Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting - June 16, 2026

The Pittsburgh City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Six members were present (as noted by the clerk). The meeting included agenda amendments, proclamations, public testimony, introduction of numerous bills, and final passage of six committee reports. Key topics included community concerns about vacant properties, an illegal skate park, and playground funding, as well as approvals for capital budget adjustments, litigation settlements, and infrastructure projects.

Consent Calendar

• Amended the agenda (motion carried unanimously).
• Approved two proclamations: declaring June 18, 2026 as Henry DeLuca Day, and June 14, 2026 as Reverend Hubert D. Hutcherson Day (motion carried unanimously).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller (East Liberty neighborhood) spoke in support of diversity, referencing PROC 2026-0603 for Dr. Brenda Gregg. He urged council to recognize Hinduism alongside other faiths, stating that failure to do so is anti-diversity.
• Valerie Law (former president of Northview Heights Citizens Council) expressed frustration over unfulfilled HUD funds for playground replacements in Northview Heights. She described dangerous conditions for 500+ children and called for accountability from Housing Authority CEO Caster Binion and others.
• Bethany Cameron (Informup.org, Overbrook) presented survey results from 54 readers across all nine districts. Key findings: strong support for expanding the adopt-a-lot program beyond gardening, and 70% willingness to volunteer for protected natural areas. She emphasized the need for city enforcement, not just volunteer reliance.
• Carlino Giampolo (Panther Hollow) complained about an illegal skate park at a playground, citing rats, graffiti, vulgar language, a broken fire hydrant, and noise. He urged Mayor O'Connor and council members to visit and take action.
• Maddie Williams (Manchester) described the June 11 collapse of 1406 Sheffield Street. She noted the building was condemned by the city (she stated in 2017) but sat vacant for nine years. She criticized the lack of enforcement and asked Council President Lavelle for a meeting regarding the city's $25.6 million in vacant properties in Manchester.
• Arthur Kassowski (Manchester) provided data: Manchester has 1,477 parcels; only one-third are owner-occupied. 50 entities (government, corporations, nonprofits) control 40% of properties, including over half of vacant land. The city is the largest owner. He asked for a meeting to develop a financial plan for restoring historic buildings.
• Yvonne F. Brown (Hill District) spoke about issues with an elected official and the need for better bus service from KBW Ervis Tires area. She also referenced her sister’s advocacy for Northview Heights.
• Anthony Williams (no address given) offered general encouragement to council and emphasized communication.
• “Special agent sunshine” (no name given) delivered a religious message, warning “rich oppressors” and promoting a dance project.
• Iris Goshe Rudolph (Manchester) requested help with a contractor damaging her property and seeking contact for code enforcement.
• Rick Smith (North Oakland) questioned Resolution 2026-586 regarding a $46,000 renewal for Cyclomedia (geocycloramas). He asked for rationale, alternatives, and risk mitigation, noting the city’s dependence on sole-source vendors.

Discussion Items

• Council President Lavelle responded to concerns from Manchester residents about the building collapse at 1406 Sheffield Street. He clarified that a condemnation notice does not mean the city owns the property; the building was condemned by the city in 2021, then sold on the open market in 2022, 2023, and 2024. A demolition permit was submitted in 2024 but faced community opposition at the Historic Review Commission due to concerns about what would replace it.

Key Outcomes

• Final passage of six committee reports (each with a 9-0 vote, as recorded):
  • Finance and Law (Bill 634): Approved three capital budget amendments: $1 million increase for complete streets (federal funding), $1,065,795.78 for street resurfacing (ARPA funds), and $550,000 transfer from sports facilities to play area improvements.
  • Public Safety and Wellness (Bill 638): Approved $6,000 for Pulse Point emergency services app renewal.
  • Public Works and Infrastructure (Bill 639): Approved four items: correction of park name in a River Life grant, $404,254.34 for Frankstown Avenue Signals design, $2.5 million for East Ohio Street Safety and Streetscape project (100% reimbursable), and asphalt paving for Allegheny Avenue.
  • Land Use and Economic Development (Bill 640): Approved $35,949.14 over three years for lead dust analysis services (lead-safe ordinance).
  • Innovation Performance, Asset Management and Technology (Bill 641): Extended Workiva Inc. software subscription for one year, increasing amount by $61,493 (total $339,461 over seven years).
  • Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs (Bill 642): Authorized a three-year agreement with Wilkinsburg for municipal waste collection at a cost not to exceed $3,401,631.99.
• New bills introduced (first reading): Included resolutions for a summer youth employment program ($1 million), liquor license transfer, capital budget amendments, slope failure remediation, rezoning in Mount Washington, grant for Homewood Senior Center flooring ($40,000), Corless Tunnel preliminary design ($1 million, 80% reimbursable), bridge engineering contracts, right-of-way licenses, street vacation, asphalt paving recommendations, seven litigation settlements (totaling $445,000), and a cooperation agreement with Carnegie Library for HVAC/roofing at Squirrel Hill Branch ($400,000).
• Bill 2026-0609 (Mount Washington rezoning) was placed on the next standing committee agenda via a motion to waive Rule 8.
• Meeting adjourned after motion to approve minutes.