RAD Board Recommends Major Increase to Parks and Trails Projects in 2026 Preliminary Budget

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Increased investments in parks and trails, public libraries and other destinations that are open year-round are part of a 2026 plan to support Allegheny County’s quality of life.

The Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) released its 2026 preliminary budget Thursday, recommending a record $146.7 million in grants – including a significant increase to projects in regional parks and trails.

“We see an opportunity in front of us to boost funding to places that are open for everyone to enjoy, 12 months per year,” said Dusty Kirk, RAD Board Chair. “This budget recommendation ensures that our Regional Assets have the support needed to welcome everyone – because RAD is for everyone.”

The RAD Board Allocations Committee has proposed major funding increases to Allegheny County Parks ($29.7 million in operating funds, $9.5 million in capital funds) and the City of Pittsburgh Regional Parks ($10.65 million in operating funds, $2.7 million in capital funds), representing about 31% more in overall RAD funding for those major parks of the city and county.

The capital projects in the parks include projects at beloved destinations like the North Park Boathouse, Boyce Park Pool and South Park Golf Course, replacing roofs, upgrading shelters, installing restrooms and adding playground equipment throughout Allegheny County’s premier parks.

Public libraries would also see a record $40 million in operating funds under the proposed budget, with RAD continuing to be the largest supporter of libraries in Allegheny County.

RAD’s budget proposal will be supported by an estimated $135 million in new sales tax revenue for 2026, with the balance filled by RAD’s interest earnings and strategic reserves.

“People are still spending money in Allegheny County. Sales tax revenue is outperforming our expectations once again,” said Rich Hudic, RAD Executive Director. “We are fortunate to be able to increase funding for organizations that make our region such a great place to live.”

The recommendations open a public comment process that welcomes feedback now until November 5. The RAD Board meeting to approve the final budget will take place on November 20.

RAD offers several ways for residents of Allegheny County to provide comments:

• 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)
• Speak at the RAD Public Comment Hearing on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2:00 PM at the Koppers Building Conference Center (436 Seventh Avenue) Advance registration required.

Under the proposed budget, three organizations would join as new Regional Assets: Alumni Theater Company, the Moonshot Museum and Texture Contemporary Ballet. All three are expected to add to RAD’s diverse landscape of Arts & Culture organizations.

Beyond its major operating and capital grant programs, RAD has proposed $750,000 in funding for its longstanding Project Grants category – supporting Connection among multiple Regional Assets as well as Accessibility & Inclusion projects throughout the County. More than $5 million in Project Grants have supported 97 projects since 2009. Regional Assets will be welcome to apply for such grants in 2026, with an emphasis on potential strategic alliances that can provide long-term viability and sustainability.

The preliminary budget includes the following capital grant recommendations of at least $150,000:

• $9.5 million for the nine Allegheny County Parks to undergo repairs and upgrades to facilities – with the largest outlays for roof replacements, infrastructure repairs, new playground equipment, new restrooms, shelter upgrades and designs for future park renovations
  
  
• $2.7 million for the City of Pittsburgh’s Regional Parks, including protected bike lanes and shared-use paths in Schenley Park, road improvements in Riverview Park, a geotechnical engineering study in Emerald View Park, and other projects
  
  
• $1.1 million for the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to make accessibility improvements, replace HVAC, replace boardwalk at Kids Kingdom, and purchase other maintenance equipment
  
  
• $750,000 for the National Aviary to renovate its veterinary hospital
  
  
• $750,000 for Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to replace steam pipes in its west wing
  
  
• $500,000 for Renziehausen Park to improve its tennis courts
  
  
• $405,785 for the Senator John Heinz History Center to conduct window and lighting replacement for energy efficiency
  
  
• $330,000 for Rivers of Steel to support construction on the AC Power House Events Center at the Carrie Blast Furnaces
  
  
• $215,600 for the August Wilson African American Cultural Center to install security upgrades
  
  
• $190,000 for the Allegheny Land Trust for regional trail projects, including $150,000 to the Montour Trail Council for a trail connector adjacent to Route 51 in Jefferson Hills
  
  
• $165,000 in matching funds for Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild to transform the first floor into a multi-purpose community engagement space

In all, RAD has recommended $17.2 million in capital grants, with other requests still under review by the Allocations Committee of the RAD Board.

With the goal of identifying new and existing partners to provide free-to-enjoy opportunities to Allegheny County residents, $1.5 million has been budgeted for Partnerships & Initiatives. RAD support will foster year-round free events and experiences at organizations that traditionally charge admission, including increased RAD Pass availability at museums, living attractions like the Zoo, arts & culture destinations and many more.

RAD will continue to guide all of these investments – with less than 1% of new tax revenue spent on administration costs, a projected $1.3 million out of the $146.7 million RAD budget.

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