Sustainable Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Present Fourth Annual Regional Equitable Development Summit, Nov. 16

PITTSBURGH- Sustainable Pittsburgh, in partnership with the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership in Pitt's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), will present the fourth annual Regional Equitable Development Summit, titled "Most Livable Region by Growing Opportunity for All." The free public summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Twentieth Century Club, 4201 Bigelow Blvd., Oakland. It will feature a keynote address by David Rusk and a panel discussion on initiating reforms that will narrow the region's racial disparities gap.

According to Sustainable Pittsburgh, the region's sustainability is dependent on increasing social equity so all people can live and work to their productive potential. The summit is intended to serve as a catalyst for engaging civic leaders in helping advance existing efforts for regional equity in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Rusk, author of "Cities Without Suburbs" (Woodrow Wilson Center Press, 1993), "Baltimore Unbound" (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995), and I"nside Game/Outside Game" (Brookings Institution Press, 2001), is a former chair of the Ways and Means Committee of the New Mexico House of Representatives and former mayor of Albuquerque. The keynote address is presented by GSPIA's Annual Wherrett Lecture on Local Governing.

"To truly tout ourselves as America's most livable city-or region for that matter-we must be accountable to ensure all people of the region have an opportunity to live to their full productive potential," said Kevin Kearns, associate professor of public and nonprofit management in GSPIA and director of the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership.

"The disparities gap between Blacks and Whites in our region, among the worst in the nation, is a serious human and economic crisis that compromises quality of life and competitiveness," said Court Gould, executive director of Sustainable Pittsburgh.

David Miller, associate dean of GSPIA, adds, "The annual Regional Equitable Development Summit plays an important role in illustrating the many ways that our region's growth and development can either narrow the disparities gap or inadvertently increase it and move us in the wrong direction."

The summit will feature information on the current work of some of the region's leading champions of equitable development, as well as provide an opportunity for attendees to share their thoughts and ideas. Community panelists will discuss the following issues: community benefits agreements, minority contracting, environment and public health, access to work, education, affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, and racial and economic inclusion. Moderated by Sala Udin of the Coro Center for Civic Leadership, the discussion will include panelists Jane Downing, Pittsburgh Foundation; Aimee LeFevers, Good Schools Pennsylvania; Luis Rico, Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative; and Tim Stevens, Black Political Empowerment Project. A full listing of panelists can be found on Sustainable Pittsburgh's Web site, www.sustainablepittsburgh.org.

The summit is sponsored by the Richard King Mellon Foundation and The Heinz Endowments. To register or for more information, contact Sustainable Pittsburgh at

412-258-6642, or visit its Web site.

Sustainable Pittsburgh, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, affects decision-making in the Pittsburgh Region to integrate economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental quality, bringing sustainable solutions to communities and businesses.

The mission of the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership is to enhance professional and institutional ethics and accountability in public service and leadership. The Johnson Institute reflects GSPIA's 50-year commitment to producing professionals who adhere to the highest standards of ethics and public accountability.

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10/19/07/tmw