Department of City Planning, Pittsburgh

The planning commission of Pittsburgh was established in 1911, following the successful formation of the Pittsburgh Civic Commission (see job 03642). A year later the eight board members reached out to Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to consult on “Pittsburgh’s special needs and possibilities.” Having already completed a comprehensive survey of the city, Olmsted Jr. provided insight on the organization and role of the commission, suggesting they “coordinate the planning activities of the various local authorities ” and that “the people of the City, whether in public or private life, should be induced to form the habit of informing the Commission of their ideas for improvement.” [Department of City Planning to Frederick Law Olmsted Jr._1912-07-29_LOC-OAR_03463-im.10] [Frederick Law Olmsted to J.D. Hailman_1912-12-10_LOC-OAR_03463-im.29].