In the News

For example of economic revival, Rhode Island turns to Pittsburgh

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Pittsburgh

The Providence Journal reports on Rhode Island politicians who visited the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to learn how to revitalize their own state's economy.

Clearly, the issue of tax revenue is key for cities, (UPMC President Jeffrey) Romoff said, and yet most nonprofits make the mistake of starting with the premise that they bring a community an enormous amount of value even without paying taxes. Not UPMC, which sat down voluntarily two decades ago with city, county and school officials and negotiated a long-term agreement to make payments, he said –– a move that pleased politicians and upset other hospitals in the region.

“It’s really the right thing to do,” Romoff said.

Beyond such payments in lieu of taxes, UPMC more recently invested $100 million in higher-education scholarships for Pittsburgh public-school students. It also pays for students to attend nursing school to ensure a pool of skilled employees when it needs them. It has struck agreements with area community colleges to create training programs to prepare students for precisely the kinds of jobs UPMC needs to fill. Additionally, it has invested in start-up companies and spin-off entities that began as research endeavors within the academic community.

Original source: The Providence Journal
Read the full story here.

In the News

For example of economic revival, Rhode Island turns to Pittsburgh

Related Tags