Our vision, mission and values

Driving our efforts, dreams and success in Wilkinsburg.

Our Vision

Wilkinsburg will be a prosperous, healthy, and inclusive community regarded for its strong business district and neighborhoods, historic charm, convenient location, desirable quality of life, and community pride.

Our Mission

The mission of WCDC is to drive economic development in Wilkinsburg with an emphasis on strengthening the Central Business District.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The WCDC’s work is defined by community input, fact-based solutions, and an ongoing commitment to addressing structural barriers to economic opportunity for marginalized residents.

At the WCDC, we believe that that a sustainable community embraces equity and fully integrates people from all backgrounds and races.

Diversity

We will embrace and celebrate cultural differences that exist in our community.

Equity

We will acknowledge and address structural barriers to economic empowerment, particularly for people who have been marginalized.

Inclusion

We will welcome and engage deeply with people of all backgrounds and races to create economic opportunity and provide access, especially for marginalized residents.

Measurement

We will track and publish participation and impact data to ensure we are honoring our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Principles of Equitable Development – Measurable Community Benefits for Residents

Equitable Community Engagement

We will involve Wilkinsburg community members most impacted by a project or program.

Equitable Land Use

Our overall vision, plan, and implementation will build on Wilkinsburg’s assets and strengths and aim to keep current residents in place.

Equitable Transportation

We will continue to integrate transit into our practices to ensure we are building a healthy, walkable, livable, and affordable community for all Wilkinsburg residents.

Equitable Economic Development

We will prioritize community-based financial literacy, wealth creation, and job opportunities to prevent displacement of current residents and small businesses in Wilkinsburg.

Equitable Housing

We will champion housing access for Wilkinsburg residents of all income levels, ensuring that housing does not exceed 30% of a household’s income.

Our Values

Inclusiveness

We respectfully engage diverse constituencies in our efforts, supporting our residents and businesses and welcoming newcomers. 

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Collaboration

We collaborate with other organizations to help improve the quality of life in our community. 

Forward Thinking

We are innovative and fact-based in our approach to development and driven by our long-term vision for a prosperous, healthy, sustainable, and growing community. 

Impact

We achieve tangible results and community development outcomes that evidence Wilkinsburg’s progress. 

Integrity

We act with transparency and make fact-based decisions to produce results that are worthy of emulation.

The WCDC is a gold-level GuideStar particpant, committed to acting with transparency.

All of the WCDC’s 990s and additional financial information can be found on our GuideStar profile page.

The WCDC’s six year strategic plan seeks to achieve a shared vision for our community, to truly be Wilkinsburg – Good All Over. 

An overview of our 2019 – 2025 Strategic Plan is available here. A full version is available here

Want to learn more or become a part of our efforts?

Please email info@wilkinsburgcdc.org, call us at (412) 727-7855 or click the contact button below.