Community Development

Community development activities build stronger and more resilient communities through an ongoing process of identifying and addressing needs, assets, and investments. They may support infrastructure, economic development projects, installation of public facilities, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, clearance/acquisition, micro-enterprise assistance, code enforcement, homeowner assistance and other identified needs.

Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, federal support for community development encourages systematic and sustained action by state, county and local governments.

McKeesport is one of three entitlement communities in Allegheny County to directly receive an annual allotment of Community Development Block Grant funding. Within the city of McKeesport, a portion of CDBG funds are targeted toward low - and moderate-income areas defined by U.S. census data.

CDBG - CARES ACT MICROENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE

The City of McKeesport invites all interested and eligible microenterprises, small businesses with five (5) or fewer employees, based in the City of McKeesport to apply for CARES Act CDBG-CV funding to assist in the preparation, prevention, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.


The City of McKeesport will provide one-time funding to microenterprises located within the City that need financial assistance to aid in their recovery from the COVID-19 public health crisis. The COVID-19 Microenterprise Assistance Program will provide grants of up to $35,000 for income eligible microenterprises impacted by COVID-19.

Review complete program information here.

DISPLAY DRAFT: FY 2021 Annual Action Plan 

The City of McKeesport, as a Federal Entitlement, is required to complete an application for the use of the Community Development Block Grant funds to HUD. The Annual Action Plan is a guide for the City to allocate its resources for specific activities that support the Goals and Strategies of the City of McKeesport’s Five Year Plan.

A draft of the 2021 Action Plan is available here.

DISPLAY DRAFT: 2019-2020 CAPER

In accordance with the Federal Regulations found in 24 CFR Part 570, the City of McKeesport, Pennsylvania has prepared this Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. The CAPER describes the activities undertaken during this time period for funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).

A draft of the 2019-20 CAPER is available here.

DISPLAY DRAFT: 2020 Citizen Participation Plan

The City of McKeesport’s display draft of its 2020 Citizen Participation Plan for Community Development Block Grant funding and other federal grant programs is available here.

Business Resources


The Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development offers resources and guides for entrepreneurship and other business opportunities.
An Entrepreneur Guide for small business assistance is available online, as is Local Business Assistance.

Zoning Ordinance


The City of McKeesport formally adopted a new zoning ordinance in April 2017. The complete ordinance is available here.


Comprehensive Plan


A joint comprehensive plan for the cities of McKeesport and Duquesne was developed using funding by the Twin Rivers Council of Governments in 2015. The complete plan is available here.