This Week’s Top Issues

• Three Referenda to Amend the Home Rule Charter Heading to Voters this May
• Pittsburgh to partner with Allegheny County to support programming for children, youth, and families, contributing $4.2 million
• Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh to receive $2 million for professional services relating to eviction prevention

Three Referendums to Amend the Home Rule Charter Heading to Voters

• The May primary ballot for City residents will include three amendments to the Home Rule Charter (similar to a constitution).
• The referenda include adding an anti-discrimination policy; prohibiting the use of the Home Rule Charter amendment process “to add duties or obligations beyond the lawful scope of the City’s authority”; and restricting the lease and/or sale of the City’s water and sewer system to private entities.
• The first two referenda are in response to a local divestment advocacy group’s effort to get its own referendum on the ballot, which members of Council worry would hamper the City’s ability to do business.

Pittsburgh Joining Allegheny County in Supporting Programming for Children, Youth, and Families

• This one-year pilot effort will help fund programs such as Learn and Earn, which provides summer job opportunities for youth ages 14–21 in low-income households.
• The City will contribute $4.2 million to the partnership and expects to receive $5 million from the County.
• Partnering with the County’s Department of Human Services allows for leveraging additional state funding opportunities.

Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh to Receive $2 Million for Professional Services Relating to Eviction Prevention

• Last year, Council passed a measure allowing 20% of the City’s Stop the Violence Fund to be used for tenant-protection resources.
• Tenants facing housing instability must be at or below 80% of Pittsburgh’s Area Median Income to qualify for assistance.
• Services include landlord-tenant mediation ahead of eviction proceedings, as well as legal representation if a landlord has filed with the court.

Action Items

Let the City Council know how you feel about the above issues by taking this brief survey. We'll share everyone’s thoughts directly before they take a vote (We wont be presenting in person until we get to 50 respondants).

Take the survey here (~1 minute)