RAD Board Introduces $134.9 Million Preliminary Budget for 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: James Santelli, (412) 996-2190, js@radworkshere.org

The Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) is preparing to offer unprecedented support to improving Allegheny County’s quality of life.

On Thursday, the RAD Board advanced a $134.9 million preliminary budget to guide its investments for next year. The budget plan reflects the strong recovery of economic activity in Allegheny County and positions RAD as a reliable funding source for regional assets in the Pittsburgh region.

“A budget is a moral document, a statement of priorities. We believe our preliminary budget makes the right statement,” said RAD Board Chair Dan Griffin. “As always, the majority of RAD funding goes to our public parks and libraries, which are free and open to the public year-round. Each organization we fund makes Allegheny County a better place to live.”

RAD’s preliminary budget recommends operating support in the following categories:

• Arts & Culture: 12.4%
• Libraries: 32.7%
• Parks & Trails: 31.0%
• Regional Attractions: 8.4%
• Transportation: 2.6%
• Sports & Civic Facilities: 12.5%

An outlay of $500,000 for Connection, Accessibility and Inclusion (the remaining 0.4% of operating support) will fund a variety of projects in the RAD family, including potential strategic alliances that can deliver long-term sustainability and cost savings.

A copy of the preliminary budget can be viewed at radworkshere.org/rad-2024-prelim-budget

An estimated $128.9 million in 2024 sales tax revenue will support this budget, along with interest earnings and reserve. Sales tax receipts continue to increase year over year, allowing RAD to make additional investments in the arts and outdoor activities.

The preliminary budget recommends that seven organizations receive RAD funding for the first time: Allegheny RiverTrail Park, Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, Confluence Ballet, Frick Environmental Center, Latin American Cultural Center, Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra, and Venture Outdoors.

“At RAD, we look forward to making investments in new opportunities,” said RAD Board Vice-Chair Dusty Elias Kirk, who is also a member of the allocations committee. “These new regional assets add to our diverse cultural landscape, and we thank our Citizens Advisory Board for their work in screening new applicants to bring us this first-time group.”

The allocations committee also recommended funding for 28 organizations that requested capital grants. Along with operating support to those organizations, RAD plans to invest in essential projects and programming throughout Allegheny County, including repairs to facilities in regional parks, trail buildouts, roofing, HVAC, safety equipment and accessibility improvements. Four additional capital requests are under further consideration.

RAD invites public comment on this preliminary budget and offers several ways for residents of Allegheny County to provide feedback:

• Email info@radworkshere.org
• Call the RAD offices by phone (412-227-1900)
• Fax a document to RAD (412-227-1905)
• Mail your feedback (Allegheny Regional Asset District, 436 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2201, Pittsburgh, PA 15219)

Members of the public are also encouraged to speak in-person at the RAD Public Comment Hearing on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 3:00 PM in the Koppers Building Conference Center, located at 436 7th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

“We don’t just welcome public feedback – we encourage it,” said Rich Hudic, RAD Executive Director. “Again, this current budget is preliminary. It’s open to change. RAD is for everyone, and we want everyone to see an asset that they enjoy, that they utilize in their community.”

The RAD Board will hear public comments, review updated revenue estimates and make additional recommendations before adopting a final budget at its next meeting on Thursday, November 30.

People are welcome to visit RAD-funded organizations at free events over the next few weeks.

RAD Days, the annual “thank you” to taxpayers for their support of RAD assets, continue through October 17. The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, The Frick Pittsburgh, Heinz History Center, Mattress Factory, National Aviary, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium are among the organizations with free events and experiences on the remaining schedule. Dates and times are posted at RADworkshere.org, along with updated information on which events have been fully booked.

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Other action items from RAD's third-quarter board meeting:

• The board accepted the long-term plan for Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, presented by Phipps President and CEO Richard Piacentini.
  
  
• Board members unanimously approved reimbursement of the museums that offered free admission during 3 For Free in August 2023, noting the tremendous success of the initiative.