Thursday, Dec. 11: Strip District Tax Cut + Reading Scores Slide + Health Sciences Boost
Thursday, Dec. 11
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
🎧 Prefer to listen to the news?
Find Wake Up, Pittsburgh! on
Spotify,
Apple Podcasts,
YouTube,
or wherever you get your podcasts.
Tax value of key Strip District office tower slashed
A nearly new, fully leased office building in Pittsburgh’s Strip District has had its taxable value cut by more than 60%, from $61 million to $22 million, following two successful assessment appeals. Experts warn the decision could lead to more challenges and further revenue losses for the city, county, and school district. The drastic cut, attributed to a declining common level ratio used in appeals, has officials renewing calls for a countywide reassessment—Allegheny’s first since 2012. Critics warn the region’s tax base is eroding fast.
Pittsburgh third-grade reading proficiency slips again, reforms planned
Only 44% of Pittsburgh Public Schools’ third graders were reading at grade level by the end of the 2024-2025 school year, down from 46% the year before. District leaders attribute the drop to inconsistent implementation of literacy strategies. Superintendent Wayne Walters says schools lacked sufficient reading coaches and time for teacher training. A district-wide science of reading course will begin in January, alongside new instructional tools and updated curriculum guidelines. Just a third of PPS schools met the state benchmark for reading proficiency this year.
Duquesne unveils $68M Rangos School of Health Sciences
Duquesne University has formally unveiled plans for a new $68 million building to house its John G. Rangos Sr. School of Health Sciences. The 80,000-square-foot facility will unify programs currently scattered across campus and sit across from the newly opened College of Osteopathic Medicine. University leaders say the space will include simulation labs, flexible classrooms, and street-level clinical areas. It’s expected to open in fall 2028 and will anchor a growing health corridor along Forbes Avenue. A fundraising campaign is underway to support construction.
You can read more about this in the Pittsburgh Business Times. *
Downtown city workers to receive free transit passes pilot
About 750 city employees who work in Downtown Pittsburgh will receive free bus passes starting next year, as part of a pilot program aimed at boosting public transit use. Pittsburgh City Council approved joining the PRTner Pass initiative, which allows employers to buy deeply discounted passes from Pittsburgh Regional Transit. The program will cost the city about $275,000 in its first year and is seen as a cost-effective benefit for workers, while promoting reduced traffic and pollution. City officials hope it sets a model for other local employers.
Push grows to bring professional women’s volleyball team to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh may be one step closer to landing a professional women’s volleyball team. Level One Volleyball has launched youth training programs at Monroeville’s All American+ Field House, with support from League One Volleyball. Facility owner Craig Cozza says the initiative is part of a larger plan to bring a pro team to Pittsburgh, backed by the sport’s rising popularity and the success of Pitt’s women’s volleyball program. Talks are underway to launch a franchise by 2027 or 2028, pending investor support.
You can read more about this in the Pittsburgh Business Times. *
* Subscription or free account may be required.
✉️ Do your neighbor a favor — forward this newsletter or send them to our signup page.