RAD Board approves record $126.5 million budget for 2023
Budget includes one-time $3 million supplemental support for county libraries; $1 million for connection, accessibility and inclusion
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Allegheny County's regional assets will see more RAD support than ever in 2023.
On Tuesday, the board of the Allegheny Regional Asset District -- RAD -- approved a $126.5 million budget for next year, a record-breaking sum to sustain Allegheny County's quality of life.
"Our parks, libraries, theaters, museums and cultural attractions add to Pittsburgh’s quality of life," said Dusty Elias Kirk, RAD Board Chair. "We believe in our regional assets, and thanks to a strong local economy, we're able to provide even more funding to them."
The 2023 budget will be financed by an estimated $120.1 million in sales tax receipts, as well as money from RAD's reserve fund, which has been bolstered by strong tax revenue. Allegheny County's additional one percent sales and use tax, enacted in the mid-1990s, is estimated to generate $240.2 million in revenue in 2023. Half of that total will go directly to the County and its 128 municipalities for property tax relief and local government services.
IMPACT ACROSS THE COUNTY
RAD’s investments focus on assets that are open to all. Highlights of the 2023 budget include:
- Record $39.5 million to regional parks and trails throughout Allegheny County
- Record $39 million to local libraries, including one-time supplemental support of $3 million to libraries within the Allegheny County Library Association system (totaling a record $10.37 million to ACLA libraries for 2023)
- Operating grants to 99 total organizations, including new asset PearlArts -- a black-led arts and dance organization and first-time RAD applicant
- $1 million in new grants toward connection, accessibility & inclusion, more than double the 2022 outlay
"RAD is for everyone, and making sure our regional assets are accessible to all -- that's been at the heart of RAD from the very beginning," said Rich Hudic, RAD Executive Director. "Our sales tax revenues were stronger than expected in 2022, which provided us with the opportunity to supplement ACLA libraries with $3 million for their use in 2023."
The full RAD budget plan for 2023 can be found here:
radworkshere.org/rad-2023-budget
MAJOR CAPITAL GRANTS
Along with more than $112 million in operating grants, the RAD budget includes more than $14 million in capital grants, allocated to 33 organizations. More than half of the capital funding supports renovations and improvements to parks and trails, including:
- Upgrades to recreational facilities at Pittsburgh and Allegheny County regional parks
- A rock-climbing wall at Boyce Park
- Improvements to Stephen Barry Field at Renziehausen Park in McKeesport
- Improvements to the Miracle Field Clubhouse Playground at Boyce Mayview Park in Upper St. Clair
“The City of Pittsburgh's park system benefits tremendously from the generous support provided by RAD,” said Kathryn Vargas, Pittsburgh’s Director of Parks and Recreation. “The RAD Board's 2023 increase in operations funding will help us bolster our programming efforts in the City's five RAD parks, and the large capital investment in the Schenley Ice Rink chiller system will ensure that we are able to keep this Pittsburgh gem functioning for years to come.”
Other RAD assets receiving at least $400,000 in capital grants for 2023 include:
SOLDIERS AND SAILORS MEMORIAL HALL AND MUSEUM ($1.2 MILLION CAPITAL)
Major restoration and repair are in store for the 112-year-old Oakland landmark. RAD has allocated $1.1 million toward restoring and repairing the upper roof parapet, along with smaller grants for security upgrades and carpet replacement.
PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM ($1 MILLION CAPITAL)
Upgrades to the Zoo include a new roof for the education center, technology upgrades, accessibility compliance and carpet replacement.
“We at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium are deeply appreciative for the support of the Allegheny Regional Asset District, which helps enable us to serve the community in return. We look forward to many ongoing years of partnership,” said Dr. Jeremy Goodman, President & CEO of the Zoo.
PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ($950,000 CAPITAL)
The Greer Cabaret Theater is currently undergoing a significant remodel and expansion. Funding from RAD will help ensure that the result ‘wows’ theatergoers when it reopens in Spring 2023.
“The Allegheny Regional Asset District’s financial support plays an integral role in the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing downtown’s Cultural District, improving quality of life for residents and visitors, and driving our economy through the arts,” said J. Kevin McMahon, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “We thank RAD for its generous support of the Trust, which enables us to present a diverse array of arts and entertainment—ensuring that there is always something for everyone in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.”
NATIONAL AVIARY ($565,000 CAPITAL)
RAD has been proud to provide millions of dollars in support to upgrade the Aviary over nearly three decades. The latest improvements will include security upgrades to the campus and a contribution to the Aviary’s new ’70 Years of Impact’ exhibit.
PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ($500,000 CAPITAL)
The PSO can count on RAD to come through for an investment that its chief executive calls “behind-the-scenes, but absolutely crucial for our operations at Heinz Hall” – the replacement of a gas boiler to keep the theater warm.
“We are so grateful for the funds for the new boiler system,” said Melia Tourangeau, President and CEO of the PSO. “As much as any time, music is a vital source of joy and beauty in our lives, and the PSO musicians play with unrivaled passion for our community. We couldn’t be more proud that RAD works here!”
PHIPPS CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS ($400,000 CAPITAL)
The relationship between Phipps and RAD goes back to the very beginning of the district, and RAD’s support will continue in 2023 with funding toward the restoration of Phipps’ Desert Room.
“From the creation of five seasonal flower shows each year to the renovation of our original 1893 glasshouse, RAD has been a vital partner to Phipps, providing support that ensures that the people of our region can enjoy the beauty and importance of the natural world today and for years to come,” said Richard Piacentini, President and CEO of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
THE FRICK PITTSBURGH ($400,000 CAPITAL)
Major upgrades to The Frick Pittsburgh’s historic campus will continue in 2023, with RAD delivering funds for renovations that will make the grounds safer and more secure.
"RAD has been an ally and supporter of The Frick Pittsburgh in our mission to bring authentic experiences with art, history, and nature to our community and beyond,” said Frick Executive Director Elizabeth Barker, Ph.D. "RAD's contribution to our general operations, and its very generous capital support grant for our campus lighting and security upgrades, go a long way towards making what we do not only possible, but safer and more accessible for our visitors."
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
“We are thrilled that RAD continues to support and prioritize libraries and library services in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. We are committed to fostering literacy and learning for our whole community, and sustainable funding ensures that all residents have equitable access to quality resources, learning support, free programs, tutoring, homework help, language learning resources, as well as high-quality print and digital materials. We are so grateful to RAD for making all of these things available and accessible to all through our public libraries!” -- Andrew Medlar, President & Director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh ($28.6 million in 2023 funding for operations and capital)
“We are so grateful for the support provided by RAD which enables us to share joy, creativity, curiosity, and kindness with children and families who visit our campus. With the commitment and partnership that we receive from RAD, we can focus on delivering innovative and inclusive museum experiences that inspire all learners in our community, region, and beyond.” -- Jane Werner, Executive Director of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh ($600,000 in 2023 funding)
“We are grateful for the support we receive from the Regional Asset District. It allows us to offer free community programs such as our First Friday Hot Jams with live glassblowing demonstrations and ASL interpretation and free hands-on glass activities throughout the year. RAD funding enables us to make the glass art community more diverse, vibrant, and accessible and to extend our region’s extraordinary glass legacy far into the future.” -- Heather McElwee, the Randi & L. Van V. Dauler, Jr. Executive Director, Pittsburgh Glass Center ($325,000 in 2023 funding)
“RAD has been such a boon to the arts & culture community of Allegheny County over the last 25+ years. We at Pittsburgh Public Theater are grateful to be among the regional assets trusted to put these sales tax dollars to work for the community, and we promise to do so with a great deal of responsibility and love for the people of the region. Thank you for this generous, continued support!” -- Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director, Pittsburgh Public Theater ($295,000 in 2023 funding)
“Pittsburgh Opera is extremely grateful to RAD for its continued support. The funding we receive from them helps enable us to continue offering our large number of free, award-winning education programs and community concerts.” -- Chris Cox, Director of Marketing and Communications, Pittsburgh Opera ($288,239 in 2023 funding)
“As the performing arts continue the long recovery process necessitated by the pandemic, RAD’s ongoing support is essential, profound, and deeply impactful. We are grateful to the board, staff, and the taxpayers of Allegheny County for the extraordinary investment in the cultural sector, both now and for the last 28 years of RAD funding. Simply put, our organization—and our community—would not be the same without the Allegheny Regional Asset District.” – James McNeel, Managing Director, City Theatre ($220,000 in 2023 funding)
“All of us at Pittsburgh CLO are grateful for RAD’s unwavering support. Their generous funding makes CLO’s live professional musical theater accessible to the full Pittsburgh community by underwriting free and discounted tickets and by bringing live performances to area schools.” -- Mark Fleischer, Executive Producer, Pittsburgh CLO ($215,000 in 2023 funding)
