City of Clairton

Contents

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Demographics, Municipal Staff and Officials, History.

 

More information about Clairton can be found on their municipal website:

www.cityofclairton.com

 

Demographics

 

 

More detailed municipal profiles are available from the US Census. 

 

Municipal Staff and Officials

 

 

 

 

History

Clairton’s existence began when the United States Steel Company acquired the town’s site just after the turn of the century as a location for an integrated steel mill. The site had more than a thousand acres of level land suitable for a large industrial complex. In January of 1922, the City of Clairton was incorporated as a City of the Third Class with a population of approximately 11,000. This incorporation was prompted by industry, which was taxed by the three boroughs -Clairton, Wilson and North Clairton - which were chartered separately prior to the incorporation of the City of Clairton.

During the next several decades, growth and advancement indicated a thriving city. As the steel mill expanded, the population of Clairton grew. Clairton took on a life of its own, including a business district and educational, religious, and cultural facilities. However, with the decline of the steel industry in the early 1980’s, Clairton began to experience severe problems in its employment and tax base, which spurred a major economic shock to the community.

In 1988, the City of Clairton was designated as a distressed municipality by the Commonwealth’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Pursuant to Act 47 of 1987 (the Financially Distressed Municipalities Act), DCA commissioned the development of a recovery plan for Clairton. The Recovery Plan provided a short-term strategy for the survival of the City as a corporate entity and provided recommendations for strategies that hopefully could lead to long-term survival of the community.

Marked by the adoption of a Home Rule Charter and Council-Manager form of government in 1989, Clairton began to strive toward positive change and recovery. This effort continues today, evidenced by more stable finances in local government and re-institution of services such as recreation and local police services.

Although still classified as a Financially Distressed Community, hopes for economic recovery and the once-existent growth and advancement are instilled within the Council and residents. The City has faced great change throughout its history, but the cooperation of residents and local government can lead the city on the road to prosperity. 

 

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