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WHEREAS, our riverfronts are indispensable in the development of our local economy, generating billions of dollars in economic development, arts and culture, and ecological sustainability; and,
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WHEREAS, since 1999, Riverlife has worked to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s waterfront, overseeing a $132 million investment in the city’s waterfront transformation and centering their work in the belief that riverfronts belong to everyone; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh recognizes the legacy of Stephan Bontrager; and,
WHEREAS, Stephan Bontrager, a resident of the City of Pittsburgh for over two decades, currently residing in the East End with his family and dog, Ginger, moved to Pittsburgh to obtain his Master of Journalism and Mass Communication from Point Park University; and,
WHEREAS, working in the non-profit community since 2001, Stephan first worked with PULSE and volunteered as a music and marketing assistant at 91.3fm WYEP, where he quickly became the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily on-air host, curating the organization’s outreach and education department, leading workshops to teach recording and broadcasting to the community as a way of increasing locally produced podcasts and other radio content; and,
WHEREAS, Stephan migrated to Riverlife to lead its outreach and communications program through which he raised millions to revitalize Pittsburgh’s riverfronts and has pioneered Riverlife’s communications and outreach efforts; and,
WHEREAS, some signature and beloved riverfront projects, including the Point State Park Fountain and Mon Wharf Switchback, were made possible by Stephan, and most recently, Stephan played an integral role in developing Riverlife’s “Completing the Loop” plan, a ten-year vision to complete, enhance, and expand Pittsburgh’s 15-mile, 1,050-acre system of interconnected riverfront parks, trails, and public open spaces centered on the Golden Triangle; and,
WHEREAS, Stephan created and established “Party at the Pier,” an annual summer event that draws hundreds of Pittsburgh’s residents and visitors to the riverfront for a night of excitement and activation at the city’s waterfront, which has raised more than $2.5 million for riverfronts since 2010; and,
WHEREAS, Stephan was honored as one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for his work at WYEP, was recognized as a “Who’s Next in Communications” honoree by The Incline for his leadership at Riverlife, and has served on the Board of Directors for The Sprout Fund, the Community Advisory Board for WYEP, and the Marketing Advisory Committee for The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh recognizes Stephan Bontrager for his devotion to our riverfronts, with his legacy continuing in the form of Pittsburgh’s most treasured assets and the development and sense of community they inspire.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh proclaims Tuesday, March 22, 2022, as “Stephan Bontrager Day”.