May 13, 2022

City of Pittsburgh and URA Thank Governor Wolf for Enterprise Zone Program Awards

Original Article posted here: https://www.ura.org/news/city-of-pittsburgh-and-ura-thank-governor-wolf-for-enterprise-zone-program-awards

PITTSBURGH, PA (November 10, 2021) The City of Pittsburgh and Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) thank Governor Wolf, PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Davin, and state elected officials for the $3.4 million awarded in tax credit funding through Pennsylvania’s Enterprise Zone Program (EZP). The funding will help leverage nearly $208 million in total project costs and create 4,336 jobs.

"We'd like to thank Governor Wolf and Secretary Davin once again for believing in the work being done in Pittsburgh. With this $3.4 million award, we will be able to invest over $200 million total into areas that have not seen the same development as others, create new assets in our communities and create thousands of jobs for local residents," said Mayor William Peduto.

The URA helps DCED administer the program locally by serving as Pittsburgh’s local EZP coordinator. Through this role, the URA provides technical assistance and guidance throughout the application process. While many larger projects do not require this additional assistance, the URA often assists smaller, neighborhood-based, M/WBE-led businesses successfully compete for funding.

URA-assisted projects receiving funding this round included many located in the Avenues of Hope corridors and other critical neighborhood-serving projects:

  • 21 Rose Street (2117-2127 Rose Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219): $250,000
  • Big Tom’s Barbershop (2178 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219): $250,000
  • EDD HD (Former Hill House Center - 1835 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh PA, 15219): $250,000
  • Fifth and Dinwiddie (112 Dinwiddie Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219): $250,000
  • James Street Tavern (422 Foreland Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212): $250,000
  • Rhythm Square (2225-2227 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219): $250,000

“We are thrilled to see this much-needed funding directed towards our Avenues of Hope and main-street serving businesses,” said URA Executive Director Greg Flisram. “I want to thank our partners at the state for their continual support of the URA’s efforts to revitalize Pittsburgh through prioritizing equitable development projects.”

The EZP is a state tax credit program administered by DCED that provides credits to incentivize investment in rehabilitating, expanding, or improving buildings or land located within designated enterprise zones that result in jobs created or retained. Tax credits equal 25% of amount invested, with a maximum of $500,000 total tax credits per project.

All 2021 project awards for Southwest PA can be found here.

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About the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA)
The URA is the City of Pittsburgh's economic development agency, supporting the City’s economic development goals, which are designed to create a city of inclusive opportunity for residents, stakeholders, and communities. The URA is committed to creating more housing that is affordable to the average Pittsburgher; encouraging more entrepreneurship and small business development; promoting inclusive growth and quality job creation; expanding neighborhood and main streets revitalization efforts; and developing a talented workforce that is equipped with the skills of the future.