District 1 Update: Work on next year’s budget for City of Pittsburgh begins

By Councilman Wilson

Hello everyone, I hope you are enjoying these summer days in our Northside neighborhoods. Now that July is upon us, the City of Pittsburgh’s budgeting season is officially underway. City departments are currently submitting their capital and operating budget requests, which will be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) over the next few months. Mayor Gainey is expected to release a preliminary budget at the end of September, followed by public hearings and discussions with City Council this fall. I encourage you to visit the City’s Engage page to follow along and stay involved: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/city-pittsburgh-budget-engagements.

I am also excited to share that the Davis Avenue Bridge is now open. After more than a decade without this critical connection between Brighton Heights and Riverview Park, the new bridge is finally ready for neighbors, pedestrians, and cyclists to safely cross. This project restores an important link to one of our largest Northside parks, and makes it easier for residents to enjoy trails, green space, and community events without needing to drive. The new bridge includes sidewalks, lighting, and safety features that will serve our neighborhood for generations to come. I want to thank everyone who advocated, planned, and patiently waited for this milestone. I encourage you to take a stroll or bike ride over the bridge, enjoy the views, and reconnect with Riverview Park in a new way.

Last month, City of Pittsburgh’s LED Streetlight Modernization project kicked off. The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is working with The Efficiency Network (TEN) to evaluate approximately 39,000 streetlights and replace outdated fixtures with energy-efficient LED fixtures citywide. Installation has already begun and will continue through 2026. You can track the progress and learn more about the project here: www.pghled.org/ In addition to infrastructure improvements, the City continues to expand tools to help residents stay informed. Last month, the City launched the OneStopPGH Insights Tool, an interactive map that brings together information from multiple City departments into one easy-to-use platform. Residents can track permits, zoning applications, code enforcement cases, rental registrations, and more, with additional datasets and maps coming soon, including road closures and paving schedules. This tool is a big step forward for transparency and helps residents better understand City projects and processes. You can explore it here: onestoppgh.pittsburghpa.gov/insights.

If you are looking for fun and free ways to keep your kids busy this summer, be sure to check out the Citiparks Roving Art Cart. Throughout July and into early August, the Art Cart will visit Riverview Park, Troy Hill Spray Park, and other parks across the City, offering a variety of art activities and creative supplies for kids of all ages. It’s a wonderful way to spend time outdoors, get creative, and connect with neighbors. The full schedule of dates and locations can be found here: pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Events/Roving-Art-Cart.

Finally, I also want to share an opportunity for you to provide input on upcoming street safety improvements. The City is planning a project at the intersection of Federal Street and Parkhurst Street to address safety concerns identified through crash data and reports of speeding. Proposed improvements include a new mid-block raised crosswalk with ADA-accessible ramps, curb extensions with flexposts to prevent illegal parking, relocated loading zones to improve intersection visibility, and updated signage and bike lane markings. These changes are part of the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, which helps lower speeds and make streets safer for everyone. I encourage you to visit the project page and share your questions and comments: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/neighborhood-traffic-calming/federal-street-parkhurst-street.

If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at district1@ pittsburghpa.gov, find us on Facebook and X, and sign up for our newsletter (pittsburghpa.gov/City-Government/City-Council/Districts/Bobby-Wilson-District-1). My staff and I look forward to hearing from you!