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City Cast Pittsburgh

Francesca Dabecco

Looking out for your neighbors’ safety can be as simple as looking down.

 is building a network of volunteers to document risky sections of our city’s walkways. The collaborative project is led by BikePGH, Access Mob, and Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.

“It’s really about equity,” says Seth Bush, Advocacy Manager at BikePGH. “We’re looking at the distribution of the quality of our sidewalks and how we can connect neighborhoods to resources more effectively.”

The crew’s observations will be used to assess sidewalk conditions throughout our 90 neighborhoods and help the city create long-term plans for upgrades.

This planning, Bush says, is essential to 

. A 2024 report from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that 

 in the U.S. happened in locations without a sidewalk.

“This program works best when volunteers report from their neighborhood. They know it best.” Bush says. “We have a lot of ground to cover, and we need a lot of people.”

Discover what makes sidewalks safe and accessible 

. Attendees will learn how to report sidewalk issues through a form where users can easily log a concern by noting the location and uploading a picture.

If you don’t see a training date that works for you, contact 

 and they’ll coordinate a session. Once trained, you can submit reports from anywhere in the city.

If you want to connect with more crew members, be sure to look out for neighborhood-wide “blitz” efforts on 

. Note: Training isn’t required before attending one of these events; you’ll get a crash course and a partner to walk with.

Pittsburgh Walks can also train volunteer groups, such as clubs and workplace teams. Reach out to 

Disability advocate and Access Mob Pittsburgh Director Alisa Grishman 

 — but especially wheelchair users like herself.

“In a world that has great sidewalks, sliding doors, and ramps, I wouldn’t be disabled; I’d be able to get everywhere just the same as someone who is currently able-bodied. It’s the world that creates the disability, not my chair.”

Stay engaged by following organizations like 

, and reporting all kinds of neighborhood 

Help make Pittsburgh more accessible by reporting sidewalk issues from anywhere in the city.

How You Can Help To Make Pittsburgh Safer for Pedestrians

How To Join Pittsburgh’s Safe Sidewalks Crew

Tips and tricks for living your best Pittsburgh life, by locals, for locals.

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

Seeking Snow Angels! The city is looking for volunteers to help seniors and people with disabilities as part of its annual snow removal assistance program.

 on the city’s website, and the Department of Public Works will match you with a resident no more than a 10-minute walk away. Once registered, you’ll be notified via email when you’re assigned. Volunteers are asked to shovel and salt steps and walkways within 24 hours after snowfall.

To receive assistance, you must live within the City of Pittsburgh; be 62 or older and / or have a physical disability; and have no other resources for snow removal. 

 to see if your home address is within city boundaries.

. Note: Signing up does not guarantee assistance. Volunteers may be assigned immediately or later during the winter.

If your street still needs snow or ice removal 24 hours after snowfall has ended, make a report to the city by calling 412-255-2621 or contact the 

More Winter Weather Tips

The City of Pittsburgh is looking for Snow Angel volunteers to help remove snow for seniors and people with disabilities.

Volunteer To Remove Snow for Your Neighbors in Pittsburgh

How To Become A Pittsburgh Snow Angel

Shady landlords and bosses, beware — Pittsburgh is tackling unfair treatment. The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations (PghCHR) is the city’s leading resource for people facing discrimination. It’s a civil rights enforcement agency that investigates instances of discrimination and mediates solutions.

But, how do you know when it’s time to call on them?

Anti-discrimination laws protect people from facing unfair treatment based on protected classes, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and immigration status.

PghCHR executive director Rachel Shepherd says anyone who believes they've experienced discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, or public services can reach out to the commission for free assistance, so long as the harm happened within city limits.

You can reach out directly to PghCHR by submitting an inquiry on the 

, calling their office at 412-255-2600, or emailing 

Once you've reached out, staff will set up an intake appointment, review evidence, and determine whether there are grounds to file a discrimination complaint.

Shepherd says the commission tries to resolve cases through mediation or conciliation, where you sit down with the person who caused harm, "actually address it out loud," and come up with a voluntary agreement to remedy the situation.

The commission can also hold a formal public hearing and issue a legally-binding judgement.

Remedies can include everything from monetary damages and back wages to an apology. Sometimes, they even include policy changes to prevent future discrimination.

"We're not trying to just punish people for the sake of it," says Chris Soult, deputy director of PghCHR. "We're trying to get actual changes to occur in the way that people interact with each other and the way that people have an understanding of each other, as other human beings who deserve respect."

Want to know more about what PghCHR does? 

A guide to reporting discrimination to the Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations (PghCHR).

How To Report Discrimination in Pittsburgh

What Pittsburghers have been wondering. We break down why things in Pittsburgh are the way they are and how they work.

Pittsburgh, Explained

Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 5, when you’ll be able to cast your vote for 

To officially voice your preferences, though, you’ve got to be registered first. The election may feel like it’s still a ways away at this point, but it’s better to be early than late — here’s your checklist to make sure you’re ready in time.

✅ Check To See If You’re Already Registered

Find out if your voter registration is active and up to date using 

, or by calling Pittsburgh’s voter registration office at (412) 350-4500. You can also check your polling place and political party.

✅ If You’re Not Registered, Make Sure You’re Eligible

According to the PA Department of State, you’re 

You’ve been a U.S. citizen for at least one month before the election.

You’ve been a resident of both Pennsylvania and your specific election district for at least 30 days before the election.

You’ll be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the election.

You can fill out your voter registration application 

 at the county’s voter registration office (542 Forbes Ave., Room 312).

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 15 to 17

Community College of Allegheny County, Homewood: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 19, 20, 26, and 27

Keep in mind when choosing an option: the Elections Division office has to receive your application postmarked by 5 p.m. Oct. 21.

If you’re already registered in PA but you moved, changed your name, or want to change your party affiliation, you 

 to your registration before Oct. 21 as well.

The Nov. 5 general election may feel like it’s still a ways away at this point, but it’s better to be early than late. Here’s your checklist to make sure you’re ready in time, and where to register in Pittsburgh.


Your 2024 Pittsburgh Voter Registration Checklist

Your 2024 Voter Registration Checklist

If you’re in need of a public natural space where you can swim, hike, and walk your dog, then Riverview Park is the natural oasis you’re searching for.

The North Side was once called Allegheny City, and before it was annexed by Pittsburgh, its residents purchased a stretch of land called Watson Farm and transformed it into a public natural space: Riverview Park.

Riverview Park is a 251-acre urban escape into nature for the sport-seekers, dog-walkers, bird-watchers, and family-picnic enjoyers. The modern park has kept up with the needs of its residents with 

, horse trails, tennis courts, dog parks, and a swimming pool.

 to find their way back from Snyder’s Point or Watson’s Cabin, and to locate parking closest to various activities. For tranquil natural environments, stretch out on a blanket or lawn chair for the 

To connect with the history that makes Riverview Park a nominee for the National Register of Historic Places, 

 at the Allegheny Observatory, which was once the Allegheny Telescope association founded in the mid-1800s!

Riverview Park has a bunch of picnic shelters for a delicious home-made spread, like the Chapel Center, a restored Presbyterian Church. Or, make a pitstop in nearby 

, soon to be reconnected to the park via 

 for hiking fuel, bring your post-swim group to 

 with a craft cocktail after a long day of park exploration. On the other side of the park in Observatory Hill, check out 

Explore Riverview Park history, current events, and unmissable locations. 

What are the best things to do in Riverview Park?

Get to Know Riverview Park

Everything to know about Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

 dreams of a Black birthing or postpartum recovery center in Pittsburgh. But she says that in order for the support systems to be built, locals need to understand exactly what people of color go through here. According to the 

2019 Pittsburgh Gender Equity Commission study

, Black women's maternal mortality is higher in Pittsburgh than 97 percent of similar cities.

That’s why Gordon is committed to sharing the stories of moms, midwives, and doulas through a new documentary, “

Her Dreams: A Story of The Future of Black Birth

“I want people to be drawn to action. I have to do something about this. It’s like we’re in a third-world country,” Gordon says.

The documentary raises funds for maternal health workers, birth workers, continuing education, aspiring doulas, and midwives. It premiered at Kelly Strayhorn Theater this month; 

, introduced in March by the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus, is a legislative package of eight bills that would require coverage for doula services and blood pressure monitors, mandate ongoing implicit bias training, and establish the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit program.

 stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair and seeks to end race-based hair discrimination.

, an educational symposium at the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center

 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center

 uplifts Black voices and advocates for systemic changes at the intersectionality of gender and race

 supports Allegheny and Westmoreland County families and communities through community programming, advocacy, research, and training — like the 

 is a reproductive justice organization supporting Black women, Black queer folks, and other marginalized people through leadership development, community care, resources, and mutual aid

 amplifies the voices of Black moms while creating programs to connect them to their communities

 provides doula care and childbirth education for Black families

 is Western PA's first and only licensed, freestanding birth center

 offers pelvic floor support before and after birth

 supports and empowers marginalized pregnant, postpartum, and incarcerated birthing people

Pittsburgh fails Black moms. These organizations are making a difference.

Resources and Events for Black Maternal Health Week in Pittsburgh

A New Film, Resources and Events for Black Maternal Health Week in Pittsburgh

Make Pittsburgh better, one neighbor at a time. Find volunteering opportunities, ways to get involved and give back, and more.

Help Your Pittsburgh Neighbors

Help Your Neighbors

Pittsburgh residents can beautify their gardens with free mulch thanks to the city’s annual 

 program. This year, the City of Pittsburgh diverted more than 2,300 Christmas trees from the landfill.

Pick up is at the Pittsburgh Zoo overflow parking lot from dawn until dusk on 

. Don’t forget to bring your own buckets, gloves, and shovels!

Wondering what to use the mulch for? It’s great for landscaping and cover for acid-loving plants like hydrangeas and dogwoods.

 Lots of smaller municipalities in and around Allegheny County offer free dirt, compost, or topsoil for pickup throughout the planting season.

🌱 How To Start Your Backyard Garden

Residents can pick up mulch on April 20 and 27.

How to Get Free Mulch for Your Pittsburgh Garden

, is a national day advocating for residents to report road safety issues to the non-emergency 311 line — and we have a Pittsburgher to thank for its creation! 

 founder Armin Samii is bringing awareness to obstacles for pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, and stroller pushers.

🚲 At 5 p.m. today, Samii is inviting locals to join him to report hazards along a 2-mile bike loop, starting at St. Stanislaus’ Church in the Strip District. 

Sometimes the biggest improvements can come from small requests, and we have the power to make our city more safe and accessible for all. Never reported before? Here’s the 411 on 311.

, but not an emergency, can be reported to the city’s 311 line: traffic issues, potholes, dangerous sidewalks, overgrown trees, abandoned properties, damaged electrical wires, illegal parking, dead animals, etc.

Dial “311” to talk to a live operator from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you’re outside of Pittsburgh, call 412-255-2621. You can also text!

 24/7 by selecting “service request,” adding your location, and uploading a picture. The app is available for IOS and Android devices.

Pittsburgh got over 103,000 requests in 2023! This data helps the city determine unsafe areas, especially as Pittsburgh 

: no traffic-related deaths or serious injuries. Samii’s best tips for getting the city to respond to your request are to be patient, be nice, and be specific. The more details you include — like photo or video evidence — the better!

And good news: The city says it’s working on software improvements and even a new app. So stay tuned!

Listen & Learn!

March 11, or 311 Day, is a national day advocating for residents to report road safety issues to the non-emergency 311 line.

How To Report Safety Issues To 311 in Pittsburgh

COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency

, it remains an illness that many people contract regularly, and acquiring treatment can be expensive and difficult to navigate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer 

, a common treatment medication that typically costs upward of $1,400, which means you can get it for free or at a discounted price. Here’s what you need to know.

 to help fight COVID-19 infections. It works by keeping the virus from multiplying in your body. The company ran a clinical trial with over 2,000 people infected with COVID-19 and says that 

the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 86%

 that are taken orally twice daily for a total of five days. There is also a reduced dose for individuals with kidney disease. Your healthcare provider can prescribe the dosage and pack that is best for you.

You first need to get a prescription for Paxlovid from your doctor. Once you have a prescription, you can sign up for the free or reduced-cost medication option 

, or by calling 1-877-219-7225. You’ll need to provide some personal information such as your name, date of birth, and address. If you need assistance filling out the information, a local pharmacist should be able to help you.

Can You Get Paxlovid if You’re Uninsured?

Yes. The Paxcess program allows individuals without insurance, as well as those covered by Medicaid or Medicare, to get Paxlovid for free.

There might be a small cost if you have health insurance through a commercial provider, but it’s worth signing up through Paxcess, as it could help drastically reduce the cost of Paxlovid.

Paxlovid helps fight COVID-19, but it can be expensive. Here’s how to get it for free or at a reduced cost in Pittsburgh.

How To Get COVID-19 Treatment Paxlovid for Free in Pittsburgh

How to Get Paxlovid for Free

If you have knowledge of food systems, lived experience, or community connections, you could be a great fit for the city's new Food Justice Fund 

City Council established the fund in July 2023 to “build food sovereignty and end food apartheid in their neighborhoods.” The nine-person committee will include seven community members, one person from Mayor Ed Gainey’s staff, and another from City Council’s staff.

Supported by federal American Rescue Plan money, the fund will focus on neighborhoods most in need. The city is determining those areas by using census data and the 

public services

How To Join Pittsburgh’s Safe Sidewalks Crew

How To Become A Pittsburgh Snow Angel

How To Report Discrimination in Pittsburgh

Latest articles

How To Join Pittsburgh’s Safe Sidewalks Crew

How To Become A Pittsburgh Snow Angel

How To Report Discrimination in Pittsburgh

Your 2024 Voter Registration Checklist

Get to Know Riverview Park

A New Film, Resources and Events for Black Maternal Health Week in Pittsburgh

How to Get Free Mulch for Your Pittsburgh Garden

Latest articles

Your 2024 Voter Registration Checklist

Get to Know Riverview Park

A New Film, Resources and Events for Black Maternal Health Week in Pittsburgh

How to Get Free Mulch for Your Pittsburgh Garden

How To Report Safety Issues To 311 in Pittsburgh

How to Get Paxlovid for Free

Apply To Be on Pittsburgh’s Food Justice Fund Governance Committee