Mayor Corey O'Connor and the Urban Redevelopment Authority announced that 77 recipients will share $1,134,400 in grants through the Commercial Façade Grant Program's spring 2026 funding round.
The grant recipients represent a range of businesses including restaurants, cafes, retail shops, childcare providers, nonprofits, and arts centers. O'Connor said the program "began with $500,000 and a goal of supporting up to 25 businesses" and has since expanded significantly.
Grant recipients will use the funding for improvements such as lighting, signage, windows, doors, brick pointing, sidewalk activation, and painting. Project work must be completed within six months of grant commitment, according to the announcement.
Siena Kane, the URA's director of commercial lending, said such improvements "can have a ripple effect beyond the storefront itself" by strengthening commercial corridors and supporting local economic activity. The program is funded through investments from Pittsburgh Urban Initiatives and the City of Pittsburgh, with additional matching funds available through low-interest loan programs.