The mission of RAD is to support and finance regional assets in the areas of libraries, parks and recreation, cultural, sports and civic facilities and programs. The District receives one-half of the proceeds from the 1% Allegheny County Sales and Use Tax and the other half is paid directly to the County and municipal governments by the State Treasurer.
Since 1995, the 1% County Sales tax paid by residents of and visitors to Allegheny County has resulted in a cumulative $2.2 billion investment in the region (through 2009).
What We Do
The Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) is a special purpose area-wide unit of local government that was authorized by an act of the Pennsylvania Legislature (Act 77 of 1993). The geography of the District is the same as Allegheny County. RAD provides grants from half of the proceeds of the Allegheny County Sales and Use Tax, and works with citizen boards and government officials to monitor the assets for effective operation and development.
RAD grants are distributed to civic, cultural and recreational entities, libraries, parks and sports facilities. The distribution is made by a Board of Directors composed of four persons appointed by the County Chief Executive , two appointed by the Mayor of Pittsburgh and one person elected by the six appointees. The six appointees serve terms concurrent with the appointing authority while the seventh member serves for two years. The Board also appoints a 27 person Advisory Board to provide public input and comment on policies and procedures.
The District has an annual budget process ending with a budget adoption in December for the following year. Each proposed allocation requires the support of six members. All meetings and votes of the Board are conducted under the provisions of the Sunshine Act which requires public meetings and opportunities for public comment.
For 2010, the District adopted an $79.4 million budget; some 32% of the funding went to support libraries, 31% to parks, trails and other green spaces, 18% to the stadiums and arena, 9% to special facilities (Zoo, Aviary, Phipps Conservatory,and Convention Center), and 9% went to arts and cultural organizations. Less than 1% is to be spent on administration. Nine regional assets are contractual assets and have been given guaranteed funding for a period of five years (2005-2009). See the 2010 Budget allocation detail at this site.
Right-to-Know Policy
As provided by state law, public records of the Allegheny Regional Asset District are available for public inspection during normal business hours at the District office, 425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1610 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Executive Director serves as the Right to Know Officer. Go to our Right-to-Know page to read the full policy including request requirements, and to download a request form.