*The Office of Community Affairs works to enhance the relationship between the public and local government through addressing resident concerns and advocating on behalf of community needs by working with neighborhoods, community groups and residents across the City of Pittsburgh. We  believe that every resident has the right to accessible essential services and an engaged, transparent and accountable local government that represents them.  * *Each month, through #DidYinzKnow, we will highlight a City program seeking to build a more resilient and inclusive Pittsburgh for all. * ------------------------------ *#DidYinzKnow *This year, the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Mayor's Office collaborated to expand the Christmas Tree Recycling Program, which transforms live Christmas trees into pine mulch. Last year, 10 locations were available to residents, and the program diverted 2,050 Christmas trees (21 tons) from the landfill and given a new "leaf on life" as pine mulch. This year, there are 3 additional drop-off locations, bringing the total to 12 convenient drop-off locations available through Pittsburgh that are open from December 26th, 2019-January 26th, 2020. Residents and neighborhood leaders in each of these communities have graciously agreed to serve as stewards for the drop-off locations. In the spring of 2020, residents will be able to collect the pine mulch from the City's Forestry Division. Stay tuned for an announcement on collection details! Help us divert trees from the landfill, "chip" away at our Zero Waste Goals, and build a more sustainable Pittsburgh! To view a full list of locations on a printable flyer that you can share with neighbors, click the button below. View a Full List of Drop-off Locations on a Printable Flyer <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=572feb695a&e=3089bc399e> Learn More About the Christmas Tree Recycling Program <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=3d55662e9e&e=3089bc399e> <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=4d62bc0232&e=3089bc399e> Stay informed this winter season! Visit the City of Pittsburgh's Weather Resource Center to learn more about the Snow Levels and to view the improved Snow Plow Tracker 2.0 during snow events. The Snow Levels, which are determined by the severity of a winter weather event, dictate the deployment of resources, the amount of time after a weather event ends needed to respond, whether or not contractors are deployed, and more. Based on the severity of a particular winter weather event, Snow Levels range from 0-4. This year, the Departments of Public Works (DPW) and Innovation and Performance (I&P) and the Mayor's Office partnered to improve the Snow Plow Tracker for both internal and external users. Snow Plow Tracker 2.0, which is activated on the website during a snow event, includes a new color-coding system to indicate streets that are the maintenance responsibility of the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or private owners. Additionally, streets will be color coded based on the type of service performed by DPW crews (i.e. de-icing, anti-icing, plowing, and/or salt spreading). Finally, residents are now able to view the streets serviced 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours in the past. Internally, DPW, I&P, and the Mayor's Office worked to improve winter response for our residents. We've worked to modernize and optimize salt and plow routes. Now, each truck is equipped with a GPS tablet that voices turn-by-turn directions to the driver. Additionally, DPW has transitioned to a Magnesium Chloride mixture that is more effective in severely cold temperatures, and the Department has tinted the mixture with a blue dye so that residents can confirm whether their street has been treated. We thank you for your patience and cooperation as crews work hard to plow and salt over 1,200 miles of city streets throughout Pittsburgh! Visit the Weather Resource Center <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=2d9bb28a84&e=3089bc399e> Read about the Snow Level Definitions <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=7fc3272baa&e=3089bc399e> View the Snow Plow Tracker 2.0 + Winter Weather FAQs <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=9d3f4f099e&e=3089bc399e> <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=d7cbde3cea&e=3089bc399e> The City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Community affairs is now accepting applications for the 2019-2020 Snow Angels Program. This program pairs older adult residents and residents with disabilities with nearby volunteer Snow Angels to help them shovel and salt their property throughout the winter. In order to request help from a Snow Angel, neighbors must: - Be at least 60 years old or have a physical disability - Live within City of Pittsburgh limits - Lack other resources (financial or family/friends nearby) to assist with snow removal Volunteers and neighbors in need can register for the program online at https://pittsburghpa.gov/snowangels/ <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=d09d7541b5&e=3089bc399e> or by calling the City’s 311 Response Center. The 2018-2019 program saw over 210 neighbors matched with volunteers to help them manage the hardships of winter. “We’re pleased that the Snow Angels Program has grown every year, but there are always more vulnerable residents who need help than volunteers,” said Mayor William Peduto. “I encourage Pittsburgh residents to sign up as a Snow Angel to help a neighbor in their community.” Property owners are required to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks within 24 hours of a winter weather event. This can be a challenge for some residents. We encourage residents to volunteer to help a neighbor to mitigate the impact of winter. The Office of Community Affairs will offer incentives throughout the winter season for individuals to volunteer on their social media accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ocapgh), Twitter (twitter.com/ocapgh) and NextDoor. Community-based organizations, companies or employers are encouraged to assist with volunteer recruitment in their communities by having volunteers mention the organization’s name when they register. The organization that recruits the most volunteers will win the 2019-2020 Golden Shovel award and other incentives that will be announced later. For more information or to find out more about how to help with volunteer recruitment, contact the Snow Angels Program at snowangels@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-0846. Thanks to the work of CitiParks staff member Sue Lucas, the senior residents who utilize four Healthy Active Living Centers throughout Pittsburgh were able to send holiday cards to troops serving overseas. Read more in the Medium blog written by the Department of Innovation and Performance. Read More <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=19591ea69d&e=3089bc399e> <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=ad8e731a96&e=3089bc399e> Each year, the City of Pittsburgh applies for funding for four federal programs to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the Home Investment Partnership, Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). Throughout November, the City's Office of Management and Budget hosted five identical public hearings for residents to share their input on priorities for community development and fair housing in their neighborhoods that may be addressed by these federal programs. OMB is seeking feedback through *January 31st, 2020* prior to the annual application. We encourage residents to watch a recorded video of one of the hearings and weigh-in using the online survey below. You can also Watch Video of 11/14 Public Hearing <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=0e0dd5ad54&e=3089bc399e> Share your Feedback <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=9c4d9dbfd3&e=3089bc399e> <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=a1a84c47d3&e=3089bc399e> An initiative of the Office of Mayor Peduto, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library delivers an age-appropriate book to Pittsburgh children enrolled in the program each month until they reach their fifth birthday. Since the launch of the program in May 2019, 2,474 Pittsburgh children have received 14,044 books! Interested parents and guardians must enroll in the program to participate. To enroll, please click the button below or email tiffini.simoneaux@pittsburghpa.gov to be mailed a hard-copy of the application. Learn More about the Initiative <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=0547ea0496&e=3089bc399e> Enroll a Child in Your Life in the Program <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=2a8f2c8837&e=3089bc399e> *PLI to host free training sessions for Trade License Holders * The City's Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) requires Trade License Holders to complete 8 hours of continuing education hours (CEUs) to renew their licenses. To help Trade License Holders meet this requirement, PLI has arranged free 8-hour training sessions this January. *Fire Suppression Trade: 9am - 5pm January 13, 2020 Electrical Trade: 9am - 5pm January 14, 2020 Mechanical/ HVAC Trade: 9am - 5pm January 15, 2020 * Please click the button below to register and identify which part of the city is most convenient for you. PLI staff will attempt to schedule a location based on responses. At this time, registration is only guaranteed for the first 50 applicants per class. Deadline to register is Monday, January 6, 2020. Register for a Training Session <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=aff7ecb31d&e=3089bc399e> <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=41544d47cd&e=3089bc399e> Nonprofit organizations across Pittsburgh are invited to propose projects for up to $1,500 in funds and the support of key City Departments. Funding supports volunteer-fueled neighborhood improvement projects that combat blight and build resilience - block by block. Projects may include but are not limited to: community garden maintenance, neighborhood clean ups, or tree and flower plantings. Strong and successful projects will build strong partnerships, leverage donations, and most importantly, engage neighbors! *The fourth and final Love Your Block Grant Community Working Session will be held on January 14th, 2020 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-West End Branch (47 Wabash Street). The optional working session provides potential applicants with guidance on the process and brainstorming potential projects. * Applications are due on January 31st, 2020. Call our office with any questions at 412-255-4773 or email leah.friedman@pittsburghpa.gov. Project Ideas + Guidelines <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=a7b417113f&e=3089bc399e> Downloadable Flyer to Share with Neighbors <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=3b8ffd1ec7&e=3089bc399e> Apply <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=f26de2910e&e=3089bc399e> <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=7d70f12676&e=3089bc399e> *Who is Your Neighborhood Planner? * Neighborhood planners act as liaisons between the City and the community for most planning processes. Neighborhood planners participate in and often coordinate community plans. This group of planners act as go-to people for explanations of zoning, development, transportation, and other planning-related matters. Whether you're an individual or a representative of a community organization, neighborhood planners are here to help. Identify your Neighborhood Planner <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=6d1cf22da8&e=3089bc399e> Read your Neighborhood Planner's Bio <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=198db98ce6&e=3089bc399e> <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=2c19c9f41f&e=3089bc399e> The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police sponsors an opportunity for you to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the Police Bureau. The Pittsburgh Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) brings the police and the community close together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each participant. - Participants receive three hours of training one evening a week for 15 weeks. - Participants are taught the basics of criminal law, search and seizure, patrol tactics, firearms, police accountability and many other subjects. - Participants learn about the processing of crimes, how police canines are used and are exposed to a variety of the specialty police units The program allows participants to experience some of the highlights of police training and are exposed to the various operations of the Police Bureau. All this takes place in a safe and entertaining training environment. Class size is limited to 30 participants. All interested persons must complete an application and give permission for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to conduct a background check to determine if they have a criminal record. The next session will begin on February 5th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) at 5738 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 in Squirrel Hill. Each subsequent session will be held on the next 14 Thursdays in the same location and at the same time. Please return applications, which can be found by clicking the button below, by U.S. mail or hand-deliver to the Pittsburgh Police Training Academy. All Applications must be received by January 31, 2020. If you know a high school student who may be interested in exploring the inner-workings of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, consider sharing information on the Student Police Academy with them. The application period for the Student Police Academy Spring 2020 Class is open, and the deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 4th, 2020. The first session begins on Wednesday, March 11th. Learn More about the Citizens Police Academy Program <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=d00f2ece98&e=3089bc399e> View and Print Application for the Citizens Police Academy Program <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=5fcad10da6&e=3089bc399e> View and Print Application for the Student Police Academy Program <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=2dcdbf44fe&e=3089bc399e> <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=d24e8a693d&e=3089bc399e> This month, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) launched a new user-focused website: www.pgh2o.com. It provides customers with the ability to more easily complete tasks, find information, and use the site from a phone or tablet. It allows interested residents to learn about the Green Stormwater Infrastructure projects and other projects occurring citywide, update contact information, pay a bill, and more. View the New PWSA Website <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=80296c4ae9&e=3089bc399e> Share your Feedback with PWSA <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=a28dd9791a&e=3089bc399e> The Welcoming Pittsburgh Advisory Committee is seeking leaders and advocates from Pittsburgh's immigrant, refugee, and international communities to serve 12-month terms on the Committee. Applications will accepted until Saturday, January 4th, 2020. Please feel free to forward the application to people and organizations who can help build on the City's progress toward creating a more welcoming and inclusive Pittsburgh and who reflect the broader international community in Pittsburgh. Learn More about Mayor Peduto's Welcoming Pittsburgh Initiative <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=6650524165&e=3089bc399e> Apply to Serve on the Welcoming Pittsburgh Advisory Committee <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=cc614d6956&e=3089bc399e> Every ten years, the United States Census Bureau is responsible for conducting the nationwide census. While the next census itself will be taken in 2020, the Census Bureau is already recruiting to fill important positions. With the help of community organizations and neighbors, they plan to recruit and employ thousands of Americans as Census Takers throughout the country. Since most communities are best known by the people who live and work there, you can help the Census —and help your community—by getting the word out about 2020 Census jobs in your community. An accurate count is the goal of every census, the 2020 Census included. The results of the census have real-world impacts— and consequences—for communities across our country. From determining the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives to planning for roads, schools, and hospitals, an accurate count is crucial. By helping to recruit Census Taker applicants from your community, you can help to ensure that your community is properly represented. Learn More from the U.S. Census Bureau <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=54e6a91168&e=3089bc399e> <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=0869f74228&e=3089bc399e> The City of Pittsburgh is proud to serve as the new home of the 17th Annual Gingerbread House Display & Competition. The display will open to the public on Light Up Night in conjunction with the 104th lighting of the City of Pittsburgh’s Christmas Tree. November 22, 2019 – January 3, 2020* 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Mondays thru Saturdays; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sundays City-County Building Grand Lobby *November 27, December 24, and December 31 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day *NOTICE:* Guests of the City-County Building are subject to a light security screening. Visitation outside of official hours will require guests to provide photo identification at the building's Ross Street entrance. Learn More <https://pittsburghpa.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e562dca418a41a4ab246a3bb1&id=e5dad44af4&e=3089bc399e> *The City of Pittsburgh's Bureau of Police reminds everyone to complete the #9PMRoutine Checklist and take these easy steps to protect their valuables and prevent crime in their neighborhoods. * Thanks for reading! Questions? Please call us at 412-255-4773 or email us at commaff@pittsburghpa.gov. 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