Housing Summit

Pittsburgh’s economic re-development has earned it the reputation as a “most livable city.” But growing numbers of residents ask, “livable for whom?” It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the reality of a growing divide between two Pittsburghs—one affluent, professional, and largely white, and the other low-income people with long-term roots in the region, largely people of color. Such patterns of growth, rising inequality, increased economic and racial segregation, and displacement of poor minority residents is the direct result of global level development processes. Globalized imperatives to promote markets and economic growth has exacerbated inequalities and divisions in cities around the world between elites and the people for whom the city is primarily a place to live and work. And around the world people are coming together to resist their displacement from their homes and communities.

The Global Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh is helping convene the Housing Summit as a space for residents to come together with organizers and experts from around the world to learn about and discuss the global and local forces affecting people’s access to affordable housing and the efforts to address them. A series of public lectures, panels, workshops, and cultural events will facilitate learning and networking aimed at highlighting this issue on the public and policy agenda while advancing new thinking and community organization that can help Pittsburgh residents realize their human right to housing.

Summit takes place at multiple locations at the University of Pittsburgh.