Pittsburgh Achieves 3-Star Certified Welcoming Designation

Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA — Pittsburgh has achieved a 3-star Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America under the organization’s updated certification system. This achievement reaffirms the city’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all residents, including immigrants, have the opportunity to fully participate in and contribute to the community. Pittsburgh stands alongside 35 other Certified Welcoming communities nationwide.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said: “We’re proud to take part in the Certified Welcoming process, a comprehensive review that looked at every part of our city to see whether immigrants are truly included, and whether we’re living up to our belief and promise that everyone in Pittsburgh should feel safe, welcomed, and able to thrive. Together, we’ll continue building a Pittsburgh where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.”

Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said: “Pittsburgh shows what happens when cities invest in people. After decades of population loss, the city is growing again because local leaders have created real pathways for Pittsburgh residents, including those with immigrant backgrounds, to contribute their talents, start businesses, and help rebuild neighborhoods. This recertification recognizes that work and the partnerships making it possible.”

Community partnerships drive Pittsburgh’s welcoming work

Pittsburgh’s comprehensive approach includes standout initiatives like City in the Streets, which brings city services directly into neighborhoods with interpretation support and multilingual materials. The Welcoming Communities Network convenes stakeholders across sectors each month, creating space for trusted community connectors to share feedback with city staff.

Other programs like Sharing Our Story build relationships between immigrant and U.S.-born residents through storytelling workshops, while Open Field uses soccer to engage youth from immigrant and refugee communities in leadership development and college and career readiness. The Immigrant Workforce Program—a partnership between Jewish Family and Community Services and Literacy Pittsburgh—helps immigrants rebuild career paths through cohort-based support.

The 3-star designation reflects Pittsburgh’s continued dedication to advancing welcoming practices with transparency and accountability.

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About Welcoming America

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.

About Certified Welcoming

Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local governments on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life in their communities. With a Certified Welcoming designation, communities distinguish their local efforts, build a competitive advantage, and gain access to opportunities to share their welcoming practices on a regional, national, and global stage. Learn more at certifiedwelcoming.org.

About City of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh thrives on connection to its history, its neighborhoods, and its people. From the soulful Hill District to the bustling Strip and the artsy corners of Lawrenceville, every neighborhood tells its own story. Pittsburgh is a city built on heart, history, and the welcoming spirit that makes every visitor feel at home. Learn more at pittsburghpa.gov.

Media Contacts

Welcoming America: Leslie Nguyen-Okwu, leslie@welcomingamerica.org

For City of Pittsburgh: Olga George, olga.george@pittsburghpa.gov