Assessment of Brownfields Redevelopment Projects in Pittsburgh, PA with Their Economic, Social and Institutional Dimensions

Abstract

Brownfield redevelopment has been a major environmental and social concern worldwide since the 1980s, offering not only improvements to urban structures but also significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. This paper examines brownfield redevelopment in the United States with a focus on Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—a city that has transitioned from heavy manufacturing to a hub for education, healthcare, finance, and advanced technology. The study highlights the roles of key institutions, including the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC), the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), and Allegheny County Economic Development, in initiating, funding, coordinating, and implementing projects. Using a comparative approach, the paper analyses redevelopment efforts in light of environmental, economic, social, legal, and physical dimensions, identifying essential factors for success as well as barriers and opportunities. A SWOT analysis further evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of brownfield redevelopment in Pittsburgh as a model for sustainable urban transformation.