On April 16-17, 2015, Mayor William Peduto is inviting city-wide leaders and experts to interface with national and international guests—with an emphasis on leaders from key Nordic metro areas—to discuss, envision and plan Pittsburgh’s continuing emergence as a post-industrial leader and help extend and embed its commitment to sustainability, innovation and equity. 

The event will be hosted by the Mayor and André Heinz of The Heinz Endowments, at various venues in Pittsburgh.

The conference is a two-day, invitational event, which the organizers hope will be the first in a series of opportunities to advance Pittsburgh’s profile in urban renewal and equitable city development. “The notion behind p4 is to set a new bar for how we and others perceive the character of the Pittsburgh we are creating, as the city expands its capacity in a new era of technology-led industry and flexible urban living. Above all, it’s important that the opportunities Pittsburgh has worked so hard to give itself are available to everyone. In Pittsburgh everyone should have a valuable role and equal opportunity in the urban future we are building together,” says Heinz Endowments President Grant Oliphant.

The agenda has been programmed under the leadership of The Heinz Endowments and the Mayor’s Office, with a team involving local, national and international content leaders.

Approximately 250 invited delegates will attend the first day of the summit, on April 16, all of whom have a special interest and professional credentials in this critical field of work.

A smaller group of stakeholders will attend day two of the summit on April 17 all of whom have knowledge and expertise relating to key and specific development initiatives taking place within the City of Pittsburgh.

Day 1

The first day of the summit will focus on planning and design innovation and sustainability and inspirational leadership to help establish a new framework for urban growth that is inclusive, innovative and environmentally sound. Speakers comprise preeminent national and international experts who are at the forefront of sustainable urban design, including a delegation representing Europe’s Nordic countries where success in this field has achieved global recognition and acclaim.

Day 2

The second day of the summit has been designed to encourage intensive discussion and engagement around specific initiatives and groups of delegates will be escorted on fact-finding visits to one of three redevelopment city sites where new and sustainable design practices are planned or where they are already being implemented.