City Council
UPMC donates $10 million for new ambulances, with state adding $1 million grant.
Pittsburgh's EMS fleet is in line for $10 million from UPMC and a $1 million state grant. Next week, council plans a final vote to accept the money. Chief of Staff Dan Gilman estimated the city can buy eight or nine more ambulances and a rescue unit. Still, he said the one-time gift is separate from talks on longer-term partnerships.
Written by Amy Whipple
The Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Service (EMS) fleet is getting a $10 million shot in the arm from UPMC and another $1 million grant from the state.
Pittsburgh City Council is planning to hold a final vote to accept the money next week.
Chief of Staff Dan Gilman said during council’s Feb. 4 committees meeting that the one-time UPMC donation will be split between this year and 2027. He estimated that the city will be able to purchase eight or nine additional ambulances plus a new rescue unit. He said that he will be working with the bureau to determine the best use of the $5 million slated for 2027.
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development awarded the $1 million grant to buy two ambulances at the end of last year.
Gilman clarified that the UPMC donation is separate from ongoing conversations with the hospital chain and other local organizations about longer-term commitments and partnerships with the city.
Council Member Barb Warwick of Greenfield said, “The Pittsburgh taxpayers have ponied up, and I’m glad to see this process started with our large nonprofits.”
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City Council
Pittsburgh still $1 million short on unpaid water bills from 2025.
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PNC Foundation gives $2 million for snow equipment after 37 plows broke down in one night.
The city is adding snow removal vehicles after 37 plows broke down in one night. On Feb. 4, council gave preliminary approval to a $2 million PNC Foundation gift covering 15 of them. With other funds and retrofitted trucks, the city will have 70 snow vehicles. The mayor's chief of staff said they won't be ready this winter, though they should arrive by next winter.
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Council interviews Pittsburgh’s next chief of police.
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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.
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The county executive may be limited to three terms total.
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When ambulances and snowplows sit in the shop, residents' safety suffers, city officials have warned. Now a council member has proposed a vehicle fund, with a goal of at least $20 million a year from 2027. The aim is to keep 70% of the fleet young enough that major repairs aren't expected. But council has held the bill for four weeks.
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The North Shore may have a lot of new signs.
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Some of O’Connor’s appointees need council’s OK.
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Voters may decide on budget process and public notice requirements.
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County Council weighs whether to jump into jail fight.
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Pittsburgh inks $100,000 contract to teach residents to recycle.
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Land bank looks to spend millions to return properties to the tax rolls.
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Anchor organizations named to “Stop the Violence.”
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City property taxes slated to go up 20%.
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