Gainey looks to increase diversity in Pittsburgh boards, commissions

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey on Thursday announced an effort to increase diversity on the city’s boards and commissions.

As part of the initiative, the city launched an application available to all city residents who want to apply for a spot volunteering on a city board or commission.

“City government must serve all of our residents equitably and to accomplish this goal, we must include voices representative of our entire city,” Gainey said.

The online form, available through the EngagePGH platform, will help the administration to recruit interested individuals.

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Officials said they hope to ensure that people of all races, ethnicities and sexual orientations are represented, along with immigrants and individuals with disabilities. The mayor’s office is looking to ensure that people from all city neighborhoods have equal opportunity to serve on various commissions and boards.

“Our boards and commissions tackle some of our most pressing issues, but it is past time our leaders in these spaces reflect our city’s diversity,” Gainey said. “This initiative is another step forward in our efforts to create a more welcoming and equitable Pittsburgh. I encourage all interested Pittsburgh residents to apply and help us ensure that every voice is brought to the table.”

The form asks for demographic and contact information and allows residents to share their resumes, areas of expertise and interests.

Applying does not guarantee a spot on any board or commission. The administration did not specify how many spots they are looking to fill.