Pittsburgh City Council Meeting Summary - December 29, 2025

The Pittsburgh City Council convened on December 29, 2025, for a regular meeting marked by significant transitions as Councilwoman Cale Smith announced her departure after 17 years of service. The session included public testimony regarding property tax increases and displacement concerns in the Manchester neighborhood, the approval of several ordinances and resolutions related to public safety, recycling, and land acquisition, and a series of heartfelt farewell tributes from current colleagues.

Consent Calendar

• No specific Consent Calendar items were listed or discussed in the transcript; the meeting proceeded directly to public comment and specific report subcommittees.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elena Zaitsov (Online): Expressed anger and anxiety regarding the city's budget and property tax increases. Stated that the numbers "don't add up" and characterized the budget as "not honest." Expressed concern that raising property taxes creates a "new class of poor" and criticized the incoming administration's lack of a plan. Mentioned that neighbors are suffering and that "Act 47 is coming" (a state financial oversight law). Expressed uncertainty about the incoming mayor's plan, noting the current president "walked away" from past debates.
• Million Perry Pfeiffer: No speech text was provided for this speaker in the transcript, though they were listed as a registered speaker.
• Lisa Freeman: Represented the Manchester neighborhood and expressed strong opposition to the recently approved 20% property tax increase. Stated that the tax hike threatens seniors on fixed incomes, renters, and small businesses with eviction and displacement. Expressed that the problem was raising taxes without protections while developers were "shielded." Opposed the "TRID" (Tax-Related Intervention District) agreement, arguing it uses future tax money to fund private development while exposing residents to risk. Called for amending the TRID to include property tax caps, relief for fixed-income homeowners, renter protections, and enforceable community benefits. Directed criticism at Council President Lavelle for failing to represent his own district's residents.
• Unidentified Faith Speaker: Stated their position that trusting in the Lord brings strength and that God's words never pass away. Expressed a commitment to sharing biblical truths and correcting misunderstandings about scripture. Emphasized that the "righteous get what they want" but the "wicked will get what they fear most."

Discussion Items

• Bill 2698 & 2699 (Communications): Received messages from the Pittsburgh Land Bank Task Force and the Office of Management and Budget regarding sustainable funding and grant status. A clarification was made that the Land Bank report was being received from the task force generally, and a minor clerical error regarding the bill title would be corrected in the Legislaw system.
• Bill 2667 (Ordinance Amendment): Councilwoman Cale Smith expressed a position of hesitation regarding the passage of this Fiscal Title II amendment, stating she wanted to ensure the committee had considered moving forward with tax increases at the same time as a "stop the violence" bill. She did not vote against the bill but sought clarity on the timing and context. The bill passed with one "No" vote from Mr. Mosley on this specific item.
• Bill 2654 (Recycling Services): Councilwoman Cale Smith expressed a position of concern regarding the lack of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the contract with Eastern Research Group Inc. She stated, "I just want to vote on issuing the contract without an RFP... I don't see it here and I don't know." She explicitly stated she would "abstain" rather than vote in favor, despite liking the idea, to ensure process compliance.
• Farewell Tributes: Multiple council members (Coghill, Sharlin, Straher, Warwick, Mosley, Gross) expressed deep appreciation for Councilwoman Cale Smith. Positions expressed included:
  • Collegiality: Members affirmed Smith's ability to maintain relationships despite political differences, with Mr. Sharlin and Ms. Warwick noting that Smith "always has their back" and "never doubt[s] your heart and intentions" even when they "seem like we don't agree."
  • Constituent Advocacy: Councilwoman Gross and Ms. Warwick expressed that Smith "fights so fiercely" and is "unapologetic" for her constituents, with Mr. Wilson noting that residents call her directly for emergencies like fires.
  • Mentorship: Members expressed that Smith taught them the ropes of city council, with Mr. Sharlin calling her an "unbelievable teacher" and Mr. Wilson crediting her with elevating him in various areas including land bank work.
  • Personal Connection: Mr. Mosley and others highlighted personal and familial ties between their families and the Wagner family (Smith's family), emphasizing the human connection beyond politics.

Key Outcomes

• Voted to Pass Final:
  • Bill 2621, 2653, 2678: Passed with 9 Ayes.
  • Bill 2667: Passed with 8 Ayes (Mr. Mosley voted No), 1 Abstention (none recorded for this specific bill, but Smith requested clarity). Correction: Transcript states "eight ayes, one no" (Mosley).
  • Bill 2646 (Stop the Violence): Passed with 9 Ayes to authorize agreements with five organizations for $2,628,710.40 over three years.
  • Bill 2655 (Fort Pitt Park): Passed with 9 Ayes for permanent access to Parcel 50 F 296.
  • Bill 2654: Passed with 8 Ayes, 1 Abstention (Mrs. Cale Smith). Authorizes recycling education outreach up to $100,000.
  • Bill 2645 & 2676 (HR/UPC/Work Partners/Experian): Passed with 9 Ayes each.
  • Bill 2677 (GIS Support): Passed with 9 Ayes up to $49,900.
  • Bill 2647 through 2682 (Intergovernmental/Affordable Housing/Land Bank): Passed unanimously with 9 Ayes. Includes agreements for affordable housing services, land bank property acquisitions in Wards 5, 9, 12, and 13, and the condemnation of Homewood House to preserve affordable housing.
• Announcements: City offices closed Thursday, January 1, 2026. Swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned via motion to approve minutes, with "All in favor say aye."

Note on Discrepancy: The transcript initially lists "Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle" as Council President, while the roll call introduces "Mr. Laval." The transcript also refers to "Councilman Sharlin" as "Robert Charlotte" in one instance and "Strasburger" as "Erica" and "Straher" interchangeably. The summary uses the names as they appear in the majority of the context or the most consistent references provided in the formal actions (e.g., Councilwoman Strasberger, Mr. Lavelle).