Governing Body
County Council · Allegheny County, PA
County Council
Allegheny County serves residents regardless of immigration status, but that practice isn't written into county law. Six county council members have now proposed an ordinance to codify it. It would also bar county police and workers from helping federal immigration agents without a federal court order. For now, the bill has gone to the public safety committee.
County Council
Back in 2021, voters approved limits on solitary confinement and some uses of force at the county jail. A jail employees' union argued the limits should be subject to bargaining. A labor board and two lower courts ruled against it, so the union has appealed to the state Supreme Court. This week, county council voted to have its solicitor decide whether to file a brief.
County Council
Walnut Capital is already building a 480-bed complex for college students in Oakland. Now, Allegheny County Council has authorized $1.2 million in tax relief for it, despite misgivings. The 10-year break starts with two years of no property taxes. Members' concerns included council's inconsistent definition of deteriorated areas and subsidizing projects that would happen without county help.
County Council
About 20 people died in Allegheny County Jail custody from 2020 to 2025, TribLive reported. Now, county council has unanimously passed legislation requiring the medical examiner to prioritize investigating those deaths. Reports must reach the warden, the Jail Oversight Board, and the county manager within three business days of completion. Still, it doesn't address public access to autopsy reports.
County Council
Landlords must address chipped or peeling lead paint but aren't required to remove it. Now, county council has authorized the health department to remove lead from private properties when it's a public health hazard. The owner will be billed for the work plus a 10% fee. Another bill halves asbestos permit costs for disadvantaged or distressed businesses.