Land Access Subcommittee

Land Access Subcommittee

Current Projects

Land Bank Transparency & Process Reform

Working to untangle and reform how public land is accessed and governed for community agriculture.
Our goals:

  • Document a full timeline of engagement with the Pittsburgh Land Bank, URA, and other departments related to land access for farming

  • Create a reference tool outlining delays, inconsistencies, and process gaps

  • Develop clear policy recommendations to improve transparency and access within the Land Bank system

Urban Agriculture Parcel Mapping & Prioritization

Collaborating with City Planning and community partners to identify land with the highest potential for food production.
This includes:

  • Updating and verifying a citywide parcel map

  • Prioritizing lots in food-insecure neighborhoods with zoning feasibility

  • Aligning this work with advocacy for infrastructure improvements like water access and fencing

Policy Reform: Urban Ag Land Access Tools

PFPC is actively shaping the next phase of Pittsburgh’s urban agriculture programs by:

  • Reviewing and recommending improvements to city programs like Adopt-A-Lot and the Urban Agriculture Zoning Overlay

  • Gathering and incorporating grower feedback into draft program guidance

  • Researching long-term land tenure solutions (e.g., land trusts, long-term leases) to create stability for growers

The PFPC Land Access Subcommittee brings together growers, advocates, and policy partners to address one core issue: ensuring equitable, long-term access to land for urban agriculture in Pittsburgh.

We believe agriculture is one of the most beneficial and transformative uses of vacant public land. Our work focuses on shifting land-use systems and city policies to make urban farming more accessible, supported, and permanent.

Our Focus Areas

  • Championing agriculture as a “highest and best use” for vacant lots

  • Advancing long-term protection of urban agricultural spaces

  • Demystifying zoning codes and educating the public on urban ag policy

  • Partnering with the City of Pittsburgh to strengthen land-use tools and zoning processes