Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting – October 27, 2026

The Pittsburgh City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. Six members were present. The agenda included multiple proclamations, public testimony on the proposed 2027 budget, introduction of new legislation, approval of appointments, and final votes on several bills from standing committees.

Proclamations

• Detective John Gagliardi Day (October 22, 2026): Honored the late detective for 35 years of service; sponsored by Councilmember Charland and all members.
• G.R.O.T.T. Program & Lamar Thomas Day (October 27, 2026): Commended Lamar Thomas and the Gamma Ray Ocean Think Tank for youth empowerment; sponsored by Councilmember Mosley and all members.
• Alma Lewis Contemporary Arts & “Color Is Life” Exhibition Recognized the reopening and exhibition featuring Stephen Towns and Murjoni Merriweather; sponsored by Councilmember Mosley and all members.
• Hazelwood Arts Trail Day (October 27, 2026): Declared the day in celebration of the neighborhood’s public art; sponsored by Councilmember Warwick and all members.
• Emmai Alaquiva Day (October 27, 2026): Honored the Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and multimedia artist; sponsored by Councilmember Mosley and all members.
• Kevin “KK” Alton Day (October 27, 2026): Recognized KK Alton for his lifetime commitment to the South Hillitop; sponsored by Councilmember Charland and all members. All proclamations were adopted by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matthew King (District 5) Raised concerns about evidence preservation by Pittsburgh Police, citing a case where Ring camera footage was not preserved. Urged Council to investigate training and procedures.
• Jayla Rucker (Manchester, co-chair of Housing Justice Table) Strongly opposed the elimination of the Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) and Stop the Violence Fund (STV), stating, “Losing these funds means people will die.” Called on Council to preserve and expand them.
• Seth Davis (Bloomfield) Criticized Mayor O’Connor’s proposed 2027 budget for cutting HOF and STV while increasing the police budget by $10 million, including $1.5 million for a “Cop City” training campus. Urged Council to reject the increase.
• Andrea Bokowitz (Oakland Planning and Development Corporation) Supported the HOF, stating her organization relies on it for housing assistance and affordable housing development. Called on Council to maintain the fund.
• John Honerhan (Fine View) Expressed support for Councilmember Warwick’s proposed unearned income tax, saying he would be willing to pay more. Called the current budget an “aussterity” move that taxes the wrong things.
• Mallory Brandon (Lawrenceville) Denounced the budget as a “wealth transfer from poor Pittsburghers to Corey O’Connor’s campaign donors,” pointing to increases for police and a new ShotSpotter contract while cutting lifelines.
• Bob Damewood (Mount Washington, Regional Housing Legal Services) Called the proposal to keep the realty transfer tax but eliminate the HOF a “bait and switch.” Urged Council to reject the budget.
• Lindsay Sickler (Executive Director of Proudhaven) Opposed the closure of Roots, claiming the mayor’s administration is not transparent about the lease.
• Chief Ikohena Hal Malkina (unidentified neighborhood) Comlained about the treatment of her son by police, calling for retraining and accountability.
• Maddie McGrady (Highland Park, co-chair of Housing Justice Table) Urged Council to preserve the HOF and STV, warning of “moral injury” if they abandon vulnerable residents.
• Other speakers (including Daniel Giles, Crystal Jennings Rivera, and several residents) opposed the budget cuts and supported the HOF, STV, and the unearned income tax proposal.

Discussion Items

• Budget and Funding Debates Although no formal budget item was on the agenda, many public comments addressed Mayor O’Connor’s preliminary 2027 budget, which proposed eliminating transfers to the Housing Opportunity Fund and Stop the Violence Trust Fund while increasing police funding. Multiple speakers argued these funds are essential and not gimmicks.
• Bill 994 (Cooperative Purchasing Oversight) The Council debated an amendment to require weekly reporting on cooperative purchases. Councilwoman Strassberger moved to lower the reporting threshold from $3,000 to $5,000 (from $30,000), citing consistency with P-card limits. After discussion, the amendment passed 8-1 (Councilman Wilson opposed). The bill as amended was then approved 9-0.
• Bill 847 (Vibrant Pittsburgh Membership) Some councilmembers expressed opposition; the bill passed 5-4 after a roll call vote.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments Confirmed: Jennifer Cash Wade to the Housing Opportunity Fund Advisory Board; Mathew Davis as Chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire; Rea Price as Director of OMB and CFO; Sylvia Harris as Director of Innovation and Performance. All approved without dissent.
• Commitee Reports and Final Votes:
  • Finance and Law (7 bills): Bills 982-987 and 994 passed. 847 passed 5-4. Others passed 9-0.
  • Public Safety and Wellness: Bill 974 (Humane Animal Rescue agreement) passed 9-0.
  • Public Works and Infrastructure: Bills 979 and 981 passed 9-0.
  • Land Use and Economic Development: Bills 1545 (zoning overhaul, with a technical amendment) and 834 passed 9-0.
  • Recreation, Youth and Senior Services: Bill 988 (food service agreement with Pittsburgh Public Schools) passed 9-0.
  • Inovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology: Bills 975, 976, 992 passed 9-0.
  • Intergovermental and Educational Affairs: Bills 977 and 978 (sewage facility plan revisions) passed 9-0.
• Executive Session Schedule: Council scheduled an executive session for 1:00 PM on bills 1045 and 1046 (litigation settlements).
• Announcement: Councilmember Mosley thanked the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for a tree planting honoring his father. Councilmember Strassberger noted the 8th anniversary of the Tree of Life shooting and led a moment of silence.

The meeting adjourned after all business was concluded.