Pittsburgh City Council Regular Meeting for November 2, 2026

The Pittsburgh City Council convened its regular meeting on November 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. President R. Daniel Lavelle presided over a session that included veteran proclamations, public testimony, the introduction of over twenty new legislative items, and the final passage of several committee reports.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Councilmembers Coghill and Allegheny County Councilmember Susan Philogy jointly presented proclamations declaring November 7, 2026 as “Grand Marshal Bradford G. Washabaugh Day” and “Veterans Day Parade Day,” recognizing the 107th annual Veterans Day parade. Commander Jim Hay and other veterans accepted the honors.
• Councilmember Warwick sponsored a resolution declaring November 8, 2026 as “Mount Rise Baptist Church Day.”
• Councilmember Strassburger sponsored a resolution affirming the essential role of arts for health initiatives.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dr. Ronald Lyn Miller criticized the city's existing networking and connection efforts, describing them as superficial.
• Ralph Williams (Bloomfield) expressed support for a resident, Mr. Champolo, regarding the Panther Hollow Playground and an illegal skate park. He criticized Councilmembers Charland and Warwick, asserting that Councilwoman Warwick had disrespected a handicapped person and calling for her resignation. He also urged Councilmember Charland to address a homeless camp near a Ukrainian Catholic church.
• David Tessator (Banksville) requested that Council create a parking fine waiver for residents or their helpers attending to individuals with special needs. He described a personal experience assisting a 50-year resident with dementia, receiving a $40 ticket, and finding the appeals process to be inadequate.
• Yvonne F. Brown (Bedford Avenue) asked the city to provide passes (blue cards) for employees unable to access work during street closures for parades. She also raised public safety concerns about deer in her neighborhood.
• Special Agent Sunshine delivered a religious testimony invoking scripture and warning council about the protection of children and justice.

Discussion Items

• Presentation of Papers: Council members introduced numerous bills. Notable items included a $20 million equipment lease for the Bureau of Fire (Bill 1067, Rule 8 waived for expedited review), a $4.6 million amendment for the Allegheny River Green Boulevard project (Bill 1074), $70 million for the Charles Anderson Bridge project (Bill 1076), and a contract for the RAISE Hill District project (Bill 1075). Councilwoman Strassburger introduced the sale of 31 tax-delinquent properties (Bill 1072). Councilman Lavelle introduced legislation requiring the annual operating and capital budgets to be transmitted to the mayor by December 20 (Bill 1083). A rezoning ordinance for two parcels in Mount Washington from Park to Urban Industrial (Bill 1087) was introduced; the agenda notes it requires referral to the Planning Commission for a report and recommendation.
• Motions: Councilwoman Warwick called for a future post-agenda hearing on gun violence.

Final Actions

All committee reports were passed unanimously by roll call vote:

• Finance & Law: Approved operating transfers, legal contracts, the Side Yard Sale program, and ARPA funding reallocations.
• Public Works & Infrastructure: Accepted grants for North Shore traffic controls ($739,007), Fort Pitt Park ($1M), and Allegheny Riverfront Trail connectivity ($100k). Authorized easements for the Swindell Bridge rehabilitation.
• Land Use & Economic Development: Authorized a $124,000 agreement with MidAtlantic Solid Waste Consultants for compost initiatives.
• Recreation, Youth and Senior Services: Authorized $250,000 in Food Justice Fund grants.
• Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs: Approved a sewage facilities plan revision and an intermunicipal liquor license transfer to Adda Gelato, LLC.

Public Notice & Upcoming Schedule

• Unearned Income Tax: Legislative Projects Manager Sean Carter read a public notice for Bill 2026-1052, advertising the city’s intent to adopt a 2% tax on unearned income (dividends, rentals, capital gains, royalties, trust distributions) estimated to generate $51 million annually to maintain city services and achieve long-term budget balance.
• Schedule: A standing committee meeting was set for 1:30 PM. A public hearing on Oakland UCE zoning (Bill 714) and a post-agenda on the Housing Opportunity Fund were scheduled for November 4, 2026.