A Story of Transformation: The Allegheny Conference on Community Development Barbara McNees, Executive Vice President, Allegheny Conference on Community Development and President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce August 2, 2012
A snapshot of the Pittsburgh Region 10 counties = 7,200 sq. mi Population = 2.6 million Gross Regional Product = $115.752 billion Pittsburgh stands as a bold example of how to create new jobs and industries while transitioning to a 21 st century economy. As a city that has transformed itself from the city of steel to a center for high-tech innovation... Pittsburgh will provide both a beautiful backdrop and a powerful example for our work. -President Barack Obama, Pittsburgh (G-20) Summit
A story of civic leadership Renaissance City 1940s-1970s Public-private partnership Smoke control Urban redevelopment The Renaissance began in the 1940s with the formation of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, a non-profit organization designed to bring together private sector leadership to work in partnership with government to improve the region. Together they cleaned the skies and rivers and transformed the city itself with the first urban redevelopment programs in the United States.
A big setback in the 1980s The Steel Bust Foreign imports Industry restructuring National recession Regional depression Pittsburgh s economy boomed and busted through much of its industrial history. But the mills always reopened, until the late 1970s, when many mills began to close for good. The collapse of its industrial economy in the early 80s was among the worst economic setbacks suffered by any region in the United States in the second half of the 20 th century.
How do rebuild our economy?
The charge to Carnegie Mellon University President Mehrabian Allegheny Conference leaders, noting that I was a relative newcomer to the region, asked me to take a fresh look at our civic infrastructure. The task was to recommend the forging of new and improved partnerships to enhance the region s economic performance.
What President Mehrabian found It became clear that the principal issue facing Southwestern Pennsylvania s economy is not the quality and organization of its civic agencies. A more fundamental ingredient for regional success seemed to be missing. This crucial ingredient is a consensus about the economic future of the region.
The Conference s challenge to our community We need a new shared vision, new strategies and actions that can address the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.
We organized regionally 1990s 10 counties; one state Regional structures created: PRA, RASP, T-CAP and SWPA Growth Alliance
A great American comeback Total employment 1970-2011 1,050,000 1,100,000 1,150,000 1,200,000 1,250,000 1,300,000 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
How do we take it to the next level?
Our organizational transformation A collaborative planning process Joint Venture agreements (1990 s) Affiliation structure (2000) Integrated board leadership, administration, funding and personnel More nimble structure that supports organizational innovation Four branded organizations
Our model for 21 st century civic stewardship The Conference is the parent organization for its three affiliates the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (PRA), the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Pennsylvania Economy League of Southwestern Pennsylvania that share a strategic vision and work together for regional improvement, setting the 21st-century standard for civic stewardship: Pittsburgh Regional Alliance Marketing Pennsylvania Economy League of Southwestern Pennsylvania Research & Analysis Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Regional Investors Council Providing time, talent and resources to advance the agenda
Economic Development Wins 2002-2011 45 40 35 30 25 20 Projects 15 10 5 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Major accomplishments since 1990 Regional Asset District creation and funding County government reform Home Rule and Row Office Brownfield and riverfront development African American Chamber of Commerce formed Business in Our Sites program Business/tax climate improvements Successful Pittsburgh 250 and G-20
Our core competencies Leadership engagement Convening and coalitions Shared communications and capacity building Advocacy, direct service provision, research and fact-finding, marketing
Today we are an integrated leadership organization 314 Regional Investor Council member organizations (corporate & foundation leadership) The Allegheny Conference Board of Directors and 3 affiliate boards (Chamber, Regional Alliance and League) Committees & work groups as needed Professional staff
ACCD Chair & Vice Chairs Allegheny Conference Chuck Bunch, Chair Energize Tomorrow s Economy Greg Babe, Vice Chair &Chair, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Strengthen Communities Laura Ellsworth, Vice Chair & Chair, PA Economy League SWPA Enhance Opportunity Dave Malone, Vice Chair &Chair, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
Conference Leadership Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Greg Jordan, Chair Workplace Committee David Porges, Chair Secretary Michele Fabrizi Treasurer & Chair, Audit Committee Kimberly Tillotson Fleming Personnel & Compensation Committee Morgan O Brien, Chair
2012-2014 Agenda
Sustainable Prosperity: Doing it right Our region has achieved a remarkable comeback over the past 30 years. Yet our region is not the nation s most livable for everyone here. People and places have been left behind by our region s economic recovery. Our leadership and membership have asked us to do more to work together with our many partners to support job growth and a high quality of life that will lead to sustainable prosperity for everyone.
Strategic Priorities 2012-2014 Enhance Opportunity Strengthen Communities Energize Tomorrow s Economy
Lessons Learned Transformation takes time Take advantage of opportunities, timing and transitions Continuous improvement is the goal
More information Barbara McNees Executive Vice President, Allegheny Conference on Community Development President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce 11 Stanwix Street 17 th floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-1890 bmcnees@alleghenyconference.org www.alleghenyconference.org