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Expanding Discrimination Protections & Unsafe Affordable Housing - City Council Week of Jan 27

Update

On the Docket

  • The Council considered 3 new changes to Pittsburgh's Home Rule Charter:
  • To align with the city's existing discrimination policies
  • To limit future amendments from restricting or expanding the city's authority
  • Restricting the Lease and/or Sale of the City’s Water and Sewer System to a private company
  • Council held a special meeting on ongoing problems with NB Affordable Properties, a manager of affordable housing.

Council continued discussion and heard public comments on three proposed questions related to amending the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter. These referenda could be included on the May 2025 Primary Election ballot. Council’s votes authorized the ordinances necessary to have the referenda added to the ballot by the Allegheny County Board of Elections.

City Council

Referendum to Amend the Home Rule Charter: Prohibiting Discrimination.

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.

Written by Amy Whipple

Prohibiting Discrimination

The first referendum would add a new section under Article One, Home Rule Powers, “prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, disability, place of birth, national origin, or association or affiliation with any nation or foreign state in conducting the business of the City.”

  • “Ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, disability, place of birth” were added since the initial proposal read at the Jan. 22 meeting. Councilperson Strassburger noted that this new language better aligns with the city’s existing nondiscrimination policies and apologized for the original lack of inclusion.
  • Council approved the amended statement.
  • The ordinance received unanimous preliminary approval.
  • A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3, and the final vote is slated for Feb. 4.

City Council

Referendum to Amend the Home Rule Charter: Potential Misuse of the Home Rule Charter Amendment Process.

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.

Written by Amy Whipple

Potential Misuse of the Home Rule Charter Amendment Process

The second referendum would add a new section “prohibiting the use of the Home Rule Charter Amendment process to add duties or obligations beyond the lawful scope of the city’s authority.”

  • Councilperson Gross noted that the Home Rule Charter itself defines the city’s lawful scope and wondered if this amendment would “freeze” that scope and hinder future changes.
  • Councilperson Warwick expressed concern about preemptively limiting the power of both Council and Pittsburgh residents, especially in light of what’s happening at the federal level.
  • The ordinance passed with six in favor and abstentions from Councilpersons Gross, Mosley, and Warwick.
  • A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3, and the final vote is slated for Feb. 4.

City Council

Referendum to Amend the Home Rule Charter: Restricting the Lease and/or Sale of the City’s Water and Sewer System.

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.

Written by Amy Whipple

Restricting the Lease and/or Sale of the City’s Water and Sewer System

The third referendum would add a new article to the Definitions of Home Rule Powers, “restricting the lease and/or sale of the City’s water and sewer system to private entities.”

  • From July 2012 to December 2015, the then-Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (now Pittsburgh Water) had a management contract with Veolia Water North America-Northeast. Veolia’s management included inaccurate meters and billing, as well as a 14-month change in chemicals used for corrosion and lead control, allegedly contributing to elevated lead levels. PWSA later sued Veolia. Councilperson Gross, one of six co-sponsors, said this addition could help protect the city from a repeat incident.
  • The city’s current lease agreement with Pittsburgh Water—effective since 1995—allows the public entity to purchase the water and sewer system later this year. If passed, the sale to Pittsburgh Water would still be permitted because it is a public, not private, entity.
  • Councilperson Kail-Smith noted that Pittsburgh Water is only one of three water suppliers for her district. She expressed concern over continued rate increases and emphasized that protecting residents’ water also means keeping bills manageable. Councilpersons Mosley and Strassburger brought up related environmental justice aspects.
  • The ordinance received a unanimous affirmative recommendation.
  • A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3, and the final vote is slated for Feb. 4.

City Council

Continuing Problems with NB Affordable Properties.

Since 2023, tenants of NB Affordable Properties in Homewood, West Mifflin, and elsewhere have reported bedbugs, rats, and no heat. So far, complaints to the company and federal housing officials have had little or no effect. A council member called a meeting with a member of Congress, city officials, and advocates. Speakers discussed inspections, which a council member said residents fear could lead to eviction.

Written by Amy Whipple

Continuing Problems with NB Affordable Properties

A discussion on NB Affordable Properties took place in a Post Agenda meeting at the request of Khari Mosley.

Invited guests included Congresswoman Summer Lee, City Controller Rachel Heisler, representatives from housing advocacy organizations, and representatives from related city departments/offices.

Councilpersons Warwick, Lavelle, Gross, Strassburger, and Wilson also attended.

Complaints against NB Affordable Properties, a national property management company that owns properties in affordable local communities, began in 2023. Community residents in Homewood and West Mifflin, among others, have repeatedly brought to the company’s and HUD’s attention bedbug and rat infestations, lack of heat, missing floorboards, and other deplorable conditions, with little or no effect.

  • Representative Lee said her office acts as a point of connection between residents and HUD and that she is committed to creating better conditions for residents.
  • Councilperson Gross brought up Council’s ability to conduct inspections, noting that residents are hesitant about the practice for fear of eviction or losing their housing.
  • David Green, director of the Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections, explained that administrative warrants—which allow entry into a residence without being invited—are primarily used out of wellness concerns regarding hoarding. Emergency powers are limited to “exceedingly hazardous conditions” that are imminently life-threatening.
  • Controller Heisler fielded possible solutions, both proactive and responsive, for Council intervention on residents’ behalf. She cited policies and codes that might preclude some ideas.
  • Advocates shared residents’ stories and the trauma they’re experiencing as a result of the company’s gross negligence.
  • Additional discussion included collaborations between residents, tenant organizations, and city government, as well as the psychological hazards of displacement and breaking apart bonded communities.

Action Items

Let the City Council know how you feel about the above issues by taking this brief survey. I’ll share everyone’s thoughts directly before they take a vote.

Take the survey here (~1 minute)