🌟 40 years of granting wishes in Pgh

Former Board Member Calls Out Housing Authority

Tammy Thompson, executive director of anti-poverty organization Catapult Greater Pittsburgh and Housing Authority board member, publicly criticized the agency’s customer service and management on a local podcast. She raised particular concern about unanswered calls and emails for the Section 8 program, saying that people aren’t getting the help they need because HACP can’t keep people employed. [90.5 WESA]

Proposed Project On Strip District Riverfront

A New York City-based company proposed a development to the City Planning Commission that would transform seven-plus acres along 31st Street and the Allegheny River into 750 residential units, retail space, and amenities. It could be voted on in two weeks. [PublicSource]

Frontline Worker Tax Break Unlikely To Pass

To address the worker shortages, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a tax break for new police, teachers, and nurses. These types of incentives are often an economic policy tool, but this one seems less likely to get bipartisan support. Because the credit would be nonrefundable, recipients would save only the amount of tax they would have paid. In order to receive the full $2,500 annual benefit with the state’s 3.07% income tax rate, a nurse, teacher, or cop would have to make almost $82,000 — far above the normal starting wage. [SpotlightPA / Associated Press]

Making Pgh’s Destinations More Accessible

Grandview overlook in Mount Washington is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city, but it isn’t accessible for everyone; potholes, cracks, and utility poles create hurdles for people with disabilities. [Pittsburgh City Paper]

• 🎧 On the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast, we talked to Marcus Shoffner, president and CEO of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, about what needs to be done to make Pittsburgh’s outdoor spaces more welcoming.

🛍️ First Friday Pop-Up | Friday | 5 - 9 p.m.

Enjoy food, live music, and shopping from local makers on Penn Avenue. [free, Garfield]

☕ Coffee & Cars | Saturday | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

See your neighbors’ coolest rides at Commonplace Coffee at Rockwell Park. [free, Point Breeze North]

🌸 Flower Meet Fashion | Saturday | 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

See Phipps’ new summer flower show inspired by the fashion of Pittsburgh’s own superstar Billy Porter. [$13.95-21.95]

🎉 Adda Shadyside’s 7th Birthday | Saturday | 10 a.m.

Celebrate with brunch, live music, and special lemon lattes. [free, Shadyside]

🪨 Meadowcroft Rockshelter Opening | Saturday | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

See North America’s oldest site of human habitation at the 50th-anniversary season.. [$7-15, Avella]

🎒Gear Fest | Saturday | 12 - 7 p.m.

Sell and swap gently used outdoor apparel and gear with 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. and Patagonia Pittsburgh. Plus, there will be food trucks, local brews, and an upcycled fashion show.

🌱 Spring Vendor Show | Sunday | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Find one-of-a-kind gifts from local crafters and vendors at Janoski’s Farm and Greenhouse. [free, Clinton]

👻 Halfway to Halloween Market | Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

If you can’t wait until fall, head to the Monroeville Mall for horror, goth, and creepy art, collectibles, and decor items. [$5, Monroeville]

🔥 Burn in Health | Sunday | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Do yoga, grab a healthy snack, and shop from local vendors at Black Forge Coffee. [free, McKees Rocks]

👟 Mindful Walk | Sunday | 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Join Doors Open Pittsburgh for a stroll through Highland Park with a mindfulness guide. [$25, Highland Park]

Marathon Madness, Baby Elk & 40 Years Of Wish Granting

The team is talking about the best ways to experience the Pittsburgh Marathon and how elk became a huge tourism draw in the region after they were nearly wiped out a century ago. Plus, I’m on the mic sharing my personal connection to the local Make-A-Wish chapter on its 40th anniversary today, which is also my 10 year anniversary since being diagnosed with cancer.