What We Love And Don’t Love About All The National Press Pittsburgh Is Getting

They rave about the food and the trails for walking or biking it off. They’re impressed by the robotics and tech startups, and the way we’re polishing the grit off urban neighborhoods for a new, hip vibe.

National news outlets are paying homage to Pittsburgh more than ever it seems—to the point that they are even mentioning all the press and praise heaped upon our city.

The city tops travel writers’ lists for its cuisine, its friendliness, leisure activities, and its ballpark. It ranks among the best cities for families and retirees. Huffington Post calls it “the coolest American city you haven’t been to.” And in one week this past month The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Yahoo News all paid tribute.

“Pittsburgh’s on a roll and it’s a fun time to be selling the city and the region,” says Dawn Keezer, director of the Pittsburgh Film Office. “Everybody seems happy. Anymore, people don’t say, ‘Why Pittsburgh?’ They say, ‘Oh, Pittsburgh.’”

But some wonder whether all of the publicity will accelerate gentrification in parts of the city and ruin the authentic nature of Pittsburgh. There’s a keen desire to keep it real here. As City Planning Director Ray Gastil emphasized during a recent talk to community leaders, “We are not the new Portland.” (The audience cheered.)

And some worry that the city’s assets, such as parks and the arts, don’t get their share of publicity, while others note that accolades won’t add up to sustainability without the required investment that brings new people... Read the full article