Programs and Services

As Pittsburgh's sole citywide community represented organization, PCRG has developed programs that address the core of community reinvestment issues. Working through partnerships, PCRG has created fifteen community-lending relationships with local financial institutions committing them to sound and equitable lending in Pittsburgh's communities. Meeting the credit needs of Pittsburgh's communities is based on the foundations of CRA and productive community redevelopment. Through CRA, PCRG members can meet with financial institution executives and discuss the ways financial institutions can meet the needs of the communities. Within this framework, both PCRG members and financial partners are committed to a comprehensive approach to community revitalization and the production of affordable housing.

Community Development Advisory Groups (CDAG)

The Community Development Advisory Group meetings provide members the opportunity to interact with senior management of lending institutions. The meetings, which occur approximately quarterly, allow PCRG members the opportunity to review the lenders' financial programs, examine that they are in compliance with (CRA) guidelines; as well as address issues with regards to investment, small business, employment, product marketing and banking regulations.

Research and Analysis

The Research and analysis component is a key portion of PCRG activities. Keeping up to date with the latest trends in local and national lending and financial regulations has been the foundation of PCRG since its inception in 1988. Annually, PCRG publishes a lending study that provides in-depth analysis of market trends and community investment provided by PCRG partner institutions and other lending institutions in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. As a supplement to the Lending Study, PCRG's research department also produces Banking Fee and Mortgage comparison guides. The guides provide community members with information on the most competitive rates and products conducive to their needs.

Research Update: The 11th Annual Mortgage Lending Study is Complete.

Please contact PCRG for more information.

Vacant Property Working Group (VPWG)

Problem properties and real estate development have been a constant theme in community reinvestment. Vacant Property Working Group (VPWG) is a citywide blight eradication initiative of PCRG, supported by the city of Pittsburgh. The first step in turning around a community is confronting negligent property owners and acquiring and redeveloping abandoned property. VPWG assists local community organizations with the acquisition of tax delinquent real estate and development and analysis of public policies focused on community redevelopment. Through focus groups, community forums and individual consultations, VPWG educates and empowers community organizations looking to revitalize their community.

Please contact Bethany E. Davidson for program information.

Anti-Predatory Lending Initiative

PCRG's Anti-Predatory Lending Initiative (APLI) is the latest program in development by PCRG to increase community reinvestment. APLI is a result of research conducted on both the local and national level indicating the penetration of unsound lending practices and products, provided by disreputable institutions. Recent PCRG lending studies indicated a growing proportion of sub-prime lending and a decrease in market share of traditional lending institutions. These trends prompted PCRG to organize the Pittsburgh Anti-Predatory Lending Task Force, spearheaded by former city councilwoman (now Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds) Valerie McDonald Roberts. APLI and its broad network of legal, financial and consumer counseling agencies will begin to educate the public on the detriments of unsound borrowing, while providing a network of referral services to those that have already been victimized by predatory lenders. The program will also contribute to conducting research and information gathering to determine the depth of the problem locally and then begin its eradication.

Please contact Steven Shivak for more information.