Topic
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.
City Council
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust wants the city to give it part of 8th Street for an outdoor venue. A council member raised concerns about giving up public riverfront property and suggested a lease instead. For now, council didn't send the bill to a vote. Members want to explore options such as an extended lease and ensuring public passage.
City Council
Money for affordable housing could take a hit as council looks to cut $30 million from the mayor's 2026 budget. That could include the Urban Redevelopment Authority's proposed $10 million for its Housing Opportunity Fund. Council members strongly support the fund, which helps build and preserve affordable housing. For now, council is holding the bill for two weeks.
City Council
The Penguins no longer hold development rights to the former Civic Arena site in the Lower Hill. Their agreement expired Oct. 22, returning those rights to two public authorities. Now, council has given preliminary approval to amending the community benefits agreement that gives residents a voice there. Back in 1955, the city displaced 8,000 residents and 400 businesses to build the arena.
City Council
The Three Sisters bridges, two pump stations, and Schenley Park are close to gaining historic protection. Council gave them preliminary approval, and final designation is expected next week. Separately, a pending nomination already protects the former Office of Municipal Investigations building, which council approved selling in June. Council plans a public hearing on it, though no date is set.
City Council
An effort to require affordable units in large new or renovated developments has stalled again. Council voted 5-4 for an amendment that would instead offer developers tax breaks and faster approvals to include them voluntarily. That sent the bill back to the Planning Commission, which has 90 days to review it. After that, council has 120 days to hold a public hearing before its vote.
City Council
Since 2018, neighborhood groups have run the community meetings developers must hold for projects that need city commission approval. On Oct. 8, a council member proposed suspending that, saying the city relies too much on nonprofits. The Planning Department wants to run the meetings itself, the council president said. For now, council agreed to the department's request for a two-week hold.
City Council
Sidewalk and bus stop repairs, plus new crosswalks, are part of a mobility plan for the West End, Esplen, Elliott, and Sheraden. The county's redevelopment authority has added another $100,000, doubling its contribution to $200,000. City officials hope the work also draws people to the area's under-used business district. A council member said residents still oppose rezoning but favor this plan.
City Council
Following weeks of public comment, City Council is poised to spend $1.8 million on a master plan to potentially build an $86 million public safety training facility in the Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood.
City Council
After informally working together to try to move tax-delinquent properties back onto the tax rolls, the city has put together an agreement with the land bank, the county and school district.
City Council
A bill on a proposed public safety training campus is on hold for another two weeks. At council's Sept. 3 committee meeting, 26 people spoke against the campus and two were neutral. Earlier that day, 39 people spoke in support of the Oakland DIY Skatepark and one against. For now, there's no new skatepark legislation on council's upcoming agenda.
City Council
Pittsburgh would allow tiny house communities for unhoused residents under legislation council affirmed. It covers tiny houses only in managed temporary communities, not ones built for private use. For now, the city has no plans to build any, since recent county efforts are serving those needs. Still, council wanted the option in place in case the need arises.
City Council
Right now, Pittsburgh has no rules for short-term rentals like Airbnb. A council member introduced legislation that would require investors who buy property to rent this way to get a yearly license. Violations would cost $500 per unit per month, but homeowners who occasionally rent their own homes would be exempt. Next, council will discuss the bills at a future meeting.
City Council
Council's committee meeting this week ran 8 hours, and almost 70 people gave public comment. The largest group, 59 speakers, favored strengthening the Stop the Violence Fund. Speakers also weighed in on protections for trans healthcare and sex workers, and 11 opposed a public safety training campus. Top agenda items included reducing the minimum penalty for sex work.
City Council
Firefighters' current burn site sits on a floodplain and can't be used. A $1.8 million assessment of a former VA site would be the first step toward a public safety training campus. If it isn't done by the end of May 2026, the land goes back to the federal government. For now, council has put a two-week hold on the bill.
City Council
The Department of City Planning wants to apply for two $250,000 State grants to plan transit-oriented development. Council held the Sheraden Bus Station bill until after a public hearing, as Councilmember Kail-Smith requested. The South Hills Junction bill advanced, with her abstaining. She voiced frustration that City departments work with community groups without involving the relevant council member.
City Council
Buying a City house can take up to two years under the existing program. With a new pilot, the City would clear titles first, cutting closing to about six months. Council has advanced the first five sales, all in the West End. Buyers would have to meet income limits and live in the home for at least five years.
City Council
Some building permit applications have sat incomplete for a year and a half, a city official said. Under a proposed bill, the Zoning Administrator would have 30 days to flag missing information. Otherwise, the application is marked complete, though it can still be sent back at review. Council will vote once the Planning Commission sends its recommendation.
City Council
A City building in the Strip District has sat unused for 10 to 20 years, the council budget director estimated. Council has affirmed selling it to the URA for $1. Unlike the City, the URA can weigh a buyer's plans along with price. However, the one member who voted no said State law required public hearings for similar sales.
City Council
The Pittsburgh Land Bank, which sells vacant and tax-delinquent properties, has relied on American Rescue Plan money. It faces a shortfall after 2026, and its acting director said it isn't self-sustaining. Now, a council member has proposed a task force to recommend long-term funding. It would start after council's final vote next week and report in time for the 2026 budget.