RCO Program Update
Since the last newsletter, Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith agreed to hold the proposed pause to the Registered Community Organization (RCO) program to allow additional time for community feedback and more structured engagement with the Department of City Planning. Neighborhood groups and planning staff are now reviewing concerns related to transparency, timelines, and support for RCOs. Council is expected to revisit the legislation once feedback is compiled, particularly around how RCO roles and expectations can be clarified.
Citywide Comprehensive Plan Funding on Hold
Councilman Anthony Coghill is seeking to rescind remaining funding for the Citywide Comprehensive Plan. The project was originally budgeted at $6 million, with roughly $2.2 million unspent as it nears its final phase. The Department of City Planning has paused work at the councilman’s request, allowing space for discussion about costs, scope, and long-term value. The pause raises questions about how the city will meet long-term planning needs, especially as zoning and land-use updated remain overdue.
City Budget Hearings Conclude
Council is wrapping up hearings on Mayor Ed Gainey’s final budget proposal, which drew concerns from several members regarding overall spending levels and revenue constraints. Both Council and City Controller Rachael Heisler are exploring strategies to balance spending, including potential tax increases and deferring capital projects. Additional amendments may reopen under the O’Connor Administration in January.
Further amendments are likely once the O’Connor administration begins in January.
Pittsburgh Public Schools Reject Facility Utilization Plan
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board voted 6–3 to reject the districtwide facilities utilization plan after two years of debate and extensive public feedback. Community members raised questions about equity, transparency, and how criteria were applied for potential building closures. Although this version of the plan was voted down, the issue remains active: newly appointed School Board Directors are expected to revisit facilities planning in 2026.
Pennsylvania Budget Finally Enacted
After a prolonged stalemate, Pennsylvania lawmakers enacted the FY25 state budget, ending one of the longest impasses in recent years. While the passage provides programmatic stability, the final agreement did not include several major items housing and community development advocates prioritized:
No new transportation funding, leaving public transit and infrastructure concerns unresolved.
No expansion of PHARE, despite record demand and statewide advocacy for increasing the housing trust fund.
No dedicated Housing Preservation initiative, leaving a gap where Whole Home Repairs once stood.
New Working Families Tax Credit Established
The budget does include a new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit — a significant win for low- and moderate-income households. The credit aims to ease rising cost-of-living pressures by supplementing wages and providing tax relief to eligible families. The program begins in 2026 and is expected to support more than 900,000 Pennsylvanians.
Federal Shutdown Ends; FY25 Appropriations Restart in January
Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) along with three appropriations bills, ending the federal shutdown and restoring services, including SNAP and other key safety-net programs. Appropriators have set a compressed January timeline to complete full FY25 negotiations. Additional short-term CRs remain possible if negotiations stall.
Upcoming ACA Marketplace Tax Credit Vote
As part of the shutdown agreement, Congress is preparing for high-stakes vote on whether to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act marketplace tax credits. These credits have helped drive record enrollment and reduced premium costs; failure to renew them would result in significant cost increases for many households beginning in 2026.
ROAD to Housing Act Clears Senate with Strong Bipartisan Support
The U.S. Senate passed the ROAD to Housing Act with a resounding 77–23 bipartisan vote, one of the strongest pro-housing votes in recent history. The bill strengthens access to affordable housing, stabilizes federal programs, and modernizes federal housing systems. Housing advocates nationwide — including PCRG and our partners — are urging the House to adopt the Senate version without weakening its provisions.