Housing

URA supported housing developments transform neighborhoods, protect affordability for Pittsburgh residents, and enhance the value of our communities. Residential developer financing is offered by the URA's Housing Department. We offer a number of construction loan and grant gap financing programs that vary in features and eligibility requirements.

Financing is available for small and large-scale new construction or the rehabilitation of rental or for-sale housing. We also provide equity financing to assist community-based organizations in real estate development projects that provide housing or job creation opportunities. We work with both for-profit and non-profit developers to structure individualized financing programs that work over the long term to create sustainable housing developments.

There are a variety of financing programs available for your rental or for-sale housing development project. The Pittsburgh Housing Construction Fund is one source available for financing new construction or rehabilitation of for-sale housing. Rental Housing Development & Improvement Program provides permanent gap financing for new construction or rehabilitation of rental housing.

To discuss your residential development project with a housing development officer, contact Jessica Smith Perry, Manager, Housing Development Programs, at 412.255.6670 or .

Energy Star Certification

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh now requires Energy Star certification for all new residential construction projects that we build or finance. Energy Star requirements make homes more energy efficient and comfortable which helps homeowners save money on utility bills and prevents unwanted pollution from energy production (mercury, particulates, CO2, etc.) from entering our atmosphere.

In addition to Energy Star standards the URA has adopted the Environmental Protection Agency’s Indoor Air PLUS specifications which address other aspects of “whole house” performance. These additional specifications help make Energy Star homes more durable and healthy to live in by addressing issues including moisture and indoor air quality.

Download the URA's Energy Star guidelines.

New Tools -Tax Abatement

Multiple tax abatement programs exist for development in the City of Pittsburgh. Abatement of City, County and School taxes may be made available for your commercial or residential renovation or redevelopment project based on project type and location. Staff at the URA can assist you in making application for the product that applies to your project. Learn more >

New Tools - Elm Street

The Elm Street Program was created by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to strengthen our states historic downtown neighborhoods that are beset by low property values, negative images, and perceptions of poor public safety. Elm Street aims to improve the situation of Pennsylvania’ s urban neighborhoods while linking revitalization efforts to those of adjacent business districts. Using the long-established Main Street program as a model, the Elm Street concept is structured around simultaneous action in five focus areas (Clean, Safe and Green; Neighbors and Economy; Design; Image and Identity; and Sustainable Organization), integrated through a community-based strategic planning process. The Elm Street program is a work in progress, and is likely to be so for the next several years.

The URA partners with the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development to pilot the Elm Street program in five Pittsburgh communities: