Today, Mayor William Peduto proposed the creation of a permanent city office to support immigrant, refugee and new American communities with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.
Pittsburgh’s immigrant population continues to grow, with a 67% increase in Hispanic, Latinx and multi-racial populations. The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs will continue with the implementation of the Welcoming Pittsburgh Roadmap, a citywide plan for immigrants, refugees and new Americans advocacy.
Citywide language interpretation and translation services for residents to easily access city information and the development of multi-cultural training for public safety to engage with immigrant communities are among some of the work accomplished from the Roadmap.
The new office will continue to advise departments on immigrant and refugee engagement, welcoming new residents, working with partner organizations and agencies, advocating for policy reform, and to celebrate the diversity of civic, cultural an economic life that immigrants and refugees bring to the city.