About

Sustainable economic growth, which reaches every corner of the county, is the highest priority of Allegheny County leadership. Groundbreaking public-private partnerships energize the regional economy and change the face of the community.

Projects include the expansion of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Acrisure Stadium, and PNC Park, as well as the redevelopment of the Downtown Pittsburgh central shopping district known as the Golden Triangle and its adjoining riverfronts.

ACED work also involves the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, an umbrella organization for previously independent agencies with missions related to economic development. The Alliance and several of its partners are located at the Regional Enterprise Tower.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council sets the pace in launching new ventures and strengthening the existing technology base. The council tracks more than 880 technology-intensive firms in the region. Along with Innovation Works, which invests in and assists young tech companies, it provides local entrepreneurs with the capital and aid they need to make an impact.

ACED is organized into the following seven divisions, which work together to maximize economic growth in the county.

Authorities

Six specialized authorities spur economic development with funding and tax incentives. Each Authority has a streamlined purpose and design that enables it to move nimbly and effectively.

Business Development

Attracting businesses to the county — and helping them grow and create jobs — are ACED's top objectives, achieved through an array of financing programs. ACED also serves as a conduit for federal and state funding.

Development

ACED coordinates property acquisition, site and infrastructure development, and redevelopment for major projects. This expertise is especially critical in the recycling of brownfields (land that has been abandoned or underused due to pollution).

Housing

ACED's Housing Development and Consumer Services sections improve the county’s housing stock and strengthen residential neighborhoods. ACED primarily finances individual homeowners, communities, developers, contractors, and nonprofit human services agencies.

Municipal

ACED helps cities and towns upgrade infrastructure and recreational amenities. By working with and through Councils of Governments (COGs), ACED also promotes intergovernmental cooperation.

Operations

The Administrative Division manages and monitors grant applications and disbursements, and reports on the compliance status of federal grant programs.

Planning

ACED acts as the county’s official planning agency and administers duties assigned under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. ACED reviews and approves all subdivisions outside the City of Pittsburgh and assists in planning, programming, funding, and coordinating transportation investments throughout the county.

The Five-Year Plan outlines the county's housing and non-housing community development needs and priorities for fiscal years 2020–2024. The Annual Plan for fiscal year 2020 describes how the county intends to spend:

• $13,945,279 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
• $3,070,151 in Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds
• $1,205,766 in Emergency Solutions Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

2020–2024 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan(PDF, 5MB)

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice

Allegheny County is an entitlement jurisdiction under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. In accordance with the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, each jurisdiction must "affirmatively further fair housing." To comply, each jurisdiction must conduct a Fair Housing Analysis, which identifies any impediments to fair housing choice.