Issue
Home Rule Charter amendments put to Pittsburgh voters.
City Council
The city charter requires public hearing notices in a newspaper, but the Post-Gazette plans to stop publishing in May. On Jan. 13, council's president proposed May ballot questions to allow online notices and change the budget process. However, the Trib announced Jan. 14 that it will resume a weekend print edition in May. Both proposals go to public hearings Jan. 27.
City Council
Come May, city voters will see three Home Rule Charter changes on the primary ballot. They'd add an anti-discrimination policy, limit the amendment process, and restrict private sale or lease of the water and sewer system. The first two respond to a local divestment group's push for its own referendum. Council members worry that group's measure would hamper the city's ability to do business.
City Council
From 2012 to 2015, Veolia managed the city's water authority. That stretch included inaccurate billing and a chemical change allegedly linked to elevated lead levels. Now, council has unanimously recommended a charter change restricting the water and sewer system's lease or sale to private entities. A sponsor said it could prevent a repeat, and the final vote is Feb. 4.
City Council
A proposed charter change would bar using the amendment process to add duties beyond the city's lawful authority. Six council members voted for it, and three abstained. Two abstaining members worried it could freeze the city's scope or limit the power of council and residents. A public hearing is set for Feb. 3, with a final vote Feb. 4.
City Council
A proposed charter change would ban discrimination in how the city conducts its business. Since its first reading on Jan. 22, council has added sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and more to the protected groups. A council member said the new language better matches existing city policy. The measure won unanimous preliminary approval, and a final vote is set for Feb. 4.