On October 15, 2016, Presley Gillespie served as a guest speaker on the p4 Panel of the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Summit. The session, moderated by Andrew McElwaine, Senior Program Director at The Heinz Endowments, attracted nonprofit professionals from across the board, resulting in a packed house with folks eager to hear about the innovative work happening in our city!

The session was focused on the p4 partnership (People, Planet, Place and Performance) launched by Mayor Bill Peduto. The goal of p4 is to forge a new model of urban growth and development that is innovative, inclusive and sustainable. It offers a framework for growing jobs, mobilizing capital, rejuvenating neighborhoods and improving lives.

Neighborhood Allies discussion centered on Economic Opportunity. Equitable growth and shared prosperity is palpable in Pittsburgh, as development is booming in strong markets, and pent-up demand in adjacent neighborhoods has created a tipping point. As we continue to grow, it is imperative that we work to close the racial wealth gap and improve lives of our most vulnerable and marginalized population. Presley shared a some of the initiatives and programs catalyzed by Neighborhood Allies including Financial Opportunity Centers, and other potential initiatives such Asset Building Networks, Cooperative Businesses (COOPS) and Minority Incubators and Accelerators.

Other esteemed members of the panel included Ray Gastil, Director of City Planning; Dr. Aurora Sharrad, Executive Director of Green Building Alliance, and Mark Minnerly, Director of Real Estate for Mosites Company.