Sustainable Pittsburgh

Launch of the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan
2025-01-30 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wintergarden at PPG Place, 1 PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA
Join the City of Pittsburgh for the launch of the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan!

In more than 200 years as a chartered city, Pittsburgh has never created an integrated comprehensive plan to guide its growth.

Most plans have been completed at the neighborhood level. Each neighborhood’s plan reflects its character, history, and culture, which is necessary to preserve what makes these communities unique. A citywide comprehensive plan will build on these efforts.

It will bring a shared vision that connects and aligns future neighborhood plans. This way, we can honor what makes each neighborhood unique while making sure all areas work together to build a stronger, united city.

Pittsburgh’s Comprehensive Plan will guide the city in creating a safe, welcoming, and thriving community for all residents. It is based on ideas of fairness and caring for the environment, making sure we plan in ways that are just and sustainable. Register here to attend the launch event for the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

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Watts and Learn: RISE PA Grant Program for Industrial Decarbonization
2025-01-31 12:00 - 13:30
Join this webinar for a discussion on a new $396 million grant program for Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA). This statewide industrial decarbonization grant program is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants under the Inflation Reduction Act.

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Appalachian Community Benefits Network: Project Labor Agreements
2025-02-20 11:00 - 12:00
Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for infrastructure projects are a form of community benefits. They ensure projects are finished on time, at or under budget, and with a skilled, diverse workforce in a healthy workplace. On Thursday, February 20th at 11am, join the first Appalachian Community Benefits Network event of the year to learn more about why PLAs are important, how they deliver value to taxpayers, and how to effectively include them in your community on economic development projects.

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Inspire Speakers Series: Building Intentionally and Inclusively
2025-02-20 17:00 - 20:30 | MuseumLab, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, 15212
Presented by Green Building Alliance

Co-presented by Center of Life, and Shiftworks

In the context of the built environment, the notion of “everyone is welcome” is different from “we built this for and with you in mind.” Green Building Alliance is honored to present internationally recognized architect and universal design advocate Chris Downey, who lost his sight in 2008 and whose transformative work is reshaping design for the visually impaired; inclusivity trailblazer Kimberly Lewis-Inkumsah, Executive Vice President, Equity, Engagement & Events, International WELL Building Institute; and local innovators who are centering accessibility, beauty, and human health at the heart of public spaces and places.

Join the Green Building Alliance at MuseumLab®, a living example of inclusive, sustainable design, and explore how the built environment can integrate design strategies that not only accommodate physical needs and requirements but also make everyone feel that they belong and are welcome.

Guests will enjoy food and drink, and the evening will include time for conversation and networking. A speaker-led panel discussion will follow the presentation. Panelists will answer questions from our moderator as well as questions provided by the audience. Childcare will also be available.

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Re-Entry and Good Jobs: Building the Second Chances We All Believe In
2025-02-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual
Presented by The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program

Join The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program on Zoom on Wednesday, February 26, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. EST, for their next virtual discussion, “Re-Entry and Good Jobs: Building the Second Chances We All Believe In,” which will explore the opportunities and challenges accessing good jobs for people after incarceration.

Today approximately 77 million Americans, or 1 in 3 adults have a criminal record. While not everyone represented in this statistic has experienced incarceration, it serves to highlight that the barriers formerly incarcerated people face finding quality jobs are far more commonplace than we might think. Many returning citizens, who worked for little or no pay while incarcerated, will struggle to find quality jobs after release. Discrimination against those with a record, restrictions on what occupational licenses are available to those with a record, existing debts, punitive court supervision policies, and lack of support to meet basic needs in areas such as housing can force those leaving incarceration into dead-end, low-paying, and exploitative jobs. Some will find they are barred from doing the jobs they worked or were trained to do while incarcerated. And many more lacked opportunities to participate in education or training opportunities while incarcerated.

But across the country, innovative efforts are underway to revamp our re-entry system by opening up access to good jobs. New laws to wipe criminal records and address occupational licensing barriers, legal action aimed at discrimination, and a growing coalition of employers and union leaders are showing that providing a second chance is possible.

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Embodied Carbon Reduction Through Digital Transparency
2025-03-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Provided by: Green Building Alliance

The building sector is the world’s single largest emitter of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), accounting for 30-40% of total global GHG emissions. Although operational emissions account for more of a building’s carbon footprint over its entire life, between now and 2030, almost 75% of the carbon footprint of that 900 B ft2 will be embodied carbon, NOT operational emissions. Building products can reduce their carbon footprint and even become carbon sinks that help remove excess greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Since typical industry associations have traditionally focused on reducing operational carbon emissions, shifting some of our focus to address the more immediate challenge of embodied carbon requires wide-spread awareness and education on the emerging toolbox available to industry professionals. This session will equip manufacturers, architects, designers, and other building industry professionals with specific and practical strategies for selecting products and materials that reduce embodied carbon emissions and move the industry toward making buildings part of the solution instead of less of the problem. Learning from experts in climate smart design, construction, and product manufacturing, participants will be empowered to ensure that their daily work contributes to creating a balanced climate

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Why is My Electricity Bill So High?
2025-03-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Provided by: Conservation Voters of PA & PennFuture

Have you noticed your electric bill increasing? We certainly have. Electric prices are high, but this summer they are expected to surge even higher, to the tune of billions of dollars paid by everyday Pennsylvanians and their families.

Join Conservation Voters of PA & PennFuture on Tuesday, March 4th at 6PM ET to learn more about who’s in charge of your electricity and how we can work to make it more affordable. Policymakers and residents all must be wary of the false solutions sold by oil and gas CEOs.

Speakers include:

– Molly Parzen, Executive Director at Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania

– Pat McDonnell, President & CEO at PennFuture

– Robert Routh, Policy Director, Pennsylvania, Climate & Energy at NRDC

– Bishop Marcia Dinkins, Black Appalachian Coalition

– Jeaneen Zappa, Executive Director at KEEA

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Bootcamp on Federal Incentives for Clean Energy & Cleantech-Led Economic Development
2025-03-05 13:00 - 2025-03-06 17:00 | Mill 19, 4501 Lyte St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15207
How Federal Incentives Can Expand Regional Economic Development and Enable Communities, Regions, and States to Lead in the Clean Energy Economy

Do you work in an economic development organization (EDO), or in a sustainability, energy, workforce, or other entity engaging with EDOs? Are you looking to enhance your knowledge of federal incentives for clean energy and cleantech economic development? Join RMI’s Bootcamp on Federal Incentives for Clean Energy & Cleantech-Led Economic Development. This in-person event will provide you with valuable insights and understanding to help you and your organization navigate the intricacies and potentially changing environment of cleantech federal incentives.

Featured presenters have deep expertise in clean energy and cleantech federal incentives and will provide hands-on training for economic development practitioners on what matters most in cleantech federal incentives for your day-to-day needs; make you the most knowledgeable person in your organization on cleantech federal incentives for meetings with companies, utilities, and other stakeholders; and provide you with tools to immediately apply to your work engaging with existing and prospective companies. This bootcamp will cover a range of topics, including cleantech federal incentives overview, various tax credits, brownfields, and best practices for EDOs. Whether you’re new to cleantech federal incentives or seeking to deepen your awareness, this bootcamp is designed for you.

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New Sun Rising's 20th Anniversary
2025-03-07 18:00 - 23:30
Provided by: New Sun Rising

Visit the Millvale Food + Energy Hub for a flavorful evening of New Orleans inspired music, vibrant food, tasty drinks, and engaging art. Dance the night away upstairs in the lounge or mingle with DJ sets in the Purple Onion art market. Celebrating New Sun Rising’s 20th anniversary, laissez les bons temps roulez!

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The View From Here: Five Women Discuss Careers in Conservation & Preservation
2025-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Provided by: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

As habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and numerous other challenges threaten Western Pennsylvania’s native wildlife, plants and landscapes, the role of conservationists becomes ever more critical. And museum preservationists play a crucial role in managing and protecting resources that tell the story of our region’s land, culture and people.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, join the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for a free webinar featuring a panel discussion with five women from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Fallingwater. They’ll discuss their work and the value of female presence in community greening, land conservation, conservation science and watershed conservation as well as historic preservation and collections.

Whether you’re seeking a meaningful and impactful career, are an established professional or are simply interested in conserving and preserving our region’s beauty and biodiversity, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy welcomes you to join them for this interesting discussion. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to submit questions, if desired. You can also submit questions during the webinar.

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Today’s Sociopolitical Challenges and a Conversation with Abby Phillip
2025-03-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Campbell Memorial Chapel, 210 Chapel Hill Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232
Provided by: Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics (PCWP) at Chatham University

Join the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at their annual Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics. Their 2024-2025 recipient, CNN’s Abby Phillip, will present “Today’s Sociopolitical Challenges and a Conversation with Abby Phillip.”

The Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics was established by the The Hillman Foundation, Inc. in 1997 in order to honor the Pittsburgh, PA native and longtime political leader. The Chair serves as an inspiration and role model for the university community and citizens of Pennsylvania.

The purpose of the Chair is to bring nationally renowned political leaders, scholars, and activists to Chatham University and the Pittsburgh community to enrich the experiences of students and educate citizens about the role of women in the political process.

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11th Annual PA Renewables Summit & Lobby Day
2025-03-24 09:00 - 2025-03-25 15:00 | Penn Harris Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA
Provided by the PA Solar Center

Renewables Work for PA (RW4PA) Coalition, PA Solar & Storage Industries Association (PASSIA), and the PA Solar Center invite you to attend the 11th Annual PA Renewables Summit & Lobby Day. The summit on Monday, March 24th, will bring together industry professionals, NGOs, and decision-makers to discuss important issues to the Pennsylvania renewables market. We will also visit legislators on our Lobby Day, Tuesday, March 25th, in the state Capitol to talk to them about the importance of renewable energy.

Speakers will include:

– KEYNOTE: David Althoff, Director, Energy Programs Office, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection & Secretary of the Board of Directors, National Association of State Energy Offices

– Sam Robinson, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

– Jacob Finkel, Deputy Secretary of Policy & Planning, Office of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

– Alisa Petersen, Federal Policy Manager, RMI

– Joe Sherrick, Policy & Planning/Conservation Supervisor, PA Public Utility Commission

– Devin Gray, Director, CFA Programs Division, PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development

– Aaron Brickman, Senior Principal, US Program and Economic Development, RMI

– Leah Meredith, SEIA, Director, Mid-Atlantic State Affairs

– Robert Routh, Policy Director, Pennsylvania, Climate & Energy

– …and more speakers on agrivoltaics, PJM, FERC, state and federal policy and storage.

These events are great networking opportunities and allow attendees to learn the latest in the renewable energy space.

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CMU Energy Week
2025-03-25 08:00 - 2025-03-27 17:00
Carnegie Mellon’s Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation is leading the nation in facilitating discussion and driving action toward decarbonizing our energy economy. As its flagship event, CMU Energy Week brings energy and sustainability leaders, including scholars, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the nation, to Carnegie Mellon University to combine forces and exchange ideas on the world’s most pressing issues in energy.

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Pennsylvania’s Shale Gas Boom: What the Shapiro Administration Can Do to Better Protect Public Health
2025-04-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Provided by The Environmental Health Project

Pennsylvania residents impacted by the vast network of shale gas infrastructure—wells, compressor stations, processing plants, pipelines, truck traffic, etc.—had every reason to expect that Gov. Shapiro and his administration, once in office, would work hard to defend their health from sources of pollution. Two years later, residents are still waiting for meaningful action.

Join the Environmental Health Project on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m., for the virtual release of “Pennsylvania’s Shale Gas Boom: What the Shapiro Administration Can Do to Better Protect Public Health,” a companion piece to their 2022 white paper.

EHP will highlight perspectives from frontline residents and members of government before providing recommendations for steps the Shapiro administration can take to effectively champion Pennsylvanians’ health in the face of shale gas development.

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Building a Greener Future: "Material Reuse in Construction and Beyond"
2025-04-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Energy Innovation Center, 1435 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Presented by The Green Voice and Duquesne Light

This engaging panel discussion will shed light on the innovative, sustainable practices shaping the future of the built environment.

– Discover cutting-edge solutions in material reuse

– Gain insights from top sustainability and construction experts

– Network with industry leaders, educators, and innovators

Featured Speakers

Moderator:

– Grant Ervin, Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainability, S&B USA

Panelists:

– Michael Volpatt , Vice President of Marketing & Innovation, Volpatt Construction

– Cory Bonnet, LEED AP/Artist in Residence, Energy Innovation Center

– Andrew Ellsworth, Founder & CEO, Doors Unhinged

– Boyd Jones, Business Support Manager, Michael Brothers Companies

– Brittany Prischak, Director of the Department of Sustainability for Allegheny County

– Bob Shelton, AIA, Principal Architect & President, Shelton Design/Build

– Matt Wheatley, Co-Founder, Veritrove

– Bhavini Patel, Executive Director, Sustainable Pittsburgh

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La Fleur at Phipps
2025-04-03 18:30 - 21:30 | Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, PA, United States
Presented by Phipps Conservatory and Green Voice Sustainable Business and Lifestyle Collective

Phipps Conservatory and Green Voice Sustainable Business and Lifestyle Collective are proud to present La Fleur — a one-of-a-kind event featuring music, art, fashion, culture and botany within Phipps’ historic glasshouse. Enjoy a myriad of unique performances that will take place within iconic display rooms such as Palm Court, Broderie Room, South Conservatory and more.

Kick off Earth Month with this sustainable celebration like never before while exploring the new Phipps Spring Flower Show: A Bloom for Every Room!

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Racial Equity Collaboratory Launch
2025-04-08 17:00 - 19:00
Provided by the University of PittsburghThe Racial Equity Collaboratory at the University of Pittsburgh serves as an online central repository for social justice and race-related research. It enhances race-based research and fosters connections between internal and external researchers, scholars, and community partners. As a strategic hub, it brings together faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance research, education, and praxis toward racial equity and justice.

CRSP is excited to partner with the Center for Health Equity, Center for Racial Justice and Civil Rights, Center for Urban Education, Center for African Studies, Center for Ethnic Studies Research and the Department of Africana Studies on this important initiative.

Enjoy:

· Free professional headshots on site during the event!

· Collaborative sessions to foster innovation and partnership

· Panel discussion with leading experts in race-based research

· Networking opportunities with like-minded professionals

· Evening refreshments

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City & State PA Energy Summit
2025-04-22 08:30 - 12:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA, United States
Provided by City & State Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Energy Summit brings together state and local government officials, energy industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to explore the future of energy in Pennsylvania. The summit focuses on addressing critical energy challenges, sharing innovative solutions, and discussing the role of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and policy frameworks in shaping a sustainable energy future for the state.

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Sustainable Business Breakfast
2025-04-28 08:00 - 10:00
Provided by Pittsburgh Earth Day

The 10th Annual Sustainable Business Breakfast, part of the Green Voice Speaker Series, invites thought leaders to explore the intersection of the environment, politics, and business. This year’s theme, “Transition: The Environment, Politics, and Business,” will feature an esteemed panel of experts, moderated by Grant Ervin, Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainability at S&B USA.

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PGH Comprehensive Plan: Public Forum
2025-04-30 17:00 - 19:00
Pittsburgh is undergoing significant changes, and for the first time ever, our city is creating one comprehensive plan encompassing all 90 neighborhoods. This presents a unique opportunity for us to ensure these changes benefit everyone.

At this gathering, we’ll explore what a “Just Transition” means for our communities:

– Ensuring new development benefits current residents

– Creating job opportunities across all neighborhoods

– Implementing environmental improvements citywide

– Giving all communities a meaningful voice in decisions

During the event, you’ll have the chance to learn about the citywide plan, connect with like-minded neighbors, and understand alot more about Pittsburgh’s changes.

Food will be provided!

Your perspective is invaluable—the decisions made now will shape Pittsburgh for decades to come. Your input helps ensure that changes reflect what residents truly want and need.

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Building Vibrant Communities: Resilient Space Strategies
2025-05-13 16:00 - 17:30
Provided by: Green Building Alliance

This workshop will look at common risks such as extreme heat, precipitation, flood, drought, wildfires and poor air quality, and see examples of resilient buildings in communities at similar risk. Participants in this workshop will walk away with a self-constructed toolkit to assist in advocacy for more energy efficient and resilient changes in the buildings in their neighborhoods, as well as compliance with Pittsburgh climate and resilience ordinances.

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Community Engagement for Industrial Decarbonization Projects
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:30
Provided by SWPA Municipal Project Hub

This webinar will cover the requirement that large projects utilizing the Community Benefits Bonus have a commitment to a Community Benefits Agreement – speakers will explain the difference between a plan and an agreement and how to meet the requirement.

This webinar is specifically designed for medium and large industrial firms-including manufacturers, energy producers, mining, and construction companies who are considering or preparing RISE PA applications. Sustainability leads, project managers, compliance teams, and community relations staff will also benefit from attending.

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Energy Transitions: Building Strategic Resilience in Energy
2025-05-29 13:00 - 14:00
Provided by the University of Pittsburgh

In this webinar, attendees will hear from leading industry experts: Dr. Kris Ramanadhan, former Vice President ExxonMobil China, Albrecht Powell, Managing Director, Data and Applied Intelligence at Accenture, and Dr. Ravi Madhavan, Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. This webinar will consist of a collaborative discussion on the latest developments in energy transitions, the existential threat to businesses, and resilient strategies given an unpredictable and unprecedented future.

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Inspire Speakers Series presents: Building Resilient Communities
2025-05-29 17:00 - 20:30 | Spartan Community Center, 134 E Elizabeth St, Pittsburgh, 15207
Presented by Green Building Alliance

Join Green Building Alliance and an outstanding roster of speakers May 29 at the Spartan Community Center, as they explore the stories and strategies of regional leaders who are building community resilience, modernizing the built environment, strengthening social networks, and constructing healthy, vibrant, and significant spaces where people can thrive.

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Inspire Speakers Series Resilient Community Workshops
2025-05-30 11:00 - 18:30 | GBA Office, 317 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh
Presented by Green Building Alliance

Local nonprofits, neighborhood developers, and residents are leading the way in resilience by adapting infrastructure, improving building performance and health, reducing energy demand and protecting communities from outages, mitigating flood and other severe weather risks, increasing opportunity in the workforce, and engaging deeply with their communities to address their most critical needs. Join Green Building Alliance and fellow changemakers as they explore grassroots sustainability and resilience efforts across our region. Participants can look forward to sharing ideas and strategies for strengthening communities and increasing the longevity of places where people can thrive.

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Three Rivers Waterkeeper presents What’s in Pittsburgh’s Rivers
2025-06-10 11:00 - 12:00
Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to learn about your local waterways, how to advocate for clean water, and local riparian ecology. Participants will learn how to spot and report water pollution and what makes our rivers and streams so great!

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City of Pittsburgh Comprehensive Plan: Just Transition
2025-06-12 17:00 - 20:00
Join the City of Pittsburgh to explore what a “Just Transition” means for our communities:

Ensuring new development benefits current residents

Creating job opportunities across all neighborhoods

Implementing environmental improvements citywide

Giving all communities a meaningful voice in decisions

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Sustainability + Building Tour Series: Pollinator Friendly Garden
2025-06-15 13:00 - 14:30
Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for the first of their Sustainability + Building Tour series with the aim of sharing ideas and creating community around sustainability issues. The Frick Environmental Center is one of the greenest buildings in the world, boasting LEED Platinum and Living Building Certification. The philosophy of the Living Building Challenge imagines buildings that improve—rather than degrade– the environment around them. For this tour, we’ll be spending more time in the native plant and pollinator garden on the building’s campus, learning various species of plants that improve the Frick Environmental Center’s campus for other creatures beyond humans.

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Oakland Restaurant Week
2025-06-16 08:00 - 2025-06-21 22:00
The Oakland Business Improvement District (OBID) invites food lovers and neighborhood supporters to enjoy a week-long celebration of the neighborhood’s restaurant scene during Oakland Restaurant Week, happening June 16th–21st.

This special event showcases the diverse dining options that makes Oakland one of Pittsburgh’s most flavorful and thriving neighborhoods. From tacos and burgers, to sweet treats and sushi, Oakland Restaurant Week will highlight exclusive specials and promotions from beloved local spots including Stack’d, Smashed Waffles, Dave and Andy’s Ice Cream, Viva Los Tacos, Sushi Atarashi, and many more. Whatever your craving Oakland Restaurant Week offers the perfect opportunity to explore what makes Oakland’s small businesses so special.

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Construction Budget Resource Launch
2025-06-16 14:00 - 15:00
Join the Environmental Protection Network (EPN) and the Community Engineering Corps (CECorps) to launch and walk through their new construction budget guide to support Environmental Justice nonprofits and communities in planning budgets for construction projects.

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