This story is part of Neighborhood Allies 10-Year Anniversary Storytelling Series | Read more here

In the heart of Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood, a powerful transformation has been unfolding—a testament to the power of resident leadership, strategic partnerships, and an unyielding belief in a brighter future. At the center of this movement is the Larimer Consensus Group (LCG), a once all-volunteer organization that has grown into a driving force for equitable development, proving that when a community leads, real change follows.

In 2014, Larimer found itself at a crossroads. Years of disinvestment had left the community in need of revitalization, but residents refused to let their neighborhood’s future be dictated by outside forces. The LCG, a group of passionate community members, had spent years advocating for Larimer’s Vision Plan—an ambitious blueprint for renewal centered on sustainability and resident leadership. 

Then came the breakthrough: LCG’s relentless efforts helped secure a $30 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This was more than just funding—it was validation that the residents’ vision for Larimer was worth investing in. 

But managing such a large-scale initiative required capacity that an all-volunteer team simply couldn’t provide. Neighborhood Allies stepped in, awarding a catalytic grant that enabled LCG to hire its first full-time staff member, a Neighborhood Improvement Specialist. This marked a turning point: LCG was no longer just a group of committed volunteers; it was evolving into a professional organization with the resources to lead. 

The transition wasn’t without challenges. Moving from a grassroots collective to a structured organization meant new responsibilities—governance, policy development, and financial oversight. Recognizing the need for strategic guidance, Neighborhood Allies facilitated and supported LCG in partnering with the Hill Group to establish strong governance structures and operational policies, and with Your CFO to help manage their financials and bookkeeping.  

LCG’s first hire, Stanley Holbrook, brought decades of experience in community development. With three master’s degrees and a deep understanding of grassroots organizing, Holbrook helped steer the organization through this critical phase, ensuring that its internal framework could support its growing ambitions. 

By 2016, LCG built enough momentum to establish a physical home for its work. With an $85,000 grant from the Allegheny County Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund—secured with the support of Shad Henderson, a Neighborhood Allies team member and former staff member of Senator Jim Ferlo—LCG set up an office at the Energy and Environment Community Outreach (ECCO) Center. The URA, which owns the ECCO Center, worked with Senator Ferlo to ensure that LCG’s lease was set at an affordable rate, reinforcing the city’s commitment to grassroots leadership. This dedicated space became more than just an office; it provided Larimer residents with a centralized hub where they could gather, plan, and advocate for their community’s future. The process of securing this space exemplifies how Neighborhood Allies wraps their arms around partners, offering not just financial resources but hands-on support in navigating critical steps toward sustainability. 

LCG understood that true revitalization required resilience—social, economic, and environmental. In 2017, the organization was selected for an 18-month partnership with the Institute for Sustainable Communities, bringing $150,000 in resources and technical support to implement innovative, sustainable solutions tailored to Larimer’s needs. This initiative strengthened the neighborhood’s ability to withstand environmental and economic challenges, further reinforcing its path toward long-term stability. 

At the same time, LCG understood that revitalization wasn’t just about infrastructure—it was about people. In 2018, LCG served as the community partner to implement a Temporary Public Art and Placemaking project, “Larimer Stories” alongside artist John Peña. The project captured the personal histories of long-term residents. Through billboards that rotated every two weeks, the voices of Larimer’s elders and pioneers became part of the neighborhood’s landscape, ensuring that as the community changed, its history remained at the forefront.  

As Larimer’s revitalization gained traction, outside developers took notice. LCG knew that, without safeguards, rapid development could lead to displacement. Determined to ensure that existing residents remained at the center of Larimer’s future, LCG was able to leverage the investments made by Neighborhood Allies to secure a $200,000 grant from the Hillman Foundation. The funding strengthened LCG’s internal operations, enabling them to hire a Community Engagement Specialist and re-establish its Finance Committee and Advisory Board, further ensuring that Larimer’s growth was guided by those who called it home. 

A Holistic Vision for the Future  

LCG’s work extended far beyond housing. True transformation requires investment in public safety, economic development, and generational wealth creation. Under the leadership of Board Chair Donna Jackson, LCG expanded its initiatives, providing training for resident leaders to navigate and shape the development process. By equipping community members with the skills to advocate for their interests, LCG ensured that revitalization would be driven by those who understood Larimer best. LCG’s success was further aided by hiring a community engagement specialist as well as administrative support to manage the day-to-day operations. This holistic approach to building capacity in Larimer reinforced the organization’s ability to drive sustainable change and positioned community members with resources and support to shape their own future. 

Over the years, LCG strengthened partnerships with developers to ensure that new projects aligned with the community’s vision. Investments in affordable housing, small business support, and youth programs reinforced Larimer’s position as a thriving, inclusive neighborhood where residents could prosper without fear of being pushed out.  

Today, Larimer stands as a beacon of grassroots leadership and resilience. What began as a small volunteer effort has grown into a community-centered organization with staff, funding, and influence—proof that when communities are given the resources and support to lead their own change, they can achieve remarkable transformation. More than just a case study in community development, the story of the Larimer Consensus Group serves as a blueprint for neighborhoods everywhere, demonstrating that through persistence, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering belief in resident-driven progress, communities can reclaim their futures and build a lasting legacy of empowerment.