RAD Makes New Investments in Libraries, Accessibility & Inclusion | 5.18.2023 Board Meeting
RAD is making good on its word to deliver more public funding to local libraries and accessibility initiatives, as shown at the May 18 board meeting.
It was a big day for RAD, and not just because Chair Dan Griffin was gaveling in his 25th year on the Allegheny Regional Asset District Board. Thursday's board meeting shined a light on the massive impact of RAD funding.
Public Comment Period
The meeting had about 50 attendees and one public comment -- in the form of praise for RAD providing an additional, supplemental $3 million to Allegheny County public libraries in the 2023 budget.
"That extra money has meant the world to our libraries," said Allegheny County Library Association CEO Amy Anderson.
Libraries have been able to boost wages for staff, install safety improvements, add programs, or pave crumbling parking lots.
"We've got 'RAD works here.' Maybe we need 'RAD paves here,'" joked Griffin.
RAD Delivers $3.8 Million to Major Library Projects (Library Committee Report)
"Our favorite saying is: 'If you've seen one library, you've seen one library,'" Griffin said.
The Transformative Community Library Fund will improve more than just one library, though. The board approved the first TCLF grants to five libraries, all in the Mon Valley.
"It really is transformative and unique," Griffin said. "It'll start a trend."
The approved grants will benefit the Braddock ("Go see it," RAD Board Vice Chair Dusty Kirk said), Swissvale ("And boy, they really need it"), McKeesport, Homestead and Clairton libraries.
Of Clairton, Kirk said, "I couldn't believe how they were operating."
You can learn more about these five library projects in RAD's full press release.
The RAD Board voted unanimously in favor of funding these projects.
RAD Board approves $415,000 in Accessibility & Inclusion Grants (Project Review Committee Report)
Accessibility goes beyond wheelchair ramps and signage.
The newest RAD grants will help ensure RAD Is For Everyone by funding projects that range from asccessible water fountains to website upgrades to a sensory-friendly CLO performance.
"Inclusion is action-based and requires continued and constant effort," said Board Member Dr. Kendra Ross. "RAD strongly believes that an inclusive environment promotes and sustains a sense of belonging, provides equal access to opportunities and resources, and allows all people to participate fully in everything our regional assets have to offer."
Pictured: RAD Board members Dr. Kendra Ross, Jackie Dixon and Dr. Danny Rosen.
The RAD Board voted unanimously in favor of funding these projects, as recommended by the committee:
- $90,000 for Allegheny County Parks to refurbish the Vale of Cashmere stone structure in South Park, including the installation of an 800-ft ADA-accessible trail, improvements to the parking lot, including adding ADA spaces, and improving the reception area to have a couple of benches.
- $75,000 for New Hazlett Theater to update its accessible ramp entrance to theater lobby, including concrete, ten walkway lights along ramp, and an automatic door opener, and to install portable bariatric, oversized, and companion seating accommodations.
- $75,000 for the Pittsburgh Glass Center to replace its elevator and expand it to the third floor, add a set of elevator doors, and install a new wheelchair lift at the front entrance.
- $13,985 for Pittsburgh Botanic Garden to purchase 3 all-terrain wheelchairs (1 adult, 2 junior) for outdoor walkways.
- $35,000 for the Pittsburgh CLO to present one sensory-friendly performance of A Musical Christmas Carol and offer free tickets to the performance to families with children with disabilities.
- $5,000 for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to install 3 accessible water fountains at Heinz Hall.
- $28,500 to Radiant Hall, Brew House Association, and Associated Artists to enhance digital accessibility, including an audit of each organization’s website, ADA updates, and installing an accessibility widget.
- $28,102 to River City Brass for website accessibility upgrades and Braille programs books for their annual concert series.
- $35,000 for SLB Radio to improve accessibility of its website for individuals who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, or navigate by voice and to improve ergonomics in the studio by providing microphone and headphone systems that can be individually adjusted by each user.
- $30,000 for WQED for ADA website updates, including improved navigation for users to access RAD asset content.
Kirk praised the combined effort among Radiant Hall, Brew House Association and Associated Artists, saying it's great to see such collaboration.
RAD Opens 2024 Funding Season (Allocations Commitee Report)
While we are not yet halfway through 2023, the 2024 funding season has begun. RAD is now accepting funding applications for next year, with both operating and capital grants available.
For capital grants, the emphasis will continue to be on shovel-ready projects, proposals that already have support from other financial backers, and funding organizations that are able to sustain their infrastructure long-term.
Important dates to know:
- June 30: All applications due for 2024 funding
- August 17: Budget hearings begin
- September 28: Next RAD Board meeting to release preliminary budget
- October 26: RAD Public Comment Hearing on 2024 budget
"Last year, we had a record-breaking budget allocation," Griffin said. "We'd love to do more of the same."
Report of the Executive Director
The RADical ImPAct grant for Art in Parks has brought beautiful pieces to our regional parks, including both new and restored pieces.
Allegheny County Parks Director Andy Baechle (pictured) presented photos and videos of the completed Hartwood Acres Sculpture Garden. The Parks department was able to use $1 million from RAD to "leverage $4 million in other people's money" (in Baechle's words) to complete the project.
Pittsburgh Arts, Culture, & History Specialist Tony Cavelline put the spotlight on eight projects in the city's regional parks: Emerald View, Frick, Highland Riverview and Schenley. From 77 worldwide applicants, the city chose 8 artists and 8 storytellers to create new interventions in the parks.
RAD's board also voted in favor of moving the staff retirement plan to Henderson Brothers and approved an $800,000 budget amendment for RAD Partnerships & Initiatives.
Commitee Assignments
Board chair Dan Griffin appointed Sylvia Fields, Dusty Kirk and Jackie Dixon to the Allocations Committee; Dr. Danny Rosen, Kirk and Griffin to the Library Committee; Kirk, Dr. Kendra Ross, and Fields to the Ad Hoc Committee Reviewing Contractual Assets.
Treasurer's Report
Sales tax revenue remains strong, reported RAD Treasurer Sylvia Fields, noting that year-to-date revenue of $52.9 million through May is 6.1% higher than last year.
Hudic added that every month of 2023 has been an improvement on 2022.
"Allegheny County is outpacing the state," Griffin added. "It's a good story."
RAD Board Officers for 2023, pictured: Treasurer Sylvia Fields, Chair Dan Griffin and Vice Chair Dusty Kirk
Citizens Advisory Board
RAD thanks Citizens Advisory Board members Ian Hurley, Vidya Surti, F. Charles Spence, and Pam Golden for their attendance.
RAD Board liason Jackie Dixon filed her report on a successful Citizens Advisory Board meeting that took place at April 18 at The Pop District.
Audit Committee Report
The 2022 audit for RAD is in -- and there were no disagreeements with management and no internal control deficiencies.
A full copy of the final audit, conducted by Zelenkofske Axeldrod, will be available to the public in the coming weeks.
Pictured (left to right): Gina Evans, Monica Malik, Vidya Surti, Marina Balko, Natalie Sweet, Teresa Trich and Ishara Henry