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Pittsburgh City Council

City council passes a budget that is $15 million more than the mayor’s.

Written by Amy Whipple

After over 40 hours of public meetings, hearings, discussions, and seemingly endless votes, council passed the 2026 budget.

The council budget totaled $693.2 million, about $15 million more than Mayor Ed Gainey’s proposal.

Big ticket changes included an additional $10 million for vehicles and equipment, $8 million for overtime pay for the bureaus of emergency medical services and fire and $6.5 million for utilities. It also reflected Council President R. Daniel Lavelle of the Upper Hill District’s $5 million reduction in the Stop the Violence Fund. 

Incoming Mayor Corey O’Connor requested early personnel changes as well. Notably, he wants to go back to the director of finance and the city treasurer being two distinct positions. They are currently combined into one.

A few council members expressed uneasiness about granting requests from a non-sitting administration without anyone present for discussion. They said, however, they wanted to make a gesture of good will.

O’Connor’s changes reflect an increase from Gainey’s proposal although they are a decrease from 2025 spending.

The new budget will remain open for five weeks after the new mayor is sworn in. Council expects to revisit it with the O’Connor administration after Jan. 5.

Connections to this story

Elected officials:
R. Daniel Lavelle
Topics:
City Budget & Fiscal
Governments:
Pittsburgh City Council
Sources:
Resolution 2025-2454 — making appropriations to pay the expenses of conducting the public business of the City of Pittsburgh and for meeting…

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