Avenues of Hope
A holistic model for rebuilding Pittsburgh's Black main streets
The Avenues of Hope Initiative is a place-based, people-first approach that intervenes across all layers of successful, healthy, and sustainable main street development.
This initiative focuses on seven major business corridors, in which the goal is to invest in existing small businesses and residents, supporting the inclusive growth of the neighborhoods.
The Avenues of Hope will be:
- Black-owned
- Centers of Black arts and culture
- Mixed-use, transit-oriented, and pedestrian-friendly built environments
- Healthy communities supported by education, health care, senior care, recreation, and human supportive services
The URA is working with the City of Pittsburgh to focus on housing investment, workforce connectivity, commercial corridor activation, façade renovations, and other impactful MWBE and small business support.
Focus Areas for Implementation and Inclusive Growth
Avenues of Hope Victories
Total lending to date: $1,962,400
Avenues of Hope Programs
Small Contractor Line of Credit Program
The Small Contractor Line of Credit Program supports operating construction companies taking on Avenues of Hope projects that require access to working capital. Contractors may be eligible to receive financing of up to 90% of submitted and approved invoices of $25,000 - $100,000 on an annual basis.
Commercial Real Estate Program
The Avenues of Hope Commercial Real Estate Program provides capital to local and minority small businesses and developers in support of Avenues of Hope projects.
Storefront Façade Grant Program
The Avenues of Hope Storefront Façade Grant Program provides funds to commercial building and business owners to improve their building facades.
Community Events
November 6, 2021
Avenues of Hope Kickoff Event: Chartiers Avenue
Join the URA, City of Pittsburgh, and Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith for a family-friendly outdoor event! Enjoy local vendors and activities for kids. Speak with local organizations about funding and resources available for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and homeowners, homebuyers, and renters. Learn more about the URA’s community engagement process...and more!
News and Updates
- URA and Salem's Market and Grill Sign Lease Agreement for Centre Heldman Plaza Location
- URA Board of Directors Approves $1.37 Million Loan for the Expansion of Salem’s Market and Grill in the Hill District
- URA Board To Vote On Two Items To Further The Success Of Avenues Of Hope Initiative
- Big Tom's Groundbreaking Brings Bringing $1.94M in Investment for Barbershop, Affordable Housing and Community Revitalization
- Walnut Capital and the URA Partner with the Larimer Consensus Group to Bring New Affordable, For-Sale Housing to Larimer Residents
- URA Seeking Proposals to Develop Community Plans for Chartiers and Perrysville Business Districts in Avenues of Hope Corridors
- URA Announces $24 Million in New Community Investment in Avenues of Hope Corridors
- URA and Pittsburgh Housing Development Corporation Awarded $654,310 to Support Affordable Housing, Homeowner Accessibility, and Façade Programs
- Watch: OwnPGH Press Conference 3/10/21
- Mayor Peduto and URA Launch Affordable Home Ownership and Neighborhood Blight-Fighting Initiative
- CARES CommuniTEA Café to Celebrate its Grand Opening on February 1, 2021
- Watch: Avenues of Hope Press Conference 10/14/20
- City and URA Launch Avenues of Hope Initiative to Advance Revitalization of Historically Diverse Business Districts
Community Photos
City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle gives remarks at the Avenues of Hope launch
The URA's Karlee Turkaly closes a business loan with MOKA owners Errol (Mo) Reynolds and Charlotte Ka
Donna Jackson, chair of the Larimer Consensus Group
The new Liberty Green Park in Larimer
NEXTneighborhood event in Homewood
NEXTneighborhood event in Homewood
The former Hamm's Barber Shop on Centre Avenue will be redeveloped into Big Tom's Barbershop
Questions? Please contact Aster Teclay, Manager of Community Development and Strategy.