The Pittsburgh City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. All nine members were present. The meeting included a proclamation supporting Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR), public comments from six registered speakers, the introduction of several resolutions, appointments to boards, and a call for a post-agenda on utility coordination.
Good morning and welcome to the regular meeting of City Council on Wednesday, January twenty first, two thousand twenty six. Would the clerk please take the roll? Mr. Charlin, Mr. Coghill. Here. Ms. Gross. Mr. Mosley? Here. Mrs. Salonetro? Here. Mrs. Strasberger? Here. Ms. Warwick. Mr. Wilson? Mr. Label President? Here. Five members present. I don't see the question. Thank you. Um, for those who are able, please rise to a Pledge of Allegiance, remain standing for a moment of silence. One nation undergo individual with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Our next order of business is to amend the agenda. Is there a motion to amend? So moved. Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Thank you. Our next order of business will be a will of counsel from Councilman Gross. And Councilman, what is your will wish to come up or joined today by supporters from um the Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, and if you wouldn't mind, Mr. President, would you mind if we um all gathered at the front for the appreciate it? Would you mind all those here for the will of council? I don't have the copy in front of me that has the co-sponsors. And whereas over the decades, PAR has grown from a volunteer-led helpline and advocacy effort into a comprehensive survivor support organization. Whereas PAR's mission is to respond, educate, and advocate to end sexual violence, and PAR provides essential, no cost, trauma informed services to survivors of sexual violence throughout Allegheny County. And whereas PAR serves survivors of sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation or sex trafficking, as well as their loved ones, which includes services to children, teens, and adults of all genders and backgrounds. Whereas PARS core services include a 24-7 confidential helpline, in-person crisis response, and accomplished accompaniment during hospital forensic exams, and advocacy at police stations and throughout criminal, civil, and campus processes. And whereas PAR also operates the child and family counseling center, offers specialized services through Project Rise for individuals experiencing commercial sexual exploitation or trafficking, and provides prevention education and training for schools, professionals, and community groups. And whereas in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape serves as the sole rape crisis center, providing 24-7 crisis response, medical and legal advocacy, counseling and prevention education to residents across the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. And whereas in the past year alone, PAR served nearly 2,500 survivors, approximately 15% of whom were children. Underscoring both the scale and urgency of the need for these services locally.