Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Attracting, keeping young city residents goal of new panel

[Penndems]

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On the heels of news that only hurricane-struck New Orleans lost more people this decade than the Pittsburgh region did, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl yesterday announced something new: The Propel Pittsburgh Commission.

The commission's 35 members, yet to be chosen by the mayor and Youth Policy Manager Neil Parham, will be charged to "ensure that the city of Pittsburgh remains competitive to attract and retain young people," Mr. Ravenstahl, 27, said. "What better way to talk about those issues than having young people at the table, talking about issues that are important to us, and moving forward with aggressive agendas on the city government level?"

Plans for the commission have been in the works for months and have received City Council approval. Yesterday the mayor, flanked by seven young professionals, opened the nomination process, inviting city residents between the ages of 20 and 34 to submit applications.

Applications will be available through the city's Web site, and are due April 27.

Story link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07101/776893-53.stm

Application link: http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/mayor/html/boards_commissions.html
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This commission is about twenty-five years overdue. Kudos to Mayor Ravenstahl for taking the initiative.

Sixty thousand people left The Steel City last year. The hemorrhaging needs to stop.






















(edited to correct link)