Challenges and Vision for Pittsburgh’s Transformation

Another good example of CI is the case of Pittsburgh’s transformation. In this case, I’d like to highlight a Changemaker, Debra Lam, whose transformative work for cities in the US.

Lam holds a strong academic foundation in public policy and international affairs, which equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate complex urban challenges. Her career spans various roles where she consistently focused on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.

Most notably, Lam served as the (first) Chief Innovation and Performance Officer for the City of Pittsburgh, a position that allowed her to spearhead the city’s transformation into a smart city—a city that leverages technology and data to improve urban life.

designed the framework that successfully transformed the city from one of socio-economic decline to thriving innovation hub.

In 2016, when she left Pittsburgh and moved to Atlanta area, Mayor Bill Peduto praised her that she has been “instrumental for her collaborative work that helped departments chart path toward innovation and implement numerous programs.” He highlighted that her contribution was about “modernizing city government through innovation, sustainability and technology.”

Challenges

By now, you would ask, “so what was the problem did she solve?” What are Pittsburgh’s Challenges before the transformation? Before Lam’s intervention, Pittsburgh faced several significant challenges, which were typical of many post-industrial cities.

• Economic Decline:

Following the collapse of the steel industry in the late 20th century, Pittsburgh’s economy stagnated. Unemployment rates soared, and the population declined as people left in search of better opportunities.

• Infrastructure Decay:

The city’s infrastructure, including its bridges, roads, and public utilities, was in a state of disrepair. This not only posed safety risks but also impeded economic growth and the efficient functioning of the city.

• Environmental Issues:

Pittsburgh had a long history of air and water pollution due to its industrial past. By the time Lam came on board, these environmental issues were still a major concern, affecting public health and quality of life.

• Social Inequity:

There were stark disparities between neighborhoods in terms of wealth, education, and access to services. These social inequities were deeply rooted and posed a significant challenge to the city’s overall development.