Mayor Ed Gainey Submits Budget Committed to Re-investment in City Core Services
Budget Proposal includes no new tax increases and no cuts to city services
Pittsburgh – Today, Mayor Ed Gainey addressed the City of Pittsburgh in the annual State of the City Address given in City Council Chambers. The address outlined his vision for the coming fiscal year and some of the many accomplishments of various city departments in 2023.
The Mayor spoke on the importance of continuing the hard work and reinvestment into core city services without tax increases after coming out of the Act 47 Era. He re-emphasized his plan to achieve three lofty goals for residents:
- to make this city the safest in America,
- to become the most welcoming city in America,
- and to be a city where everyone who calls Pittsburgh home can thrive.
“In partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools and Pathways to Prosperity, we have made a historic investment in paid internships and co-ops for young people, to train them in good-paying union jobs in the skilled trades,” said Mayor Ed Gainey.
The mayor emphasized that the budget is about the next generation of city residents' future and their ability to thrive not just today, but every day.
An initiative that’s having a positive impact on the city’s youngest residents, such as the Youth Civic Leadership Academy, the Learn and Earn Summer Youth Program, and the ongoing partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Pathways to Prosperity program.
One of the newest initiatives that many residents appreciated is the launch of City in the Streets. These neighborhood events allowed citizens an opportunity to speak directly to city officials about their concerns.
“When we listen to our communities, we are able to do big things that help entire neighborhoods to prosper,” said Mayor Gainey
The Mayor touted the city’s selection by the White House to be one of only five Workforce Hub has reinforced the idea that Pittsburgh is a national leader in workforce development. The city’s Human Resources Department is also making it possible for residents to get good jobs.
“This budget reflects the commitment of every City employee to efficiency and ingenuity, and we’ve proposed some groundbreaking initiatives without having to raise taxes or cut positions or core services, even in light of the volatility in the national economy,” said Mayor Gainey. “But if we are going to be successful in our efforts to provide the kind of services our residents deserve, then we need everyone to pay their fair share.”
This year, the City challenged the tax-exempt status of 26 properties that did not pass the purely public charity test. As a result, some of those property owners are now paying their fair share. Review of, and further challenges to, properties claiming exemptions will continue in 2024.
Infrastructure has been a major focus of the Gainey Administration since the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge and its rapid rebuilding, which made it clear, that a greater understanding of the state of local bridges were needed. Now, the city has a roadmap of the status of every city-owned and what reinvestment in these critical assets is needed. The budget also includes historic investment in reducing traffic incidents in neighborhoods.
The Mayor highlighted the City’s partnership with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Pittsburgh Land Bank, which makes it possible to reduce blight in our communities to further neighborhood development. The Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections has improved its processes, allowing permits to move faster through the system for residents and developers.
The budget address highlighted proposed public safety investments in people, programs, and vehicles. It also focused on the Office of Community Health and Safety and their work with officers in responding to mental health crisis issues in the community.
The budget address also showcased the Department of Public Works’ efforts to strengthen its anti-litter teams, refuse pick-up, and snow removal. The 2024 budget proposal will continue work in clearing vacant lots, and partnering with private residents to replace sidewalks along critical routes.
A new Pre-Bid meeting process, with better and more dedicated outreach, has increased local MWDBE participation in city contracts more than two-fold. This trend is highlighted by, the construction contracts for the revitalization of Homewood Field, which has a minority prime contractor, and 16 MWDBE sub-contractors.
Due to the ongoing reinvestments in the city core services, new initiatives, streamlining of systems and departments as well as partnerships and collaborations with partner organizations, businesses and residents, the state of the city is strong.
The transcript of the Mayor’s speech can be found here: Mayor's 2023 State of the City Address
You can also see a rundown of the budget here:
