Allegheny County Council Meeting with Chief Executive Quarterly Address - April 28, 2026

The Allegheny County Council held its regular meeting on April 28, 2026, at 10:15 AM. The meeting featured the Chief Executive's Q2 address, a proclamation recognizing a retiring police chief, passage of several resolutions, and public comment. Thirteen members were present, two absent.

Chief Executive Quarterly Address

• Chief Executive delivered a Q2 address covering the recently hosted NFL draft, economic development initiatives, and family policy plans. She reported that 150 small businesses were screened and selected by the NFL for draft-related contracts. The county presented a $500,000 check to Welly Bottle Company, bringing total targeted sector investment to $15 million.
• She announced the relaunch of First Home Allegheny with $3 million in funding (previously created 56 homeowners with under $2.5 million), and a new Main Street Allegheny initiative with $4 million. So far, 12 grants totaling $211,400 have been awarded for 12 events reaching an estimated 801,950 participants.
• Food permit wait times have been reduced from a maximum of 80 days in 2024 to 32 days for complex permits and under three days for simple permits, following an executive order to streamline the process.
• She previewed a "Forward with Families" initiative to be announced the next day, building on previous child care investments using ARPA funds.

Questions from Council

• Councilmember Hallum asked about eviction prevention and enforcement of the anti-retaliation ordinance. The Chief Executive confirmed capacity and training are being developed. On winter shelter closure, she stated shelter is temporary and not a long-term dignified solution, noting the 500 & 500 program's success in moving people quickly to stable housing. She could not provide immediate cost estimates for year-round shelter but committed to sharing data.
• Councilmember Filiaggi thanked the Chief Executive for the health department's flexibility on food permits and praised the administration's focus on permanent housing over shelter.
• Councilmember Howland asked about a housing opportunity fund. The Chief Executive described two funds under the Housing for All executive order: a quick-strike acquisition fund and a housing production fund, targeting $50-100 million from public, philanthropic, and bank investments to acquire and build affordable housing, including workforce housing (80-120% AMI).

Proclamations

• Resolution 13928-26: A proclamation recognizing Chief John Burlette for 47 years of service to law enforcement, sponsored by Councilmember Filiaggi. Chief Burlette and his family were present and honored.
• Other proclamations (13929-26 through 13935-26) were read into the record, including declaring April 28, 2026 as Workers' Memorial Day, recognizing Angie Gialloretto, Broughton Volunteer Fire Department's 100th anniversary, and several high school coaches and players of the year.

Consent Agenda & Unanimous Votes

• Approval of minutes of March 4, 2026 regular meeting: approved by voice vote.
• Resolution 13896-26 (grants budget amendment, submission 02-26): approved 13-0.
• Resolution 13921-26 (grants budget amendment, submission 03-26): approved 13-0.
• Resolution 13840-26 (dissolving Clinton Commerce Park Phase 2 TIF district): approved 13-0. Councilmember Botta noted the dissolution returns money to the county.
• Resolution 13864-26 (urging PJM Interconnection to improve project interconnection process for new energy generation): approved 13-0.

Liaison Reports - Discussion on Property Reassessment Hearings

• Councilmember Walton noted that four public hearings on regular reassessment have been scheduled at CCAC campuses around the county, but none in the City of Pittsburgh. He urged the administration to add a Pittsburgh hearing.
• Councilmember Hallum raised concerns that all hearings are on the same day of the week and same time, potentially limiting attendance, and requested a digital session or online comment form.
• The solicitor stated that adding a fifth hearing would require a separate motion with location, date, and time. Council indicated support for a north campus (North Side) location in Pittsburgh.

Public Comment

• Jacob Poole addressed the council, alleging personal mistreatment, inability to file police reports, and human trafficking. He stated he applied for 3,000 jobs without success, is isolated, and cannot access services. He also mentioned a petition to create a countywide 311 system was blocked. No other public commenters appeared.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions on the agenda passed unanimously (13-0).
• Proclamations were issued and recognized individuals and organizations.
• The council expressed intent to add a fifth reassessment hearing in the City of Pittsburgh and requested additional digital access options.
• The meeting adjourned following public comment.