New Pittsburgh Mayor Embarks on "Monumental Shift"

As Bill Peduto completes his swearing-in on this frigid January day, a number of ambitious items compete to top the mayor's agenda as he eschews the "old-style politics" of past administrations. 

Neighborhood development is one area where the new mayor seeks to break from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's "grand vision for reform [that] was dubbed 'Pittsburgh's Third Renaissance,'" writes Balingit. "Tonight, we end the era of renaissance. There is not going to be a Renaissance Four," said Peduto on election night. "It's about building within, rebuilding the neighborhoods."

"To that end, his administration has expanded the city planning department to better engage with neighborhoods," adds Balingit. "And a whole division of his Cabinet will be dedicated to helping neighborhoods who have been left behind while the city forged ahead."

In addition to his own priorities, Peduto can draw on an extensive "blueprint" of ideas gathered from more than 1,100 members of the public.