Mark Opitz, Managing Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh stands at a promising moment of civic reinvention, with an opportunity to build on its leadership in AI, robotics, and advanced innovation to create a more vibrant urban future. A key priority for the mayor could be strengthening confidence in Downtown by continuing its evolution from a 9-to-5 employment center into a mixed-use neighborhood that attracts workers, residents, students, and visitors throughout the entire week.

To advance that vision, the mayor should give consideration to public safety, cleanliness, and mobility, along with creative reuse of underutilized office space for housing, emerging companies, and cultural activity. Equally important is sending a clear, consistent signal that Pittsburgh welcomes investment and partnership. Regulatory predictability, efficient approvals, and strong collaboration among the city, employers, institutions, and neighboring communities can help align development with market realities. By pairing economic ambition with quality of life, the city’s leadership can position Downtown — and the city — as confident, innovative, and open for growth.

One of Pittsburgh’s biggest goals before hosting the NFL Draft was to modernize Market Square. It is just one of the spaces in the downtown area that is being transformed for the massive event.

Web Editor : Sydney Ross

Posted 2026-04-22T16:25:21-0400 – Updated 2026-04-22T16:27:08-0400