SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN BURGESS
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Ordinance supplementing the Pittsburgh Code, Title One, Administrative, Article IX, Boards, Commissions and Authorities, by adding Chapter 177B, Neighborhood Empowerment Commission.
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Whereas, in Pittsburgh, the neighborhood concentration of poverty remains a serious challenge to the ability of poor families and children to access opportunities and move up the economic ladder; and,
Whereas, distressed communities deserve to have their communities rebuilt, their families strengthened and the quality of their lives improved by direct government intervention; and,
Whereas, distressed communities need a formal process to ensure and encourage community protection, community participation and community benefits while avoiding forced resident relocation and gentrification; and,
Whereas, a comprehensive approach to neighborhood development is needed in Pittsburgh’s most distressed communities; and,
Whereas, in Pittsburgh’s distressed communities a comprehensive planning and implementation strategy will stabilize the existing assets of each neighborhood while building clean, safe and strong environments lead by independent, capable, and sustainable community stakeholders; and,
Whereas, in Pittsburgh, distressed communities can be transformed by revitalizing housing and investing and leveraging investments in well-functioning services, high quality public schools and education programs, high quality early learning programs and services, public assets, public transportation, and improved access to jobs.
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Ordinance supplementing the Pittsburgh Code, Title One, Administrative, Article IX, Boards, Commissions and Authorities, by adding Chapter 177B, Neighborhood Empowerment Commission.
CHAPTER 177B: NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT COMMISSION
§ 177B.01 AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE.
There is hereby established a Commission to be known as the Neighborhood Empowerment Commission.
The purpose of this Commission is to:
1. Oversee Support and advise the Chief of Urban Affairs in the implementation of all programs and activities related to the Bureau of Neighborhood Empowerment;
2. To create an on-going working group that prioritizes and effectively implements all of the Bureau of Neighborhood Empowerment’s initiatives across City departments, community organizations and residents;
3. Produce an annual report to the Mayor and City Council on accomplishments as well as an annual community meeting to update the community.
§ 177B.02 MEMBERSHIP.
The membership of the Neighborhood Empowerment Commission shall consist as follows:
1. The Mayor or his/her designee;
2. Two (2) members of City Council;
3. A representative of the Urban Redevelopment Authority;
4. A representative of Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh;
5. A representative of the Department of City Planning;
6. A representative of the Department of Public Safety;
7. A representative of the School District of Pittsburgh;
8. Three (3) representatives of community-based organizations, appointed by the Mayor.
§ 177B.03 TERMS AND FILLING OF VACANCIES.
The representatives of community-based organizations appointed by the Mayor shall serve for a term of four (4) years. Any vacancies created by the resignation, death or removal of an appointed member shall be filled in the manner of their appointment.
§ 177B.04 COMPENSATION.
Members of the Neighborhood Empowerment Commission shall serve without compensation.
§ 177B.05 POWERS AND DUTIES.
The Neighborhood Empowerment Commission shall have the following duties:
1. The Commission shall meet no less than monthly at regular intervals as determined by the body and shall:
a. Oversee the implementation and evaluate the Support and advise the Chief of Urban Affairs Officer in the implementation and evaluation of the outcomes of the Bureau of Neighborhood Empowerment;
b. Facilitate an interdepartmental and collaborative agency approach to planning, and the delivery of services to Priority Communities;
c. Act as the clearinghouse for activities, programs and investments that will improve the quality of life for residents in City neighborhoods;
2. The community representation of the Commission may update the Commission on:
a. Community needs relative to community and neighborhood improvement;
b. Progress on community development and economic development projects;
c. Ongoing community needs.
3. The City Clerk, or his/her designee, shall keep the minutes and the records of this Commission. All departmental reports shall be transmitted to the Clerk no later than three (3) days prior to the scheduled meetings.
4. The Commission’s meetings are public, with the exception that from time to time, at the Commission’s discretion, they may schedule non-public meetings with the written consent of Council and the Mayor. These discretionary meetings shall not substitute for the Commission’s required monthly regular meetings.