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Pittsburgh City Paper Returns Under New Local Ownership, Reaffirming the Power of Print, Community-Centered Journalism, and Member Support 

LocalMatters, a nonprofit dedicated to sustaining local news, acquires Pittsburgh’s beloved alternative newspaper with support from public and private investments. 

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh City Paper (pghcitypaper.com), the city’s free alternative newspaper founded in 1991, is relaunching under new local ownership with a bold vision for the future. LocalMatters, a new nonprofit focused on helping local news organizations become self-sustaining, has acquired City Paper and will return the publication to readers both online and in print. 

City Paper will continue to operate as a for-profit publication, backed by LocalMatters’ infrastructure and mission-driven approach to preserving independent local journalism. 

The relaunch represents more than the return of a publication — it signals a renewed commitment to the kind of local news that only a free, independent paper can deliver. City Paper will resume coverage across all its signature beats: community-rooted news, politics, arts, counterculture, events, food, and the creative, weird, and uniquely Pittsburgh stories that have defined the paper since its founding. Ali Trachta, who has served as City Paper’s Editor-in-Chief and then Executive Editor during the last three years, will continue in that role, with nearly all the editorial staff returning as well. 

Print Is Back 

Core to the relaunch is City Paper‘s return to print, beginning with monthly issues. In an era dominated by algorithms and digital noise, the return of a physical newspaper that readers can pick up for free at their corner coffee shop or bus stop is a deliberate and meaningful choice.

Simultaneously, LocalMatters will be driving digital innovation, creating modernized tools for journalists and a more streamlined, curated experience for online readers. 

New Ownership, Local Roots 

The opportunity to revive City Paper came together quickly in the wake of the shutdown announcement. Chris Maury, a former engineering manager at Apple and social entrepreneur, was able to quickly assemble a group of supporters willing to invest time and money into supporting not only City Paper, but the broader news community through the combination of private investment and partnership with LocalMatters and The Lenfest Institute acting as fiscal sponsor. 

LocalMatters’ relaunch of City Paper has been encouraged by several regional foundations that share a belief in the importance of a strong local media ecosystem. 

LocalMatters is led by board chair Tracy Certo and board members Mike Capsambelis, Kevin Gieder and Kamal Nigam. 

Understanding the challenges of running a newspaper successfully, Block Communications, Inc. expressed a strong desire for City Paper to end up under responsible new ownership. ”It was made clear to me during the course of the sale that BCI took seriously the stewardship of City Paper, and took many steps along the way to vet the buyers’ long-term plans and resources. I’m grateful for that because I’m confident the paper landed in good hands,” said Trachta. 

“Local journalism isn’t short on ambition, relevance or audience. What it lacks is a sustainable business model,” said Certo, founder of NEXTpittsburgh, which she ran for seven years before selling at the end of 2020. “LocalMatters will focus on expanding resources and practical tools and sharing them across newsrooms so journalists can focus on the work communities rely on.” 

Community Support Is Critical 

The relaunch comes with a new strategy that prioritizes community building, sustainability and innovative thinking, but City Paper’s long-term success depends on the community it serves. 

To that end, City Paper is launching a membership program and calling on readers to pledge their support. Sustaining memberships — whether large or small — will be critical not only to day-to-day operations but to unlocking resources that will keep the paper thriving for years to come. 

“A City Paper membership is not a passive donation. It is a meaningful investment that will enable us to provide not just the reporting our readers expect, but to grow our readers’ ability to connect with and experience everything that makes Pittsburgh such a fascinating place to live,” said Trachta.

Patrick Fisher, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, adds: “City Paper has been a vital lens on Pittsburgh’s cultural life, bringing voices and perspectives from the margins into the city’s broader conversation. Alternative papers like this help the community see the heartbeat of a city, and City Paper has amplified local artists, organizations, and creative work since its inception. Its continuation ensures that Pittsburgh’s cultural identity remains visible, celebrated, and accessible to all.” 

About Pittsburgh City Paper 

Pittsburgh City Paper is the city’s free alternative newspaper, covering community news, politics, arts, culture, food, and events across Pittsburgh’s many neighborhoods. Founded in 1991, City Paper has served as an essential voice for nearly 35 years. 

About LocalMatters 

LocalMatters is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and strengthen public interest journalism through grant-making, program activities and direct support. Journalists and newsrooms will have access to innovations that will strengthen reporting that informs their communities. 

Your city. Your paper. Join us.