2026 Regional Progress Forum
A Blueprint for Prosperity: Aligning Talent Development, Small Business Growth, and Community Capacity.
The University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics has a proud 30+ year history of bringing together elected officials from all levels of government, and from both sides of the aisle, for programs that foster better understanding of, and develop effective strategies to address issues that are important to our region.
This year's Regional Progress Forum will be held on October 1, 2026. Our theme is: A Blueprint for Prosperity: Aligning Talent Development, Small Business Growth, and Community Capacity. The program reflects three critical areas: 1) the creation and enhancement of statewide systems that support career pathways and talent development, 2) support of small businesses in urban and rural communities related to the increasing cost of doing business, and 3) understanding how to strengthen a community’s approach to these issues through local government and financing opportunities.
Program Highlights
Introductory Remarks
Joan Gabel
Chancellor
University of Pittsburgh
Future Policies for the City of Pittsburgh
Corey O'Connor
Mayor
City of Pittsburgh
Aligning Workforce Systems
Amanda Cage
CEO
Shift Work Forward
Rising Energy Prices and Impacts on Pennsylvania Businesses
Christina Simeone
Senior Energy Policy Advisor
Office of Governor Josh Shapiro & PA Department of Environmental Protection
Expanding Opportunity: Community Development Financial Institutions and Community Investment
Harold Pettigrew
President & CEO
Opportunity Finance Network
Details
October 1, 2026
7:45 am – 6:30 pm
Heinz History Center - Mueller Center
IOP Community and Economic Development Policy Committee, August 2024 meeting
2026 Coleman Award
The Coleman Award for Excellence in Community Service will be presented during the Regional Progress Forum. Learn more.