Dear Neighbors,

I am so proud to be the Mayor of Pittsburgh, a City where so many show their deep pride and support for their hometown. The sea of black and gold throughout the City in support of the Steelers as they made history becoming Superbowl Champions for the 6th time is another testament to what defines our City. As Pittsburghers we not only characterize ourselves by our pride of the black and gold; we also identify ourselves by our neighborhood.

I’ve had the pleasure to speak to so many residents of this great City who are committed to their neighborhoods. I’ve had the opportunity to hear their stories first hand about why they love their neighborhood and what makes this City so special. It is these individuals and stories that make our City unique and unlike any place in the world. It is time for their stories, our stories, to be told.

This year, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I kicked off the “Six Burgh Reasons Why I ♥ My Neighborhood” contest. I want to know what defines your neighborhood and makes you so proud of where you live. I want you to share with me your love story with your neighborhood through a short essay, photos or a video. If your entry is one of the top six chosen, you will be notified and honored at a neighborhood celebration in May, and your entry will be posted on the City’s website and the City Cable Channel.

It is time for us to celebrate all of the positive things happening in every corner of this Most Livable City. We know the challenges and work every day to meet those challenges, but let us take this opportunity to reflect on the assets of our neighborhoods.

For a complete list of rules, please visit the City of Pittsburgh website at www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us. Rules may also be obtained at the Mayor’s Office on the 5th floor of the City-County Building, 414 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, or at any of the City’s Senior Centers. Deadline to submit an entry is April 13, 2009. For more information, log onto the City of Pittsburgh website, or contact the Mayor’s Neighborhood Initiatives office at 412-255-8680.

Thank you for all that you do for your neighborhood. I look forward to hearing your story!

Luke Ravenstahl,
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh