Blog Archive

On Nov. 25, 2025, the Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) board voted against adopting the “Future-Ready Facilities Plan” (Plan). The Plan was designed to address ongoing financial challenges and declining enrollment...

On May 20 the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) approved the 2025 Common Level Ratios (CLR) for Pennsylvania’s counties.  The CLR “is a ratio that measures how a county’s Base Year Assessments compare with current Real...

Seven months after invalidating the facilities usage fee (“jock tax”) for Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that another fee is really a tax. In the case Borough of West...

On April 21, the mayor of Pittsburgh signed legislation that wrapped up the 2026 budget.  Unlike state budget impasses, there was an approved budget, though the process was a bit...

At its regular meeting this week, Allegheny County Council will begin the process of considering an ordinance that would “undertake a reassessment of all properties within the County once every...

On March 12, the mayor of Pittsburgh held a press conference to announce that the 2026 operating budget—passed by City Council but not signed by the former mayor—will be reopened...

On Feb. 2, Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his annual budget presentation to both chambers of the General Assembly. The proposal anticipates general fund revenues of $48.3 billion, while expenditures would...

The first piece of legislation in 2026 taken up by Allegheny County Council’s Committee on Assessment Practices is not to reassess the 2012 base year values and keep them updated. ...

Allegheny County’s Home Rule Charter calls for a nine-member Government Review Commission to “study the Charter and county government, including the organization, practices and responsibilities of all County departments and...

On Dec. 21, Pittsburgh City Council approved a 20 percent property tax increase in a 6-2 vote (one absent). The millage rate would rise from 8.06 to 9.67 mills and...

Three retiring members of Allegheny County Council will join with two colleagues at the Dec. 16 meeting to sponsor a motion that “authorizes the County Solicitor to pursue legal action...

On City Council’s agenda for December 9th is a “will of Council” that “urges the Allegheny County Council and the Allegheny County Executive to begin the process of a comprehensive...

  A provision in the state budget could explore consolidating the Duquesne School District with another school district.   Act 47 of 2025 states “if sufficient funds are available, the...

  A recent Policy Brief detailed spending by the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County for the 2026 NFL Draft. The combined $4 million (plus “the value of various in-kind...

  On Nov. 10, the mayor of Pittsburgh presented the 2026 operating and capital budgets and five-year forecast.  This is required by the city’s Home Rule Charter.  City Council begins...