The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership recently hosted an appreciation lunch for on-street workers to thank those who spend every day diligently contributing to the vibrancy of downtown Pittsburgh.
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13 organizations recognized at on-street worker appreciation lunch
67
new planters on Smithfield and Forbes
400
planters updated with festive fall flowers
On October 17, 2023, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) hosted organizations, employees, elected officials and other downtown stakeholders in Market Square to celebrate the hard work and dedication of Pittsburgh’s on-street staff and thank them for their work to revitalize our city. This staff, which includes employees of several public, private and nonprofit organizations, works tirelessly to ensure the cleanliness and safety of downtown Pittsburgh.
A crowd gathered in Market Square that day to mingle with the on-street workers, enjoying conversation and a meal together, prior to short remarks of appreciation from multiple Pittsburgh leaders including Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of PDP, Stefani Pashman, CEO of Allegheny Conference on Community Development, John Valentine, Executive Director of Downtown Neighbors Alliance, Councilman Bobby Wilson, District 1 and Mayor Ed Gainey, both of the City of Pittsburgh. Each of these leaders expressed their sincere appreciation for the work being completed each day and shared a hopeful message for the future of downtown.
Throughout the event, workers enjoyed complimentary meals from Little Athens and Royal Touch, a local catering company and food truck respectively, which were set up in the square that day. Also addressing the crowd was Cody Ditto from UFC GYM, a global fitness and wellness franchise in Pittsburgh. They provided each worker with a one-week VIP pass with unlimited fitness and day spa access to show their appreciation and encourage these vital, on-street staff members to take the time to focus on themselves to enhance their bodies and minds.
In conjunction with the appreciation event, PDP and the City’s Department of Public Works team hosted a “Blitzburgh” event to prepare the city for the upcoming holiday season. Side-by-side, on-street workers and volunteers helped to paint fixtures and poles, power wash dozens of city blocks, install 67 new plants on Smithfield and Forbes and with the Western PA Conservancy, plant fall mums in 400 planters across downtown.
On behalf of all of our partners, IndexPGH would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the services provided by the workers of:
- AHN Outreach
- Bridge to the Mountains
- Friends of the Riverfront
- PBP Zone 2
- Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
- Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
- Point Park Police
- Port Authority Police
- REACH
- Renewal Inc.
- Resolve
- Western PA Conservancy