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City Council
The Department of Innovation and Performance and the Department of City Planning use a database that contains parcel-level data and modeling for environmental peril. Among other things, city planning has used the information to update its landslide map from the 1980s. The departments requested to pay the 2027 license fee early using leftover 2026 funds.
City Council
Council addressed the housing shortage in Central Oakland by amending the neighborhood’s zoning code. Space that had been previously set aside for laboratories and research can now be used for new housing developments. The neighborhood has an inclusionary zoning overlay that requires affordable units to be set aside in market-rate developments of 20 units or more.
City Council
The Urban Redevelopment Authority presented its plan for phase three of the East Liberty Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID). It includes $183 million in mixed-use development and $24 million in infrastructure improvements. After the 20-year diversion ends, the area is projected to bring in over $2 million per year in taxes, split between the city, the county and the school district.
City Council
Mayor Corey O’Connor’s proposed 2027 operating, coming in at $727 million, would put 42% toward public safety, including positions previously funded by the Stop the Violence Trust Fund. A $145 million capital plan includes $23.8 million for street resurfacing and $20.3 million for the fleet. To cover costs, the city would need to pull from its rainy-day fund and borrow through the bond market.
City Council
Mayor Corey O’Connor’s proposed 2027 budget would eliminate the Stop the Violence Trust Fund and the Housing Opportunity Fund. Personnel, programming and other costs would be moved into the general fund. Doing so could allow the money to be used for other purposes if needed. Any unspent funds would be added to the reserve.
City Council
Council Budget Director Kiersten Walmsley called the proposed $727 million 2027 budget honest but a “bat signal” for state and federal help. With revenue falling and expenses rising, Mayor Corey O’Connor suggested reducing pension contributions and tapping the rainy-day fund. Walmsley called the plans necessary, but risky and unsustainable.
County Council
The administration proposed its 2027 operating budget for the county. Most departments will have their budgets frozen or see a slight decrease. A fifth year of declining real estate tax revenue and increased expenses are contributing to the county’s tighter finances.
County Council
Under proposed legislation, the treasurer’s office will be required to make real estate tax bills available by Jan. 31. They will also contain standardized information, such as rate of taxation and where bills can be paid. The treasurer’s office now has satellite locations in each council district that can accept payments.
City Council
The $20 million donation from Highmark Health will cover purchasing 13 new fire trucks. Because the donation will be split over five years, the Equipment Leasing Authority requested council’s approval to enter into a financing agreement for the trucks. Buying them all at one time allows for a price discount, though the city will have to pay a little more than $2 million in interest on the financing.
City Council
Council may track how developers use the affordable housing bonus available in the new zoning code. Proposed legislation would require the Department of City Planning to send a semiannual report to council. The department will also issue any recommendations for changes to the program in two years.
City Council
A proposed unearned income tax could raise $51 million a year for the city. Council members disagree on how to keep the city afloat during a difficult financial period. If passed, Pittsburgh would be the first municipality to enact such a tax. Council sent the bill to a public hearing.
County Council
Council also amended its 2021 Paid Sick Leave Act. Employers with 15 or more employees must provide one hour of paid sick time off for every 30 hours worked for up to 72 paid hours per year. Employers with fewer than 15 employees are required to provide the same with a cap at 48 paid hours per year.
County Council
Forty-nine people spoke during public comment with 43 being in favor of paid leave. Many cited the need for birth mothers to physically heal and for both parents to bond with the baby. Some of those who spoke in favor recalled painful experiences during and after childbirth. Opponents cited financial concerns for small businesses.
County Council
Allegheny County Council voted 11-4 in favor of implementing paid parental leave. All businesses with 15 or more employees must provide 12 weeks’ paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, foster care placement or stillbirth of a child. Businesses have 180 days to implement the policy with a potential 180-day extension to account for differences in fiscal calendars.
City Council
Pittsburgh may reinstate side yard sales. The program allows residents to purchase abandoned lots adjacent to their homes at a reduced rate. Lot prices will increase to $1,500. An online calculator will show the total cost, which includes fees such as the deed transfer tax, which is based on the land’s assessed value.
City Council
The Food Justice Program selected 19 projects, spanning all nine council districts, to receive a portion of a $250,000 grant. The grants aim to bolster community organizations that address food insecurity and lack of access to fresh food through production or distribution. Federal funding cuts spur continued interest in investing in local food networks.
City Council
Pittsburgh City Council is considering a plan to codify a Dec. 20 deadline for passing the annual budget. The date gives the mayor 10 days to act with a one-day cushion for council to override a veto or for the budget to automatically become law if it remained unreturned. No one knows what happens if the budget isn’t passed by Dec. 31.
City Council
New developments in Pittsburgh still have to meet parking requirements. On Oct. 21, council agreed to move forward with a zoning package that would drop them. It would also ease building backyard houses and basement or attic suites, and let developers build higher with affordable units. Council is expected to cast its final vote next week.
City Council
Today, the city can sign some big contracts without a council vote. That's how a $6.5 million deal with ShotSpotter went through last year. On Oct. 21, a bill requiring council approval for such multi-year contracts over $30,000 failed. It advanced, however, after the limit was raised to $1 million.
City Council
Young college graduates leave Pittsburgh for more diverse cities, a council member said. In a 5-4 vote on Oct. 21, council reversed course and advanced renewing the city's $50,000 yearly Vibrant Pgh membership. Last month, the committee had recommended against it. The council president said a diverse workforce is vital to the city's success.