UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH INSTITUTE OF POLITICSreport Winter 2017

Elected Officials Retreat Focuses on Poverty, Criminal Justice, and the Opioid Epidemic PAGE 12

INSIDE • Elsie Hillman Civic Forum • PAGE 4 • The Future of Regional Transportation • PAGE 7 DIRECTOR’S NOTE In this year of engagement with the community, it is fitting that the year brought the launch of the Elsie Hillman Civic Forum 2016 marked the Institute of Politics’ 25th year, and it is with with the Never a Spectator campus event and the kickoff of gladness that I see us continuing to work with so many others the application period for the Elsie Hillman Honors Scholars to effect change in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The past year Program in March. Since then, we have accepted our first class has seen passionate engagement from members of our commu- of seven Elsie scholars, who will work with community-based nity resulting in highly impactful work on critical issues like agencies on projects ranging from food insecurity to language poverty, criminal justice reform, and the heroin/opioid epidemic. as a barrier to accessing health care during this academic year. These areas of concern, brought forward by respected leaders, We are continuing the long-running Legislator for a Day and are significant ones, and the Institute has been fortunate to play Internship and Seminar programs under the umbrella of the a role in addressing them with assistance from national and Forum, and we are looking forward to the rollout of the Elsie regional experts, community leaders, and professionals. CONTENTS Forum’s Ambassadors for Civic Engagement program in 2017. In recognition of the frequent Additionally, in response to feedback from our policy committee Director’s Note...... 3 interaction among poverty, the members collected through both a survey and an in-person criminal justice system, and the Highlights from the Elsie Hillman Civic Forum...... 4 event, we at the Institute spent a portion of the past summer heroin/opioid epidemic, the • A Pitt Junior’s Day in Harrisburg: A Legislator for a Day Reflection analyzing our sphere of influence and the composition of our Institute addressed all three of • Never a Spectator Event committees, placing special emphasis on identifying who might these issues at its 20th annual be missing among our membership. We are continuing to Innovation, Investment, and Improvement: Elected Officials Retreat in enhance our communication strategy to include new opportuni- A Conversation about the Future of Regional September. The retreat also served Transportation in Southwestern Pennsylvania...... 7 ties for our stakeholders to remain informed and involved in as the release for the Institute’s the Institute’s work throughout the year, including a regular policy brief Poverty: Beyond the 2016 Board of Fellows Annual Meeting...... 9 committee newsletter detailing the work of the Institute and its Terry Miller Urban Core, which describes and policy committees. Spotlight on Partnership...... 10 makes recommendations to address the challenges surrounding • Remake Learning Days discoverED Event poverty in suburban areas. In October, the Institute released In spite of our anniversary and the launch of so many new • The 2016–17 Pennsylvania Budget: Finding Common A Continuum of Care Approach: Western Pennsylvania’s endeavors, the year has been far from celebratory. Aside from Ground in Today’s Political Climate Response to the Opioid Epidemic, a report identifying Western the mostly somber tone of the issues we’ve researched, 2016 featured a highly contentious election in which representatives 2016 Elected Officials Retreat: Pennsylvania’s marriage of public health and public safety in Challenges to Our Communities...... 12 responding to the opioid epidemic, recognizing the gaps in our and supporters of both political parties expressed frustration response, and making recommendations for further collabora- and disenfranchisement. In this charged atmosphere, the Other Initiatives: Voluntary Municipal Disincorporation tion. Finally, in November, the work of the Criminal Justice Task Institute is continuing to fulfill its role as a neutral and nonpar- Task Force...... 15 Force was released in a special report titled Criminal Justice in tisan convener—a place where those with differing opinions the 21st Century: Improving Incarceration Policies and Practices can come together for the benefit of our region and its people. New Publications...... 16 in Allegheny County. This report makes recommendations that • Criminal Justice in the 21st Century: Improving Incarceration Our efforts in this area would be ineffective without the Policies and Practices in Allegheny County are designed to simultaneously reduce the population of the jail engagement of our core constituency: elected officials, commu- • A Continuum of Care Approach: Western Pennsylvania’s while improving public safety and increasing equity and fairness Response to the Opioid Epidemic nity leaders, and academics. It is only through your willingness in the system. More information on all of these reports can be • Poverty: Beyond the Urban Core to be involved that we can turn the political discord that has found in this issue. permeated our society of late into informed political discourse. All of these projects would not have been possible without We look to you for hope and guidance into the future. the community partners with whom we have collaborated Sincerely, regularly throughout the year. In April, the Institute’s Infrastructure Policy Committee partnered with the Allegheny Conference on Community Development to host a forum on regional transportation. In May, for the second straight year, the Institute partnered with the Grable Foundation and the TERRY MILLER Allegheny Intermediate Unit to host an event for students as Director, Institute of Politics part of Remake Learning Days. And in June, we worked with the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership on its efforts to convene stakeholders to discuss issues relating to the passage of the state budget.

report 2 3 report down at all of our state senators applauding after Senator a ballroom on the University of Pittsburgh campus, hosted Vulakovich introduced me. a diverse range of young professionals from a multitude of academic disciplines. The oversize gold and white balloons, I didn’t get to see the senator the rest of the day, because after Hillman’s signature bouquets of pastel flowers, and the sound the roll call meeting at 1 p.m., the senators went into caucus. of live Americana bluegrass that filled the ballroom made one The caucus sessions are closed to everyone that isn’t a senator, thing abundantly clear: This event was special. so Monica, Senator Vulakovich’s executive secretary, brought me back to the senator’s office, where Charlie was meeting In 2015, Henry Hillman, Elsie Hillman’s loving husband of 70 with a constituent. After this meeting, I got to talk with Charlie years, generously gave the Institute of Politics an endowment to a little bit more about his position before meeting everyone else establish the Elsie Forum, which from Pitt in the captiol rotunda for the Pitt Day in Harrisburg is designed to engage students reception. As I met with the other participants in this program, in education programs, research it seemed like everyone had just as good and insightful a day as projects, and mentoring opportu- I did, and concluding it with familiar faces and people excited nities that ultimately will prepare Caption about Pitt was awesome. All of us even got pictures with them to lead lives as engaged Provost Beeson and Chancellor Gallagher! citizens and active leaders who their various experiences in the political world because it gave will, in turn, fuel civic progress in HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE Legislator for a Day was a great introduction to the Institute me a better idea of positions I could potentially hold after the Pittsburgh region. ELSIE HILLMAN CIVIC FORUM of Politics and a fantastic learning opportunity that will stick graduation. When the senator came back, all three of them, with me for a long time. It’s one of the most insightful experi- The evening opened with an especially the senator, were very interested in and asked about A PITT JUNIOR’S DAY IN HARRISBURG: ences I’ve had in my college career so far. It helped me gain introduction by John Denny, the things I was doing on campus and my accomplishments. I A LEGISLATOR FOR A DAY REFLECTION confidence, learn about careers and internships I can aspire to, cochair of the Elsie Hillman Civic didn’t expect that and was flattered that, as busy as they were, and allowed me to meet new people excited about some of the Forum National Advisory Council By Emily Ahlin they wanted to hear about the things I was doing. same things I am. I’m grateful I was able to participate in this and a dear friend of Elsie Hillman. Shortly before 10, the four of us left to attend a meeting of program and enthusiastically recommend it to anyone who even “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me Through his presentation, Denny shared Hillman’s legacy of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. thinks they’re interested in politics. and I learn,” is an oft-repeated quote from Benjamin Franklin and leadership, illustrating her unique ability to bring together Senator Vulakovich is the chair of this committee, which is one I believe in wholeheartedly. As a visual/kinesthetic learner, political leadership and the voices of the people in order to why we went to it instead of the other meeting that was I’m always looking for other ways to learn besides the lectures truly advance social justice and encourage all citizens to be scheduled at 10, for the Transportation Committee. However, that I participate in as a Pitt student. So when Legislator for a Day NEVER A SPECTATOR EVENT productive agents for positive change. much to my surprise, this meeting lasted about five minutes. came onto my radar after an appointment with my career consul- On March 24, 2016, more than 180 students joined 24 regional The legacy of Elsie Hillman set the stage for the presentation Later, the senator would explain to me that most of the time tant, I decided it was a great opportunity that I couldn’t pass up community leaders to celebrate the student launch of the Elsie of student programs by Terry Miller, director of the Institute in the Senate, the bills are very refined and have been drafted and I sent in an application. Hillman Civic Forum (Elsie Forum) through a campuswide event and the Elsie Forum. The Elsie Forum offers six student and edited multiple times before making it to committee, thus titled Never a Spectator. The site of this groundbreaking event, programs, each with its own unique design but all sharing one Even though I am a political science major, nothing I learned in making the meetings short and sweet. This would also explain common factor: a dedication to bringing Hillman’s remarkable my classes adequately prepared me for the experience I had. I why, after the meeting was adjourned, the Senator rushed out legacy of active civic engagement, as well as her thorough knew about committees, committee meetings, and roll call votes of the room to try to make it to the Transportation Committee knowledge and understanding of civic democracy, to life. because of my studies, but some things, like how busy legislators meeting before it ended. He ran ahead and beat Charlie and The programs range from short-term programs (one to two are on a daily basis, can’t effectively be taught in a classroom, me there, and about five minutes after Charlie and I arrived, this days) open to all students to competitive long-term training no matter how much they might be emphasized. I learned just meeting also concluded. I was very impressed that we attended fellowships in which students are fully immersed in the work how busy a legislator can be no more than five seconds after I two meetings scheduled at the same time and that it wasn’t of a community partner and engage in leadership development was introduced to the state senator I would shadow for the day, even 10:30 yet. Randy Vulakovich. He had just enough time to shake my hand over two academic terms. Miller further discussed the commit- We met with more constituents and lobbyists after this, and and learn my name before I found myself in a meeting with the ment of the Elsie Forum to fostering a climate of acceptance after they left, the senator and I were able to discuss what his senator; some lobbyists and constituents; and Charlie, his legisla- that promotes the values of diversity and inclusiveness as well as career was like and what his schedule looked like and I was able tive director. It was barely 9 a.m. the values that strengthen our community and are essential to to ask questions. Another Pitt student, visiting as part of Pitt academic and institutional excellence. After the meeting, Senator Vulakovich formally introduced me to Day in Harrisburg, joined us. We had a really great, insightful As the room went quiet with reflection, onto the stage came Charlie and to Nate, his committee director. He stepped out, and conversation. I joined everyone else who was part of Pitt Day in Michael Tubbs, a young city councilman from Stockton, Calif., I got the chance to talk to Charlie and Nate about their particular Harrisburg for lunch and then afterward attended the senate not much older than most of the students, who, at age 26, positions and other jobs and internships they’d held before their roll call vote. I wasn’t expecting to be introduced on the senate has also just been elected mayor of the town, making him its current ones. At this time in my life, I’m more inclined to be a floor as a guest, but I was the recipient of this honor. I don’t staffer than an elected official, so it was really great to hear of think I’ll ever forget standing up on that balcony and looking (continued on page 6)

report 4 5 report youngest mayor ever to INNOVATION, INVESTMENT, conducting referenda for bond approval, creating or increasing hold office. Tubbs is no AND IMPROVEMENT: a gas tax, charging local vehicle fees, assessing a local sales stranger to hardship, as A CONVERSATION ABOUT tax, and expanding or increasing local property taxes. These he was born to a teenage THE FUTURE OF REGIONAL local funding options can manifest in several ways: through the mother and an incarcer- TRANSPORTATION IN SOUTH- creation of a special assessment district, through tolling and ated father in a community WESTERN PENNSY LVA NI A usage fees, and through local sales tax increments (for example, marred by poverty. Even so, designating an additional 0.5 percent of sales tax in a specific Tubbs went on to earn both On April 22, 2016, the Institute of Politics Infrastructure Policy area solely to the project in question.) his bachelor’s and master’s Committee, in partnership with the Allegheny Conference on degrees at Stanford Community Development, convened approximately 200 people “ Neighborhoods centered around transit University before returning at the University of Pittsburgh for Innovation, Investment, and are some of the most vibrant in cities.” to Stockton to dedicate Improvement: A Conversation about the Future of Regional Caption – SEAN SLONE, THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS his life to improving the Caption Transportation in Southwestern Pennsylvania.” The half-day community through public service. Tubbs gave a rousing and program highlighted trends and innovative transportation solu- inspirational speech on the power each of us has to take on tions from around the nation and also showcased local initiatives. All speakers described coalition building as critical to success, daunting problems through creative and collaborative engage- State Representative Paul but Fisher focused specifically on its importance in securing ment within the community. The room erupted with applause, Costa, cochair of the local financing for transit. He noted that, in partnerships, diver- and then the attendees had a chance to network. Institute’s Infrastructure sity and trust are key, as they ensure that the right messages For the second half of Policy Committee and will be carried to the right constituencies. Jim Hassinger, presi- the evening, the 24 a longtime advocate of dent and CEO of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, community leaders transportation-related issues stressed the role that partners can play in helping to locate were divided into in the legislature, provided funding from nontraditional sources. three groups: elected the welcoming remarks. Caption and public officials, STATE POLICY Sean Slone, director of nonprofit leaders, Toby Fauver, deputy secretary for multimodal transportation Caption transportation policy and business leaders. at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, described at the Council of State Students met with the way Act 89 changed the structure of the department Governments, informed one leader from and how that led to the creation of his position. He also attendees on the five each sector for an explained the act’s impact major issues he sees at the intimate discussion on on both large and small forefront of transporta- how Pittsburgh has transit agencies, noting tion policy: the federal changed in the past that the Port Authority Caption Fixing America’s Surface Caption 10–15 years and how of Allegheny County and Transportation (FAST) Act, a variety of new state funding exactly civic leadership the Southeastern Public efforts, the rise of P3s public-private partnerships and other has influenced this change. Mentors gave a detailed look into Transportation Authority tolling-related developments, the impact of technology and the development of their paths before leading an open discus- agency both show balanced ride-sharing companies such as Uber, and fulfilling the promise sion on what existing leaders can do to excite the next genera- Caption 10 year operating budgets, of public transit. tion to be a part of the region’s story. based on sales tax growth projected, and that smaller transit Caption Creative financing for systems have more fluid operating funds and access to capital Hillman knew better than most that community is more than needed transportation proj- for equipment replacements. simply something we all belong to; she knew that a true ects in light of limited state community is about doing something together that makes our Fauver called attention to the role of public private partnerships and federal resources was belonging matter. True to Hillman’s style, the evening was filled in future transit development and mentioned a project related addressed by both James with food, music, and serious dialogue. The night ended with to the installation of compressed natural gas stations and other Corless of Transportation students and mentors alike staying beyond the closing remarks facilities. He also reported on allocations for ports, aviation, rail, for America and Mark to capture a few more moments of engagement through the and bike/pedestrian plans, noting a much higher demand for Fisher, vice president for shared inspiration and empowerment that occurs when an grants than there was funding to support them. Caption government relations and evening comes together so beautifully, speaking with hope and policy development for Indy. As demonstrated by the Indy excitement about what we can do together as a community. Connect project described by Fisher, local communities have a limited menu of options for financing projects, including (continued on page 8)

Caption report 6 7 report BOARD OF FELLOWS Nordenberg also briefly ANNUAL MEETING touched on an undertaking that the Institute just On May 20, 2016, the Institute of Politics held its annual began. At the request of Board of Fellows meeting on the campus of the University Allegheny County Executive of Pittsburgh. All board members were invited to learn Rich Fitzgerald, the Institute about a select number of projects that the Institute is convened a research-oriented currently engaged in as well as to receive an update about task force to examine volun- the recent launch of the Elsie Hillman Civic Forum. tary municipal disincorpora- tion, a tool that financially struggling municipalities could utilize. Following in the Institute Chair Mark Nordenberg welcomed attendees to Institute tradition of bipartisan- the meeting and offered a brief history of the Institute, ship, the leadership of the task most notably that the organization was born out of a force is two former county request of civic leaders focused on Western Pennsylvania. Caption executives—Jim Roddey and Since its inception, the Institute has been driven by these Dan Onorato. same civic leaders. Before launching into the main agenda, Nordenberg provided an overview of several projects that the Institute has been a part of over the past year, including LOCAL PANEL education, infrastructure, and workforce development Again highlighting the importance of collaboration in regional beyond walkable communities. Finally, he shared a vision for initiatives. He also provided updates on two relatively new transit initiatives, local panelists identified strategies that their public transit as a system of choice and opportunity versus one of initiatives: the Opioid Collaborative and the Criminal Justice agencies were planning to pursue both independently and last resort. Task Force. (More information on these projects can be collectively. Peter Schenk, chief financial officer of the Port found elsewhere in this issue of Report.) Discussions on partnership Authority of Allegheny County, said that the authority has seen and cooperation served ridership grow and, as a result, plans to expand its park-and- as an ideal segue to the ride facilities in the next three to five years. He commented conversations that took on the fruits of Act 89, which helped to alleviate some over- place over lunch. Carly crowding on some of the more popular bus routes. Also, the Dobbins-Bucklad of the authority will be working with the City of Pittsburgh and others Regional Transportation to facilitate transit-oriented development, most notably within Alliance of Southwestern the Uptown/Oakland corridor. Caption Pennsylvania (RTA) provided Kevin Acklin, chief of staff to Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto, an introduction of the problem, noting that RTA is worried about reports that, in addition to working with the Port Authority and transit for millennials, the elderly, and everyone in between. In others to create the EcoInnovation District within the Uptown/ a survey conducted by RTA, improved public transit emerged as Oakland neighborhoods, the mayor’s office plans to reevaluate a top priority. The question is one of process, Dobbins-Bucklad how the city approaches transportation policy in general and to said. How will the region pay for improvements to public transit? Caption attempt to more effectively coordinate the disparate parts. Ultimately, what does the community want? State Representative Dan Frankel, cochair of the Institute’s Chris Sandvig of the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Subcommittee on Poverty Beyond the Urban Core, offered a CLOSING REMARKS Group stressed the importance of multimodal transportation brief update on the subcommittee’s work, noting that, with Over lunch, attendees provided feedback to RTA on the results in connecting people and the places they live with employment, State Representative Dave Reed serving as the other cochair of of RTA’s crowdsourcing initiative, in which the organization education, and opportunity, noting that this was not done the subcommittee, this work is inherently a bipartisan effort. asked more than 800 stakeholders what change in the region’s especially well in the past. He called attention to affordability transportation would make the biggest difference for the issues, noting that places with easy access to transit can now populations they serve. In closing, Bernard Lindstrom, cochair be out of reach for many homeowners in terms of cost and of the Institute’s Infrastructure Policy Committee, summarized that lack of reliable access to transportation is one of the most the day’s event with a statement about the need to overcome Caption persistent barriers for individuals and families trying to escape fear for the common good by sharing a vision for the future. poverty. He alerted attendees to the public health issue of Recognizing that it was Earth Day, Lindstrom encouraged senior citizens trapped in inner-ring suburbs that are just (continued on page 10) everyone to acknowledge the past, engage the present, and chart the future. ■

report 8 9 report Institute Director Terry SPOTLIGHT ON PARTNERSHIP Miller updated participants on the student programs REMAKE LEARNING DAYS discoverED EVENT being developed under the umbrella of the Elsie For the second year in a row, the Institute of Politics celebrated Hillman Civic Forum. The Remake Learning Days with the Grable Foundation and the Forum, developed last Allegheny Intermediate Unit by hosting an event on May 10, year, has a mission to 2016, on the University of Pittsburgh campus. This year’s event educate young scholars was attended by approximately 175 first through third graders and leaders. Programs from eight local elementary schools. are the Legislator for Institute Director Terry Miller opened the event by welcoming a Day program, the everyone and thanking the partners. She noted that hosting Caption Institute Internship and events like this not only gives students hands-on learning Seminar, the Elsie Hillman experiences but also exposes them to the campus of the THE 2016–17 PENNSYLVANIA BUDGET: Honors Scholars Program, University of Pittsburgh. Working and learning at a university FINDING COMMON GROUND IN TODAY’S the Ambassadors for Caption at a young age can help students to envision a future that POLITICAL CLIMATE Civic Engagement (Elsie ACEs), and finally the Leader in includes education beyond high school in fields of which they On June 8, 2016, the Institute partnered with the Greater Residence program that will be a partnership between might not otherwise have been aware. Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP) to convene The the Forum and the Johnson Institute for Responsible 2016–17 Pennsylvania Budget: Finding Common Ground in Leadership at the Pitt Graduate School of Public and After viewing a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted some Today’s Political Climate at Rodef Shalom Congregation in International Affairs. of Pittsburgh’s most prominent landmarks, students worked in teams of 10 to engineer a skyscraper using only marshmallows Pittsburgh. Over the course of the morning, Diana Bucco, Miller concluded the meeting by reviewing several and toothpicks in accordance with guidelines provided by president of The Buhl Foundation, moderated an impressive recommendations that were the result of the December the table’s chaperone. They worked in pairs or small teams, panel of speakers who examined shifting demographics in Policy Committee Meeting and Reception, including discussing the best possible design for the structure, and devel- Pennsylvania and their impact on the budget, the composi- the following: oped an initial model. Then, team members shared findings tion of our communities, and ways in which Republican and • Expand the Institute’s grassroots communication network around the table and together moved forward on a second Democratic legislators can come together to find common and information dissemination. structure using what they had learned from their first attempt. ground. A diverse group of participants was on hand for Suggestions from students for anyone who would like to the event. Conduct an environmental scan of regional organiza- attempt this in the future include “Big marshmallows should go tions that align with the Institute’s policy committees. The Institute was pleased to work with GPNP to host on the bottom!” and “Pyramid and cube shapes work the best!” ■ Identify and cultivate new grassroots, national, and this program because it advances the Institute’s goals of academic communication strategies. encouraging collaboration between legislators and other community stakeholders. ■ Examine the policy committees for improved inclusion and diversity. • Examine the composition of each policy committee to ensure diversity across multiple variables. Increase the frequency of face-to-face engagement of newly elected officials and community leaders. Strengthen the Institute’s connection with the University and related academic resources. Identify content experts and researchers to serve on policy committees and special projects. Identify new communication pathways to reach academics and students. • Balance programmatic requests and use of the committees as a resource. PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

The Institute strives to balance the priorities of special • Avonworth Primary Center • Penn Hills Elementary School requests from the community, committees, and elected • Chartiers Valley Primary School • Pittsburgh Lincoln PreK–5 Caption officials on an ongoing basis to actively manage projects within the capacity of the Institute. ■ • Kerr Elementary School • South Fayette Elementary School • Moore Elementary School • Twin Rivers Primary School report 10 11 report CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM • Depriving a person of his/her freedom prior to adjudication Shifting focus to the issue of criminal justice reform, Fred of guilt is a serious and intrusive action. Because a high Thieman, Henry Buhl Jr. Chair for Civic Leadership at The percentage of those in jail have not been adjudicated, this Buhl Foundation, introduced guest presenter Nancy La Vigne, calls for the development of special measures. emphasizing that La Vigne’s work as director of the Justice • Incarceration must be used judiciously. Policy Center at the Urban Institute offered a much-needed national perspective to the • Criminal justice processes must be fair and socially and retreat’s talks. financially equitable.

La Vigne praised the efforts • The criminal justice system must be cost-effective and subject of the Institute of Politics to oversight and budgetary review. Caption Criminal Justice Task Force • Modern methods and technologies should be used to obtain and explained that her timely and pertinent data to aid decision making. 2016 ELECTED OFFICIALS to introducing the first major panel of the retreat, Poverty: presentation would focus RETREAT: CHALLENGES Beyond the Urban Core, Miller directed all participants’ atten- on the goal of creating Details regarding the Criminal Justice Task Force Report are “community well-being.” available at iop.pitt.edu/CJTaskForce and elsewhere in this TO OUR COMMUNITIES tion to a digital ticker on a nearby screen, which, throughout the event, displayed the number of opioid- or heroin-related La Vigne offered the issue of Report. following recommendations deaths that occurred during the time elapsed. The open discussions that followed Nordenberg’s presentation THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 regarding criminal justice addressed the disproportionate impact of the criminal justice Convened in the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square reform, as applied to the POVERTY BEYOND THE URBAN CORE system on minorities and the poor; the benefits of moving ballroom, more than 100 government, nonprofit, and national, regional, Caption The retreat’s first panel featured a lively discussion between in the direction of community policing; and the necessity of community leaders engaged in a series of discussions aimed and local levels: Dan Frankel, Democratic caucus chair, Pennsylvania House of “cultural change,” particularly regarding the use of risk assess- at addressing and combating the most pressing issues facing Representatives, and Dave Reed, majority leader, Pennsylvania • Improve police training to help officers divert those with ment tools and evolving notions of rehabilitation. the Western Pennsylvania region: poverty, an overpopulated House of Representatives. Throughout the past year, both mental health issues away from the criminal justice system criminal justice system, and the growing heroin and opioid served as cochairs of the Institute’s Subcommittee on Poverty and toward needed mental health services. SECOND COLEMAN AWARD epidemic. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Elected Beyond the Urban Core. The cochairs’ overview and subsequent Following open discussions related to criminal justice reform, Officials Retreat, an event that Institute of Politics Director • Limit the number of pretrial incarcerations for offenders poverty-related discussions were moderated by 90.5 WESA’s the second Moe Coleman award was presented by Nordenberg Terry Miller described in her welcome as just one indication of who pose little risk to public safety and who are likely to Mark Nootbaar. Reed lamented the growing absence of “family to William E. Strickland, who founded the Manchester Bidwell Pittsburgh’s singular “spirit of collaboration.” appear in court. and community support networks,” claiming many have Corporation in Pittsburgh. Nordenberg offered heartfelt thanks Chancellor Emeritus and evaporated in recent years as a result of economic hardship in • Expedite case processing. to Strickland for his dedicated years of community service, Chair of the Institute of rural areas and the dissolution of industry-linked communities. categorizing him and his efforts as a • Reform overly restrictive and lengthy probation terms. Politics Mark Nordenberg Frankel advocated “reimagining public transportation” in the “regional treasure.” Strickland offered echoed these sentiments in interests of providing stable employment opportunities for • Improve access to data across the criminal justice system several moving anecdotes along with his presentation of the first those dislocated from transportation networks due to urban to ensure transparency and increase the likelihood of cost profuse thanks to his wife, Ruth; his Moe Coleman Award to be gentrification. In discussing the issue of governmental aid, Reed reduction and public safety restoration. friends; and his colleagues, voicing awarded that day, to Linda suggested that current funds could be allocated in a more coor- special gratitude to Moe Coleman for Lane. Citing Lane’s “sense dinated fashion, all with the aim of “restoring hope” to younger CRIMINAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE changing, early in his life, his misper- of neighborliness” in her generations whose belief in the American Dream has dwindled. WRAP-UP AND ROLLOUT PLAN ceptions of people living in poverty. years as superintendent of Frankel suggested that increased funding from local, state, and Following La Vigne’s presentation, Nordenberg introduced the Just before Thursday’s reception Pittsburgh Public Schools, national government—including an increase to the minimum Criminal Justice Task Force Wrap-up and Rollout Plan, remarking and dinner, University of Pittsburgh he commended her ability wage—is a necessary step. Both concurred that focusing on that “few aspects of life reflect the values of any country more Chancellor Patrick Gallagher voiced to lead with a “human early education qualifies as an investment “in children while than its criminal justice system.” Nordenberg outlined the task his praise for Strickland and offered touch,” positively impact Caption they’re passionate about learning” and while a positive impact force’s guiding principles in comprehensively addressing the welcoming words from the University the lives of lower-income students and families, and effectively on their future is possible. issue of criminal justice reform: of Pittsburgh to all in attendance. “raise the bar for [the] community as a whole.” The panel’s subsequent open discussion led to further remarks • The preservation of public safety via effective law enforce- Gallagher commended all participants Following Lane’s acceptance of her Coleman Award, Miller cata- from panelists and attendees regarding the importance of ment that is protective of individual rights remains the at the retreat for their willingness to loged the pressing and troubling “trifecta” of issues facing the positively impacting youth populations in school and in the fundamental responsibility of government. Safety is the top shed their “political armor” in an effort region. Miller cited recent data to demonstrate how poverty, community; expanding public transportation (including micro priority and responsibility. to thoughtfully address the needs of an overpopulated criminal justice system, and the heroin and transit); and creating inclusive, affordable housing in areas closer the public. Caption opioid epidemic are “interconnected in disturbing ways.” Prior to employment opportunities.

report 12 13 report STATE RESPONSE TO THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC OTHER INITIATIVES: Following the open discussion, Nordenberg introduced the VOLUNTARY MUNICIPAL secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol DISINCORPORATION Programs, Gary Tennis, who offered his remarks on the state- TASK FORCE wide response to the opioid epidemic. Tennis called for bipar- tisan support to address the opioid epidemic and termed the Many municipalities throughout Allegheny County are tactics of pharmaceutical companies around this issue “unac- struggling to deliver high-quality municipal services as a result ceptable.” He shared information regarding the state’s ongoing of shrinking tax bases and state funding cuts. Without these prescription monitoring efforts and promoted the increased necessary services, residents and businesses are deprived of use of Narcan and “warm handoff” procedures for those who basic public safety, needed infrastructure improvements, and have experienced an overdose. Warm handoffs ensure that economic opportunities. Caption those with substance use disorders have a person to turn to Recognizing this need, the Allegheny County executive requested at every step of their path through treatment and recovery. the Institute investigate the tool of voluntary municipal disincor- THE HEROIN AND OPIOID EPIDEMIC Tennis concluded his talk by passionately imploring participants poration. This tool allows a struggling municipality to voluntarily Following a reception and dinner, Mark Nordenberg introduced An open discussion followed Burke’s presentation, during to embrace cooperation across the aisle in the interests of dissolve into the county in which it is located. The county would then U.S Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania which the complicity of pharmaceutical companies was addressing the opioid crisis and preventing further funding then provide municipal services to the former municipality in David Hickton, who has since been appointed founding director critiqued and further conversation unfolded on the subject drains on important resources like the federal Substance Abuse exchange for a tax or fee. The theory is that efficient and effective of the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, of creating more efficient access to data across municipalities. Prevention and Treatment Block Grant. services can be delivered by the county by stretching revenue with and Security. Hickton’s presentation, titled “Western Allegheny County Department of Human Services Director economies of scale and by removing administrative redundancies. Pennsylvania’s Response to the Opioid Epidemic: A Marriage Marc Cherna offered closing remarks and sincere thanks to LOCAL RESPONSE TO THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC Disincorporation does not currently exist in Pennsylvania except between Public Health and Public Safety,” outlined the harrowing all those who had presented and participated in the day’s Tennis’ remarks regarding state-level responses segued into a under the newly revised Act 47 legislation pertaining to distressed status of heroin and opioid addiction in the United States, which events, encouraging the first day’s attendees to appear for panel discussion on “Local Responses to the Opioid Epidemic,” municipalities. However, it is an available tool in 38 states, he described as the source of a “nearly apocalyptic” series of Friday’s presentations. moderated by Hickton. Participating panelists first focused on including the neighboring states of Maryland, New York, Ohio, deaths since the mid-2000s. Hickton addressed the need to a discussion of local overdose hot spots within the city, noting and West Virginia. combat the epidemic by confronting suppliers of heroin as well that heroin is currently a more prevalent source of overdoses as the harmful practice of overprescribing opiates. He advocated FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016 than prescription opioids. Panelists suggested that working for the increased and widespread use of naloxone in instances of The second day of the Elected Officials Retreat began with with high-risk communities, providing safe houses as extensions medical emergency and increased access to data among those in Miller’s introduction of Melissa M. Weiksnar, a teacher, of the rehabilitation process, increasing access to Narcan for the medical and criminal justice communities. Hickton concluded advocate, and author of the book Heroin’s Puppet: The Rehab first responders, and increasing access to real-time data would by referring participants to the Web site OverdoseFreePA. Journals of Amelia F.W. Caruso (1989-2009). Weiksnar humbly all be viable steps toward a long-term solution. org and the Institute of Politics report on the heroin and opioid admitted her own non-professional role in the retreat’s discus- crisis, which offers as a model a continuum of care approach to sions before offering the story of her daughter’s untimely UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH/UPMC resolving the current epidemic. death as a result of an addiction to heroin and opioids. RESPONSE TO THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC Reading a series of moving and candid entries from her In the final panel concerned with the opioid epidemic, discus- The Institute’s report is available online at iop.pitt.edu/ daughter’s journals from during the time of her addiction, sion shifted from the state and local level to the University of OpioidCollaborative. Weiksnar emphasized the importance of treating addiction Pittsburgh’s and UPMC’s responses to the crisis. Nordenberg Offering a public health and epidemiological perspective on as a “pediatric developmental disease,” one that often is inter- called UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh “two distinctly the heroin and opioid epidemic, Donald Burke presented his twined with mental health issues. Weiksnar advocated for powerful partners” in combating the epidemic, particularly own findings and recommendations. Burke serves as the UPMC- the increased use of Narcan as a response to overdose and given the University’s sterling reputation in the health sciences. Jonas Salk Chair in Global Health and dean of the Graduate stressed the increased need for the safe prescription, storage, Other participating panelists, including Fran Solano, president, School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Burke and protection of opioids to prevent addiction and death. CMI, and physician at UPMC, commented that most heroin noted that Appalachia (parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania, in Miller offered thanks to Weiksnar for “bringing meaning to addictions start at the opioid prescription level and relate to particular) has remained a consistent hot spot for high mortality To study this issue, the Institute formed the Voluntary Municipal [her] daughter’s life and death” before moderating an open the management of chronic pain. Other panelists remarked on rates and accidental deaths related to heroin, fentanyl, and Disincorporation Task Force, a committee of local government discussion related to Weiksnar’s presentation. Subsequent the potential benefits of expanding multidiscipline clinics to opioid use. He dispelled the prevailing notion of the “young experts, including former county and state elected officials, discussion focused on the issue of addiction as a family disease, offer nonmedicinal treatments for pain. Diane Holder, president urban overdose,” highlighting that the demographics of over- academics, and local and state administrators. The task force is the availability of support and 12-step programs for teenagers and CEO of UPMC Health Plan, expressed her gratitude for doses are “changing dramatically,” impacting both the middle- cochaired by former Allegheny County Executives Dan Onorato and young adults, and the pros and cons of medication-assisted the fruitful and passionate discussions that unfolded over the aged and senior citizens. Burke soberly remarked that we are and Jim Roddey, will work throughout the fall and winter of treatment in conjunction with traditional therapies. course of the retreat, emphasizing to other participants that, on an “inexorable path,” advocating for improved data collec- with regard to drug addiction and its myriad impacts on indi- 2016–17, and will put forth recommendations to the county tion and computational modeling to measure and counteract viduals, families, and communities, “not one entity” can resolve executive in early spring 2017. ■ increased drug addiction and overdose-related deaths. the issue alone. ■

report 14 15 report NEW PUBLICATIONS the Allegheny County Jail4, even as crime rates have fallen,5 continue building upon the good work that already has begun. Recommendations put forth include regulatory changes at the and today, nearly 42 percent of the county’s general fund Additionally, it serves as a companion piece to other reports, state level, legislative policy options, and administrative and CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN THE 21ST CENTURY: budget is allocated to the criminal justice system.6 A contributor such as the one issued in July 2016 by the Allegheny County policy recommendations for nonprofit and community organiza- IMPROVING INCARCERATION POLICIES AND to the county jail population is the large number of people being Department of Human Services and the Allegheny County Health tions at the local level. The administrative and policy options for PRACTICES IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY detained by district judges prior to trial through the setting of Department titled Opiate-related Overdose Deaths in Allegheny community partners may guide organizations to more effectively The Criminal Justice Task Force released its final report at monetary bonds that often keep low-risk defendants behind bars. County: Risks and Opportunities for Intervention. and efficiently develop and implement short-term and long-term a November press conference at the Allegheny County strategies to address barriers within their specific areas of focus. Courthouse. The task force examined incarceration policies and A CONTINUUM OF CARE APPROACH: POVERTY BEYOND THE URBAN CORE The report also briefly examines poverty in the city of Pittsburgh practices in Allegheny County. The report makes a series of WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA’S RESPONSE At the 2016 Elected Officials Retreat, the Institute’s and outlying rural areas to provide a more comprehensive under- recommendations designed to enhance both the fairness and TO THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC Subcommittee on Poverty Beyond the Urban Core released standing of poverty in Southwestern Pennsylvania. the cost-effectiveness of the county’s criminal justice system On October 3, 2016, the Institute of Politics released A its policy brief, the culmination of its deliberations over the while maintaining a high-priority commitment to public safety. Continuum of Care Approach: Western Pennsylvania’s Response course of a year. During the Institute of Politics listening tour to the Opioid Epidemic. Like many Institute projects, it was a that Nordenberg and Miller embarked on in 2015, the topic For more information or to request a copy of any of these This study was requested by Allegheny County Executive collaborative effort that began with a request. In late 2015, U.S. of income inequity was identified as a critical social, economic, publications, please contact the Institute at 412-624-1837 Rich Fitzgerald and reflects a growing bipartisan concern Attorney for the Western Region of Pennsylvania David Hickton and political issue in the greater Pittsburgh region as well or [email protected]. View the publications at the that existing practices have been largely ineffective, very (now founding director of the University of Pittsburgh Institute as nationally. following sites: expensive, and frequently unfair. The report was the product for Cyber Law, of an effort undertaken by a 41-member task force that was In the summer of 2015, the Institute responded to this problem Criminal Justice in the 21st Century: Improving Incarceration Policy, and Security) cochaired by Mark Nordenberg, chair of the Institute of Politics by identifying and assembling a special advisory committee Policies and Practices in Allegheny County http://d-scholarship. A Continuum contacted Nordenberg and Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Pittsburgh, and of Care Approach: led by Pennsylvania State Representatives Dan Frankel and pitt.edu/id/eprint/30490 and Institute Frederick Thieman, who holds the Buhl Foundation’s Henry Western Pennsylvania’s Dave Reed to examine the issue of suburban poverty in Response to the Opioid Epidemic Director Terry Miller, A Continuum of Care Approach: Western Pennsylvania’s Buhl Jr. Chair for Civic Leadership and is a former U.S. attorney. Allegheny County. During a series of meetings, the committee seeking assistance in Response to the Opioid Epidemic iop.pitt.edu/ The task force featured a cross section of elected officials, members discussed the impacts of education, affordable expanding his efforts OpioidCollaborative/IOPOpiodReport2016.pdf academics, practitioners, and community leaders. housing, economic inequality, and transportation on people to combat the opioid living in poverty, with assistance from subject-matter experts Poverty: Beyond the Urban Core http://d-scholarship.pitt. The growing epidemic. He had a University of Pittsburgh in these areas. edu/id/eprint/30488 ■ Institute of Politics bipartisan support vision for a marriage CRIMINAL JUSTICE for change in the of public health and The purpose of TASK criminal justice system public safety efforts, a the policy brief FORCE POVERTY: is grounded in the By Terry Miller, Aaron Lauer, Briana Mihok, and Karlie Haywood vision that already had is twofold: 1) to report BEYOND THE

dramatic growth in been realized in part URBAN CORE increase awareness our country’s reliance through his establish- policy of and to educate CENTURY:

st on incarceration, ment in 2014 of a brief regional leaders University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics Health and Human Services Committee which is unprec- working group on drug overdose and addiction and through on the changing by Aaron Lauer with contributions from Moe Coleman and Karlie Haywood

edented and has other activities that he had pursued over the past five years September 2016 demographics and created a distinctly across Western Pennsylvania. landscape of poverty, American problem: especially in regard to In response, in January 2016, the Institute began to convene IMPROVING INCARCERATION POLICIES incarceration rates the increased number AND PRACTICES IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY ALLEGHENY PRACTICES IN AND

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN THE 21 THE IN JUSTICE CRIMINAL primarily University of Pittsburgh researchers in order to gain a that are among the of of individuals NOVEMBER 2016 better understanding of the efforts already under way at the highest in the world, and families living University. The group met frequently throughout the first part nearly eight times the in poverty within of 2016. Its discussions served as the starting point for this rates found in the Western European nations that we generally the suburbs, and the report, which was expanded to include efforts by physicians at view as peers.1 Nationally, the Bureau of Justice Statistics has unique obstacles that UPMC and within Allegheny, Washington, and Westmoreland reported that the number of individuals being held in local jails municipalities, human service providers, and nonprofits have counties in particular. These three counties account for more nearly tripled between 19852 and 2014.3 Such steep increases in addressing poverty-related issues outside the urban core, than half of all overdose deaths within the U.S. attorney’s have led to dramatically escalating costs but without any and 2) to provide legislative and regulatory recommenda- 25-county region. evidence that higher levels of incarceration have had any signifi- tions to address the challenges within Allegheny County and cant impact on enhancing public safety. Not intended to be all-inclusive, A Continuum of Care Approach surrounding regions so that low-income residents are able to be highlights research and other activities that could serve as a blue- more upwardly mobile and self-sustainable. There are similar trend lines in Allegheny County. In the past 20 print for action for other communities and regions. The report years, there has been a 70 percent increase in the population of also contains recommendations for action for the region to

report 16 17 report ENDNOTES 1. Institute for Criminal Policy Research, “World Prison Brief,” 5. “Crime – Large Local Agency: Single Agency Reported Crime Institute for Criminal Policy Research, http://www.prison (Step 2 of 2),” accessed November 21, 2016, https://www. studies.org/world-prison-brief (accessed November 21, 2016). ucrdatatool.gov/Search/Crime/Local/JurisbyJurisStepTwoLarge. cfm?NoCrimeCrossId=Yes&CFID=137179908&CFTOKEN= 2. Tracey Kyckelhahn, Justice Expenditures and Employment, 8fac4015a6529a7e-80657FA5-946F-3130-EB749C59DE8C2EA8. FY 1982-2007 - Statistical Tables (Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2011). 6. Analysis by Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Data Analysis, Research, and Evaluation for the 3. Tracey Kyckelhahn, Local Government Corrections Institute of Politics Criminal Justice Task Force based on the Expenditures, FY 2005-2011, (Washington, DC: Bureau of data from the Allegheny County Budget. Justice Statistics, 2013).

4. Analysis by Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Data Analysis, Research, and Evaluation for the Institute of Politics Criminal Justice Task Force based on the data from the Allegheny County Jail.

NOTES

report 18 19 report Institute of Politics 710 Alumni Hall 4227 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15260 iop.pitt.edu

REPORT INSTITUTE OF POLITICS DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS EDITOR DIRECTOR SERVICES Terry Miller Terry Miller COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER MANAGING EDITOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR, FINANCE Jolie Williamson Briana Mihok Megan Soltesz ART DIRECTOR TECHNICAL EDITOR SENIOR POLICY STRATEGIST Rainey Opperman-Dermond Aaron Lauer Briana Mihok POLICY ANALYST PRODUCTION MANAGER Aaron Lauer Chuck Dinsmore POLICY STRATEGIST EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Karlie Haywood Sarah Jordan Rosenson EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tracy Papillon UNDERGRADUATE INTERN All Institute of Politics publications Rhiannon Jacobs are available online. DIRECTOR EMERITUS Moe Coleman CHAIR AND CHANCELLOR EMERITUS The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. Published in cooperation Mark A. Nordenberg with the Department of Communications Services. DCS110008-0217

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