Dear Neighbors,

I’m pleased to announce that recently we have welcomed two new staff members to work in my Youth Policy Department: Olivia Benson as Youth Policy Manager, and Nick Martini as Deputy Youth Policy Manager. In their new roles, Olivia and Nick will continue to work on youth initiatives throughout the city while expanding and improving upon ways to attract and retain young people in Pittsburgh. The Youth Policy Department, in conjunction with our schools and community organizations, also works to ensure our students are ‘Promise Ready’ and, upon graduation from high school, have the opportunity to receive up to $40,000 for college studies.

This year, I have tasked Olivia and Nick to develop ways to better serve youth and young families in the City of Pittsburgh.  In addition to working with the Mayor’s Youth Council, the appointed members of the Propel Pittsburgh Commission and the Mayor’s Youth Commission, the Youth Policy Department has set forth a series of goals and objectives to:

• Reduce youth and gang violence by developing leadership opportunities for young people in our communities.
• Partner with our schools and nonprofit organizations to maximize information about education and youth resources in Pittsburgh.
• Encourage young people to explore opportunities for innovation, home ownership and small business development.
• Retain young adults in Pittsburgh by highlighting the City’s growth, educational and advancement opportunities.

I am pleased to have two new members in our Youth Policy Department, and I would like to thank all of you for welcoming Olivia and Nick. I hope that you will feel free to contact them with your ideas and suggestions for ways to continue to make Pittsburgh ‘America’s Most Livable City.’

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about Youth Policy in our City, please call 412-255-2258 or email Olivia.Benson@city.pittsburgh.pa.us or Nicholas.Martini@city.pittsburgh.pa.us

Sincerely,

Luke Ravenstahl

Mayor, City of Pittsburgh