Public Meetings - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. All members were present except Council Member Deborah Gross. The meeting featured proclamations honoring community leaders, public comments on a range of issues, introduction of new legislation, and final passage of multiple items from committee reports. Proclamations - 2026-0903: Declared September 24, 2026, as "Bishop Wade Jones Day" (adopted unanimously). - 2026-0904: Congratulated the Homewood Active Living Center on its 51st Anniversary (adopted unanimously). - 2026-0905: Recognized Reverend Dr. Glenn Garrett Grayson, Sr. for 30 years of pastoral leadership at Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church and declared September 22, 2026, as "Reverend Glenn Grayson Day" (adopted unanimously). - 2026-0906: Recognized Paul Leger posthumously for his public service career and declared September 22, 2026, as "Paul Leger Day of Public Service and Fiscal Stewardship" (adopted unanimously). Public Comments & Testimony - Marguerite Patrick (no neighborhood stated): Expressed difficulty finding affordable housing as a 75-year-old widow who has worked multiple jobs, noting that the voucher program has a huge waiting list and is currently closed. - Edward Hetrick (North Side): Urged the council not to shut down Roots, a resource center on East Ohio Street, citing its vital services for veterans, homeless individuals, and others, including water, medical testing, and housing assistance. - Jean-Luc Foster (no neighborhood stated): Questioned whether city infrastructure changes (narrowing streets, expanding sidewalks, adding Flock cameras) are part of a plan to push people away from driving toward public transportation, and asked for clarification on the city's goals. - Chief Ikhana-hal-makina (representing Aboriginal American people): Criticized corruption in city and county government, changes to streets that make Pittsburgh unrecognizable, and the "Operation Reaper" cleanup campaign, urging restoration of the city's character. - Carlino Giampolo (Panther Hollow): Continued opposition to the illegal Oakland do-it-yourself skate park, warning council members and the mayor that ignoring community concerns will lead to loss of trust and negative consequences. - Yvonne F. Brown (no neighborhood stated): Complained about the loss of bus service in her community since 2018, unsafe conditions at her apartment building, and alleged physical assaults by building management that have not been addressed by police. - Unique Brown (no neighborhood stated): Criticized council for neglecting basic city maintenance, citing a large hole in a parking lot that has remained unfixed since 2022, and accused council of failing to respond to residents' problems. New Legislation (Presentation of Papers) The following bills were introduced and referred to appropriate committees: - 2026-0891: Firewall upgrade contract with ePlus Technology, Inc. at a cost not-to-exceed $47,800 over one year – referred to Innovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology. - 2026-0892: Plan revision to the Official Sewage Facilities Plan for 929 Liberty Avenue, at no cost to the City – referred to Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs. - 2026-0893: Temporary construction easements, aerial easements, and permanent right-of-way acquisitions for the Swindell Bridge project, costs not to exceed $90,000 (95% reimbursable) – referred to Public Works and Infrastructure. - 2026-0894: Close-out of a DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant for the Trail Maintenance Master Plan, at no cost to the City – referred to Public Works and Infrastructure. - 2026-0895: Claim settlement for Jerald S. Foresman ($6,197.48) for damage to his parked vehicle from a City ES vehicle – referred to Finance and Law. - 2026-0896: Claim settlement for Sage Melody Grodin ($3,726.40) for damage to her parked vehicle from felled branches – referred to Finance and Law. - 2026-0897: Amendment to ARPA funding allocation (Exhibit A, version 11) – Rule 8 waived, referred to Finance and Law. - 2026-0898: Increase STREET RESURFACING by $200,000 using ARPA funds – Rule 8 waived, referred to Finance and Law. - 2026-0899: Reduce LED STREETLIGHT UPGRADE by $146,683 and increase STREET RESURFACING by the same amount using ARPA funds – Rule 8 waived, referred to Finance and Law. - 2026-0900: Grants Office status update for week ended September 18, 2026 – received and filed. - 2026-0901: Minimum Municipal Obligation for the City's three pension funds in 2027 – received and filed. - 2026-0902: Nominations of John Fisher and Vicky Butch for the Citizen Police Review Board Law Enforcement Professional Seat 2 – received and filed. Final Action on Committee Reports All bills reported from committees received final passage by a vote of 8-0 (Council Member Gross absent). These included: - Finance and Law: Claim settlements for Regina Stewart ($2,961.34), James Matthews Jr. ($7,615.61), and Anthony Rollins ($5,869.98). - Public Safety and Wellness: Grant application for the Pittsburgh EMS Hazardous Material Medical Group Project (not to exceed $179,826.11) and acceptance of a donation of 229 trauma kits and associated training from UPMC (value not to exceed $100,000). - Public Works and Infrastructure: Grant application for the Schenley Heights Pavilion at Robert E. Williams Memorial Park (not to exceed $500,000) and authorization of eminent domain for the Swindell Bridge rehabilitation with just compensation not to exceed $5,400 (95% reimbursable). - Innovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology: Contract extension with Granicus, Inc. for Legistar software and video streaming (new total not to exceed $795,518.74), amendment with STR Grants, LLC for eProperties Plus ($62,542.61), amendment with Social Pinpoint for EngagePGH platform ($124,972 over 5 years), and amendment with Change Agents Training for e-Learning ($108,000 over 6 years). - Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs: Agreement with University of Pittsburgh for a Civic Engagement Internship Program at no cost to the City. Key Outcomes - Four proclamations were adopted unanimously. - All 13 bills from committee reports were passed finally by an 8-0 vote. - Rules were waived for bills 2026-0897, 2026-0898, and 2026-0899 to appear on the September 23 standing committee agenda. - An executive session was scheduled for 1:00 PM on bills 2026-0879, 2026-0895, and 2026-0896 as they relate to litigation. - Public hearings were announced: September 22 at 1:30 PM on Bill 2026-0732 (historic designation of Allegheny Arsenal) and September 23 at 1:30 PM on Bill 2026-1545 (inclusionary zoning and parking minimums). Speaker registration deadlines were noted.

The Pittsburgh City Council held a virtual-only post-agenda discussion on surveillance technologies on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Councilmember Deborah Gross chaired the meeting, which featured invited national experts: Dr. Lorrie Cranor from Carnegie Mellon University, Clarence Okoh from TechTonic Justice, and Councilmember Mike Siegel from Austin, TX. (Sarah Hamid from the Electronic Frontier Foundation was unable to attend due to illness.) The discussion aimed to inform Pittsburgh’s emerging surveillance technology policy, building on a September 2, 2026 report submitted by the city. Presentations - Dr. Lorrie Cranor (Carnegie Mellon University) gave an extensive overview of modern surveillance technologies—including AI-powered facial recognition, license plate readers (ALPRs), mobile phone tracking, smart home devices, and radio frequency sensing—and their privacy implications. She noted that AI face recognition is often inaccurate and can lead to wrongful arrests. She critiqued the City of Pittsburgh’s surveillance technology report for not systematically documenting what data is collected, how long it is retained, who has access, and whether access is logged and audited. She also identified a gap: the report does not cover independent authorities such as the Pittsburgh Parking Authority and Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, which also collect sensitive data. She offered CMU’s privacy engineering program to assist with future analysis. - Clarence Okoh (TechTonic Justice) framed mass surveillance as a civil and human rights crisis, citing examples like a Maryland school district’s AI weapons detection system that misidentified a bag of Doritos as a handgun, leading to a traumatizing police response. He detailed the Pasco County (Florida) predictive policing program, which used secret data sharing agreements and an algorithm to assign risk scores to over 17,000 students (about one in five in the district). The program resulted in higher rates of exclusionary discipline and was designed to pressure families to move or sue—a practice later found to violate the Fourth Amendment. Okoh urged a comprehensive approach: prevent AI injustice by banning inherently harmful technologies, protect rights through testing and impact assessments, and repair harms through accountability mechanisms. He supported creating an AI Bill of Rights and community co-governance models. - Councilmember Mike Siegel (Austin, TX) described Austin’s experience ending its ALPR (Flock and Axon) contracts in June 2025 after discovering that Flock’s contract contained loopholes allowing data to be fed into AI systems despite a stated 7-day retention limit, and that 20% of police searches were non-compliant with city council guidelines. He noted that Austin’s surveillance impact report revealed 126 different technologies subject to their Trust Act. He emphasized that local governments are often not equipped to evaluate these tools and that even well-intentioned uses (e.g., park security cameras) can have unintended surveillance consequences. He advocated for transparency measures (surveillance impact reports) as an intermediate step for communities not ready to cancel contracts, and warned that data held by the city can be requested by state or federal authorities, especially given the current political climate. Discussion Items - Councilmember Kahari Mosley asked the panel for a “playbook” of immediate steps Pittsburgh could take. The panel suggested holding public hearings with citizen comment, conducting audits of existing programs (e.g., ALPRs), reviewing vendor contracts for hidden data-sharing clauses, and establishing an AI Bill of Rights or similar affirmative protections before adopting new technologies. - Councilmember Erica Strasberger emphasized the need for a holistic understanding that includes all city departments and independent authorities, and suggested using the city controller’s office for performance audits. She raised concerns about differentiating beneficial uses (e.g., red-light cameras for safety, cameras solving hit-and-runs) from mass surveillance, and noted Pittsburgh’s limited ability to regulate private companies under state law. She also flagged overlapping issues of AI, data centers, and surveillance technologies. - Councilmember Deborah Gross noted that the city’s current report is just a starting point and does not answer critical questions about data access and usage. She highlighted that residents are concerned about Flock cameras, AI, and data center proliferation. - Mr. Okoh, responding to a question from Councilmember Gross about data brokers, explained that data brokers are private companies that aggregate personal data from many sources (utility bills, social media, etc.) and sell it. They create a loophole around constitutional protections because law enforcement can purchase data instead of obtaining a warrant. This data can also be used for surveillance pricing (e.g., raising flight fares or rent based on personal data) and is especially dangerous in an authoritarian political climate. He noted that local governments can put barriers in place but face jurisdictional limits. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was an informational hearing to build council members’ knowledge and frame future policy. - Several council members expressed interest in adopting a more comprehensive approach similar to Austin’s Trust Act, including surveillance impact reports, audits, and community engagement. - Councilmember Gross indicated that the council would continue the policy conversation and consider expanding the scope of surveillance reports to cover independent authorities and address data access, retention, and logging. - Dr. Cranor offered Carnegie Mellon University’s assistance with analysis, and Mr. Okoh encouraged moratoriums on high-risk AI systems to allow time for thoughtful regulation. - The discussion underscored the need for Pittsburgh to move beyond its initial surveillance technology inventory and toward a robust governance framework that protects civil liberties while allowing beneficial uses.

The Pittsburgh City Council held a public hearing on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to consider Bill 2025-2224, which would rezone three parcels in the Banksville neighborhood from RM-M (Residential Multi-Unit Moderate Density), P (Park), and R1D-L (Residential Single-Unit Detached Low Density) to RP (Residential Planned Unit Development). The rezoning is intended to facilitate the "Golden Horizons" development. The Planning Commission issued a positive recommendation on July 28, 2026, with a condition that the legislation be amended by a substitute with attached text. Public Comments & Testimony - First speaker (name not stated): Raised considerations regarding disability accessibility for the proposed senior community. The speaker noted that the development's townhouses will include elevators, which is a remarkable accessibility feature, but emphasized the need to comply with the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 design requirements, such as door widths and clear floor space. They also questioned whether the planned pool would have a lift for independent entry. The speaker explicitly stated they were not voicing support or opposition, nor alleging housing discrimination, but simply raising awareness about physical accessibility in new construction. - Thomas W. Keisle (2675 Winchester Drive, Banksville): Expressed that he is not against the project and supports housing development, but raised specific concerns about the placement of amenities. He noted that the pool, clubhouse, two pickleball courts, and a 29-car parking lot are all located in the one corner that abuts his property, despite the site being 26 acres. He estimated the pickleball courts would be about 50 feet from his home, and cited an American Planning Association study recommending setbacks of at least 250 feet for pickleball courts due to noise. He also mentioned that 79% of the land remains green, but most of it is on the hill away from the three adjacent houses. He works from home and is concerned about the noise from pickleball, which involves a loud "crack" sound. Discussion Items - Council members (presumably sponsors Council Members Kail-Smith and Salinetro) thanked the public speakers and described the legislation as a simple rezoning of three parcels to a single Residential Planned Unit Development district. No further deliberation was held. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was conducted as required, and the bill was subsequently referred to the Committee on Land Use and Economic Development. - The Planning Commission's positive recommendation with the condition to amend by substitute remains attached to the bill for further committee consideration.

The City Council met on September 17, 2026, to address proclamations, a resolution regarding housing voucher policies, public comment on the closure of the Roots drop-in center, and final approval of multiple bills. All votes were unanimous (9 in favor, 0 opposed). Consent Calendar - Approval of amendments to the agenda. - Approval of four proclamations: declaring September 19, 2026 as Walk & Roll for GBS CIDP Day; September 2026 as Addiction Recovery Month; September 15, 2026 as Maria Cohen Day; and September 19, 2026 as Annie Lois Carter Day. Public Comments & Testimony - Multiple speakers spoke in opposition to the impending closure of the Roots drop-in center on the North Side, operated by the Office of Community Health and Safety. Speakers including Seth Davis, Alexander Malfer, Andrew Klepis, Jolie Phelps, Samuel Weiner, Callie DeSabato, Zachary Rodick, and Chief Ikohana Hal Malkina argued that the closure would disrupt access to mail, medical care, housing applications, and other essential services for unhoused individuals, overburden other providers, and likely lead to increased deaths. One speaker supported relocating the center but not closing it. - Dr. Ronald M. Miller criticized the council's proclamations for using general neighborhood names (e.g., "Homewood") rather than specific official neighborhood designations, calling it incompetent. - Unique Brown criticized the city for approving developments with only 10% affordable housing, comparing it to projects with higher affordability due to federal oversight. - Other comments addressed bus route cuts, international law violations, and a personal request for a meeting with the mayor. Discussion Items - Councilman Wilson presented a will of council (approved unanimously) urging the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) to reevaluate the voucher amounts for two occupied units at the Five Points property owned by the Observatory Hill Development Corporation. The property owner cannot increase rents by more than $100 per year, so it would take 10 years to reach market rates, potentially displacing long-term residents. The resolution also urges HACP to re-evaluate its policies on rent adjustments for occupied housing choice voucher units. - Councilman Sharlin requested a post-agenda discussion on homelessness and the winter plan, which was approved. - Councilwoman Gross announced a post-agenda on privacy and surveillance technologies for September 21, 2026. Key Outcomes - Will of council urging HACP to address rent disparities at Five Points property was approved (unanimous). - All bills presented for final action passed unanimously (9-0), including resolutions authorizing grants for park upgrades at Farmhouse Field and Howland Park ($200,000), renovation of Boulevard of the Allies ($3 million from PennDOT with $900,000 city match), intersection upgrades via Green Light Go program ($1.53 million), and various other infrastructure, software, and service agreements. - Proclamations were approved, celebrating community members and awareness events. - Post-agendas were scheduled: code enforcement audit (September 16 afternoon), homelessness winter plan (date to be determined), and privacy and surveillance technologies (September 21 at 10 a.m., virtual).

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Pittsburgh City Council held its Standing Committees meeting at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. Council members approved routine claim settlements, invoices, transfers, and multiple grant applications, while holding several items for further review, including a $50,000 membership dues request and two Community Development Block Grant amendments. Public Comments & Testimony - Dave Fisher (speaker) – Discussed agrivoltaics and I-79 corridor development, suggesting Allegheny County start in the southwestern sector. - Carleno Giampolo (Panther Hollow) – Repeatedly opposed the illegal Oakland DIY skate park, citing 40 previous appearances and over 10,000 words spoken in 14 months. Listed multiple code violations, lack of permits, community disruption, and safety concerns. Urged Council members to “awaken your dignity” and shut down the park. - Yvonne F. Brown – Testified about safety issues at her high-rise building, including assaults, harassment, and lack of response from management. Asked Council for help. - Special Agent Sunshine – Accused Council of corruption, theft, and fraud involving trust funds. Criticized specific spending items, including the $50,000 Vibrant Pittsburgh membership and the $481,320 transfer for operational supplies. Claimed to be homeless and that her inheritance was being misused. Finance and Law Committee (Mrs. Strassburger, Chair) - Deferred – 2026-0016: Ordinance to create a Fleet Vehicle Fund. Held for 12 weeks (due back by 12/9/2026). - 2026-0847 (Vibrant Pittsburgh Membership $50,000): Moved to hold for one week after discussion. Council members Charland, Warwick, and Coghill expressed concerns about the significant cost and asked for details on usage and benefits. Councilmember Gross proposed a holistic review of all city memberships. The one-week hold carried. - 2026-0848 (Regina Stewart claim – $2,961.34), 2026-0849 (James Matthews Jr. claim – $7,615.61), 2026-0850 (Anthony Rollins claim – $5,869.98): All affirmatively recommended (approved by committee). - Invoices (various departmental expenses including EMS event coverage, police supplies, fire equipment, parks performances, tennis clinic instruction, and more): Approved. - Intra-Departmental Transfers: $481,320 for Liquid Fuels Trust Fund restoration, $100,000 for Environmental Services uniforms, $30,000 for Permits operational costs, and $23,745 for a new ROOTS hub lease (at 611 Second Avenue, clarified as not the East Ohio location). Approved. - P-Card Approvals: Approved. Public Safety and Wellness Committee (Mr. Coghill, Chair) - 2026-0839: Grant application ($179,826.11) for Pittsburgh EMS Hazardous Material Medical Group Project from Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund. Affirmatively recommended. - 2026-0840: Acceptance of donation from UPMC of 229 trauma kits (value up to $100,000) with training and supplies. Councilmember Gross expressed gratitude. Affirmatively recommended. Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (Mrs. Salinetro, Chair) - 2026-0845: Grant application ($500,000) for Schenley Heights Pavilion at Robert E. Williams Memorial Park. Affirmatively recommended. - 2026-0846: Authorization for eminent domain for temporary construction easements and public right-of-way for Swindell Bridge rehabilitation (aggregate compensation not to exceed $5,400, 95% reimbursable). Affirmatively recommended. Land Use and Economic Development Committee (Mr. Wilson, Chair) - 2026-0768 and 2026-0769: Amendments to Community Development Block Grant programs for prior years. Both held for three weeks (due back by 10/7/2026). Innovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology Committee (Ms. Gross, Chair) - 2026-0811 (Granicus contract extension): Extended an additional 3 years for $233,343.04 (new total $795,518.74). Affirmatively recommended. - 2026-0841 (STR Grants, LLC): One-year extension for eProperties Plus software ($62,542.61). Affirmatively recommended. - 2026-0842 (Social Pinpoint): Increase for EngagePGH platform with enhanced translation ($10,672, new total $124,972 over 5 years). Affirmatively recommended. - 2026-0843 (Change Agents Training): Increase for Gold Belt Workshop e-Learning ($18,000, new total $108,000 over 6 years). Affirmatively recommended. Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs Committee (Mr. Mosley, Chair) - 2026-0875: Agreement with University of Pittsburgh for Civic Engagement Internship Program (no cost to city). Affirmatively recommended. Key Outcomes - Approved: All three vehicle damage claim settlements (848-850), invoices, intra-departmental transfers, P-cards, EMS Hazmat grant application, UPMC trauma kit donation, Schenley Heights grant application, Swindell Bridge eminent domain, Granicus contract extension, STR Grants, Social Pinpoint, Change Agents Training, and Pitt internship agreement. - Held: Fleet Vehicle Fund (12 weeks); CDBG amendments (3 weeks); Vibrant Pittsburgh membership (1 week, pending additional information and a holistic review of city memberships). - Next Steps: Council will hold a public hearing on zoning changes for Banksville Golden Horizons on September 17, 2026, at noon; a virtual post-agenda discussion on surveillance technologies on September 21, 2026; regular meeting September 22; standing committees September 23.

Councilmember Robert Charland chaired this post-agenda discussion at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers, focusing on the Controller's Performance Audit of city code enforcement. The audit reviewed complaints from 311 (67,631 total) and court cases (12,480) across PLI, DPW, and DOME from 2021–2023. Controller Heisler and Chief Audit Officer Lee Ajang presented findings, followed by responses from department representatives and questions from council members. Presentation of Audit Findings - Scope and Statistics: 67,631 311 complaints originated; 12,480 went to court. PLI handled the majority (51,875 complaints), with weeds/debris accounting for 55% of PLI cases. DPW had no Computronic data before mid‑2023. DOME's primary violations were utility cuts. - Processing Timeliness: Most cases were processed within 31–90 days for both complaint issuance and court scheduling. A notable portion exceeded 90 days. - Court Outcomes (Table 9): Of 23,346 court actions, 11,265 resulted in continuances. 1,500 cases were dismissed for no service. Nearly half of outcomes were listed as "null," indicating inspectors failed to record results or left court dates unresolved. - Fines and Liens: A sample of fines for two specific code violations showed $56,958 collected. 1,198 cleaning liens (52%) remained open as of the audit scope. - City-Owned Properties: 56 city-owned properties went to court but were dismissed because the city cannot fine itself. 1,742 city-owned properties received violations but did not go to court. No coordinated policy existed for handling city-owned property violations. - Four Findings: (1) Lack of documented policies and procedures (PLI had some but gaps; DPW and DOME lacked formal SOPs during audit period, later implemented). (2) Timeliness issues due to unclear case documentation. (3) Undocumented input procedures (e.g., not hitting "recorded" to close a case). (4) No process for city-owned properties. Departmental Responses - PLI (Director Green): Since audit, PLI participates in weekly inter‑departmental meetings. Reviewing and updating policies (subject to union review). Inspection supervisors leading projects on notification language, city‑owned property handling, and case file auditing. Focus on permit reform but committed to implementing audit recommendations. - DPW (Marcell Newman, Anna Bagwell): Expanded from 3 to 10 inspectors. Finalized Standard Operating Procedures. Fixed routing of clean‑and‑liens: now directed to clean‑and‑lean team or Finance for city properties. Completed 19,962 case files in 2026 (compared to 2,000 during audit period). Ensure photos are included in all case files. - DOME (Katie Wettick): Created a dedicated code enforcement team with a supervisor and written SOPs since the audit timeframe. Acknowledged ongoing challenges with limited inspectors (two for the entire city) and low magistrate court resolution rates. Council Discussion - Councilmember Charland: Expressed strong concern over 1,500 cases dismissed for no service and the high null outcome rate, calling for better address verification and a directive to reduce dismissals. Noted his own district's experience with dead‑end properties. Praised the audit's thoroughness and vowed continued oversight. - Councilmember Sanetra: Asked whether quality‑of‑life ticketing legislation would be more cost‑effective than current enforcement. Questioned effectiveness of fines ($57k sample) for repeat offenders. Acknowledged challenges in explaining long enforcement timelines to constituents. Noted her ward is among top 10 for violations. - Councilmember Strassberger: Sought clarity on "individual" owner category (non‑owner occupied vs. owner‑occupied). Proposed higher penalties for egregious violators. Asked about resources (URA loans, information) for small property owners unable to afford repairs. Commended new meetings with magistrates to improve case resolution. - Councilmember Gross: Highlighted DPW's dramatic increase in case files. Questioned whether most cases are resolved before court (96% of DPW criminal complaints within 30 days). Expressed priority for actual cleanup over fines. Asked about handling chronic litter hotspots and neighbor‑to‑neighbor complaint harassment (PLI said inspectors can associate multiple complaints with one case and supervisors track abuse). Noted upcoming Garbage Olympics as community clean‑up opportunity. Key Outcomes and Next Steps - No formal votes or resolutions were adopted; this was a discussion meant to guide future enforcement improvements. - Council expects departments to continue implementing audit recommendations, particularly reducing null outcomes and dismissed‑for‑no-service rates. - PLI, DPW, and DOME will maintain weekly coordination meetings and refine case documentation procedures. - Council will explore legal vehicles for dead‑end properties and continue conversations with magistrates. - The controller's office will monitor progress and consider follow‑up audits as needed. The meeting adjourned after exhausting the post‑agenda business.

The City of Pittsburgh City Council met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers with all nine members present. The council adopted four proclamations and a will of council on Housing Choice Voucher rent policy, heard extensive public testimony about the imminent closure of the North Side Roots drop-in center, introduced and referred new legislation, and passed 22 committee-approved bills and one additional resolution unanimously. Proclamations - Declared September 2026 as 'Addiction Recovery Month' in Pittsburgh, honoring Daniel Garrighan, William Petrosky, and Jodie Pagano (Enactment No. 523). - Declared September 19, 2026 as 'Walk & Roll for GBS/CIDP Day'; speakers Kristen Morgan, a CIDP patient and walk chair, and Kenya Warren described the rare-disease community's work (Enactment No. 524). - Declared September 15, 2026 as 'Maria Cohen Day,' recognizing seven years of service to Squirrel Hill (Enactment No. 525). Councilmember Strassburger later corrected the record to add Councilmember Warwick as co-sponsor. - Declared September 19, 2026 as 'Annie Lois Carter Day,' celebrating her 90th birthday and service to the city (Enactment No. 526). Will of Council - Adopted 2026-0881 (Enactment No. 527) urging the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) to reevaluate the voucher amounts for two occupied units at OHDC's Five Points property, 3917–3925 Perrysville Avenue, and to reevaluate policies that limit rent adjustments for occupied Housing Choice Voucher units. Councilman Wilson said OHDC is a nonprofit, the two long-term residents' rents are roughly half of current comparable rents, HACP's $100-per-year increase cap would take about ten years to reach market standards, and the only alternative offered was tenant turnover or eviction. He called the situation unacceptable and said it may be a citywide policy problem. Public Comments & Testimony - A large group of speakers opposed the impending closure of the Roots drop-in center at 519 East Ohio Street on the North Side. Seth Davis, Alexander Malfregeot, Andrew Klepeis, Jolie Feltz, Samuel Weiner, Callie Disabato, and Zackery Rodick urged council to investigate the closure, saying the mayor's office had not explained it. They noted Roots received $10 million to expand in 2022 and an $800,000 funding increase in June 2026, and warned that closing the only North Side drop-in center would cost lives, cut off mail and housing-waitlist access, concentrate services at Second Avenue Commons, overburden nearby nonprofits, and leave homeless residents without support as winter approaches. Chief Ikhana-hal-makina said the center is essential to healing the community and should remain open, but supported relocating it from East Ohio Street. - Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller criticized council proclamations for using general area names such as 'Homewood' instead of official neighborhood designations, calling the practice incompetent and misleading. - Unique Brown, an unhoused resident, criticized approvals of new apartments with only 10% affordable units as 'policy malpractice' and demanded deeper affordability, citing a Francis Street development where 82% of 180 units were affordable (147 units). - Yvonne F. Brown raised concerns about a proposed cut to bus route 81A serving her building at 715 Mercer Street and said she is seeking a meeting with Mr. O'Connor. - Special Agent Sunshine was the only speaker to support the closure, thanking God for it and citing problems at the former Smithfield Street Roots location, including no bathroom, overdose deaths, and no heat for two winters. New Legislation Presented and Referred - 2026-0872: Amended the Dayforce human capital management contract, increasing funding by $677,790 to a new total not-to-exceed $6,218,540 over 12 years; referred to Human Resources. - 2026-0873: Authorized accepting a SaveStation outdoor AED cabinet and Zoll 3 AED valued at $8,399; referred to Public Safety and Wellness. - 2026-0874: Authorized a lease with East End Cooperative Ministries for Office of Community Health and Safety space, not to exceed $23,745 over two years; referred to Public Safety and Wellness. - 2026-0885: Granted council consent to extend the Planning Commission deadline on Council Bill 2026-0009; passed finally by a 9–0 vote. - 2026-0875: Authorized a University of Pittsburgh Civic Engagement Internship MOU at no cost to the city; waived under Rule 8 and referred to Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs. - 2026-0876: Authorized acceptance of up to $200,000 from Pennsylvania DCED for Farmhouse Field upgrades, new water fountains, and Allegheny Riverfront Trail Connectivity planning; referred to Public Works. - 2026-0877: Authorized acceptance of a $3,000,000 PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for Boulevard of the Allies renovation, with a $900,000 city match and total project cost under the grant of $3,900,000; referred to Public Works. - 2026-0878: Authorized acceptance of a $1,533,315.69 PennDOT Green Light Go grant for intersection upgrades at Bingham/10th, Butler/Main, and East Liberty Boulevard/Larimer Avenue, with a $257,988.99 city match and $125,339.94 in pending local transfers, for a total project cost of $1,916,644.62; referred to Public Works. - 2026-0879: Amended the Fisher Phillips labor-consulting agreement to add $150,000 over one year; referred to Finance and Law, with an executive session scheduled. - 2026-0880: Received and filed the Grants Office status update for the week ended September 11, 2026. Unanimous Final Actions All of the following committee-approved items passed by 9–0 roll-call votes, with no noes or abstentions: Finance and Law - 2026-0829: Transferred $10,000 from Park Reconstruction—Parks TA to Sports Facilities in the 2022 Capital Budget. - 2026-0830: Amended the Block & Associates legal services agreement to a new not-to-exceed $135,000 over two years. - 2026-0831: Amended the Fisher Phillips hourly legal services agreement to a new not-to-exceed $1,010,400 over three years. Public Safety and Wellness - 2026-0806: Amended the Red Light Enforcement Systems chapter of the City Code. - 2026-0816: Authorized a warrant to Bucks County Community College for EMS rescue certification and training, not to exceed $31,705. Public Works and Infrastructure - 2026-0822: Authorized applying for a $3,000,000 DCED Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for Boulevard of the Allies renovation. - 2026-0823: Authorized applying for a $1,122,996 DCED Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for Sheraden Station Plaza safety improvements and the Wabash Street Community Connector. - 2026-0824: Approved the Director of Mobility and Infrastructure's recommendation to pave the concrete portion of Fernhill Avenue from Belbrook Street to Elmbank Street with asphalt. - 2026-0825: Amended the CSXT agreement for preliminary engineering on the Frazier Street/Swinburne Bridge Replacement, not to exceed $32,780 (an increase of $12,760), reimbursable at 95%. - 2026-0826: Increased the CDR Maguire project design management agreement to $3,968,237.13, a net increase of $67,773.94. - 2026-0827: Increased the CDR Maguire project design management agreement to $4,064,876.91, a net increase of $0, reimbursable at 100%. - 2026-0828: Amended the CSXT agreement for preliminary engineering on the West Carson Street Bridge, not to exceed $28,600 (an increase of $12,320), reimbursable at 95%. - 2026-0844: Authorized a temporary easement with North River Pittsburgh I, LLC for city vehicles along 31st and 32nd Streets to allow resurfacing at the Environmental Services Center. Human Resources - 2026-0838: Authorized a warrant to NeoGov for online employment application, examination, and reporting services, not to exceed $57,908. Land Use and Economic Development - 2026-0832: Authorized two-year reimbursement agreements for the 2026 Love Your Block program, not to exceed $20,000. - 2026-0833: Authorized a warrant to the Building & Fire Code Academy for two-day code enforcement training for PLI staff, not to exceed $7,000. Recreation, Youth, and Senior Services - 2026-0805: Transferred $200,000 from the Stop the Violence Trust Fund to CitiParks for staffing and supplies for out-of-school time programming at the Dunlap Family Center. Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs - 2026-0817: Authorized one-year Allegheny League of Municipalities membership dues, not to exceed $9,000. - 2026-0818 through 2026-0821: Adopted sewage facilities plan revisions for 6212 Walnut Street, 2225 Smallman Street, 132–134 Prospect Street, and 630 North Aiken Avenue, all at no cost to the city. Key Outcomes - Adopted Enactments Nos. 523–527 (four proclamations and one will of council). - Passed 2026-0885 and all 22 committee final-action bills unanimously, 9–0. - Referred new legislation to standing committees and waived Rule 8 for the University of Pittsburgh internship agreement. - Approved Councilman Charland's motion for a post-agenda on homelessness planning for the winter. - Announced an executive session on Bill 2026-0879 at 1:00 PM and a 1:30 PM post-agenda on the controller's audit of city code enforcement; Councilwoman Gross announced a September 21, 2026 post-agenda on privacy and surveillance technologies, to be held by Zoom. - Councilman Mosley thanked city departments and the family of Mary Lou Williams for the honorary renaming of East Liberty Boulevard in her honor. - The minutes were approved and the meeting adjourned.

This regular meeting of the Pittsburgh City Council was held on September 11, 2026 (though the agenda and transcript indicate the meeting actually occurred on Wednesday, September 9, 2026; this discrepancy is noted as instructed). The meeting included proclamations, public comments, introduction of numerous bills, appointments to the Housing Opportunity Fund Advisory Board, and final passage of committee reports. Several votes were taken, including the approval of the acting fire chief extension and the referral of five board appointments for interviews. Proclamations - 2026-0862: Declared September 12, 2026 as "Alphabet Trail and Tales Day" in Pittsburgh, honoring the 25th anniversary of the event. Councilwoman Warwick presented and read the proclamation. Approved. - 2026-0860: Honored Saint Bede’s School on its 100th anniversary. Approved. - 2026-0861: Commended Vernard Alexander for community engagement and declared September 6, 2026 as "Vernard Alexander Day." Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Matthew King (Dormont Borough, Allegheny County): Identified as a convicted felon for nonviolent marijuana offenses. Described nearly two years of difficulty navigating police, courts, and administrative processes to get accountability. Asked whether policies and procedures are working as intended. - Dr. Ronald L. Miller (South Side Flats, USAPA Pittsburgh Steel City): Spoke about ultimate value frameworks, criticized bias in proclamations (except those by Deborah Gross), and alleged malfeasance and corruption. - Diane Baseski (South Side Flats): Criticized the South Side lockdown experiment, calling it oppressive, racist, and destructive to local commerce. Directly addressed Councilman Charland, stating “we’re coming for your job.” - Unscheduled speaker (male): Discussed a 2022 lawsuit against UPMC for discrimination. Claimed UPMC offered a plaque but did not honor the agreement, and alleged continued harassment by police. Sought a law and a hearing. - Junique Brown (Hill District): Criticized the slow pace of sidewalk and street repairs at Center Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street. Demanded action, stating safety is not a luxury. Noted that other neighborhoods receive faster service. - Lauren F. Brown (715 Mercer Street, Bedford Avenue high-rise): Expressed fear of a woman (Roshida) who had been banned from the building but continues to enter. Claimed the manager failed to act, and alleged the manager had a history of buying crack for the individual. Asked for help. - Special Agent Sunshine (self-identified): Alleged illegal gang stalking, identity theft, mail fraud, and computer abuse fraud by city officials and Carnegie Library staff. Invoked federal law (18 U.S.C. § 242). Accused council members Lavelle and Mosley of involvement. Demanded action. Discussion Items - Introduction of Bills: Council members presented numerous bills (838–850) covering software subscriptions, grant applications, donation acceptance, software amendments, easements, eminent domain, claim settlements, and membership dues. Two bills (838 and 844) received waivers of Rule 8 to be placed on the afternoon standing committee agenda. - Housing Opportunity Fund Advisory Board Appointments: - Bill 851 (Tanika Harris reappointment) was approved unanimously. - Bills 852–856 (DeAnna Davis, Jennifer Cash Wade, Oliver Beasley, Walter Lewis, John Katz) were initially moved for approval but the motion failed. A subsequent motion to schedule interviews passed, and those appointments will be interviewed. - Communications Received and Filed: Surveillance Technology Report (2026-0857), Grants Office status update (2026-0858), and Parks Trust Fund Follow-Up Report (2026-0859) were read, received, and filed. - Acting Fire Chief Extension: Bill 2026-0863 extended the term of the Acting Chief of the Bureau of Fire for 90 days through December 8, 2026. A roll call vote was taken. - Committee Reports for Final Action: - Bill 2026-0606 (inter-municipal liquor license transfer from McCrossins Landing Pub LLC to Silver Ashes Hospitality Group LLC) passed finally with an affirmative committee recommendation. - Bill 2026-0804 (amendment to cooperation agreement with Equipment Leasing Authority to increase authorized amount by $59,180 for DPW trailers) passed finally. - Post-Agenda Request: Councilman Wilson called for a post-agenda meeting on the 311 request system. Approved by Council. Key Outcomes - Proclamations approved (three items). - Tanika Harris reappointed to the Housing Opportunity Fund Advisory Board (term to expire September 6, 2030). - Five other board appointments (DeAnna Davis, Jennifer Cash Wade, Oliver Beasley, Walter Lewis, John Katz) referred for interview. - Acting Fire Chief extension approved via roll call vote: 8 ayes, 0 noes. - Bills 2026-0606 and 2026-0804 passed finally (8-0 each). - Executive session scheduled for September 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM on claim settlement bills 848, 849, and 850. - Administrative meeting on city finances scheduled for 12:00 PM, and standing committee meeting at 1:30 PM on the same day.

The Standing Committees of the Pittsburgh City Council met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers at the City-County Building, 510 Grant Street. Minutes record eight members present and one absent (Council Member Coghill), although the transcript's roll call announces six present. A motion to amend the agenda carried. Committees advanced routine finance, public works, human resources, land use, recreation, technology, and intergovernmental items, held two public hearings, and postponed one contract matter. Consent Calendar - Finance and Law: Bills 2026-0829, 2026-0830, and 2026-0831 were affirmatively recommended. Bill 2026-0829 shifts $10,000 from Park Reconstruction - Parks TA to Sports Facilities. Bill 2026-0830 increases the Block & Associates legal-services contract to not exceed $135,000 over two years. Bill 2026-0831 increases the Fisher Phillips labor-dispute legal consulting contract to not exceed $1,010,400 over three years. The Finance committee also approved the departmental invoice list, a $60,000 intradepartmental transfer in the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure from Computer Maintenance to Operational Supplies, and P-Card report 0031-2026. - Public Safety and Wellness: Bill 2026-0816, a warrant to Bucks County Community College for $31,705 for EMS rescue certification and training, was affirmatively recommended. - Public Works and Infrastructure: Bills 2026-0844, 2026-0822, 2026-0823, 2026-0824, 2026-0825, 2026-0826, 2026-0827, and 2026-0828 were affirmatively recommended. They include a temporary easement for Environmental Services Center resurfacing, grant applications for Boulevard of the Allies ($3,000,000) and Sheraden/Wabash projects ($1,122,996), Fernhill Avenue asphalt paving, CSXT bridge-engineering amendments, and two CDR Maguire project-management supplements. The CSXT Frazier/Swinburne amendment increases funding by $12,760 to $32,780; the West Carson amendment increases by $12,320 to $28,600, both 95% reimbursable. The CDR Maguire amendments increase totals to $3,968,237.13 and $4,064,876.91, with the latter showing a $0 increase and 100% reimbursement. - Human Resources: Bill 2026-0838, a warrant to NeoGov for $57,908 for employment application, Civil Service exam, and applicant-reporting services, was affirmatively recommended. - Land Use and Economic Development: Bill 2026-0832, the 2026 Love Your Block program reimbursement agreements up to $20,000, and Bill 2026-0833, a $7,000 warrant to the Building & Fire Code Academy for code-enforcement training, were affirmatively recommended. - Recreation, Youth, and Senior Services: Bill 2026-0805, transferring $200,000 from the Stop the Violence Trust Fund to CitiParks for out-of-school time services and programming at The Dunlap Family Center, was affirmatively recommended. - Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs: Bill 2026-0817, Allegheny League of Municipalities dues of $9,000, and Bills 2026-0818 through 2026-0821, no-cost sewage facilities plan revisions for Walnut Street, Smallman Street, Prospect Street, and North Aiken Avenue, were affirmatively recommended. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller questioned whether unverified personal stories should be the foundation for council policy, saying police should not be sent to respond without verification of information. - Carleno Giampolo, Panther Hollow, urged the mayor and council to shut down the illegal Oakland Do It Yourself Skate Park and move Pittsburgh toward becoming a city of dignity. - Unique Brown criticized the city for approving developments residents did not ask for while overlooking basic needs such as sidewalks, describing the effects as pressure, displacement, and destabilization. - Yvonne F. Brown described harassment and safety concerns at a HUD high-rise at 9715 Mercer Street, including an alleged attacker she said had been banned since 2020, and asked council for help. - Special Agent Sunshine made statements involving curses, returned hexes, allegations of stolen identity, and being held hostage. Discussion Items - Red light enforcement (Bill 2026-0806): Council Member Strassburger said the amendment was requested by the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure and the Pittsburgh Parking Authority to align the ordinance with actual parking-authority enforcement practices. Council Member Gross asked about revenue, data ownership, and timing. DOMI Director Jeff Skellikum said cameras photograph license plates, police review the violation, the Parking Authority issues the ticket and collects revenue under a separate agreement, and Verra Mobility handles the data. He initially said the city does not control or own the data, then, after follow-up from his team, stated the city owns the data, images are only of license plates recorded two seconds before, during, and two seconds after an infraction, data is destroyed within 30 days of final disposition, and state law permits capture only for red-light infractions. Council Member Gross noted the discrepancy and said she would follow up on data ownership and the city's technology inventory. Council Member Warwick confirmed there are no face-facing cameras. Council Member Wilson asked about expansion: three intersections are active, three more started the prior week, for six total in 2026, with locations identified using crash data, mostly fatal crashes. - Schenley Park DPW facility petition (Bill 2026-0809): The committee held the petition for a cablecast public hearing. Members noted Mayor O'Connor's team had announced that Prospect Drive is no longer being considered for the Department of Public Works facility, but said a proper facility near Schenley Park is still needed because DPW workers have been operating from trailers for years. - Bridge and mobility discussion (Bill 2026-0825): Council Member Warwick asked about the timelines for the Swinburne, Frazier Street, and Charles Anderson bridge projects. Staff said the Charles Anderson Bridge is expected to reopen to vehicles in 2028, and the Swinburne Bridge replacement and PennDOT's Frazier Street project are expected to be bid and constructed concurrently, with engineering continuing through roughly 2028-2029. Warwick suggested considering HOV or future-looking connections to reduce single-occupancy vehicle traffic between Oakland, Greenfield, and Hazelwood. - CDR Maguire contracts (Bills 2026-0826 and 2026-0827): Council Member Gross asked for a list of the specific projects covered rather than just various projects. Staff said the active contract includes 37 work orders and listed projects including the ARISE grant in the Hill District, West Carson Street Bridge, California Avenue Bridge, city steps, Frankstown Avenue signals, Corless Street Tunnel, Brownsville Road, and Grant Street reconstruction, plus 100% federally funded bridge projects. - Love Your Block (Bill 2026-0832): Corey Buckner, Supervisor of the Office of Community Affairs, said 44 organizations applied and 17 were awarded grants of $500 or $1,500, after the program had been paused. The program was previously funded by Peoples Gas, but this cycle is from the city's operating fund. Recipients are given two years to complete projects and are reimbursed afterward. Council members praised the program and suggested creating a consolidated list of city grant deadlines for community groups. - Dunlap Family Center (Bill 2026-0805): Council Member Salinetro said the center is also known as the Ream Rec Center in Mount Washington and that she will work with the mayor's office and Parks and Recreation on programming. Council Member Warwick called the funding an emergency step and said the broader goal should be consistent, free out-of-school and summer care in every neighborhood. - Granicus/Legistar contract (Bill 2026-0811): Council Member Gross flagged an apparent drafting error in the title that appeared to describe both a 12-month extension and a separate three-year extension. Council Member Lavelle, the sponsor, agreed to hold the matter for one week. - Zoning code text amendment (Bill 2026-0834): The committee held the first-phase zoning code text amendment for a cablecast public hearing. - Banksville rezoning (Bill 2025-2224): Late in the agenda, the council brought the Banksville rezoning back, amended it by substitute, and held it for a cablecast public hearing. Key Outcomes - All affirmative recommendations carried by voice vote with no announced opposition; Council Member Coghill was absent. - Bill 2026-0809 was held for a cablecast public hearing. - Bill 2026-0834 was held for a cablecast public hearing scheduled for October 13, 2026. - Bill 2026-0811 was held in committee and is due back by September 16, 2026. - Bill 2025-2224 was amended by substitute and held for a cablecast public hearing; minutes reference a September 17, 2026 hearing, while the transcript says the hearing is scheduled for the following week. - Next meetings: regular council meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and standing committees on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, both at 10:00 AM; speaker registration closes at 9:00 AM.