County & State Information & Programs available to residents and communities.

4/26/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources needs YOUR help to make their plans for the next 5 years! Share your experiences to help shape the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/pa-scorp-25

4/26/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: The Sports Marketing and Tourism Program is accepting applications! The purpose of the account is to attract high-quality, amateur, and professional sporting and e-sports events to this Commonwealth with the goal of advancing and promoting year-round tourism, economic impact, and quality of life through sport.

4/25/24 Humane Action Pittsburgh Facebook post: We are delighted to announce that Humane Action Pittsburgh has received the 2024 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence! The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection recognized 22 projects, highlighting innovative efforts by schools, businesses, and community organizations statewide to protect our environment and foster sustainability. Our project, the Swissvale Community Pollinator Garden, in collaboration with the local municipality, transformed a 12,000-square-foot vacant lot in Pittsburgh into a vibrant space. Featuring native plants for pollinators, the garden also hosts community events and educational activities for residents of all ages. Thanks to the Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for this honor, and Representative Abigail Salisbury and Senator Jay Costa for their support and collaboration!

4/25/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: This week is National Volunteer Week! How can you give back to your community? Last year, I volunteered with Scent with Love to deliver flowers to a senior living community in the 43rd! You can watch that episode on my website: https://senatorcosta.com/in-the-43rd-scent-with-love/

4/22/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: Applications for DCED’s Sports marketing and Tourism Program Grants are OPEN from now until June 30! This program is designed to attract sports events of all levels to PA and support the surrounding businesses and communities . Learn more and apply here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/sports-marketing-and-tourism-program-smat/?

4/17/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: As we observe Fair Housing Month, we must fight for programs that allow people to stay in their homes That’s why I’m fighting for a Longterm Owner Occupant Tax Exemption program, so the people who built our communities can afford to say in our communities. Learn more: https://senatorcosta.com/loop/

1/12/23 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: Great news for our students: Pennsylvania will operate a Summer EBT program so that all our children have meals all summer long. This is incredible news for our working families, who will now have reliable food support even when school is out for the summer. Facebook

1/9/23 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: Pennie’s open enrollment period has been extended to January 19, meaning there are extra days to make sure you and your family have healthcare coverage for 2024. My office is here to help. Facebook

1/4/23 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post Snow Angels: It’s looking like Pittsburgh could see some nasty weather this weekend. If you’re looking to lend a helping hand, consider becoming a Snow Angel to help shovel snow for an elderly or disabled person in our community. Learn more here: https://buff.ly/47kr8A5

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOLIDAYS 2024
HOLIDAYS*                                        FALLS ON                                     OBSERVED
New Year’s Day                                  Monday, January 1, 2024              Monday, January 1, 2024
Dr. Martin Luther King Day                 Monday, January 15, 2024            Monday, January 15, 2024
Presidents’ Day                                  Monday, February 19, 2024           Monday, February 19, 2024
Memorial Day                                     Monday, May 27, 2024                   Monday, May 27, 2024
Juneteenth National Freedom Day    Wednesday, June 19, 2024            Monday, June 17, 2024
Independence Day                             Thursday, July 4, 2024                   Thursday, July 4, 2024
Labor Day                                           Monday, September 2, 2024          Monday, September 2, 2024
Columbus Day                                    Monday, October 14, 2024             Monday, October 14, 2024
Veterans Day                                       Monday, November 11, 2024         Monday, November 11, 2024
Thanksgiving Day                               Thursday, November 28, 2024        Thursday, November   28, 2024
Christmas Day                                    Wednesday, December 25, 2024    Wednesday, December 25, 2024
*For some employees in bargaining units, there are deviations from the above holidays, in which case the employee should
check with his/her immediate supervisor and/or bargaining unit representative.
This listing does not include other holidays that may be observed by offices under the direction of the Chief Executive of
Allegheny County, the Row Offices and the Court of Common Pleas. They are as follows:

HOLIDAYS*                                        FALLS ON                                     OBSERVED
Good Friday                                       Friday, March 29, 2024                  Friday, March 29, 2024
Primary Election Day                         Tuesday, April 23, 2024                 Tentative Tuesday April 23 2024 Tentative
Flag Day                                             Friday, June 14, 2024                   Friday, June 14, 2024
General Election                                 Tuesday, November 5, 2024,       Tuesday, November 5, 2024

12/13/23 PA Department of Revenue Facebook post – Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
In 2024, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is expanding, making financial assistance available to even more older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities. Learn more about the updates on the expansion and how it could benefit you or your loved ones- https://www.revenue.pa.gov/…/Propert…/Pages/default.aspx  #PropertyTaxRelief #ExpandingOpportunities

12/19/23 Urban Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: As a reminder, the URA will be closed for business Monday, December 25, 2023 through Monday, January 1, 2024. Additionally, the URA’s office at 412 Boulevard of the Allies will be closed Tuesday, January 2 through Friday, January 5, 2024, but staff will be working remotely and ready to assist clients that week.

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11/16/23 Rep. Summer Lee – PSA for those in our community struggling to afford toys this holiday season —Play it Forward Pittsburgh is offering gently used or new toys, games, etc. to make sure no kids feel left out this year. Click below to sign up! Play it Forward Distribution 2023 (cognitoforms.com)

11/13/23 Wilkinsburg Penn-Joint Water Authority – Temporary Office Closure and System Upgrade Notice: Please be advised our main office will be closed on Friday, December 1, and Monday, December 4 for a system upgrade. Representatives will be available to take your calls for customer service inquiries and emergencies. As part of this upgrade, our online payments will be unavailable for a portion of the day on Monday, December 4. If you need to make a payment in person, please use our 24-hour drop box located near the drive-through window. Due to the inconvenience of this closure, there will not be any water service terminations for nonpayment scheduled on these dates. Our office will reopen on Tuesday, December 5 at 8:00 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we navigate these changes.

11/6/23 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) Open Enrollment – If you’re having trouble paying your utility bills through the cold winter months, you may be eligible for a grant to help. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid. Apply online or call our office for assistance at 412-241-6690.

11/6/23 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post PRT (Pittsburgh Regional Transit) – Bus Line Redesign is a comprehensive rethinking of PRT bus routes. The study will consider where, when, and how people travel in and around the region and recommend updates to bus routes. Attend one of two online public meetings on November 14 and 16 to offer your input.

10/7/23 MAYA Org post – Maternal Mental Health Task Force Launched – The US Office of Women’s Health has recently launched a Task Force on Maternal Mental Health to research and improve activities related to maternal mental health and substance use conditions, with a focus on equity. Find out more and follow their activities here: https://www.womenshealth.gov/…/task-force-on-maternal…

9/1/23 Love Your Library – Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale – Our annual Love Your Library begins today! During the month of September, your donations of ANY amount will be eligible for matching funds through the generous support of the Jack Buncher Foundation and several early contributors, making an even greater impact for the library and the people who use it. To donate, visit LoveYourLibrary.org or drop a check off at the library!

8/26/23 WILKINSBURG-PENN JOIN WATER AUTHORITY – NOTIFICATION FROM WPJWA: The transition to the new payment system is complete! Effective August 21, 2023, you may once again view your bills, enroll in Auto-Pay, Paperless Billing, Pay by Text, and more. Visit WPJWA.com for details. Convenience fees per transaction still apply.

8/1/23 One Day – The Pittsburgh Foundation – On Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 8 AM to 11:59 PM, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County will host a Critical Needs Alert online giving event to support basic needs and the safety net of essential human services in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. These essential services are facing new challenges brought on by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Benefits nonprofits that provide direct service in five areas that will strengthen the safety net of essential human services: Child Care, Employment, Food and Nutrition, Eviction Prevention and Housing and Physical and Mental Health. #ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert organizations complete nonprofit profile on the www.PittsburghGives.org website.

7/21/23 Allegheny County Council Senior Center Voucher Distribution Sites List – posted

7/10/23 Representative Abigail Salisbury – Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
Vouchers for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will be distributed on July 25th.
Visit https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/…/2023/04/SFMNP.pdf for additional information, including distribution sites and how to designate a proxy to pick up vouchers on your behalf.

7/17/23 GreaterValley Coalition Against Violence fb post URA Housing Stabilization Program
The Housing Stabilization Program is a housing crisis intervention program that provides one-time or short-term financial assistance to household who are facing a temporary, non-recurring housing crisis. City of Pittsburgh renters and homeowners may received up to $6,0000 in housing assistance.

7/17/23 Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis – shared Allegheny County Health Department FB post. This Friday applications are due for the ACHD Clean Air fund. Friday, July 21, is the deadline for municipalities and community organizations to apply for fleet electrification and tree canopy expansion projects through the Clean Air Fund. In all, more than $2 million will be allocated for these projects. The funding will come from the Clean Air Fund, which is subsidized through penalties collected from air pollution emitters by the Air Quality Program’s enforcement efforts. No tax dollars will be utilized to fund either program. Applications and all supporting materials are due by July 21, 2023, at 5 p.m. Details: https://alleghenycounty25048.activehosted.com/…/a9a1d53…

6/23/23 Rankin Mayor Joelisa McDonald Facebook post – LIHEAP Crisis Cooling Pilot, – Action-Housing, Inc., 611 William Penn Place, Suite 800, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 412-281-2102.
To be eligible for Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP Crisis Cooling Pilot, a renter or homeowner needs to have already received some form of LIHEAP or weatherization assistance in the past 12 months. These programs are reserved for Pennsylvanians living at 150% or 200% of federal poverty income guidelines, respectively.
If you qualify, you could get two Energy Star-rated room air conditioner units or one unit and a fan, repair or replacement of your existing but broken central air conditioning system, or repair or replacement of your existing but broken heat pump.
Staff or contractors with your local weatherization agency will install the equipment for you.
To participate in the program, find the letter confirming you have received LIHEAP or weatherization assistance in the past year, then reach out to your local weatherization agency, as the application process may differ among agencies, state officials said.
A list of local agencies by county can be found here. Agency List – PA Department of Community & Economic Development

5/30/23 Rankin Borough Facebook post – Whole Home Repair Application Link below

6/30/23 Maya Organization Facebook post – Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Did you know that a new law protecting pregnant people at work has just taken effect? On June 27 the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into effect. This law requires employers to make accommodations for pregnant employees, such as closer parking; flexible hours; appropriately sized uniforms and safety apparel; additional break time to use the bathroom, eat, and rest; time off to recover from childbirth; and others. Follow the link to view a graphic describing how to request accommodations. https://www.eeoc.gov/…/PWFA%20Reasonable%20Steps…

2023 Grant Application Deadline – Coalition to Back Black Businesses Black-Owned Business Assistance | Coalition to Back Black Businesses (webackblackbusinesses.com) Applications will open in August