Hello everyone, and happy spring!
At the beginning of the year, I launched an initiative to conduct monthly walkthroughs in each District 1 neighborhood, with representatives from various city departments. So far, we’ve visited Spring Hill, Observatory Hill, and Spring Garden and identified numerous issues, including abandoned vehicles, potholes, illegal dumping, overgrowth, potential properties that could get back on the tax roll via the Land Bank, obstructions in the right-of-way, and other issues. I look forward to continuing these walkthroughs and working with the departments and the community to address issues.
The vape shop ordinance, Bill 20252250, is now at the Planning Commission with a public hearing scheduled for April 7 at 2 p.m. To provide public comment, you may send an email to [email protected] (accepted until noon the business day before the hearing), submit testimony by mail to 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (must arrive two business days before the meeting), attend in person at 412 Boulevard of the Allies or join virtually. Details can be found at the Planning Commission website: pittsburghpa.gov/Business-Development/City-Planning/City-Planning-Meetings/PC-Agendas/Planning-Commission-April-7-2026.
This year’s yard debris collection has been moved up by one week to April 18. The original collection date of April 25 was changed due to conflicts with the NFL Draft and other special events throughout the City. Please note that yard waste must follow the guidelines, which are available on Environmental Services’ website: pittsburghpa.gov/Resident-Services/ Trash-Recycling/Yard-Debris and on the annual Collection Schedule and Newsletter.
I am happy to announce that on March 12, the City of Pittsburgh launched a new Mobile Vending Program following legislation that was passed and signed into law in November 2025. The new annual vending license now allows vending on both public and private property, permits vendors to access a broader range of areas including more streets and sidewalks, and no longer mandates that vendors move every four hours. Full details can be found on the Engage Page here: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/vending-program.
Furthermore, Mayor Corey O’Connor has announced that Pittsburgh Urban Initiatives has invested $500,000 in a Main & Main commercial façade program to help support vibrancy in our neighborhood business districts. The funding allows the Urban Redevelopment Authority to launch a round of applications in mid-April to fund façade renovations for up to 25 local businesses. Projects can receive reimbursement up to $20,000 with 25% matching funds from the business owner. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the guidelines on the URA’s website until April 3.
Applications for the Community Festival Program Grant are open until April 15. The 2026 Community Festival Program once again will provide 30 individual grants of up to $1,000 in reimbursements for events hosted by Pittsburgh community-based non-profit groups during the festival season, which runs from June 1 to Oct. 31. For full information about the 2026 Community Festival Program Grant or to apply, please visit pittsburghpa.gov/festivalgrant or email questions to [email protected].
Finally, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s annual clean-up of Lake Elizabeth — What the Muck?! — will take place on April 30 and May 1 beginning at 8 a.m. If you’re interested in volunteering to help beautify this historic landmark, go to pittsburghparks.org/event/what-the-muck-volunteer-cleanup-event/ to register.
If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at [email protected], 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!
