New Allstate Renewal Project Poll Finds Pittsburghers Very Optimistic About Region's Direction

PITTSBURGH, May 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Morale is high among Pittsburghers and many are bullish about the region's future, with 80 percent saying the region is moving in a positive direction. In addition, 93 percent of residents believe renewal is possible for other U.S. cities, according to a poll released today by The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) as part of The Renewal Project.

The Allstate Renewal Project Poll asked residents living in the Pittsburgh area about their perceptions of the economy, innovation, renewal and the city's future.

Economic Renewal and Innovation:
The Pittsburgh poll found plenty of enthusiasm among residents about the city's economic growth. Exactly half of area residents credit Pittsburgh's positive economic outlook and renewal to cooperation among elected officials, businesses and residents. As the city has moved away from a primarily steel-driven economy, a plurality of residents believe Pittsburgh's future economic prosperity will be driven by a diverse mix of businesses (46 percent). Leading the charge to be "the new steel," according to those polled, will be the technology industry (21 percent) and health care sector (19 percent).

While Pittsburghers look to the future, they also remain committed to maintaining the city's historic identity.

• A majority support the brownfield redevelopment, projects aimed at reclaiming and repurposing waterfront land previously occupied by steel mills. Eighty-two percent agree that these private-public partnerships have been important to Pittsburgh's renewal.
• More than half of residents (53 percent) seek a balance between the past and future, and would like to see the two connected by repurposing historic features around the region to fit modern needs.
• More than two-thirds of locals (67 percent) believe Pittsburgh's commitment to infrastructure, including a transportation network to meet future needs, is an important element of the city's livability.

"Pittsburghers are a proud bunch and with good reason," said Stacy Drumtra, director, The Renewal Project, Allstate. "The city's grit, determination and from-the-ground-up renewal has brought about an inspiring transformation, making Pittsburgh the model for other regions looking to reinvent themselves."

Pittsburgh Pride:
Pittsburgh is a city with a spirited culture driven by long-term residents who enjoy the many experiences offered by the region and a vibrant university life that fosters a younger generation of dedicated Pittsburghers.

• An impressive 90 percent of area residents agree that colleges and universities in and around Pittsburgh contribute to the city's appeal by developing students who are out-of-the box thinkers and fosters a love for the area that retains college-educated adults.
• Fifty-four percent of locals believe the city's devoted sports culture is one of the biggest draws to the Pittsburgh area.
• More than half of Pittsburghers have lived in the region their entire lives, and more than three-quarters would recommend a friend move to the area (53 percent and 78 percent, respectively).

Pittsburgh residents also highlight the cultural destinations and sports the city has to offer. The Carnegie Science Center (85 percent), Carnegie Museum of Art (81 percent) and The Duquesne Incline (80 percent) ranked high among must-see attractions for out-of-town visitors. Sporting events also are highly recommended, with 80 percent suggesting visitors attend a Steelers game, 79 percent a Pirates game, and 75 percent a Penguins game.

• Pittsburgh residents are proud of the legacy left behind by the late Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney. Locals cite his leadership and six Super Bowl wins (37 percent), as well as his contribution to the NFL through the Rooney Rule, which increased coaching opportunities for minorities (24 percent), as some of his greatest contributions.
• Underlining their sports fandom, 84 percent of residents say Pittsburgh's nationally recognized sports teams, all donned in black-and-gold, represent the city's pride.
• A majority of Pittsburghers identify with the black-and-gold spirit, with 68 percent reporting they own at least one Terrible Towel. Area residents average 2.5 Terrible Towels.

This latest Allstate poll is a snapshot of the greater Pittsburgh area, which is largely split among the generations: Millennials (28 percent), Generation Xers (26 percent) and Baby Boomers (27 percent). The Silent and Greatest Generations combine to make up the remaining 14 percent.

The poll is part of The Renewal Project, a "social first" website and newsroom launched by Allstate and The Atlantic's consulting arm, Atlantic Media Strategies, which spotlights individuals and local organizations advancing social good in communities across America. To learn more about The Renewal Project and see in-depth poll data, visit www.therenewalproject.com or find The Renewal Project on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Survey Methodology
The Allstate Renewal Project Poll investigates the views of Pittsburgh metro area residents. The poll was conducted by FTI Consulting from April 22-26, 2017. The survey included a sample of 400 adults age 18+ living in the greater Pittsburgh area, 200 reached via cell phone and 200 reached via landline phone. The margin of error for a sample of 400 is +/- 4.9 in 95 out of 100 cases. 

About Allstate Corporation
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life's uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Other growth platforms include predictive analytics company Arity and consumer-product protection plan company SquareTrade. Allstate is widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate^®." Allstate agencies are in virtually every local community in America. In 2016, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $42 million to support local communities.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 4,700 employees located in 29 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. The Company generated $1.81 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2016. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter (@FTIConsulting), Facebook and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Allstate Corporation

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