(Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 15, 2026 )

Smith's Viewpoint: Pittsburgh has the assets. What it needs is clear objectives and accountability for results.

On the heels of a massive positive spotlight from the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh region is having a momentum moment.

Now, we have the opportunity to leverage that momentum, and our many extraordinary assets, with the hard work and strategic action that results in durable economic prosperity. We need to answer the questions: What is the focused economic development plan for southwestern Pennsylvania, and what are the objectives? How are we measuring success? Who is responsible for achieving which parts of those objectives, and who is held accountable when we fall short? Right now, there is no clear answer.

PGH Works Perspective

PGH Works board member Don Smith of RIDC describes what the region needs to move ahead economically.

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