensitive areas such as landslide prone and steeply sloped areas and seek to move people out of potentially hazardous locations.
• Improve living conditions. Support the Rental Registration Program and other efforts to improve living conditions and fair treatment for all renters.

D2. Urban sustainable design

• Excellence in sustainability. Incorporate sustainability principles and best practices into public spaces, buildings, and infrastructure.
• Design for topography. Design infrastructure and buildings to help residents overcome topography challenges and enjoy unique publicly accessible views.

D4. Housing

• Black and African-American residents. Ensure the needs of Oakland’s Black and African-American residents are addressed through initiatives that create housing and fight displacement.
• Transit oriented housing. Build and maintain affordable housing within walking distance of transit stations.
• Frontline and low income worker housing. Create housing that meets the needs of Oakland’s frontline and low income workers.
• Students as residents. Tap the full potential of Oakland’s diverse student population by providing the right mix of housing and amenities to retain them following graduation.
• Student Housing. Student housing is safe and affordable and as close to campus as possible or on-campus where possible.

I3. Energy system planning

• Energy burden. Reduce the costs of heating and cooling homes for low-income residents to improve public health outcomes and avoid displacement.
• Convert to renewables. Support the transition of all users to purchasing renewable electricity.

M1. Transit service and stations

• Access to transit. All people in Oakland are within a five minute walk or roll of local transit service and/or a 10-minute non-auto connection to rapid transit service. Topography, rider age, and other relevant factors are considered as part of improving access.

M6. Parking

• Reduce parking demand. Reduce parking demand (residential, visitor, and commuter) to achieve 85% occupancy (industry standard) throughout the neighborhood.

What are the projects and programs?

The projects and programs are a shared "To Do" list where the community and government identify the projects they want to undertake over the next 10 years to make the vision a reality. Many of the ideas you see below are the result of ideas from people in Oakland, supported by research and case studies, and now ready for your review and inclusion in the final plan.

Dig into the details

In the lists below, you'll get a title, brief description, and information about how the project or program could be realized including when it should start, by whom, and potential funding sources. For many of the ideas below there is "Learn More" button that takes you to a page full of details, drawings, illustrations, and specific ways to provide comments on that strategy. We highly recommend you dig into the details to see what your fellow Oaklanders came up with.

D-1. Community reinvestment fund -- CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Establish a City Trust Fund that can receive payments from the Equitable Development Performance Point in the Zoning Code. This fund should be managed by the Department of City Planning in partnership with a community board that makes recommendations on investments that benefit all of Oakland.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): DCP
• Project partner(s): City Council
• Potential funding source(s): None needed

D-4. Inclusionary zoning

Apply Inclusionary Zoning regulations to Oakland through rezonings.

• When to start: 0-2 years -- Part of the Oakland Plan Zoning Proposals
• Project lead(s): DCP
• Project partner(s): None specified
• Potential funding source(s): None needed

D-5. Missing middle housing

Conduct a study and implement any necessary Zoning Code amendments to support the expansion of Missing Middle Housing types, including Accessory Dwelling Units, in lower density residential areas. A primary goal should be to meet the needs of long-term residents and increase access to affordable housing.

• When to start: 3-5 years
• Project lead(s): DCP
• Project partner(s): None specified
• Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, grants

D-6. Oakland town center -- CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Redevelop University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, and City land in the Zulema Park area to create a dense node of activity where affordable housing, sustainable buildings, community service hubs, groceries, transit, and an enhanced Zulema Park serves the needs of residents. Isaly’s Building is retained and reactivated as a centerpiece of this area. Transform the Boulevard of the Allies from a barrier into a neighborhood connector.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): DCP, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC
• Project partner(s): URA, HACP, PennDOT
• Potential funding source(s): Developers, bonds, grants, City Capital Budget, foundations

D-7. Resident marketing campaign

Develop marketing campaign that advertises positive aspects of Oakland in terms of central location, affordable housing efforts, economic opportunity, walkability, transit access, parks, and cultural resources. The goal should be to attract a diverse set of permanent residents and entrepreneurs to locate in Oakland.

• When to start: 3-5 years
• Project lead(s): PID
• Project partner(s): OPDC, OBID, institutions, PAAC
• Potential funding source(s): Foundations, grants

D-8. Sustainability for existing buildings

Work with the Department of Permits, Licensing, and Inspections and other partners to identify opportunities to establish requirements for making sustainability and landscape related improvements for existing structures such as new occupancy permits, license renewals, and changes of use. This should link to the implementation of the Rental Registry program and could be coupled with informational campaigns, training, and funding opportunities.

• When to start: 0-2 years -- Part of the DCP Energy Strategy
• Project lead(s): DCP
• Project partner(s): PLI, GBA, AIA PGH, DLC
• Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, grants

D-9. Sustainability for new buildings

Establish requirements, incentives, and funding programs for new buildings that ensure they are as sustainable as possible. All buildings, including affordable housing, should meet the high standards.

• When to start: 0-2 years -- Part of the Oakland Plan Zoning Proposals
• Project lead(s): DCP, GBA
• Project partner(s): None specified
• Potential funding source(s): None needed

D-10. Transit oriented zoning

Amend the Zoning for Oakland to establish a corridor approach to transit oriented development that provides for the needs of the community. Clearly identify areas where different kinds of residential and commercial development are prioritized or incentivized.

• When to start: 0-2 years -- Part of the Oakland Plan Zoning Proposals
• Project lead(s): DCP
• Project partner(s): PAAC
• Potential funding source(s): None needed

I-2. Comprehensive sustainable policy table

Create a table that establishes a policy basis for expectations for sustainability goals for development at different scales. Needs to align with Zoning and Building Code categories.

• When to start: 3-5 years
• Project lead(s): DCP, GBA, AIA
• Project partner(s): Not specified
• Potential funding source(s): GBA, grants

I-4. Develop strict hillside development code

Consider amending Zoning Code limits on redevelopment on areas that are steeply sloped and landslide prone to add restoration requirements for hillside disturbances and landscaping requirements that ensure habitat restoration occurs.

• When to start: 5-10 years
• Project lead(s): DCP
• Project partner(s): Not specified
• Potential funding source(s): None needed

I-5. Energy strategy -- CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Establish a long-range energy plan that meets the needs of Oakland’s major energy users, reduces energy burden for residents and businesses, and decarbonizes buildings and energy sources.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): GBA, DCP
• Project partner(s): Institutions, UPMC, DLC
• Potential funding source(s): Institutions

I-13. Plan for on-site renewables

Consider amending Zoning Code to address scale issues for smaller buildings and homes adjacent to new larger structures that protects access to light and air needed for on-site renewables such as solar photovoltaics and wind turbines.

• When to start: 3-5 years
• Project lead(s): DCP, GBA, AIA
• Project partner(s): Not specified
• Potential funding source(s): None needed

M-1. Bicycle and pedestrian connection to the riverfront

Build an accessible pedestrian and bicycle connection between South Oakland and the Monongahela River. This could implement the long-desired Rock Alley Path which would connect the Oakcliffe area of South Oakland to the Eliza Furnace Trail.

• When to start: 5-10 years
• Project lead(s): DOMI
• Project partner(s): SPC, PennDOT, Oakcliffe Community Organization, OPDC, OTMA
• Potential funding source(s): Grants

M-10. Reimagine Boulevard of the Allies -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Multimodal improvements to serve all users between Bates Street and Schenley Park.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): DOMI
• Project partner(s): PennDOT, PAAC, OTMA, DCP, UPMC, OBID, businesses and property owners, neighborhood associations
• Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, grants

What are the projects and programs?

The projects and programs are a shared "To Do" list where the community and government identify the projects they want to undertake over the next 10 years to make the vision a reality. Many of the ideas you see below are the result of ideas from people in Oakland, supported by research and case studies, and now ready for your review and inclusion in the final plan.

Dig into the details

In the lists below, you'll get a title, brief description, and information about how the project or program could be realized including when it should start, by whom, and potential funding sources. For many of the ideas below there is "Learn More" button that takes you to a page full of details, drawings, illustrations, and specific ways to provide comments on that strategy. We highly recommend you dig into the details to see what your fellow Oaklanders came up with.

C-7. Community service hubs -- CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Combine community centers, daycares, career services, educational programming, and free wifi in a single location.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): DCP, DPW, City Council
• Project partner(s): Citiparks, OPDC, PID, institutions, neighborhood associations
• Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, institutions, grants

C-10. Homeowner rehab program

Develop a program for existing resident homeowners to support their efforts to maintain and improve their homes. The program could be structured in a way to improve the health and sustainability of homes, and for older homes, could involve preservation of important architectural details. This program should support or be complementary to OPDC's existing home repair and maintenance program.

• When to start: Ongoing
• Project lead(s): OPDC, GBA, ReBuilding Together
• Project partner(s): Not specified
• Potential funding source(s): Grants

C-13. Live-work spaces for artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives

Work with non-profit organizations, institutions, developers, and property owners to create studio and/or live-work spaces for artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives throughout Oakland. Locations in highly visible locations on major corridors should be prioritized.

• When to start: Ongoing
• Project lead(s): Arts and design committee, OBID, OPDC, institutions
• Project partner(s): Developers, property owners, OPA
• Potential funding source(s): Allegheny Regional Asset District, OPA

C-19. Scale up childcare services -- CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Establish program with institutions and other major employers to scale up the provision of child care throughout Oakland as a talent attraction and retention tool that benefits residents. Solutions should consider after school tutoring and activities to support children of all ages in Oakland and supplement academic programs.

• When to start: 3-5 years
• Project lead(s): Trying Together, OPDC, UPMC
• Project partner(s): Institutions, OBID
• Potential funding source(s): Federal infrastructure bill, institutions

C-20. Senior services

Create a program that identifies needs among Oakland's seniors and others in need of community services and matches them with trained/screened volunteers.

• When to start: 5-10 years
• Project lead(s): OPDC, People's Oakland, institutions
• Project partner(s): Not specified
• Potential funding source(s): Grants

C-22. Support resident access to resources

Increase staffing at non-profits and institutions involved in helping residents access resources for legal advice, food access, home ownership assistance, home repair programs, volunteer opportunities, and translation services, among others.

• When to start: 3-5 years
• Project lead(s): OPDC, OBID, institutions
• Project partner(s): Not specified
• Potential funding source(s): Foundations, grants, Community Reinvestment Fund

C-23. Targeted anti-displacement program

Create new grants, loans, and other programs that support existing residents who want to stay in their homes as well as stay in the neighborhood and to address the racial homeownership gap and racial wealth gap in Oakland. This work should include a deeper study to identify, support, and grow existing programs and to identify other related needs that would cause residents to leave the neighborhood. Efforts should be targeted to West and South Oakland.

• When to start: 3-5 years
• Project lead(s): DCP, OPDC, URA
• Project partner(s): Not specified
• Potential funding source(s): URA, State, institutions, foundations

D-12. Collaborate on local tenanting efforts

Establishing a committee that focuses on local business tenanting, shares experiences and resources, defines goals and tracks progress. Build on recent work by OBID, OPDC, and UPMC to tenant local businesses by expanding this effort across all commercial property owners and relevant non-profit organizations, particularly the institutions.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): OBID
• Project partner(s): OPDC, PID, PHDC, institutions
• Potential funding source(s): None needed

D-13. Community reinvestment board -- CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Establish a board to work with the Department of City Planning to spend money from the new City Trust Fund proposed to receive funds from the Equitable Development Performance Point and potentially other sources.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): DCP
• Project partner(s): Oakland organizations, Partners4Work, Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation, Vibrant Pittsburgh, URA
• Potential funding source(s): Developers, bonds, grants, City Capital Budget, foundations

D-15. Employer assisted housing

Establish Employer Assistant Housing Programs at all major employers and consider the potential benefits of a single shared program. Program(s) should work with those building and advocating for housing so the needs of employees can be met. Consider maintaining waitlists for housing types at employers that are then used by developers as they establish projects and decide on units and look to lease/sell them. Identify a role for smaller businesses to be part of this program. Program(s) may also consider utilizing the Oakland Community Land Trust as it helps maintain a long-term stable base of affordable homeownership opportunities.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): Institutions, UPMC, OBID, OPDC
• Project partner(s): Developers, PID
• Potential funding source(s): Organization budgets

D-18. Land use strategy -- CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Implement land use strategy through rezoning projects.

• When to start: Ongoing
• Project lead(s): DCP
• Project partner(s): None identified
• Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, grants

D-19. Neighborhood sustainability identity

Establish a neighborhood identity linked to sustainability, equity, and resilience such as an ecodistrict. This work should build on and support the efforts in this plan.

• When to start: 3-5 years
• Project lead(s): OPDC, OBID, OTMA, institutions, neighborhood associations
• Project partner(s): None identified
• Potential funding source(s): Grants

I-18. Commercial stakeholder education

Educate Oakland area organizations and developers about C-PACE and how this can be integrated into commercial and multi-family projects. Also discuss "dark skies" efforts.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): GBA, City of Pittsburgh
• Project partner(s): Not specified
• Potential funding source(s): Foundations, Institutions

I-27. Resident energy education -- CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Work with local universities to establish a citizen-oriented program around climate actions that individuals can take. Pilot with Oakland residents, but plan to make the program available to all Pittsburgh residents.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): DCP, institutions, GBA
• Project partner(s): Student Government, student organizations, ReBuilding Together, UrbanKind Institute, Carnegie Library, Phipps, CMP, neighborhood associations
• Potential funding source(s): Grants

M-37. Sidewalk connections and accessibility improvements -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Create a program to inventory, prioritize, and install sidewalk and accessibility improvements that address obstructions to pedestrian travel throughout Oakland.

• When to start: Ongoing
• Project lead(s): DOMI, DPW
• Project partner(s): DCP, PennDOT, utilities, PAAC, OPDC, OBID, neighborhood associations
• Potential funding source(s): City Capital Budget, grants

M-38. Sidewalk improvement program for homeowners -- CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Create a program that efficiently addresses urgent sidewalk repairs, with a minimum cost burden to homeowners.

• When to start: 0-2 years
• Project lead(s): Mayor’s Office, City Council, DOMI, DPW
• Project partner(s): OPDC, OBID, neighborhood organizations, commercial property owners
• Potential funding source(s): See summary