🚗 Pittsburgh is a car-optional city?

Pittsburgh’s a Car-Optional City?

Out of 180 U.S. cities, Pittsburgh ranks third for livability without a car, according to an analysis published by StorageCafe. The study looked at factors like safety, transit options, infrastructure supporting walking and biking, and access to amenities. [StorageCafe] (As a carless Pittsburgher, I am extremely skeptical of this study! 🙄)

• Heads up: PRT is delaying and eliminating seasonal transit changes. [TribLive]
• Go car-free exploring with our biking guide to Pittsburgh. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

County Houses 500 People in 500 Days

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato says her hallmark affordable housing initiative was a success, and the program has moved more than 500 people out of temporary shelters into permanent housing. The program is also on track to create 500 new affordable housing units with some homes still under construction. [TribLive]

Will Gainey Veto His Own Bill?

Instead of passing Mayor Ed Gainey’s inclusionary zoning bill — the center of his push for more affordable housing — City Council voted to OK a new version of the bill drafted by councilmember Erika Strassburger. Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak is back on today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to talk about what went down this summer and why he says the mayor's office was "blindsided" by the switch. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

EOS Energy Moves HQ to Pittsburgh

The battery manufacturer is relocating its headquarters to Nova Place on the North Shore and expanding its manufacturing from Turtle Creek to a second facility in Marshall Township. The $352.9 million investment is expected to create 735 jobs. [Business Times]

You hear that? It’s the turn of a crisp new page. Find a fresh read for yourself or your favorite bibliophile from indie booksellers all across the Burgh.

Blythe Books and Fine Gifts

📍Brentwood

Find a previously loved book, or bring a stack of your own to sell at Blythe Books — a used book shop and neighborhood hub for all things cozy, artsy, and bookish. Plus, the shop sells baked goods made by Bullfinch Bakery. Grab a treat to enjoy while browsing, or stop by for a book club meetup or craft workshop, like watercolor painting or crocheting.

Woolly Bear Books & Gifts

📍Carnegie

East Main Street is perfect for strolling and shopping. Stop in Carnegie Coffee Company to get something cozy, then skip over to the borough’s newest spot for good reads. Woolly Bear Books has contemporary and classic books, plus gifts like greetings cards, puzzles, and mugs. It’s open seven days a week and often hosts author signings, book clubs, and special events like candle making.

Vintage Max Bookstore

📍Bellevue

This shop sells fresh and classic reads, vintage art and decor, and unique gifts. (It’s right down the street from Bayne Park, where Bellevue hosts its farmers market.) Keep an eye on the shop’s Instagram page for pop-ups like baked goods and wine tastings, drag story hour, and book clubs. Don’t leave the shop without saying hi to the bookstore cat!

White Whale Bookstore

📍Bloomfield

Grab a coffee from the cafe inside of White Whale Bookstore and browse their selection of poetry, history, philosophy, local authors, children’s books, contemporary and literary fiction and nonfiction, and more. Plus, they have really cute stationary and wrapping paper for a perfectly packaged gift. Don’t forget to check their calendar for book launches, community conversations, and poetry readings.