Introduction
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc across the globe. The Pittsburgh region has not gone untouched – and in some cases we have been more sharply impacted. The stakes are high and the cost of inaction is dear. If left unresolved, the compound effect of these challenges is likely to result in:
- Delaying regional economic recovery until late 2023
- Doubling annual population decline
- Exposing more than 60,000 of our region’s residents to long-term unemployment
- Tripling of poverty rates
We must strive for nothing less than to restore employment levels, economic productivity and opportunity across all relevant sectors to pre-pandemic levels; promote a more equitable region by addressing historic disparities and institutional racism; and provide a thriving, vital region with opportunity for everyone who lives here. All of the steps that we take toward the recovery are anchored in a genuine commitment to racial equity and all aspects of regional sustainability.
Critical Disruptions
The six recovery recommendations contained in the framework are based on an in-depth analysis of the pandemic-induced disruptions and their specific impacts on the Pittsburgh region. The analysis was informed by the expertise and insights of more than 300 public and private sector partners, including strategic research performed by the Conference in partnership with others. The critical disruptions identified include:
Disrupted Employment Opportunities and
Widening Social Disparities
Redefined Growth Outlook for Key Sectors and Near-term Solvency Risks for Small Businesses
Threats to Higher Education Capacity and
Gaps in Digital Connectivity
Economic Shutdown Effects on
Municipal Government Revenue
Risks to the Region’s Distinctive
Amenities and Livability
Six Key Recovery Action Areas
The future of our region is at risk if we don’t come together to address the challenges we are facing as a result of the parallel crises. Based on research conducted this summer and community input, we’ve framed the challenge we face and have identified six key areas that we need to focus on to ensure a just and equitable recovery and long-term competitive positioning of the region. These six areas are intended to serve as a guide for our region as we develop a detailed plan for recovery. While a critical initial step, this framework alone is not sufficient and requires an engaged community to come together to build the plan, coalitions and partnerships that will move our region forward.
To mitigate the effects of the most significant COVID-19 disruptions and to accelerate our recovery, we need to focus on the these areas. Each of these areas must be considered – and solutions and action plans developed and adopted – through the dual lens of racial equity and regional sustainability.
1. Unlock the full recovery potential of the regional economy by enhancing our region’s economic competitiveness, the tax and regulatory policies and infrastructure investments essential to retain existing and attract new employers across industries.
2. Accelerate inclusive economic growth in innovation and research-driven sectors likely to expand the fastest in the near term: A.I., Robotics, A.V., Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and Cybersecurity through enhanced outreach to attract and retain talent and business investment, and strategies to promote reshoring, remote work and cluster development.
3. Prevent local government insolvency and propel recovery investments in underfunded communities.
4. Establish a regional reskilling strategy with corporate and public partners to transition at-risk workers from structurally-challenged industries and businesses and reduce long-term unemployment.
5. Develop Small and Mid-Sized Business (SMB) relief resources to mitigate the impacts of economic shutdowns and facilitate a digital transformation to prevent the permanent closure of viable employers.
6. Ensure the survival of critical institutions and retention of the distinctive amenities that contribute to the quality of life and attractiveness of the region.
Taking Action
No one actor, entity or action alone can restore the region’s vitality, much less position us for a dynamic, globally competitive future. We need to act simultaneously across all six action areas.
Public, private and non-profit leaders across the region must come together to build and implement a recovery plan.
There is no reason to believe we cannot overcome these challenges and position our region for leadership in the years to come. We have done it before. And with the collaboration and hard work that are hallmarks of our region, we can do it again.
To learn more about how you can be part of the Pittsburgh region’s recovery, please fill out this form.
Thank you to our sponsors whose generous support has made this work possible.
