That's a Wrap!

The 2017 National Brownfields Training Conference was a great success!

From December 5-7, stakeholders from across the country gathered at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to discuss best practices for cleaning up and reusing formerly utilized commercial and industrial properties.

The URA sponsored the Keynote Session, "Hacking the Brownfields," featuring Pittsburgh native John Paul Farmer, director of technology and civic innovation for Microsoft. John is also the son of W. Paul Farmer, former CEO of the American Planning Association, and former deputy planning director of the City of Pittsburgh. URA Executive Director Robert Rubinstein kicked off the session with a welcome and short remarks.

Rubinstein also presented an educational session, "The Right Tools for the Project." URA staff led tours and mobile workshops of former brownfield sites: SouthSide Works, Pittsburgh Technology Center, Summerset at Frick Park, Bakery Square, Washington's Landing, and Hazelwood Green.

Mayor William Peduto and Tom Murphy (senior resident fellow, Urban Land Institute) were part of the "Mayor's Roundtable" session, which focused on how brownfield redevelopment can spur community revitalization and economic growth.

Thanks to the URA employees who helped staff the URA booth in the Exhibit Hall. See pictures here.