Mayor Gainey Delivers Final State of the City Address to City Council
Published on November 10, 2025
Mayor Gainey Delivers Final State of the City Address to City Council
The Mayor outlined the budget proposal for 2026 and reflected on the accomplishments from his term in office.
Pittsburgh, PA – As Mayor Ed Gainey’s administration nears its conclusion, the City of Pittsburgh is in a strong position to face the challenges of the future. During the State of the City address today, the Mayor reflected on the achievements of the past four years, underscoring a commitment to building a government that places the well-being of Pittsburgh's residents at the forefront of every decision.
"My budget proposal for the coming year reflects our ongoing dedication to Pittsburgh's future, even amid difficult financial circumstances," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "We've prioritized fiscal responsibility, eliminating vacant positions that no longer serve our needs, and cutting non-essential spending by $3.5 million, all the while ensuring that vital services remain fully funded. Thanks to prudent financial planning, we've weathered a tough fiscal period."
As a result of the City’s five-year financial planning ordinance, the Operating Budget is required to take upcoming years into consideration. Due to this, the Gainey administration was able to anticipate the lean years of 2025 and 2026 to ensure that Pittsburgh stays on track despite difficult fiscal conditions. In 2025, the first of two years marked by balloon debt payments and the absence of federal American Rescue Plan Act operating support, the City is poised to meet its goals and close the year with a modest surplus. The proposed 2026 budget is similarly designed to guide the City through the remaining years of this fiscal challenge, with a significant improvement in the availability of funds expected beginning in 2027.
The proposed 2026 budget also continues the administration’s careful approach to balancing financial stewardship with investment in the city’s future. The Mayor highlighted the difficult, but necessary, choices made during the administration's tenure, including a commitment to supporting Pittsburgh's unhoused residents with compassion, while expanding affordable housing options and ensuring the inclusion of such units in new downtown developments.
Safety was another key priority, with the administration implementing safety protocols across City departments that reduced workers' compensation claims by over half, saving the city nearly $5 million annually.
The choice to prioritize safety has often been a catalyst for even larger initiatives that will impact the Pittsburgh region for years to come. Meeting the needs of our unhoused community allowed the cCity to lead a revitalization effort that resulted in a $600 million reinvestment plan that brings new housing, public infrastructure, and community services to our residents and visitors... Over 1,000 new units of housing are in the works, with Market Square renovations, the new Arts Landing park, a police substation, and public restrooms, contributing to ensuring Downtown remains a healthy and vibrant center of our region. "We've brought our downtown back from the brink and positioned it for long-term success, the Mayor stated. “Pittsburgh's future is brighter than ever "
In addition to this growth, the Mayor emphasized the administration's commitment to equity and inclusion, specifically in its efforts to strengthen opportunities for minority, women, LGBTQIA, and veteran-owned businesses. "We are taking the necessary steps to ensure that every business in Pittsburgh, regardless of who owns it, has the real opportunity to compete and succeed in both public and private contracting," said Mayor Gainey. Underscoring that commitment, the administration is awaiting the completion and public release of the Pittsburgh Regional Disparity Study in 2026, which will offer valuable recommendations for removing barriers and expanding access to opportunities. In the meantime, the administration has already improved how it evaluates Disadvantaged Business participation on certain City projects, clarifying expectations in solicitation documents. By tightening good faith standards, relieving bidders who meet the goals from providing additional paperwork, evaluating participation before – not after – selecting a winning bidder, and rejecting bids that fail to provide the required documentation the City is ensuring that disadvantaged businesses have an equitable chance at government contracts.
The administration’s focus on creating equitable opportunities extends beyond business. Over the past four years, Pittsburgh has made significant strides in violence prevention and public safety. The reauthorization of the Stop the Violence Fund and ongoing investment in community-based organizations, including the largest grant awards in the history of the fund, continue to pave the way for those working on the front lines to reduce violence and build safer neighborhoods.
"These partnerships have contributed to an 8-year low in homicides, with a 37% decrease and no homicides among youth ages 13 to 17 in 2024," said Mayor Gainey. "These aren’t just numbers. These are lives saved, families kept intact, futures protected."
The Mayor also highlighted the success of the Land Bank in returning vacant properties to productive use. In its first eight years, the Land Bank had not moved a single property, but through the collaboration of the Mayor’s administration, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), and the Land Bank Board, the Land Bank has sold or is in the process of selling over 170 properties. These properties are being used to expand community gardens, support neighborhood businesses, and create affordable housing opportunities.
The administration's work to build a more inclusive economy and improve public safety is complemented by a commitment to long-term growth, with over $5 billion in total development since 2022, including a record $1.6 billion in 2024. The city is on track to see $1.5 billion in development this year, signaling that momentum will carry into the future.
As the administration prepares to pass the baton to new leadership, Pittsburgh stands on a solid foundation for continued growth and progress. "Though the road ahead will undoubtedly have its obstacles, I am confident that Pittsburgh is more than equipped to face them head-on," said Mayor Gainey. "Together, we’ve made great strides, and I leave office knowing that the work we’ve done will continue to benefit the people of Pittsburgh for years to come."
Olga George
Press Secretary
Mayor's Office
olga.george@pittsburghpa.gov
412-627-0679