Sally Sleeper

This report concludes that, although evidence is mixed and effects difficult to measure, consolidating the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County could enhance economic development by unifying leadership, improving policy direction and coordination, and sharpening economic-development initiatives. Increased collaboration with the private sector also is important, and combining only two governments still leaves the region highly fragmented. The City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania could enhance the economic progress of the region if its governments are consolidated, although evidence of such gains in other consolidations is mixed.

A powerful descriptive analysis of the wealth flows in Allegheny County, this report provides timely and critical information regarding public policy issues affecting a region that includes the City of Pittsburgh. This report provides evidence on how Allegheny County's 130 municipalities are interconnected, as people commute across municipal borders to work, creating interregional economic flows.

More definitive information, along the lines discussed in the report, can provide a foundation to move forward and, if potential benefits are apparent, to define a unified vision and set of goals for governance and economic development in All egheny County. The examples presented in this preliminary report provide an overview of the important characteristics of local government and examples from other regions of achievements gained through restructuring. More definitive information, along the lines discussed in the report, can provide a foundation to move forward and, if potential benefits are apparent, to define a unified vision and set of goals for governance and economic development in Allegheny County.