Economic Anchor Initiatives at Pitt

The University of Pittsburgh is an economic anchor to Western Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth. Our Economic Anchor Initiatives bring together strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and workforce development programs that strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy and expand opportunity for its residents.

This work is part of Pitt’s Public Impact Portfolio, which aligns the University’s strengths to benefit the public good. While other parts of the portfolio focus on community engagement and engaged research, Economic Engagement Initiatives are designed to deliver measurable economic benefits — from supporting local businesses to building pipelines into high-demand careers.

Pitt’s economic leadership has been recognized nationally through the Innovation and Economic Prosperity University designation from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), an honor first earned in 2014. Pitt has also received the APLU Innovation Award (2018) and Place Award (2020) for advancing equitable economic growth.

Anchor Initiatives

The Anchor Initiatives leverage Pitt’s purchasing power, hiring practices, capital investments, and partnerships to expand economic opportunity in the region. The cornerstone of this work is Buy, Build, Hire LOCAL — a unified strategy to:

buy
Buy

from local and small businesses to keep dollars in the regional economy

build
Build

with local contractors and workers to strengthen the construction and trades sectors

hire
Hire

local residents into family-sustaining jobs with benefits and career advancement pathways

These efforts are complemented by strategic workforce development programs and housing affordability partnerships that help create inclusive, long-term economic growth for communities close to our campuses.

partnership innovation district

Pittsburgh Innovation District

Pitt is a founding partner of the Pittsburgh Innovation District, which brings together Oakland’s leading institutions to promote the neighborhood’s assets and attract talent, companies, and investment. The District advances equitable growth by ensuring that the benefits of innovation reach nearby communities, connecting residents to job opportunities and resources for long-term economic mobility.

downtown pittsburgh

Strategic Partnerships for Growth

Pitt’s economic engagement depends on strong regional partnerships, from grassroots organizations to major regional bodies like the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, and United Way of Southwestern PA. These relationships align Pitt’s operational resources and expertise with regional priorities, driving both immediate and long-term economic benefits.

Why It Matters

Economic engagement at Pitt delivers results that ripple through the Commonwealth. By investing in Buy, Build, Hire LOCAL, housing, workforce development, and innovation-driven growth connected with our communities, Pitt helps create a stronger, more inclusive economy — one that benefits students, workers, businesses, and communities alike.

Economic Anchor Initiatives at a Glance

National Recognition

  • Innovation and Economic Prosperity University designation from APLU (2014–present)
  • APLU Innovation Award (2018)
  • APLU Place Award (2020)

Anchor Initiatives

  • Buy, Build, Hire LOCAL – Unified approach to local purchasing, construction, and hiring that strengthens the regional economy
  • Workforce Development – Training programs for in-demand careers
  • Housing Affordability – Partnerships to ensure quality, affordable housing near Pitt campuses

Innovation Partnerships

  • Founding partner of the Pittsburgh Innovation District, promoting Oakland’s assets and linking innovation growth to nearby job opportunities

Regional Collaborations

  • Works with Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, United Way of Southwestern PA, and grassroots organizations