Eric Jankiewicz

Economic Development Reporter at PublicSource

CUNY J-School alum. Economic development reporter for PublicSource. "In other words, I don't improve; in further words, once a bum always a bum."

Articles

Homer City, Pennsylvania says goodbye to coal, hello to gas

1 week ago | publicsource.org | Eric Jankiewicz

The crack of crashing concrete from Indiana County’s 55-year-old coal-powered plant in March heralded a new phase in energy production across Southwestern Pennsylvania, and a likely turning point for the small-town economy it fueled.
From coal to gas and AI, a history of Homer City’s transformation

1 week ago | publicsource.org | Eric Jankiewicz

Center Township and Homer City, in Indiana County, saw more than half a century of electricity, employment and emissions flowing from the coal-burning Homer City Generating Station. With the site slated for a gas-fired power plant and potential AI data centers, here’s a look back at the station’s history, and forward at current plans. The Homer City Generating Station begins operations, employing thousands and supplying millions of customers with energy.
Pittsburgh defends equity-based contracting vs Trump, courts

4 weeks ago | messenger-inquirer.com | Eric Jankiewicz

Pittsburgh, PA (PublicSource | News for a better Pittsburgh)Mayor Ed Gainey, backed by Allegheny County, may pay more than $1 million to a consultant to defend equity-focused contracting. Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and allied agencies are embarking on a disparity study to justify race-conscious government contracting, but the legal foundations for such programs are being narrowed by federal policies and challenged in courts across the country.
Pittsburgh defends equity-based contracting vs Trump, courts

1 month ago | publicsource.org | Eric Jankiewicz

Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and allied agencies are embarking on a disparity study to justify race-conscious government contracting, but the legal foundations for such programs are being narrowed by federal policies and challenged in courts across the country. Mayor Ed Gainey’s administration began efforts in 2023 to conduct a disparity study, an analysis of government contracts.
Allegheny County housing agency urges tenant self-sufficiency

1 month ago | publicsource.org | Eric Jankiewicz

Thousands of residents in the Pittsburgh region rely on federal housing subsidies through housing authorities, but that system could shift under new White House priorities. The region’s elected officials and the Allegheny County Housing Authority [ACHA] are planning ahead as the Trump administration reportedly looks to cut half of federal workers at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD].
Pittsburgh planners say Donny’s Place gay bar site isn’t historic

1 month ago | publicsource.org | Eric Jankiewicz

Faced with arguments about the mundane nature of a former gay bar and its unremarkable role as an outreach center during the HIV/AIDS crisis, the Pittsburgh City Planning Commission voted against historic designation of Donny’s Place in Polish Hill. The bar operated between 1972 and 2022, serving as a queer bar and an outreach center during the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Conservatorship tested in court, Pittsburgh

1 month ago | publicsource.org | Bella Markovitz |Eric Jankiewicz

Conservatorship is a legal process to halt dilapidation and abandonment. Private companies, nonprofits and neighborhood organizations have filed hundreds of petitions to become court-supervised conservators of properties that fit certain criteria. Once named a conservator, a group can:Spend money on improvements and then place a lien on the propertyUse the lien to collect money spent on the improvements or take ownership.
Regional unions are shaping up to be a deciding force in Pittsburgh's mayoral race

2 months ago | technical.ly | Eric Jankiewicz

Technical.ly partnered with PublicSource to explore the landscape of work in Pittsburgh — famed for its industriousness and intense union-management conflict and collaboration — as it is pressure-tested by changes in governmental policy, technology and economics. After 40 years of relative union-management peace in Southwestern Pennsylvania, organized labor faces a presidential administration that’s generally viewed as bad tidings for organizers and workers rights advocates.
Regional unions are woven into Pittsburgh’s power structure

2 months ago | publicsource.org | Eric Jankiewicz

PublicSource, with Technical.ly, is exploring the landscape of work in Pittsburgh — famed for its industriousness and intense union-management conflict and collaboration — as it is pressure-tested by changes in governmental policy, technology and economics. After 40 years of relative union-management peace in Southwestern Pennsylvania, organized labor faces a presidential administration that’s generally viewed as bad tidings for organizers and workers rights advocates.
Inclusionary zoning prevails before Pittsburgh commission

Jan 29, 2025 | publicsource.org | Eric Jankiewicz

Citywide inclusionary zoning won an important endorsement from the City Planning Commission early Wednesday morning after the panel narrowly opposed a competing plan that would be less comprehensive in requiring affordable housing. With the packed hearing with an estimated 100 public speakers and two votes, debates in Pittsburgh to institutionalize affordable housing reached a new pitch of tension.