The protocol has identified Equity, Resilience, and Climate Protection as imperatives for development decision-making.  It includes six priorities as follows: 

Place 

Goal: Create inclusive and vibrant communities. 

Objectives 

• Strong civic engagement
• Preservation and celebration of culture and history
• Diverse and affordable housing
• Accessible public spaces and services for daily needs

Prosperity 

Goal: Support education and economic opportunities that build prosperity and accelerate innovation.
Objectives

• Equitable access to quality education and career pathways
• A robust employment base with increasing jobs and job quality
• Entrepreneurial innovation and business start-ups

Health + Wellbeing 

Goal: Nurture people’s health and happiness. 

Objectives

• Active living based on walkability and recreation
• Equitable health outcomes based on accessible, affordable health care
• Affordable, local fresh food
• Remediated toxic environments
• Strong public safety

Connectivity 

Goal: Build effective and equitable connections between people and places. 

Objectives

• A street network accommodating diverse ages and abilities using multiple travel modes and shared mobility options
• A high-quality digital network providing equitable connectivity and leveraged community data

Living Infrastructure 

Goals: Enable flourishing ecosystems and restore natural capital. 

Objectives

• Healthy soils, water, trees, and wildlife habitats
• Accessible nature
• Natural processes integrated into the built environment

Resource Restoration 

Goal: Move towards a net positive world.
Objectives

• Increase efficient water use
• Divert waste from landfills
• Productively reuse remediated land
• Pursue energy efficiency, technology advancements, and clean, renewable energy production that reduces greenhouse gas emissions 

Learn More

The Pittsburgh region is home to a number of communities following the EcoDistricts framework, including Millvale, Etna, and Sharpsburg. Learn more and visit EcoDistricts AP accreditation.

Top banner photo: Markus Spiske (Unsplash)