PITTSBURGH, PA — U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner recently visited Pittsburgh alongside U.S. Senators David McCormick and John Fetterman, engaging with local leaders and community organizations in a daylong tour centered on housing affordability, economic revitalization, and faith-based support services.
The visit included stops at U.S. Steel’s historic Edgar Thomson Works, the Bedford Dwellings housing development, and Light of Life Rescue Mission. The tour showcased federal efforts to promote public-private collaboration and empower local communities in addressing complex housing and economic challenges.
“Pittsburgh stands as a testament to America’s spirit of hard work and resilience—the virtues that will help solve our nation’s housing affordability issues,” said Secretary Turner, praising the city’s efforts to foster community stability and self-sufficiency. He emphasized that local knowledge and innovation are key to driving meaningful and sustainable solutions.
A Return to Industrial Roots at U.S. Steel
The delegation began its visit at U.S. Steel, where they toured the Edgar Thomson Works in Braddock, a cornerstone of the region’s industrial legacy. Secretary Turner used the opportunity to highlight the role of private industry in stimulating economic growth and job creation. He pointed to the long-term benefits of the Opportunity Zone Initiative—now permanent under President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”—as a tool to incentivize investment in historically underserved communities.
Bedford Dwellings: A Model for Modernized Public Housing
The group next toured Bedford Dwellings, Pittsburgh’s first public housing development, which has been reimagined to offer more than just shelter. In addition to providing affordable housing, the complex integrates lifestyle, recreational, and educational programming for residents of all ages.
Secretary Turner and Senator McCormick spoke with residents and housing administrators about the site’s role in fostering long-term housing stability and upward mobility. The visit underscored the administration’s focus on aligning federal housing policy with locally driven, holistic solutions.
“From Bedford Dwellings’ efforts to help working Pennsylvanians achieve and maintain the dream of home ownership, to U.S. Steel’s revitalization of regional manufacturing, we saw the best Western Pennsylvania has to offer,” Senator McCormick noted, stressing the importance of aligning federal investment with the unique needs of Pennsylvania communities.
Light of Life: Community and Faith-Based Support
The visit concluded at Light of Life Rescue Mission, a nonprofit that provides shelter, meals, and recovery services to individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. Following a tour of the facility, Secretary Turner and Senator McCormick participated in a roundtable discussion with local faith leaders and service providers.
The roundtable emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and the role of faith-based organizations in delivering tailored, community-informed support. Turner reiterated the administration’s belief that these partnerships are vital to expanding access to critical services and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Policy Direction and Regional Impact
The Pittsburgh visit aligns with broader efforts by the Trump Administration to decentralize federal decision-making and empower local stakeholders in addressing housing and economic challenges. Turner’s remarks throughout the day reinforced HUD’s strategy of leveraging local expertise, private capital, and faith-based collaboration to tackle issues ranging from housing affordability to workforce development.
Senator McCormick signaled his continued commitment to working with President Trump, Secretary Turner, and bipartisan colleagues in Congress to scale successful local models across Pennsylvania and beyond. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with President Trump, Secretary Turner, and my colleagues in Congress to expand access to affordable housing and revitalize communities in Pennsylvania and across America,” he said.
By showcasing Pittsburgh’s integrated approach to housing, industry, and social services, the visit highlighted the city’s role as a national example of resilience and innovation amid evolving economic and social landscapes.
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