Oakland Business Improvement District

This week Oakland was in the national spotlight! Local and national leaders including Chancellor Joan Gabel, President Farnam Jahanian, PA DCED Secretary Rick Siger and The Brookings Institution President Cecilia Elena Rouse along with various industry thought leaders and experts came together to discuss the future of policy and the issues at stake with the 2024 Election and how to best support the continued growth of Oakland's economic engines University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and UPMC.

?? Join the Oakland Community Clean Ups! ?? On March 24th (South & Oakcliffe) and April 14th (Central) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., join the University of Pittsburgh community, including students, faculty, and staff, is leading the charge in cleaning up various Oakland areas. ?? Calling all non-student residents! ?? Your participation is crucial. Register below to stay updated on meeting locations, times, weather updates, and more. Let's make a positive impact on our community. ?? For any questions, reach out to Justin Dandoy at [email protected] or 412-624-6531. Let's unite for a cleaner, greener Oakland! ?? https://ow.ly/rAWF50QJrpV

?? Explore OBID's Newsletter for Unique Opportunities! ? Stay Informed: Stay updated on the latest developments, from impactful projects to strategic plans shaping Oakland's transformation into a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation. ? Cultural Insights: Immerse yourself in Oakland's diverse cultural scene with highlights on art exhibitions, music festivals, and community gatherings. Our newsletter captures the essence of this thriving neighborhood. ? Business Perspectives: Discover the success stories and innovations driving Oakland's economic growth. Get insights into local businesses, their ventures, services, and products shaping the future of commerce in our district. ? Community Connection: Engage in conversations that matter and actively contribute to Oakland's future. Our newsletters provide a platform for community involvement, where your voice is valued. https://lnkd.in/eeARmRkX

Carnegie Mellon University is set to begin construction on the Richard King Mellon Hall of Sciences at Forbes Avenue and South Craig Street, a 280,000-square-foot building expected to be completed in fall 2027. The triangular configuration will include public art and house the Miller Institute for Contemporary Art, Mellon College of Science, and School of Computer Science. The project, funded in part by a $75 million donation from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, aims to enhance the campus but will cause temporary disruptions, including the closure of the southern side of the Forbes Avenue bridge. #CarnegieMellon #CampusDevelopment

#ICYMI Exciting news for University of Pittsburgh fans! The university's athletic department, in collaboration with billionaire businessman Mark Cuban and Campus Ink, has launched "The NIL Store." This online platform offers a range of player-specific merchandise for all 14 varsity sports, featuring names and numbers of Pitt athletes. Powered by Campus Ink, the store sells t-shirts, jerseys, and sweatshirts, with each purchase contributing six to twelve dollars directly to the respective athlete. Prices are consistent across sports and athletes, making it easy for fans to support their favorite players. The officially licensed merchandise is part of Pitt's broader NIL initiatives, providing fans with multiple avenues to show their support. Check out The NIL Store for exclusive drops and updates on new athlete additions! #PittPanthers https://lnkd.in/e4HmFQUx

Celebrating International Women's Day! ?? This month, we're shining a spotlight on local business trailblazers, Brigette M. Bethea and Christine Bethea, the incredible mother-daughter duo behind Argyle Studio. Dive into our blog feature to discover the magic they bring to Oakland with a curated selection of handcrafted wonders and unique treasures from local talents. Embrace the essence of creativity and community spirit at this vibrant shopping spot in the heart of Oakland. ??Click the link below to explore more on our blog! #InternationalWomensDay #LocalBusinessSpotlight https://lnkd.in/e6bkd22k

Developer Walnut Capital is revisiting plans for Oakland with proposed zoning changes along McKee Place and Louisa Street. Councilperson Bob Charland, representing the district, has submitted the zoning change request to the City Planning Commission. The current zoning designates the area as Urban Center – Employment, despite its residential nature. The proposed shift to Residential Mixed Use is under consideration to align with the area's existing residential character. The City Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing, both in-person and online, on March 19th to deliberate and vote on the proposal. Pending approval, the proposed change will move forward to Pittsburgh City Council for consideration. https://ow.ly/4wnc50QNHhl

Exciting News! ?? Join the University of Pittsburgh's Summer Job and Volunteer Fair, hosted by the Office of PittServes and the Career Center. ?? Save the date for Wednesday, March 27th, from 1-3:30pm at the main floor of the William Pitt Union. Secure your spot by Tuesday, March 19th! All reservations come with a 6-foot table and two chairs, providing you with the perfect setup to engage with students face-to-face. ?? Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to discuss upcoming summer jobs and volunteer opportunities. For inquiries, feel free to reach out to Natalie, PittServes Outreach Coordinator, at [email protected]. Ready to connect? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gYdJUBTZ

Our partnership with Block by Block, a nationally recognized maintenance contractor, upholds the appearance of our Central Business District. Our dedicated team of ambassadors diligently tends to a comprehensive sidewalk cleaning program, covering over 4 miles of commercial corridors seven days a week. Annually, we successfully remove 5 tons of debris, including 220,000 cigarette butts and over 2,000 pizza boxes. Beyond litter removal, our efforts extend to weed control, graffiti eradication, and the removal of illegal flyers, stickers, and staples. During the fall, our team combats leaf buildup, while winter sees us ensuring ADA ramps remain clear of snow and ice. Employing a hot-water pressure washer, we meticulously cleanse the sidewalks of more than 70 storefronts, with 40% benefiting from repeat washing. This commitment to maintaining an immaculate urban environment reflects our dedication to fostering an attractive and welcoming business landscape!

The Allegheny County Health Department urges residents to participate in a community health survey addressing crucial topics such as healthcare access, chronic diseases, and mental health. Your valuable insights will contribute to shaping the "Plan for a Healthier Allegheny." The web-based survey, accessible on smartphones, is open until April 2024. Their goal is to reach 3,000 participants among the county's one million adults. Your participation is vital in enhancing community health initiatives. https://ow.ly/U59F50QJqOb