The Allegheny Regional Asset District – Pittsburgh, PA

Regional Funding and Governance

The Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), headquartered in the historic Koppers Building in downtown Pittsburgh, is a special purpose area-wide unit of local government. Created by state legislation in 1993, RAD is responsible for the oversight and distribution of funds generated by an additional 1% sales and use tax in Allegheny County. Half of this tax revenue goes directly to the county and its municipalities, while the other half is managed by RAD to invest in the region’s civic, cultural, and recreational assets. The District is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors who are appointed by the County Executive and the Mayor of Pittsburgh to ensure fair and strategic allocation of resources.

Supporting Community Assets

RAD provides critical operating and capital grants to a diverse array of organizations that enhance the quality of life in the region. These ”Regional Assets” include:

• Libraries & Parks: Substantial funding supports the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system, the Allegheny County Library Association, and the nine regional parks, ensuring free public access to knowledge and green spaces.
• Arts & Culture: The District funds major cultural institutions such as the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Phipps Conservatory, the National Aviary, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, as well as smaller community arts groups.
• Sports & Civic Facilities: RAD contributes to the maintenance and debt service of major venues like Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park, and PPG Paints Arena, viewing them as economic drivers for the area.

Public Engagement and Operations

Transparency is a core value of the Regional Asset District. The Board holds regular public meetings and annual budget hearings where citizens can provide testimony regarding funding priorities. The administrative office at the Koppers Building handles the day-to-day operations, including grant administration and compliance monitoring. Through its ”RAD Days” initiative, the District sponsors periods of free admission to funded attractions, giving tax-payers a direct return on their investment.