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

Pittsburgh defends equity-based contracting vs Trump, courts

1 week 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

3 weeks 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

1 month 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

1 month 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

2 months ago | 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.
Unpacking Pittsburgh’s two proposals for inclusionary zoning

Jan 24, 2025 | publicsource.org | Eric Jankiewicz

The City Planning Commission is set to hold hearings Tuesday, discuss and potentially vote on two competing approaches to inclusionary zoning. In September, Mayor Ed Gainey announced his inclusionary zoning expansion plans and in December the commission shelved those plans until the new year. Also in December, City Councilor Bob Charland drew up an alternative IZ bill. Here are the basics on IZ, and on the proposals before the commission.
Pittsburgh planners hesitant to rush into zoning affordability

Jan 14, 2025 | publicsource.org | Eric Jankiewicz

A zoning debate that could shape Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods renewed this week with more questions than answers at a City Planning Commission meeting where a councilor presented a bill that is in direct conflict with Mayor Ed Gainey’s vision.
Manchester has two development orgs as Esplanade approaches

Jan 10, 2025 | publicsource.org | Eric Jankiewicz

The Pittsburgh neighborhood of Manchester now has two registered community organizations [RCOs], a designation that will allow the groups to weigh in on a planned $740 million development nearby. News of the $740 million Esplanade development on the North Shore led to increased interest in obtaining the RCO designation, which guarantees a meeting between community members and developers. In a letter dated Jan.