With its rebirth as a center for robotics, bio-sciences and advanced manufacturing, Pittsburgh needs to quickly complete a planned rapid-transit link between Downtown and Oakland, then find a better way to link the city and its suburbs to Pittsburgh International Airport, says Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald at the July Real Professionals Mastermind Meeting.

Commissioners in counties such as Armstrong and Butler now want to connect with Allegheny County and Pittsburgh. Seven of the 10 counties in southwestern PA are losing population rapidly, so connection is a key issue if they want to attract population. They may offer a great lifestyle and some jobs, but if someone wants big-city amenities, they need access to transportation. The real change will be how the region overall makes connections for everyone’s viability.