Pittsburgh · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pittsburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Affordable Housing Bonus Program reporting
A new ordinance would require the Planning department to file regular reports on the Affordable Housing Bonus Program, adding transparency to how affordable housing incentives perform.
Inter-Municipal Liquor License Transfer for Adda Gelato
A request to move liquor license R-2228 from TAVAP, Inc. to Adda Gelato, LLC at 2550-2554 Smallman Street in the Strip District.
Sale of tax-acquired properties
Council will consider selling 31 vacant or tax-delinquent properties the city acquired, putting them back into private hands and on the tax rolls across five districts.
East Liberty Transit Revitalization Investment District Phase III
Council will consider adopting the East Liberty TRID Phase III Implementation Plan, covering transit-oriented development in Districts 7, 8 and 9.
Capital budget realignments favoring street resurfacing
A series of amendments shift roughly $1.75 million from recreation/senior center and facility lines into street resurfacing across several budget years — while one shifts $1.58 million back out of street resurfacing into facilities.
Allegheny River Green Boulevard project
Council took up a $566,108.95 engineering agreement (80% reimbursable) and an amended PennDOT agreement raising the project cap to $4.61 million for the Allegheny River Green Boulevard project.
Permit parking waiver for caregivers
A resident got a $40 ticket while helping a friend with dementia get his medication, because permit-parking rules cap visits at one hour. He asked Council to pass an ordinance creating a waiver for people assisting residents.
Homeless camp near Ukrainian Catholic Church
A Bloomfield resident said a homeless camp has returned beside the Ukrainian Catholic Church near Cupples Stadium and asked Councilman Charland to clear it, citing disruption to the parish's fundraisers.
Mount Washington Zoning and Height Map Amendment
Two Mount Washington parcels would be rezoned from Park to Urban Industrial under an ordinance introduced by Councilwoman Salinetro — presented only, no vote yet.
Sale of Block 174-N lots for redevelopment
Six parcels in the 13th Ward (District 9) would be sold through the URA to developer McCormack Baron Salazar at no cost to the city, setting the stage for redevelopment.
Complete Streets funding increase
An extra $1.3 million for Complete Streets projects — safer streets for walkers, bikers, and drivers — funded entirely by federal highway dollars at no cost to the city.
Bus route changes on the Lincoln, 81, 82, and 83
A resident with 30 years riding the Lincoln bus (81, 82, 83, 84 routes) blasted stop consolidations that force seniors, workers, and people with disabilities to walk up to a mile between stops, urging the transit authority to fix it before the merged 84 route takes effect.
North Shore lane controls, Fort Pitt Park, and riverfront trail grants
The city accepted a $739,007 PennDOT grant for North Shore overhead lane use controls, plus DCNR grants for the Fort Pitt Park renovation and Allegheny Riverfront Trail connectivity planning — all at no cost to the city beyond the matched capital budget dollars.
Department of Innovation and Performance Leadership Appointment
The council is considering a nominee to direct the city's technology systems, data services, and digital performance initiatives.
Transit Labor Contract
Pittsburgh Regional Transit just locked down a new four-year union contract, meaning you won't have to stress about sudden transit strikes ruining your commute anytime soon.
Tenant Relocation and Landlord Regulation
Allegheny County is implementing a new tenant relocation rule to protect renters who get kicked out because their landlords let the property fall apart. It's basically a stronger safety net so you aren't left high and dry by negligent owners.
Homewood Park Construction Project
The city approved an additional $25,678.75 for construction administration on the Homewood Park project with Studio Zewde, bringing the total project cost to over $2.16 million.
Data Center Development
Neighbors near a proposed massive data center in Butler County are fighting for a voice in the development, signaling upcoming local zoning battles over major industrial projects. If you live near these sites, expect rapid changes to your neighborhood and heated community debates.
Workforce Development
Pittsburgh Water just launched a "Bridge to Careers" program to train locals for skilled trade jobs, helping fill their own staff shortages while getting people paid work. It's a win-win for local employment and keeping our water system running smoothly.
Election Administration
Allegheny County just made voting way easier by opening up satellite offices where you can drop off your mail-in ballot early. No more stressing about the mail or rushing on Election Day—just drop it and go.