Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey delivered his State of the City Address, presenting his 2025 budget proposal that details his vision to protect and build on his administration’s work to restore core services for residents, increase the availability of affordable housing, and revitalize the downtown. During his address, Mayor Gainey highlighted investments in public works, public safety, housing, development plans, economic development, and environmental efforts.
In public safety, Mayor Gainey highlighted the addition of new civilian positions within the police department, which will allow sworn officers to focus more on patrol and investigative work. He also shared that the Violence Interruption Program will be expanded to better connect at-risk residents with resources aimed at preventing gun violence. Additionally, he announced that the Office of Community Health & Safety will extend its Co-response Program across all city zones and shifts, and the Freedom House EMT Academy will be made a permanent program, enabling EMS to train new EMTs.
In housing, the Mayor announced that zoning amendments are being made to reduce barriers to housing production and promote inclusionary zoning. He noted that the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant will expand affordable housing in the Hill District, while the Affordable Housing Bond will invest over $30 million in housing projects over the next three years. Additionally, Mayor Gainey highlighted downtown conversion investment projects aimed at creating 1,000 new housing units, and he noted that the OwnPGH Program has already enabled 150 low- and moderate-income residents to purchase homes for the first time.
Mayor Gainey also shared economic development initiatives, including a $600 million reinvestment in downtown Pittsburgh, which will create and preserve nearly 1,000 housing units, remake public spaces, and increase public safety resources. The Mayor highlighted the Regional Workforce Equity Agreement, developed in partnership with the Housing Authority and Urban Redevelopment Authority, which will create job opportunities for those most in need. Additionally, the Mayor shared that the Pittsburgh Prosperity Project will help residents overcome employment obstacles such as childcare, learning job site culture, or transportation.
Watch the Mayor’s full address here.
