Rafael Santana, President & CEO, Wabtec Corporation
Congratulations on your victory and the opportunity you have to renew Pittsburgh’s promise. As CEO of Wabtec — a company deeply rooted in this region’s industrial heart — I’d like to share three practical perspectives on how we can continue to accelerate our city’s comeback.
First, modernize infrastructure with targeted public/private partnerships: Upgrade freight and transit corridors to support jobs, reduce congestion, and attract investment. Second, prioritize workforce development: Scale apprenticeships and STEM training linked to local employers, so residents are at the center of Pittsburgh’s growth story. Third, foster a business-friendly climate: Start by streamlining permits, incentivizing redevelopment of vacant sites, and promoting deep tech and advanced manufacturing clusters.
Commit to measurable goals, transparent progress metrics, and quarterly public updates. Pittsburgh’s strengths — its talent, universities, and manufacturing legacy — are a powerful foundation. With pragmatic leadership and collaboration between government, industry, and communities, we can build a more prosperous, connected, and resilient Pittsburgh for the next generation. On behalf of Wabtec, we stand ready to partner for Pittsburgh’s progress.