People
The Hill CDC is committed to the social and economic development of Hill District residents, many of whom have been historically disadvantaged. A variety of programs are offered for business owners, entrepreneurs, aspiring homeowners, creatives and culture workers.
Place
The Hill CDC leads the planning and redevelopment efforts for the neighborhood on behalf of residents and stakeholders of the Hill District. With over $2 Billion of development slated for the area, the Hill CDC is focused on commercial revitalization and affordable homeownership. Equitable outcomes that foster place-keeping and transformative economic investment is the cornerstone of the Hill CDC’s work.
Policy
The Hill CDC is guided by the Greater Hill District Master Plan. This community-endorsed vision establishes fundamental values and development principles that are central to positive activities and healthy neighborhood development. The Hill CDC focuses on land-use policy, social and economic equity, and centering community voice.
Social
Today the Sports & Exhibition Authority Board authorized consent to a change of control of Lemieux Group LP and affiliated entities, clearing the way for the sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins for approximately $1.7 billion.
Fenway Sports Group purchased the team in 2021 for about $900 million from the ownership group led by Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle, who had owned the franchise since rescuing it from bankruptcy in 1999.
If completed at the reported price, the transaction represents roughly an $800 million increase in franchise value in about five years.
Meanwhile, last October Fenway Sports Group allowed its Lower Hill development rights to expire, leaving the Hill District community and public authorities with little to show after 18 years of Penguins ownership tied to redevelopment commitments on the former Civic Arena site.
According to public comments made by SEA Executive Director Aaron Waller, Penguins ownership groups have benefited from more than $59 million in public subsidy over the years.
For nearly two decades, the Hill Community Development Corporation urged the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Sports & Exhibition Authority to stop granting extensions, deny additional capital requests, and enforce stronger accountability for redevelopment commitments tied to the Lower Hill.
Those warnings were often dismissed, and Hill CDC was frequently portrayed as unreasonable for insisting that developers and team ownership simply honor their commitments.
Today the outcome is clear: after years of delay and non-performance on the Lower Hill, ownership walks away from the development rights while the franchise is sold for $1.7 billion and a massive private gain.
This is why public authorities must enforce accountability when public land and public subsidy are involved. Public tax dollars should not enrich private corporations while community commitments go unmet.
As redevelopment of the Lower Hill moves forward, it is critical that the O’Connor Administration and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato apply the lessons of the past 18 years.
The Hill District must be made whole.
Today the Sports & Exhibition Authority Board authorized consent to a change of control of Lemieux Group LP and affiliated entities, clearing the way for the sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins for approximately $1.7 billion.
Fenway Sports Group purchased the team in 2021 for about $900 million from the ownership group led by Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle, who had owned the franchise since rescuing it from bankruptcy in 1999.
If completed at the reported price, the transaction represents roughly an $800 million increase in franchise value in about five years.
Meanwhile, last October Fenway Sports Group allowed its Lower Hill development rights to expire, leaving the Hill District community and public authorities with little to show after 18 years of Penguins ownership tied to redevelopment commitments on the former Civic Arena site.
According to public comments made by SEA Executive Director Aaron Waller, Penguins ownership groups have benefited from more than $59 million in public subsidy over the years.
For nearly two decades, the Hill Community Development Corporation urged the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Sports & Exhibition Authority to stop granting extensions, deny additional capital requests, and enforce stronger accountability for redevelopment commitments tied to the Lower Hill.
Those warnings were often dismissed, and Hill CDC was frequently portrayed as unreasonable for insisting that developers and team ownership simply honor their commitments.
Today the outcome is clear: after years of delay and non-performance on the Lower Hill, ownership walks away from the development rights while the franchise is sold for $1.7 billion and a massive private gain.
This is why public authorities must enforce accountability when public land and public subsidy are involved. Public tax dollars should not enrich private corporations while community commitments go unmet.
As redevelopment of the Lower Hill moves forward, it is critical that the O’Connor Administration and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato apply the lessons of the past 18 years.
The Hill District must be made whole.
📢 The next Hill District Community Meeting is happening next Thursday!
Join the Hill CDC on Thursday, March 19th at the Blakey Center, 1908 Wylie Avenue. Doors open at 5:30 PM with dinner, and the meeting begins at 6:00 PM. The conversation will also stream live on Facebook for those who cannot attend in person.
This month’s agenda includes updates on the Historic New Granada and progress at New Granada Square, along with a community vote on the Duquesne Rangos School of Health Sciences project, which recently passed the DRP at the committee level with an 86.47% - B score.
The Development Review Panel (DRP) is the Hill District’s unified voice on community development that gives each and every Hill District resident a voice in the redevelopment of their neighborhood.
We will also share updates on the Lower Hill District, LERTA funds, the New Pathways (RAISE) initiative, and the University Line Art Project, which will incorporate Hill District history into new public art along the Fifth & Forbes corridor in Uptown. You’ll also hear about new storefronts on Centre Avenue and upcoming events and programs across the Hill.
Join us, stay informed, and make your voice heard!
🔗Register now using the link in our bio!
📢 The next Hill District Community Meeting is happening next Thursday!
Join the Hill CDC on Thursday, March 19th at the Blakey Center, 1908 Wylie Avenue. Doors open at 5:30 PM with dinner, and the meeting begins at 6:00 PM. The conversation will also stream live on Facebook for those who cannot attend in person.
This month’s agenda includes updates on the Historic New Granada and progress at New Granada Square, along with a community vote on the Duquesne Rangos School of Health Sciences project, which recently passed the DRP at the committee level with an 86.47% - B score.
The Development Review Panel (DRP) is the Hill District’s unified voice on community development that gives each and every Hill District resident a voice in the redevelopment of their neighborhood.
We will also share updates on the Lower Hill District, LERTA funds, the New Pathways (RAISE) initiative, and the University Line Art Project, which will incorporate Hill District history into new public art along the Fifth & Forbes corridor in Uptown. You’ll also hear about new storefronts on Centre Avenue and upcoming events and programs across the Hill.
Join us, stay informed, and make your voice heard!
🔗Register now using the link in our bio!
“The URA has decided to move forward with an RFP for its portion of the Lower Hill, which represents the smaller section at the top of the site. There has been ongoing discussion about whether the URA’s process should move in tandem with the SEA’s land, which represents the majority of the development area. At this point, frustration about the pace of progress extends across the community, the city, and the region. People want to see the site move forward after many years of delay while under the Penguins’ control. As the URA proceeds with the RFP, the most important factor is ensuring that respondents can perform in a timely fashion, and that respondents can meet the goals of the Community Collaboration and Implementation Plan. The URA must ensure that the developer selection process follows the requirements outlined in the CCIP, including the role of the Executive Management Committee as a partner in developer selection.”
Marimba Milliones,
President & CEO of the Hill CDC
EMC Co-Chair
“The URA has decided to move forward with an RFP for its portion of the Lower Hill, which represents the smaller section at the top of the site. There has been ongoing discussion about whether the URA’s process should move in tandem with the SEA’s land, which represents the majority of the development area. At this point, frustration about the pace of progress extends across the community, the city, and the region. People want to see the site move forward after many years of delay while under the Penguins’ control. As the URA proceeds with the RFP, the most important factor is ensuring that respondents can perform in a timely fashion, and that respondents can meet the goals of the Community Collaboration and Implementation Plan. The URA must ensure that the developer selection process follows the requirements outlined in the CCIP, including the role of the Executive Management Committee as a partner in developer selection.”
Marimba Milliones,
President & CEO of the Hill CDC
EMC Co-Chair
🌟Two great nights at Nafasi on Centre this week, and more to come!
On Monday, artist Ashanté Josey welcomed guests at Nafasi for a special Collector`s Preview featuring her newest collection. Visitors had the chance to spend time with the work, talk directly with the artist, and share feedback on portraits that reflect Black family and cultural memory.
On Tuesday, Nafasi hosted the Harriet House Party with GirlTrek. The evening introduced the national walking movement and brought women together to talk about fitness and daily walking. The event served as an introduction to GirlTrek and its mission to support health through community walking. Guest panelists Debra Gloster, MEd, Michael Smalls, owner of New Outlook Fitness, and Tabytha C. Bates, owner of Pittsburgh Pilates, discussed the impact of physical activity long-term well-being and more.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make both evenings at Nafasi so memorable!
📌Be sure to stop by on Thursday at 6:00PM for the Open Gallery with Ashante Josey (Link in Bio!) and Friday at 11:00 AM for the monthly food Distribution at Nafasi on Centre!
🌟Two great nights at Nafasi on Centre this week, and more to come!
On Monday, artist Ashanté Josey welcomed guests at Nafasi for a special Collector`s Preview featuring her newest collection. Visitors had the chance to spend time with the work, talk directly with the artist, and share feedback on portraits that reflect Black family and cultural memory.
On Tuesday, Nafasi hosted the Harriet House Party with GirlTrek. The evening introduced the national walking movement and brought women together to talk about fitness and daily walking. The event served as an introduction to GirlTrek and its mission to support health through community walking. Guest panelists Debra Gloster, MEd, Michael Smalls, owner of New Outlook Fitness, and Tabytha C. Bates, owner of Pittsburgh Pilates, discussed the impact of physical activity long-term well-being and more.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make both evenings at Nafasi so memorable!
📌Be sure to stop by on Thursday at 6:00PM for the Open Gallery with Ashante Josey (Link in Bio!) and Friday at 11:00 AM for the monthly food Distribution at Nafasi on Centre!
Emergency Alert issued at 1:57pm. Be safe!
🎨 Happening tomorrow night! Step inside the creative world of Ashanté Josey!
Pittsburgh-based visual artist Ashanté Josey invites you to a special studio experience rooted in Black culture, spirituality, emotion, and the beauty of Black life. Working in blended acrylic and oil, her portraits draw inspiration from Frida Kahlo and Kehinde Wiley while staying grounded in connection and feeling.
For more than 13 years, Josey has built a practice centered on art as communication. Inspired by music, the conscious mind, and the depth of Black culture, her work explores the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Each piece is created to be felt, not just viewed.
✨ Open Studio
Thursday, March 12th, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Open to the public. Community members, neighbors, and art lovers are invited to experience the work and spend time in the studio with the artist.
🔗Register using the link in our bio!
🎨 Happening tomorrow night! Step inside the creative world of Ashanté Josey!
Pittsburgh-based visual artist Ashanté Josey invites you to a special studio experience rooted in Black culture, spirituality, emotion, and the beauty of Black life. Working in blended acrylic and oil, her portraits draw inspiration from Frida Kahlo and Kehinde Wiley while staying grounded in connection and feeling.
For more than 13 years, Josey has built a practice centered on art as communication. Inspired by music, the conscious mind, and the depth of Black culture, her work explores the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Each piece is created to be felt, not just viewed.
✨ Open Studio
Thursday, March 12th, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Open to the public. Community members, neighbors, and art lovers are invited to experience the work and spend time in the studio with the artist.
🔗Register using the link in our bio!
🌟GirlTREK is coming to Nafasi on Centre for a Harriet House Party that invites Black women across Pittsburgh to move, connect, and support one another through movement in a creative environment!
GirlTREK is the largest health movement for Black women in the United States and encourages women to reclaim their health through a simple commitment: walk together for 30 minutes each day. At this gathering, participants will learn about the movement, meet women from across the city, and find new walking partners
Join us from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Nafasi on Centre, 2145 Centre Avenue, to hear stories from women who have turned daily walks into a path toward stronger health, community, and joy.
Session agenda includes:
Learn about GirlTREK and Walking for Freedom 7:00 - 7:30 PM
Fitness Panel 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Panelists include: Debra Gloster, MEd , Michael Smalls, owner of New Outlook Fitness, and Tabytha C. Bates, owner of Pittsburgh Pilates
🔗Register at the link in our bio!
🌟GirlTREK is coming to Nafasi on Centre for a Harriet House Party that invites Black women across Pittsburgh to move, connect, and support one another through movement in a creative environment!
GirlTREK is the largest health movement for Black women in the United States and encourages women to reclaim their health through a simple commitment: walk together for 30 minutes each day. At this gathering, participants will learn about the movement, meet women from across the city, and find new walking partners
Join us from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Nafasi on Centre, 2145 Centre Avenue, to hear stories from women who have turned daily walks into a path toward stronger health, community, and joy.
Session agenda includes:
Learn about GirlTREK and Walking for Freedom 7:00 - 7:30 PM
Fitness Panel 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Panelists include: Debra Gloster, MEd , Michael Smalls, owner of New Outlook Fitness, and Tabytha C. Bates, owner of Pittsburgh Pilates
🔗Register at the link in our bio!
🏘️ The next Hill District Community Meeting is almost here!
Join the Hill CDC on Thursday, March 19th at the Blakey Center, 1908 Wylie Avenue. Doors open at 5:30 PM with dinner, and the meeting begins at 6:00 PM. The conversation will also stream live on Facebook for those who cannot attend in person.
This month’s agenda includes updates on the Historic New Granada and progress at New Granada Square, along with a community vote on the Duquesne Rangos School of Health Sciences project, which recently passed the DRP at the committee level with an 86.47% - B score.
The Development Review Panel (DRP) is the Hill District’s unified voice on community development that gives each and every Hill District resident a voice in the redevelopment of their neighborhood.
We will also share updates on the Lower Hill District, LERTA funds, the New Pathways (RAISE) initiative, and the University Line Art Project, which will incorporate Hill District history into new public art along the Fifth & Forbes corridor in Uptown. You’ll also hear about new storefronts on Centre Avenue and upcoming events and programs across the Hill.
Join us, stay informed, and make your voice heard!
🔗Register now using the link in our bio!
🏘️ The next Hill District Community Meeting is almost here!
Join the Hill CDC on Thursday, March 19th at the Blakey Center, 1908 Wylie Avenue. Doors open at 5:30 PM with dinner, and the meeting begins at 6:00 PM. The conversation will also stream live on Facebook for those who cannot attend in person.
This month’s agenda includes updates on the Historic New Granada and progress at New Granada Square, along with a community vote on the Duquesne Rangos School of Health Sciences project, which recently passed the DRP at the committee level with an 86.47% - B score.
The Development Review Panel (DRP) is the Hill District’s unified voice on community development that gives each and every Hill District resident a voice in the redevelopment of their neighborhood.
We will also share updates on the Lower Hill District, LERTA funds, the New Pathways (RAISE) initiative, and the University Line Art Project, which will incorporate Hill District history into new public art along the Fifth & Forbes corridor in Uptown. You’ll also hear about new storefronts on Centre Avenue and upcoming events and programs across the Hill.
Join us, stay informed, and make your voice heard!
🔗Register now using the link in our bio!
News
Events
March 12, 2026 @ 10:00 am
Small Business Hours with the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entreprenurial Excellence
March 19, 2026 @ 10:00 am
