Julia Fraser
Development & Growth ReporterJulia Fraser is the growth and development reporter for WESA covering the economy, transportation and infrastructure.
She was previously a staff writer and researcher at a civic data and journalism partnership between Pittsburgh Quarterly magazine and the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social and Urban Research. She reported on issues ranging from poorly understood outcomes of billions of dollars in workforce training spending, to the public health impact of the Pittsburgh region’s long-standing air quality problem. She's received regional and national awards for her in-depth journalism.
Prior to her writing career, she worked as an archaeologist and served in the Peace Corps in rural Senegal. She earned a BA from Northwestern University and an MPhil from the University of Cambridge.
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The Pittsburgh region’s unemployment rate has risen slightly over the past year. But it still remains lower than the national rate. -
The new addition will connect to the existing Heinz History Center on the corner of 13th and Penn Ave and add almost 92,000 sq ft. to the museum. -
Pennsylvania's Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development program opens today. It lets developers skip to the front of the line for certain construction permit reviews. -
A Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling last week affirmed cyclists' right to ride on roadways. But cyclists must make a reasonable effort not to impede cars and trucks. -
PIT PAWS, Pups Alleviating Worries and Stress, is the airport’s certified therapy dog program. Throughout the week, 43 good boys and girls hound down nervous fliers and seek out belly rubs. -
Pittsburgh-area land banks have sold properties and evolved over time. But as they look to the next block, they must continue to secure funding and build on their models. -
Pittsburgh begins its $15 million replacement of all 35,000-plus streetlights around town over the next two years. -
Both sides of the Armstrong Tunnel will be open and flowing with traffic beginning Thursday morning. After a two-year, $13.1 million renovation it's is now fixed up and down to one lane in either direction with wider shoulders. -
Gov. Josh Shapiro came to Pittsburgh Tuesday to promote his proposed $50 million investment in scientific and technological innovation statewide as a part of his 2025-26 budget. -
What remains of U.S. Steel's footprint locally is centered in the Mon Valley. With the sale to Nippon on the table, many local leaders are pondering what the future looks like either with or without U.S. Steel.
