Public Meetings - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh City Council held a Standing Committees meeting on July 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of agenda items across multiple committees, including budget transfers, capital project amendments, property sales, legal settlements, grants, land use ordinances, and public programming funding. The meeting also included public comments on parking laws, the South Side weekend lockdown, and community concerns. Consent Calendar - Bill 2026-0776: Transfer of $270 within the 2026 Operating Budget from City Clerk Administrative Fees to the Department of Mobility & Infrastructure for operational services. Approved. - Bill 2026-0782: Increased authorized spend for Global Wordsmiths by $19,000 for language access services (new total $136,000 over five years). Approved. - Bills 2026-0783 through 2026-0791: Series of resolutions amending various capital budgets (2012-2026) to remove unencumbered funds from pending project closures per Chapter 218 of the City Code. All approved. - Bill 2026-0039 (deferred): Ordinance for a referendum on budget approval rules. Held in committee, due back by 9/2/2026. - Bill 2026-0654: Reallocation of $60,000 from PLAY AREA IMPROVEMENTS to PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT for cameras on Grandview Avenue. Approved. - Bill 2026-0756: Rescinding property sales from a previous resolution. Approved. - Bill 2026-0757: Sale of 15 tax-acquired properties (Items A through O) across multiple council districts. Approved. - Bill 2026-0758: Quitclaim deed for 7217 Monticello Street to Marvin Miller for $3,000 to settle litigation. Approved. - Bill 2026-0759: Warrant of $515,000 to Brian and Donna Albert for settlement of litigation (case GD 23-000081 and 22-013852). Approved. - Bill 2026-0770: Transfer of $55,000 from DISTRICT 1 NEIGHBORHOOD NEEDS to PARK RECONSTRUCTION. Approved. - Invoices: Approval of departmental invoices not under contract, including payments for event coverage (Noah Kahan, NFL draft, Morgan Wallen, etc.), supplies, and services. Approved. - Intradepartmental Transfer: Transfer of $350.32 within Public Safety for computer monitors. Approved. - P-Card Approvals: Weekly P-card report for 7/14-7/20/26. Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Seth Bush (neighborhood not specified): Spoke in favor of closing a loophole in parking regulations that allows drivers to claim they are “protecting the safety of a vehicle” to park illegally (e.g., on sidewalks, bike lanes, fire hydrants). Argued the loophole endangers pedestrians, especially those with disabilities, and undermines enforcement. Urged council to remove the phrase “or vehicle” from the law. (Referenced Bill 2026-0771) - Dylan James Basecu (South Side): Expressed strong opposition to the weekend lockdown on the South Side. Described harassment and pat-downs by security personnel affecting women and young people. Called for an immediate end to the lockdown, stating it hurts local businesses like Dolce Takeria and Finn McCool’s. Criticized the policy as “disgusting” and urged council to act. - Yvonne F. Brown (Hill District): Praised the city clerk and Dr. Miller for responsiveness. Criticized council members for not listening or responding to citizens during meetings. Shared personal story about her son’s death and expressed growing fatigue. Thanked city workers who encouraged her to keep speaking. - Special Agent Sunshine (missing child advocate): Alleged gang stalking, blocked communication, and fraud by the city related to a homeless case. Claimed two houses were stolen and sold. Called for removal of wickedness from government and urged council to allocate money to get people off the streets. Invoked religious scripture. Discussion Items - Bill 2026-0518 (East Carson Street Improvement District): Council Member Charland moved to amend the bill to attach the final plan. The plan establishes a Neighborhood Improvement District in South Side. Charland emphasized it is an assessment (not a tax) controlled by the district, and that a second public hearing is required by state statute before a vote by property owners. Council Member Coghill asked about the voting process (property owners only). The bill was amended and then held for a cablecast public hearing (scheduled for after recess, likely September 2). - Bill 2026-0773 (Stop the Violence Funding for McKinley Recreation Center): Council Member Charland proposed transferring $200,000 from the Stop the Violence Trust Fund to CitiParks for out-of-school time programming at McKinley Rec Center in Glen Hazel. Council members debated the appropriate use of the fund: some (Warwick, Coghill, Wilson) supported it as a good investment in high-need communities; others (President Lavelle, Gross) cautioned that the fund is intended for violence prevention targeting high-risk individuals, not general rec programming. Lavelle noted that rec centers may not serve the target population. Charland and others argued the funding fills a critical gap. The bill was approved. - Bill 2025-1545 (Inclusionary Zoning and Off-Street Parking Removal): This large zoning amendment—removing minimum off-street parking requirements and adding inclusionary zoning—was sent to the Planning Commission and returned with conditions and amendments by the planning staff (which expanded the affordable housing bonus to multiple zoning districts, added 60 feet of height, etc.). Council members expressed confusion and concern about the substantive changes from the original bill. Council Member Gross argued the Planning Commission effectively rejected council’s bill and sent a counterproposal, bypassing council’s ability to override. Council Member Strassburger explained the changes bring the bill into conformity with existing bonus programs. After extensive debate, the bill was held for a cablecast public hearing to allow time for council members to review and discuss with constituents. - Bill 2026-0763 (HOME-ARP Supportive Services with Auberle): Amended at the request of OMB. The resolution authorizes an agreement not to exceed $105,820.37 over four years for supportive services with Auberle, covering case management and referral services for qualified populations. Approved as amended. - Bills 2026-0768 and 2026-0769 (CDBG Reallocations): Council Member Gross held these bills for three weeks to identify eligible applicants in her district and ensure proper use of unspent CDBG funds. - Bill 2026-0771 (Remove parking exception for vehicle protection): Council Member Wilson’s bill removes the clause “or to protect the safety of any person or vehicle” from parking prohibitions. Public commenter Seth Bush also addressed this. Discussion included enforcement concerns and sidewalk parking issues. The bill was approved. - Bill 2026-0744 (Ross and Carol Nese Foundation grant): Resolution to accept $1 million grant to hire a Head of Talent Acquisition, Public Safety. Approved. - Bill 2026-0781 (U.S. Soccer Foundation Mini Pitch at Ormsby Recreation Center): Grant of up to $100,000 to install a mini soccer pitch. Approved. - Bills on Bridges and Trails: Charles Anderson Bridge (supplemental agreement with Michael Baker, increase of $250,837.47, reimbursable 100%), West Carson Street Bridge (final design with Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, increase of $790,914.71, reimbursable 95%), Newton Street Project (amended agreement of sale, increase of $20,070), and Three Rivers Heritage Trail esplanade reconstruction (at no cost to city via Piatt Companies). All approved. - Bill 2026-0745 (Musco Sports Lighting software): Warrant for $73,050 for digital control of lighting in ballfields and parks. Approved after brief discussion on remote control and adherence to night sky ordinance. - Other bills in Intergovernmental Committee: Bills 2026-0746 (Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney federal lobbying, $302,400 over 4 years), 2026-0747 (HOME-ARP quad cooperation agreement), 2026-0748 (Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission membership dues first installment $64,373.50), 2026-0749 (sewage facilities plan revision for 2039 Broadhead Fording Road), 2026-0750 (amended reimbursement with Pittsburgh Water for RAISE grant, increase of $50,000), and 2026-0751 (sale of 604 Liberty Avenue to MK Liberty Partners LLC). All approved. Key Outcomes - Bill 2026-0518 (East Carson Street Improvement District): Amended and held for cablecast public hearing. - Bill 2026-0773 (Stop the Violence – McKinley Rec): Affirmatively recommended (passed). - Bill 2025-1545 (Inclusionary Zoning/Parking Removal): Held for cablecast public hearing on a motion by Council President Lavelle; no vote on substantive amendments at this time. - Bill 2026-0771 (Parking loophole): Affirmatively recommended (passed). - Bill 2026-0763 (HOME-ARP Auberle): Amended and approved. - Bills 2026-0768/0769 (CDBG): Held for three weeks. - All other consent and discussion items: Approved or recommended as noted. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 PM.

The Pittsburgh City Council convened on Tuesday, July 29, 2026 (noted as July 28 in official documents) at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers for a regular meeting and a separate cablecast public hearing. The regular meeting included proclamations, introduction of new resolutions, and final action on committee reports, including major donations from healthcare organizations and a contested Downtown Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) plan. A public hearing on an intermunicipal liquor license transfer was also opened and continued. Proclamations - 2026-0772: Recognized Darcia Ashley-Amber Reed and declared August 4, 2026 as “Darcia Ashley-Amber Reed Day.” Adopted unanimously. - 2026-0775: Declared August 22, 2026 as “Vera Mae Williams Threet Day.” Adopted unanimously. - 2026-0793: Declared July 28, 2026 as “Chelsea Averell Day.” Adopted unanimously. - 2026-0794: Declared July 30, 2026 as “Rich Hoffman Day.” Adopted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Regular Meeting: Nine individuals (Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller, Rosalyn Tosh, Bethani Cameron, Ralph Williams, Chief Ikhana-hal-makina, Dave Fisher, Rick Smith, Yvonne F. Brown, Special Agent Sunshine) provided public comments. The minutes list no details on their statements. - Public Hearing (Bill 2026-0606): Council President Lavelle opened a cablecast public hearing for Bill 2026-0606, a resolution requesting approval of an intermunicipal transfer of a liquor license from McCrossen's Landing Pub LLC (Monongahela) to Silver Ashes Hospitality Group LLC (Pittsburgh). The hearing was adjourned with a statement that Council will extend the 45-day deadline and schedule further action after the August recess. No testimony or vote occurred. Discussion Items - Reports of Committee – Final Action (all from committee meetings of July 22, 2026): - Litigation Settlement (2026-0731): Authorized a warrant of up to $100,000 to James Hieber and his attorneys to settle a Court of Common Pleas case (GD 23-000245). Passed 9-0. - Postage Transfer (2026-0735): Transferred $20,793.73 within the 2026 Operating Budget from Council Districts Supplies to Finance Supplies for postage costs. Passed 9-0. - Highmark Health Donation (2026-0722): Authorized acceptance of a $4 million/year donation over five years ($20 million total) for medical first responder resources, primarily Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire vehicles. Passed 9-0. - UPMC Donation (2026-0723): Authorized acceptance of a $5 million/year donation over five years ($25 million total) for Emergency Medical Service vehicles and equipment. Passed 9-0. - Burgwin Recreation Center Funding (2026-0643): Transferred $200,000 from the Stop the Violence Trust Fund to CitiParks for staffing and supplies at Burgwin Recreation Center. Passed 9-0. - Downtown TRID Plan (2026-0531): Resolution to adopt the Downtown Pittsburgh Transit Revitalization Investment District Implementation Plan and related agreements (Council District 1). A motion to hold the item for a legal opinion failed 2-7 (Council Members Gross and Warwick in favor). The resolution then passed 6-3 (Council Members Gross, Mosley, Warwick opposed). - Pittsburgh Land Bank Acquisition (2026-0703): Authorized the Land Bank to acquire 2112 5th Avenue (Block 11-K, Lot 45) at no cost. Passed 9-0. - Sewage Facilities Plan Revision (2026-0724): Adopted a plan revision for 217 Beechnut Drive at no cost. Passed 9-0. - Land Sale to Land Bank (2026-0725): Approved sale of 0 Grove Street (Block 10-N, Lot 345) from URA to the Land Bank at no cost. Passed 9-0. - Site Assemblage Amendment (2026-0726): Amended a prior resolution for properties on Carver and Auburn Streets in District 9. Passed 9-0. - Kelly Street Properties Amendment (2026-0727): Amended a prior resolution for properties on Kelly Street in District 9. Passed 9-0. - Land Sale to Hill Top Villas LLC (2026-0728): Approved sale of 2039 Broadhead Fording Road (Block 70-J, Lot 126) to Hill Top Villas LLC at no cost. Passed 9-0. - Carnegie Mellon University Donation (2026-0729): Authorized acceptance of a $3 million donation over five years for education and infrastructure initiatives. Passed 9-0. - New Resolutions Introduced (all waived under Rule 8 and referred to committees): - 2026-0773: Transfer $200,000 from Stop the Violence Trust Fund to CitiParks for McKinley Recreation Center out-of-school programming. Referred to Recreation, Youth, and Senior Services. - 2026-0776: Transfer $270 within the operating budget from City Clerk to Mobility & Infrastructure for operational services. Referred to Finance and Law. - 2026-0781: Authorize grant from U.S. Soccer Foundation (up to $100,000) for a Mini Pitch at Ormsby Recreation Center. Referred to Public Works and Infrastructure. - 2026-0782: Increase spending for Global Wordsmiths language access contract by $19,000 (new total $136,000 over five years). Referred to Finance and Law. - 2026-0783 through 2026-0791: Capital budget amendments to remove/re-appropriate unencumbered funds from prior years (2012–2026) per Chapter 218. All referred to Finance and Law. - 2026-0774: Communication from the Grants Office status update received and filed. Key Outcomes - Four proclamations adopted unanimously. - Public hearing on liquor license transfer (Bill 2026-0606) opened and continued; Council will take action after August recess. - Downtown TRID plan passed 6-3 after a failed 2-7 motion to hold for legal opinion. - All other final action items passed unanimously (9-0), including acceptance of $20 million from Highmark, $25 million from UPMC, $3 million from CMU, and several land transactions. - New resolutions were waived under Rule 8 and referred to appropriate committees for further consideration.

The Pittsburgh City Council met on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The meeting included proclamations, public comment, committee reports, and final action on several bills. The most contentious item was a resolution (Bill 531) to adopt the Downtown Pittsburgh Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Implementation Plan, which passed after a failed motion to hold for a legal opinion. Council also passed resolutions accepting significant donations for emergency services and approved several other bills. Proclamations - Councilman Coghill presented a proclamation declaring July 28, 2026, as "Chelsea Averell Day" in Pittsburgh, recognizing her achievements in softball and community service. The proclamation was approved unanimously. - Three additional proclamations were read into the record and approved: declaring August 4, 2026, as "Darcia Ashley Amber Reed Day" (presented by Councilmember Salonetro); August 22, 2026, as "Vera May Williams Threat Day" (presented by Councilmember Lavelle); and July 30, 2026, as "Rich Hoffman Day" (presented by Councilmember Warwick). Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Ronald Miller (Highland Park): Called attention to Dr. Hong Wang, winner of the 2026 Fields Medal, and questioned whether the NCDF is administered by anyone elected from the 90 neighborhoods. - Unidentified speaker: Criticized the city's focus on downtown aesthetics (e.g., painting train trestles) while neglecting issues like high maternal mortality rates for Black women, homelessness, rising housing prices, and the central business district being a food desert. Urged a vote against the transit revitalization improvement district. - Bethany Cameron (Overbrook/Inform of Pittsburgh): Presented survey results from 46 readers. Key findings: 63% strongly disagreed that council should pass the downtown TRID as currently written; 57% strongly agreed the city should avoid committing future tax revenue to development projects until deficits are resolved; 64% strongly disagreed that requiring workers to waive the right to strike is reasonable for job protections. A reader said borrowing against future tax revenue for 40 years to benefit developers is "insane." - Ralph Williams: Thanked council for granting a proclamation to Anthony Chaffee regarding the Housing Authority; criticized the TRID for excluding other neighborhoods; urged focus on public safety and juvenile crime; opposed the $1,000 shoplifting threshold. - Chief Ikahana Hamakina (AirCar Confederacy): Called for data protection, holding tech companies responsible for breaches of privacy and harm to children, and promoting healthy environments for youth. Urged council to look at research on internet effects. - Stave Fisher (Wood Street): Proposed pollinator-friendly solar energy garden parks for East Liberty and agrivoltaic sites south of the parkway. - Rick Smith (North Oakland, District 8): Wished for a "do-over" on the TRID planning process, including comprehensive planning input, legal clarification, controller's office concerns, and better diagrams from URA. Thanked council members for their work. - Yvonne F. Brown (Bedford): Shared positive stories about a local bookstore owner in Wilkinsburg and a woman cooking at an A Plus on Center Avenue; urged council to listen to senior residents and community committees, not just officials. - Special Agent Sunshine: Read excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, criticizing lack of justice and urging abolition of government not working for the people. Mentioned the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Presentation of Papers (Bills Introduced) - Bill 773: Transfers $200,000 to Parks and Recreation from Stop the Violence Trust Fund for staffing and supplies at McKinley Recreation Center. - Bill 776: Transfers $270,270 within the 2026 operating budget to the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure for operational services. - Bill 781: Authorizes agreement with U.S. Soccer Foundation for a $100,000 mini-pitch grant at Ormsby Recreation Center. - Bills 782–791: Various resolutions amending capital budgets and reappropriating funds for project closures. - Council President presented a communication from the Office of Management and Budget with a grants status update received and filed. Reports of Committees (Final Action) - Committee on Finance and Law: Bills 777, 735 (settlement and postage reallocation) passed unanimously (9-0). - Committee on Public Safety and Wellness: Bills 722 (accept $4M/year for 5 years from Highmark Health for fire vehicles) and 723 (accept $5M/year for 5 years from UPMC for EMS vehicles/equipment) passed unanimously (9-0). - Committee on Recreation, Youth, and Senior Services: Bill 643 (transfer $200,000 to Parks and Recreation from Stop the Violence Trust Fund for Bergwin Recreation Center) passed unanimously (9-0). - Committee on Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs: - Bill 531 (Downtown TRID Implementation Plan) – Passed 6-3 after extensive debate (see Discussion Items). - Bills 703, 724–729 (land bank, property disposition, sewage plan, and a $3M donation from Carnegie Mellon University for education and infrastructure) passed unanimously (9-0). Discussion Items - Bill 531 – Downtown TRID Implementation Plan: - Councilwoman Gross moved to hold for a legal opinion, arguing the plan may violate state law because the value capture area is not coterminous with the investment area. She also noted letters from the Strip District Business Association and North Shore Chamber of Commerce requesting more time. - Councilwoman Warwick supported the hold, citing legal concerns, the controller's negative revenue impact projection, and public comment. She argued the plan is not an "investment" in the traditional sense (the city owns no equity), and that $200 million could instead stabilize all vacant properties citywide. - Councilman Wilson opposed the hold, asserting the TRID boundary and value capture area are the same, and the investment area is a smaller subset—consistent with law. He criticized the groups that sent letters as opposed to bike lanes and paid sick leave, and argued council members Gross and Warwick were not being truthful. - Councilman Coghill supported the plan as an investment that gives the URA control and creates prevailing-wage jobs for building trades. - Council President Lavelle stated he had legal counsel from the URA and believed the plan is lawful, so he opposed the hold. - Councilman Mosley voted no on the bill but supported the amendment protecting 32BJ workers. He said his constituents in District 9 had raised valid issues, but he respects all perspectives and hopes the plan proves successful. - Councilwoman Salonetro supported the plan as a creative response to COVID's impact on downtowns. - Councilwoman Strasberger argued the TRID is a tool to stop "vertical blight" and generate future tax revenue for neighborhoods; she noted the URA board will vote on investments. - Council President Lavelle clarified that developers pay 100% of current taxes; only the incremental increase from reassessment is diverted, so it is not a tax giveaway. - Motion to hold for legal opinion: Failed (2-7), with only Gross and Warwick voting in favor. Key Outcomes - Bill 531 (Downtown TRID): Passed 6-3. Ayes: Charland, Coghill, Salonetro, Strasberger, Wilson, Lavelle. Nays: Gross, Mosley, Warwick. - Highmark Health donation: Bill 722 passed 9-0. - UPMC donation: Bill 723 passed 9-0. - Carnegie Mellon University donation: Bill 729 passed 9-0. - All other bills: Passed unanimously 9-0. - Next meeting: Standing committee meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM. A public hearing on liquor license transfer (Bill 606) was held at 1:30 PM on the same day.

Date: July 28, 2026, 1:30 PM Location: Council Chambers, 510 City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA The meeting was convened for a public hearing on Bill 2026-0606, a resolution requesting approval of an inter-municipal transfer of a liquor license from McCrossins Landing Pub LLC (Monongahela, PA) to Silver Ashes Hospitality Group, LLC (Pittsburgh, PA). However, the public hearing was not held as scheduled. Hearing Item - Bill 2026-0606: Liquor License Transfer (Silver Ashes Hospitality Group / Lost and Found Restaurant). The clerk read the bill title. The presiding officer stated that the hearing would be scheduled after City Council's August recess. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was rescheduled to September 1, 2026 (as per meeting minutes). No testimony or discussion took place. Note: The meeting minutes confirm the rescheduling, and the transcript indicates the hearing was postponed.

Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as Wednesday, July 22, 2026, but the meeting transcript header and the instructions for this summary specify July 23, 2026. This discrepancy is noted. The City Council Standing Committees met to consider a lengthy agenda spanning finance, public safety, land use, recreation, and intergovernmental affairs. The most significant and contentious item was the proposed Downtown Pittsburgh Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID), which generated extensive public comment and debate before passing on a 6-3 vote. Other major actions included acceptance of multi-million dollar donations from Highmark Health, UPMC, and Carnegie Mellon University for emergency services and infrastructure, and approval of funding for after-school programming at the Burgwin Recreation Center. Consent Calendar - 2026-0016 (Fleet Vehicle Fund): Held in committee for eight weeks, due back by September 16, 2026. - 2026-0731 (Warrant settlement – James Hieber): Affirmatively recommended for settlement not to exceed $100,000. - 2026-0735 (Budget transfer – postage): Transferred $20,793.73 within the 2026 Operating Budget from Council Districts Supplies to Finance Supplies for postage costs. - Invoices: Approved a list of departmental invoices covering various reimbursements, donations, and vendor payments. - Intradepartmental Transfer: Approved an $82,000 transfer within the Department of Mobility & Infrastructure for operational supplies. - P-Card Approvals: Approved weekly P-card report with a waiver of rules for a public works charge over $5,000. - 2026-0724 (Sewage Facilities Plan): Approved plan revision for 217 Beechnut Drive at no cost to the city. - 2026-0725 (Land sale – Urban Redevelopment Authority to Pittsburgh Land Bank): Approved sale of 0 Grove Street, Council District 6. - 2026-0726 (Amendment to Resolution 619 of 2018): Approved amendment to include additional properties in a site assemblage in Council District 9. - 2026-0727 (Amendment to Resolution 384 of 2020): Approved amendment for properties in the 12th Ward, Council District 9. - 2026-0728 (Land sale – URA to Hill Top Villas LLC): Approved sale of 2039 Broadhead Fording Road, Council District 2. Public Comments & Testimony - Downtown TRID: Over 40 speakers registered, with the vast majority opposing the TRID. Key arguments included: - Lack of transparency and insufficient public engagement, with some speakers alleging the process may have violated state law. - Concerns that 80% of the funds would go to private developers with no guaranteed public benefits, affordable housing, or transit improvements. - Worries that the 40-year term would burden future generations with debt and limit future tax revenue for neighborhoods. - Several speakers supported the TRID, including a representative from SEIU Local 32 who urged worker protections, and a University of Pittsburgh student who expressed support for transit and EMS investments. - Worker displacement: Kim Smith, a former cleaner at the Alcoa Building, testified about losing her job after 37 years when PMC Property Group converted the building, highlighting the need for labor protections in development projects. - Other comments: A few speakers addressed the UPMC donation and the need for better transit and public services in neighborhoods, but the overwhelming focus was on the TRID. Discussion Items - Public Safety & Wellness Committee: - 2026-0722 (Highmark Health donation): Accepted $4 million per year for five years ($20 million total) for medical first responder resources, primarily Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire vehicles. Council members praised the partnership and noted the urgency of fleet needs. - 2026-0723 (UPMC donation): Accepted $5 million per year for five years ($25 million total) for EMS vehicles and equipment. Chief of Staff Dan Gilman reported that the first 13 vehicles are in production. The city also joined a lawsuit against fire truck manufacturers over pricing and delays. - 2026-0729 (Carnegie Mellon University donation): Accepted $3 million split over five years for education and infrastructure initiatives. Approved without discussion. - Land Use & Economic Development Committee: - 2026-0518 (East Carson Street Improvement District): Held for one week. - 2026-0714 (Zoning amendment – Multi-Suite Residential in UC-E District): Amended by substitute and referred to the Planning Commission for report and recommendation. - 2026-0732 (Allegheny Arsenal Historic Designation): Held for a public hearing. - Recreation, Youth, and Senior Services Committee: - 2026-0643 (Burgwin Recreation Center funding): After extensive debate, an amendment by Councilmember Warwick to substitute the bill was approved. The bill originally authorized $200,000 for social services programming at Burgwin; the substitute specifies the funds are for out-of-school time services, staffing, and supplies. A voice amendment by Councilmember Wilson to expand funding to all recreation centers failed 2-6-1. The bill as amended passed 7-2 (with Councilmembers Wilson and Charland voting no). - Intergovernmental & Educational Affairs Committee: - 2026-0531 (Downtown Pittsburgh TRID): This was the centerpiece of the meeting. The URA presented the plan, emphasizing it as a tool to stabilize downtown property values (which have declined 42% since 2024, reducing annual tax revenue by $7.9 million). Councilmember Wilson introduced an amendment by substitute that included: - Requiring labor peace agreements for building service employees receiving TRID financing over $100,000. - Clarifying that TRID assistance over $100,000 constitutes a city subsidy subject to prevailing wage requirements. - Removing the area around 31st Street from the value capture area. - Updating boundary descriptions. The amendment passed. The debate then focused on the merits of the TRID. Councilmembers Gross, Warwick, and Mosley expressed strong opposition, citing: - The city controller’s concerns that the TRID would divert future revenue from the booming Strip District to downtown, yielding less net revenue. - The statutory requirement that the investment area and value capture area be coterminous, which the proposal may violate. - The risk of the city being the sole guarantor of the bond. Councilmembers Coghill, Wilson, Strassburger, Charland, and Lavelle supported the plan, arguing that without action, downtown property values would continue to decline, harming the city’s ability to invest in neighborhoods. They emphasized the URA’s track record of successful tax increment financing projects and the need for a vibrant downtown. Key Outcomes - Highmark Health donation: Affirmatively recommended (unanimous). - UPMC donation: Affirmatively recommended (unanimous). - Carnegie Mellon University donation: Affirmatively recommended (unanimous). - Burgwin Recreation Center funding: Affirmatively recommended as amended (7-2). - Downtown TRID (2026-0531): Passed as amended on a roll call vote of 6-3 (Ayes: Charland, Coghill, Lavelle, Wilson, Strassburger, and one other – likely Salinetro, who was not recorded as voting no; Nays: Gross, Warwick, Mosley). The bill now moves to the county and school board for consideration. - All other items: Approved as noted in the consent calendar.

Note on date: The meeting date provided in the instruction is July 22, 2026, but the official minutes and transcript indicate Tuesday, July 21, 2026. This summary follows the instruction date; refer to official records for correct date. The Pittsburgh City Council held a regular meeting on [July 22, 2026] (per instruction) at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. All nine members were present. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, proclamations, public comments, presentation of new legislation, and final votes on several committee reports. Proclamations - Council declared July 21 (per minutes) as "Anthony Ceoffe Day" (sponsored by Council Member Warwick) and "Yvonne F. Brown Day" (sponsored by Council President Lavelle and all members). Both were adopted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller (Downtown) criticized Councilwoman Deborah Gross for a 30% meeting attendance absence rate between 2024 and 2026, alleging neglect of duty and threatening impeachment under the Home Rule Charter. - Rosalind Tosh (Bloomfield, CMU student) urged the city to stop using police against teenagers and instead create more community spaces, citing the Market Square youth curfew and hostility toward teen gatherings. - Bethany Cameron (Overbrook, representing Inform Pittsburgh) presented survey results from 76 readers: 43% said large events like the NFL draft have mixed impacts, 23% mostly negative; 59% feel unsafe crossing streets often or every day, with specific dangerous intersections noted. - Bernadette Mosey opposed the Piatt Companies esplanade redevelopment project (Bill 755), arguing it gives tax breaks to wealthy developers while the city needs funding for home repairs, fire trucks, and ambulances. She called for a public database of developer LLCs for transparency. - Special Agent Sunshine accused council of illegally moving federal funds, citing Compass Natural Gas contract ($882,000) and Charles Anderson Bridge project ($4 million) as examples. She prayed and warned of divine judgment. - Unique Brown (shelter resident) criticized the city’s affordable housing shortage (11,000 units short per Pittsburgh Foundation), slow pace of the Housing Opportunity Fund (129 units from $10M), homeless sweeps, and a $250,000 cut to a food program. She demanded action. - Yvonne F. Brown (Hill District) after being honored with a proclamation, shared her personal story of her son’s death at the hands of police in Wilkinsburg, pleaded for council to listen to the people and remember their oath. Presentation of Papers (New Legislation) Council members introduced several bills (2026-0744 through 2026-0771), including: - 2026-0744 (Coghill): Accept $1 million grant from Ross and Carol Nese Foundation to hire a Head of Talent Acquisition for Public Safety. - 2026-0745 (Gross): $73,050 warrant for Musco Sports Lighting software for digital control of ballfield and park lighting. - 2026-0746 (Mosley): Up to $302,400 over four years for federal government affairs consulting with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. - 2026-0747 (Mosley): Cooperation agreement for HOME-ARP program at no cost. - 2026-0748 (Mosley): $64,373.50 for Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission 2026 dues. - 2026-0749 (Mosley): Sewage facilities plan revision for 2039 Broadhead Fording Road. - 2026-0750 (Mosley): Amended reimbursement agreement with Pittsburgh Water for RAISE grant, increase to $100,000. - 2026-0751 (Mosley): Approval of URA land sale at 604 Liberty Avenue to MK Liberty Partners LLC. - 2026-0752-0755 (Salinetro): Supplemental agreements for Charles Anderson Bridge ($4,077,687), Newton Street project ($1,124,727), West Carson Street Bridge final design ($1,378,913), and Three Rivers Heritage Trail esplanade redevelopment with Piatt Companies (no cost to city). - 2026-0756-0759 (Strassburger): Repealing prior sales, selling tax-delinquent properties (15 parcels), quitclaim deed at 7217 Monticello Street to Marvin Miller for $3,000, and $515,000 settlement for Brian and Donna Albert litigation. - 2026-0760-0761 (Warwick): Shift CDBG funds from 31st Ward Community Action Group to Lincoln Place Presbyterian Church ($468.49 and $10,000). - 2026-0762-0763, 0770-0771 (Wilson): Amendments to capital budgets for HUD clawback, HOME-ARP supportive services ($105,820), reallocation for park reconstruction, and ordinance change to remove vehicle protection exception in parking prohibitions. - 2026-0764-0765 (Lavelle): Communications from OMB regarding grants office status and acting pay for fire bureau. All bills were read and referred to appropriate committees. Unfinished Business & Reports of Committee - Final Action The council took final votes on bills from committee reports: - 2026-0739 (Finance and Law committee report) – Received and filed. - 2026-0705 (Capital budget amendment: $52,854.68 from pool maintenance to playground improvements) – Passed 9-0. - 2026-0706 (Legal services warrant for Comber Miller LLC, $20,197.71) – Passed 9-0. - 2026-0707 (Expert witness services for MedicoLegal Inc., $6,200) – Passed 9-0. - 2026-0730 (Amend Compass Natural Gas contract to extend term and increase by $126,000 to $882,000) – Passed 8-1 (Council Member Gross voted no). - 2026-0740 (Public Works committee report) – Received and filed. - 2026-0704 (License and maintenance agreement for public art with Larimer Consensus Group) – Passed 9-0. Councilman Wilson praised the project as a grassroots traffic-calming art initiative. - 2026-0741 (Land Use committee report) – Received and filed. - 2026-0513 (Rezone three parcels in Homewood West from R1D-L to Urban Industrial) – Passed 9-0. - 2026-0742 (Innovation committee report) – Received and filed. - 2026-0700 (Interdepartmental transfers for software maintenance consolidation, $77,681.25) – Passed 9-0. - 2026-0743 (Intergovernmental committee report) – Received and filed. - 2026-0701 (Land Bank acquisition: 0 Kelly Street) – Passed 9-0. - 2026-0702 (Land Bank acquisition: 0 Lincoln Avenue) – Passed 9-0. Key Outcomes - Council passed seven final action bills, all but one unanimously (Bill 730 received one nay from Gross). - Council introduced 28 new legislative items (bills 744-771) for committee consideration. - Council scheduled an executive session for July 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM regarding litigation bills 731, 758, 759. - Standing committee meeting scheduled for July 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM with cablecast post-agenda discussion on controller’s audit of code enforcement. - The meeting adjourned after approval of minutes.

The City of Pittsburgh Standing Committees convened on July 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers, chaired by Councilmember Strassburger. Seven council members were present (Wilson, Salinetro, Charland, Coghill, Warwick, Lavelle, Strassburger) and two absent (Gross, Mosley). The meeting addressed financial resolutions, invoices, transfers, land use items, and public art agreements, with public comment from four speakers. Consent Calendar - Resolution 2026-0730: Amended the CNG fueling station agreement with Compass Natural Gas, extending the term to September 30, 2026, and increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $126,000 to a total of $882,000. (Affirmatively recommended) - Resolution 2026-0705: Transferred $52,854.68 from swimming pool maintenance to play area improvements in the 2018 Capital Budget. (Affirmatively recommended) - Resolution 2026-0706: Authorized a warrant of up to $20,197.71 for Comber Miller LLC for expert legal services in federal litigation. (Affirmatively recommended) - Resolution 2026-0707: Authorized a warrant of up to $6,200 for MedicoLegal, Inc. for expert witness services in county court litigation. (Affirmatively recommended) - Intradepartmental Transfers: Approved two transfers: $10,000 from Fire operational supplies to machinery and equipment, and $55,000 from Police promotional and telephone accounts to operational supplies for uniforms and ballistic vests. - P-Card Approvals: Approved the weekly P-Card report for June 30–July 6, 2026. - Resolution 2026-0704: Authorized a License and Maintenance Agreement for limited-term public art with the Larimer Consensus Group. (Affirmatively recommended) - Resolution 2026-0513: Approved the rezoning of parcels 125-G-13, 125-G-14, and 125-G-15 from R1D-L to Urban Industrial in the Homewood West neighborhood. (Affirmatively recommended) - Resolution 2026-0701: Authorized the Pittsburgh Land Bank to acquire the city's interest in 0 Kelly Street (Council District 9) at no cost. (Affirmatively recommended) - Resolution 2026-0702: Authorized the Pittsburgh Land Bank to acquire the city's interest in 0 Lincoln Avenue (Council District 9) at no cost. (Affirmatively recommended) - Resolution 2026-0700: Authorized interdepartmental transfers of $76,601.25 from Police and $1,080 from Finance to the Department of Innovation & Performance for software maintenance and migration. (Affirmatively recommended) Public Comments & Testimony - Dylan James Basescu criticized the council's fear of young people and urged them to resource community centers, referencing a request from Homewood residents the previous week. - Catleno Giampolo (Panther Hollow) spoke for the 30th time urging the council to shut down the Oakland Do It Yourself Skate Park, calling it an egregious issue that should be a no-brainer to resolve. - Yvonne F. Brown complained about safety issues in her building, including a resident who had been banned but was still seen, and criticized the council's attention and a decision to relocate a police station to Lawrenceville, requiring two buses from the Hill District. - Special Agent Sunshine (Cerese Taylor) gave a brief religious statement affirming that the missing child is still alive. Discussion Items - Invoices for Council Approval: Councilmember Warwick raised questions about NFL draft EMS costs totaling over $20,000, asking whether they were reimbursable from the $2 million state grant. Budget Director Kirsten Walmsley explained that the invoices are part of EMS's normal trust fund process and may be eligible for reimbursement. Warwick expressed interest in a full cost-benefit analysis of large events and suggested cities might collectively negotiate better terms. The invoices were approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-0518 (East Carson Street Improvement District): A motion to hold the bill for one week was approved, with no further discussion. - Resolution 2026-0714 (Zoning amendment for multi-suite residential in UC-E district): A motion to hold for one week was approved. - Resolution 2026-0703 (Land Bank acquisition of 169 Auburn Street): Councilmember Warwick noted that Councilmember Mosley was absent and the item needed a one-week hold for an amendment by substitution. The hold was approved. Key Outcomes - All items in the Finance and Law Committee, Public Works and Infrastructure, and Innovation, Performance, Asset Management, and Technology committees were approved without opposition. - Two land use items (2026-0518 and 2026-0714) were held for one week, due back by July 22, 2026. - One intergovernmental item (2026-0703) was held for one week for amendment by substitution, due back by July 22, 2026. - The meeting adjourned after excusing absent members Gross and Mosley, and approving the minutes.

The Pittsburgh City Council held its regular meeting on July 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. President R. Daniel Lavelle presided with eight members present (Council Member Deborah L. Gross absent). The meeting included proclamations, public comments, introduction of legislation, and final passage of multiple committee reports. Consent Calendar - Proclamations: Four resolutions were adopted unanimously: declaring July 15, 2026, as "Dream Shots Media Day" (2026-0721), August 23, 2026, as "Karla Boos Day" (2026-0736), July 18, 2026, as "Serbian National Federation Day" (2026-0737), and July 19, 2026, as "Chuck 'Z-boy' Zdobinski Day" (2026-0738). - Unanimous final passage of six bills from committee reports (see Key Outcomes). Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Ronald Lynn Miller spoke about intersectionality and racial justice, urging council to consult his organization. - Bethani Cameron (InformUp.org) presented survey results from 44 readers: 34% favored using the Stop the Violence fund for after-school programs, 40% supported a mix of funding; 43% preferred building in-house IT staff over contracting. - Carlino Giampolo criticized Council Members Warwick and Charland for supporting a skate park with graffiti encouraging underage drinking and drug use, alleging violations of the Pittsburgh Code of Conduct. He reported that the Ethics Hearing Board found no conflict and called for expanded ethics rules. - Patrick Robinson addressed the death of his son Patrick Robinson Jr. at UPMC, alleging a breach of contract and discrimination. He said he has sued UPMC and contacted the Department of Justice, and asked for council's help. - David Fisher (East Hills) advocated for solar energy garden parks at Penn and Negley in East Liberty, proposing partnerships with universities and schools. - Yvonne F. Brown (Hill District) accused council of not caring, referencing the skate park issue and lack of action on promises. - Unique Brown (homeless shelter resident) criticized council for giving themselves a 22% raise while she struggles on $1,200/month. She detailed city spending on items like chicken tenders and questioned priorities. - William Satterwhite (Lincoln-Lemington) complained about missing city steps and overgrown stop signs, urging council to "just do your job." - Special Agent Sunshine spoke about oppression, missing child Ceres Taylor, and alleged monitoring and tracking, citing biblical verses. - Ralph Williams (radio host) criticized the Housing Authority of Pittsburgh (Caster Binion), called for his firing, and proposed a plan for dealing with team takeovers. He also mentioned lack of air conditioning at Ebenezer Towers and lack of youth program funding. Discussion Items - Donations from Health Systems and University: Councilman Coghill presented resolutions to accept $20 million from Highmark Health over five years for fire vehicles (2026-0722) and $25 million from UPMC over five years for EMS vehicles (2026-0723). Councilman Mosley presented a $3 million donation from Carnegie Mellon University over five years for education and infrastructure (2026-0729). All were referred to committees. - Land and Property Transactions: Several resolutions were introduced for land sales and property assemblage (2026-0725 to 0728), including sales to the Pittsburgh Land Bank and Hill Top Villas LLC, and amendments to previous URA property acquisition resolutions. All referred to the Intergovernmental and Educational Affairs Committee. - CNG Fueling Station Contract Extension: Councilwoman Strassburger presented a resolution (2026-0730) to extend the contract with Compass Natural Gas for a mobile CNG fueling station, increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $126,000 to $882,000. A motion to waive Rule 8 was approved so the bill could appear on the next day's standing committee agenda. - Litigation Settlement: A warrant for James Hieber's settlement of $100,000 (2026-0731) was referred to Finance and Law, with an executive session scheduled for later that day. - Historic Designation: Councilman Wilson presented a resolution (2026-0732) to designate the Allegheny Arsenal Officers Quarters and Wall Segments in Lower Lawrenceville as a historic site. The owner supports the nomination, and it was held for a public hearing. - Budget Transfer: Council President Lavelle presented a resolution (2026-0735) transferring $20,793.73 within the 2026 operating budget from City Council Districts Supplies to Finance for postage costs. Referred to Finance and Law. Key Outcomes - Final Passage of Committee Reports (all 8-0 votes, Council Member Gross absent): - 2026-0687: Authorization to enter into agreement with LA28 for Olympic/Paralympic Games coordination (no cost to city). - 2026-0682: Agreement with ePlus Technology, Inc. for IT support ($95,440 over one year). - 2026-0683: Warrant for Dell Financial Services ($58,283.18 for electronic devices). - 2026-0684: Amendment to Julota software contract (increase of $520, new total $276,044.72 over four years). - 2026-0685: Professional services agreement with Malady & Wooten, Inc. for state government affairs ($264,000 over four years). - 2026-0686: License to ALCOSAN for two diversion structures at 2200 Spring Garden Avenue (no cost to city). - Executive Session: Scheduled for 1:00 PM on July 14, 2026, regarding Bill 2026-0731 (litigation settlement). - Next Meeting: Standing committee meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Speaker registration deadline.

A public hearing was held by the Pittsburgh City Council Committee on Hearings and Policy on July 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM in Council Chambers to consider Bill 2026-0513, which proposes to rezone three parcels (125-G-13, 125-G-14, 125-G-15) from Residential Single Unit Detached – Low Density (R1D-L) to Urban Industrial (UI) in the Homewood West neighborhood. The hearing was chaired by Councilman Kahari Mosley. No other council members were present. The applicant, Action Housing, presented a proposal to develop 38 affordable housing units on the site. No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Presentation by Action Housing: James H. (Director of Real Estate Development), Jody Lincoln (Senior Development Officer), and Katie Seftis (Moss Architect) presented the rezoning request. They explained that the three parcels have been vacant for over 20 years and are currently owned by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). An adjacent fourth parcel, previously a UPMC building, is already zoned UI and is also owned by the URA. The rezoning is necessary to allow a multifamily affordable housing development on all four parcels together. The proposed project would include approximately 38 units (mix of efficiency, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments), all affordable for households earning at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI). The developer plans to apply for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in early 2027. The project is in early schematic design, with construction expected to take five years if funded. Action Housing emphasized its commitment to community engagement, stating they have been in discussions with the community since 2022 and have held recent meetings with neighbors and local groups. They noted that the rezoning would activate vacant land, create a buffer between commercial uses along Fifth Avenue and existing single-family homes on Kelly Street, and align with the Homewood cluster plan. Councilman Mosley expressed support for the project, commending the developer’s intentional outreach to adjacent residents and the community. He noted that the neighborhood needs more affordable housing and that the project is “pretty cut and dry.” Key Outcomes - The public hearing was held and concluded. No public testimony was offered. The bill was referred to the Committee on Land Use and Economic Development for further consideration. The hearing was adjourned.