Allegheny County Council Meeting - May 26, 2026

On May 26, 2026, the Allegheny County Council held a regular meeting at 10:00 AM. The meeting began with the election of Councilmember Michelle Nacarati Chapkis as the first female President of the County Council, following the resignation of former President Patrick Katina. Key actions included unanimous passage of an ordinance codifying federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) protections at the county level, approval of a $335 million general obligation bond package, and a series of proclamations honoring community institutions. The meeting also featured extensive public comment on a controversial campaign mailer sent by former President Katina regarding transgender athletes.

Election of Council President

• Councilmember Katina resigned as president effective May 22, 2026.
• Councilmember Michelle Nacarati Chapkis was nominated and unanimously elected (15-0) as the new president.
• In her acceptance speech, Nacarati Chapkis emphasized her commitment to transparency, balanced budget, property reassessment, housing, and volunteer firefighter staffing. She noted she is the first woman to hold the position in Allegheny County history.

Proclamations & Certificates

• 13962-26: Proclamation recognizing the Valley Mirror newspaper for its 45 years of service (1981–2026). Sponsored by Councilmember Adams. Owners Tom and Dave Paloff Jr. spoke.
• 13963-26: Proclamation recognizing CCAC's first Culinary Entrepreneurship Innovation Showcase. Sponsored by Councilmember Madonna Emmerling. Winners: Mike Dixon, Jaden Raisum, and Mira Ready (concept: Indie Soul). CCAC faculty spoke.
• 13965-26, 13966-26, 13967-26: Proclamations for Earl J. Birdie's 100th birthday, Frances Maxson's 60 years at CCAC, and Clairton's Memorial Day celebration were read into the record.

Public Comments on Agenda Items

• B. Claymeyer (Act Up Pittsburgh): Called on council to codify PREA protections and condemned former President Katina's transphobic mailer. Demanded Katina resign.
• Benjamin Chizzar: Praised council members and endorsed Nacarati Chapkis for president. Urged progressive policies like paid parental leave and free transit.
• Jill Ratliff (Act Up Pittsburgh): Demanded Katina step down and urged passage of the PREA ordinance. Criticized council silence.
• Samantha Fitzgerald (Act Up Pittsburgh): Highlighted violence against trans inmates and called for PREA protections and Katina's resignation.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Minutes (13968-26): Minutes of April 28, 2026 meeting approved unanimously.
• Appointment Presentations: Two appointments (Damian K. Wiles to Independent Police Review Board; Edward Bigley to ALCOSAN Board) referred to Appointment Review Committee.
• Unfinished Business – PREA Ordinance (13810-26): Committee on Public Safety reported favorably. Ordinance to codify federal jail rape elimination standards at county level. Passed 15-0 after roll call.
• New Business – Bond Ordinance (13970-26): Authorizes up to $335 million in general obligation bonds for refunding, capital projects, and equipment. Discussion included Councilmember Walton's criticism that no reassessment hearing was held in a Black community. Passed 15-0.
• New Business – Charter Referendum (13969-26): Ordinance to place a referendum on the November 2026 ballot to repeal the chief executive's sole authority over contracts (excluding property). Referred to Government Reform Committee.
• Liaison Reports: Councilmember Palmer attended CCAC commencement; Councilmember Hallam reported a murder of inmate Tyrone Good at Allegheny County Jail on April 29, 2026, under investigation.

Key Outcomes

• Elected Michelle Nacarati Chapkis as County Council President (15-0).
• Passed the Jail Rape Elimination ordinance (13810-26) (15-0).
• Approved general obligation bond issuance up to $335 million (13970-26) (15-0).
• Adopted minutes and referred appointments and charter referendum to committees.
• Public urged further action on trans rights and accountability from former President Katina.