Mayor Gainey launches 'Keep Pittsburgh Home' for Affordability

Published on February 21, 2025

Office of the Mayor - City Seal

Mayor Ed Gainey and City Leaders Launch 'Keep Pittsburgh Home' to Protect Affordability

Pittsburgh, PA – Today, Mayor Ed Gainey, joined by Councilmember Khari Mosley, housing advocates, and community leaders, launched the "Keep Pittsburgh Home" campaign. This bold initiative aims to protect renters, support homeowners, and strengthen public housing in order to combat displacement across the city.

Speaking at Open Hand Ministries’ Garfield property on Hillcrest Street, city leaders emphasized the urgent need to curb housing speculation and predatory practices that escalate costs and displace residents.

"We are taking action to put people before profit, ensuring families can afford to stay in Pittsburgh," said Mayor Gainey. "We’ve made significant progress—activating the Land Bank, expanding inclusionary zoning, and protecting tenants—but housing stability requires more. That’s why we’re ramping up our fight for affordable housing by stopping speculation, curbing predatory investors, and keeping homes within reach for Pittsburgh residents."

The campaign outlines a clear roadmap for the coming weeks, developed in partnership with Council allies, community organizations, and housing experts. The agenda includes:

  • Protecting renters from displacement and unfair practices.

  • Expanding homeownership opportunities for first-time buyers.

  • Investing in and improving public housing for long-term affordability and stability.

  • Regulating short-term rentals to limit speculation and corporate control over Pittsburgh’s housing market.

  • Combating the corporate commodification of housing by reducing the influence of private equity and predatory wholesalers.

Councilmember Khari Mosley (District 9) emphasized the urgency of these efforts:
"Displacement doesn't just take away homes—it disrupts the very fabric of our communities. If we don't act now, Pittsburgh risks becoming a city where only investors and the wealthy can afford to stay. This is a fight for our neighborhoods, our families, and our future."

Mayor Gainey reaffirmed the City’s commitment to long-term housing solutions:
"This is a fight for who Pittsburgh is—and who it will become. Will we be a city where families can build their futures, or one where investors seek quick profits? Cities across the country—New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Irvine—are taking bold steps to curb short-term rentals and corporate speculation to fight displacement and soaring housing costs. We are doing the same."

In the coming weeks, the Mayor’s office, City Council allies, and housing advocates will collaborate on the rollout of new policies to protect renters, curb speculation, and ensure that Pittsburgh’s housing market works for residents, not just investors. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged by attending hearings, signing up for updates, and voicing their support for policies that will Keep Pittsburgh Home.

"We are not backing down. Pittsburgh belongs to the people who live here, and together, we will keep Pittsburgh home," Gainey concluded.

Olga George
Press Secretary
Mayor's Office
olga.george@pittsburghpa.gov
412-627-0679

 

 

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