RAD Commits $141.2 Million to Regional Assets for 2025

From a pivotal investment in a new public space in Downtown Pittsburgh to major funding for regional parks and libraries, Allegheny County will see strong support for its quality of life in the coming year.

The board of the Allegheny Regional Asset District – RAD – approved a $141.2 million budget for 2025 on Wednesday. The budget will build on three decades of consistent support for the Pittsburgh area’s world-class institutions and green spaces, as well as commit a major capital grant to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s plan to revitalize an underused area downtown – the 8th Street Block Civic Space.

“This budget is RAD’s opportunity to enhance the social fabric of our region,” said Dusty Elias Kirk, Chair of the RAD Board. “We provide funds for operations, accessibility and essential infrastructure needs for our libraries, parks, and arts and culture organizations with the goal of making Allegheny County one of the best places to live in America. We have the privilege of supporting the spaces where people can connect with fellow Pittsburghers, enjoy a nature walk, check out a book, take in a show, see amazing animals, learn something new at a museum, or simply spend quality time with their families.”

All RAD funding comes from Allegheny County’s one percent sales and use tax, which is projected to generate $260 million in 2025. Half of that total will go directly to the County and its municipalities for local services. The other half funds the Regional Asset District, with the balance of the 2025 RAD budget coming from its grant stabilization reserve, investment and interest earnings, and general fund surplus.

The 2025 budget is $1.5 million more (about 1%) than the 2024 budget. The majority of RAD grants go to Allegheny County’s regional parks, trails and libraries, assets that are free to the public year-round.

RAD support for free-to-enjoy Regional Assets will extend to the new 8th Street Block Civic Space in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. The RAD Board approved $5 million over two years in capital grants toward the 8th Street project and streetscape improvements. The transformative new space will include an array of free public offerings, from a much-needed downtown green space and family play area to a bandshell for public festivals and performances.

“I want to thank RAD staff and the board for passing this exciting budget that invests in our Allegheny County assets. Parks, libraries, and cultural institutions are assets worth enhancing so everyone in the region can enjoy them.” said County Executive Sara Innamorato. “I’m especially pleased that the RAD board voted to invest $5 million into downtown enhancement and the 8th street corridor so we can continue to develop a new Golden Triangle where everyone can feel welcomed.”

"I'd like to extend my appreciation to the RAD board for their generous awarding of $5 million in funding to be used for the development of one of our critical assets in Downtown Pittsburgh,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “The spirit of collaboration has spurred the reimagining of the heart of the city and also been the driving force in rallying the necessary funds to bring our vision of a downtown for all to life. This support will help to enhance our 8th Street corridor, an already beloved space for residents and visitors.  I'm excited for the positive impact this investment will have on our residents, businesses, and visitors, and I look forward to seeing the continued transformation of downtown in the years to come."

Highlights of the 2025 RAD budget include:

• $43.8 million to regional parks and trails
  
  
• $38.5 million to the public libraries of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County
  
  
• Grants to 106 total organizations – including new assets Handmade Arcade and Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center, plus the return of a previous regional asset: The Legacy Arts Project

More than $18.7 million in capital grants will be provided to 28 Regional Assets, working to upgrade some of the region’s most beloved parks, attractions and spaces, with the largest grant for the 8th Street Block in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.

“We believe that RAD is for everyone, and the Cultural Trust presented our board with an amazing proposal that will create a downtown space for everyone year-round,” said Rich Hudic, RAD Executive Director. “This is an investment in the future of Pittsburgh, and we’re looking forward to seeing the 8th Street Block come alive with art, music, laughter and celebrations.”

Other capital grants of at least $350,000 include:

• $2.3 million to Allegheny County Parks for repairs & upgrades across the County’s 9 regional parks
  
  
• $2.3 million to CitiParks for a retaining wall along Serpentine Drive in Schenley Park and improvements to the bandshell and entrance at Grandview Park (Emerald View Park)
  
  
• $1.2 million to the Allegheny Land Trust for regional trail projects, including $890,750 for construction of a portion of the Verona, Oakmont, Penn Hills and Plum (VOPP) Trail Connector
  
  
• $1.1 million to Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium for perimeter upgrades, ADA pathway improvements, generators and carpeting
  
  
• $1 million to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for steam pipe replacements
  
  
• $1 million to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for improvements to the Benedum Center
  
  
• $600,000 to Carnegie Science Center & Carnegie Museum of Natural History for façade upgrades
  
  
• $600,000 to the National Aviary for emergency/backup generator replacement
  
  
• $490,000 to Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for enterprise system for ticketing/donor management
  
  
• $480,000 to Renziehausen Park in McKeesport for field and bandshell improvements
  
  
• $474,000 to the Heinz History Center for HVAC replacement work
  
  
• $395,000 to Boyce-Mayview Regional Park in Upper St. Clair for trail improvements and Miracle League Field updates
  
  
• $350,000 to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for air handler and lighting upgrades

The RAD Board also approved $2.5 million for Partnerships & Initiatives to build on RAD’s history of providing free events and experiences at its Regional Assets, and $750,000 toward additional investments in connections, accessibility and inclusion. The full RAD budget can be found at: radworkshere.org/2025-rad-budget

Members of the media with RAD questions should contact communications manager James Santelli at js@radworkshere.org