PITTSBURGH, PA — Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner visited Pittsburgh on Friday for a series of site visits spotlighting the region’s manufacturing resurgence, affordable housing development, and faith-based community services.
The day-long tour included stops at U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works, Bedford Dwellings, and Light of Life Rescue Mission. Each location showcased a different facet of economic development and community investment in western Pennsylvania.
“It was great spending the day in Pittsburgh with Secretary Turner and getting to demonstrate firsthand so much of what makes Pennsylvania great and a pillar of our nation’s future success,” said McCormick, who emphasized the importance of job creation, housing access, and local engagement.
Secretary Turner echoed the sentiment, calling Pittsburgh “a testament to America’s spirit of hard work and resilience.” He noted that the visit highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving self-sufficiency and expanding opportunity. “When Americans unite in service, we revitalize communities,” he said.
Manufacturing and Economic Growth
At U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works, McCormick and Turner were joined by Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) for a discussion on workforce development and industrial revitalization. The visit follows President Donald Trump’s executive order earlier this year approving Nippon Steel’s investment in U.S. Steel—an agreement aimed at boosting production, modernizing facilities, and generating new jobs in the Pittsburgh region.
The senators emphasized the plant’s potential to play a key role in regional economic growth while preserving Pittsburgh’s legacy as a manufacturing hub.
Expanding Access to Affordable Housing
The second stop of the day was Bedford Dwellings, the city’s first public housing development built by the Pittsburgh Housing Authority. The site now serves a diverse population with affordable housing and a variety of support programs focused on education, recreation, and wellness. Officials on the tour discussed ways to ensure housing remains accessible to working families amid growing supply and affordability challenges.
McCormick reaffirmed his commitment to working with federal and local leaders to expand homeownership opportunities across the state.
Faith-Based Solutions to Homelessness
The visit concluded at Light of Life Rescue Mission, a nonprofit organization that serves people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. The facility offers food, shelter, and long-term support services to individuals and families in crisis.
During their tour, McCormick and Turner met with staff and program leaders to discuss the organization’s impact and the broader role of faith-based and nonprofit initiatives in addressing community needs. The stop underscored HUD’s ongoing interest in public-private and community-based solutions to combat homelessness.
The joint visit highlighted a bipartisan approach to urban renewal, with Senators McCormick and Fetterman finding common ground on the importance of investing in infrastructure, housing, and people.
As western Pennsylvania continues to evolve, Thursday’s tour served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action for sustained investment in the region’s future.
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