Of the People, By the People, For the People...

"Yeah you know how we do, we do it for the people." - Common





As many of you know, I recently left my position at Pittsburgh UNITED to become the League of Young Voters national political/field director. While I look forward to working with young activists, organizers and advocates for progressive issues all over the country, I am still fully committed to the goal of establishing Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) here in Pittsburgh. In fact, I am convinced that CBAs will be a key tool in the transformation of Pittsburgh from a rustbelt milltown in decline, to a vibrant and diverse city that is competitive in the 21st century economy.


For far too long, development has focused solely on how to attract it. In order maximize the dollars we invest in development, we must consider issues such as development standards, social impacts and community benefits. Unfortunately, some have argued that these considerations are an impediment to much-needed economic growth. I argue that CBAs are in fact pro-development, pro-business and pro-community, through encouraging the redevelopment of urban areas and the creation of multiuse, equitable and sustainable growth areas.


The truth is, across the country development standards and community benefits have proven to be good for business. If we do not include them in the development process here, research shows that inequality is likely to grow. Regional inequity not only damages the quality of life of residents, it also hinders economic growth. CBAs ensure that development is equitable and raises the quality of life of all residents -- not just for developers. To quote a recent New York Times op-ed piece by economist and former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, the best way to remedy economic downturns in weak market cities such as Pittsburgh is "to increase the wages of the bottom two-thirds of Americans."


Almost a year and a half ago, I was introduced to the concept of CBAs and have been true believer ever since. CBAs assemble powerful coalitions by building bridges between the community groups, people of faith, environmental advocates and organized labor. I am convinced that these coalitions are the foundation of a broad progressive movement that can transform our communities, cities, country and eventually the world.


I ask you join me in showing your support for the residents of the Hill District and citizens across this region who are concerned about how development is done in our region by signing this petition. Community benefits agreements are the only way to ensure that the entire region reaps the benefits of these huge investments. We can no longer trade growth and development for standards and benefits. This is not an either/or proposition; it is a both/and proposition, and the future of our region's economy is hanging in the balance.

While I Was Gone...

Hey y'all this past week has been crazy as hell. I just started a new job last week and headed off for an orientation retreat. This week I will be at the Take Back America Conference in Washington, DC. I will be blogging live from the conference with highlights, insights and tidbits.

Ok, so while I was gone it appears that the flames have spread to epic proportions. Here's just a few examples:

• Eliot Spitzer: The Empire State's moral crusader got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Looks like a once rising star in the Democratic Party is headed for eternal infamy. I mean how do you explain to your wife getting a hooker the night before Valentine's Day?
• Geraldine Ferraro: An case study is crazy talk. I guess I missed her memo that Black Men moved up to the top of "the privilege totem pole". The sad part is I was always down with "Gerrie", ever since she ran for VP in 2004. The Democratic Party is looking like less and less of "shoe in" for 2008. Note to HRC: A scorched earth strategy may not be the best move, when you need 90% of the Black Vote to win.
• Rev. Jeremiah Wright: I guess he didn't get Obama's memo to keep a low profile until the day after the first Tuesday in November. I wonder if he thought he was being helpful to the cause, when he said Hillary has never been called a "N-Word". Maybe it is just me but I think he was just a little off message.

I guess one good thing happened while I was gone, the University of Pittsburgh's B-Ball team won the Big East Tourney last night in New York.

On an even better note, it's about to be March Madness Time!