Here is my summary of the Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 regular meeting of Allegheny County Council. My votes are in parentheses, as is the prime sponsor of each item. All 15 members present.
13927-26 (Filiaggi — Yes) This ordinance establishes a protocol for the County to distribute opioid settlement funds to EMS agencies for operational support. Passed unanimously.
13881-26 (Chief Executive — Yes) This ordinance makes changes to the County coke oven regulations to establish a more stringent limitation of release of hydrogen sulfide due to a 2024 consent decree with US Steel. Passed unanimously.
13920-26 (Geiger Shulman — Yes) I was proud to co-sponsor this resolution urging the Pennsylvania Senate to enact the Family Care Act. The Family Care Act would establish a statewide paid family and medical leave program in Pennsylvania, so that workers don’t have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a new child, a sick loved one, or their own serious health condition. Passed unanimously.
13951-26 (Catena – Housing) This new ordinance would amend the County Code to require non-resident landlords to provide verifiable contact information and a designated local point of contact, with penalties for non-compliance. Referred to the Committee on Housing and Homelessness.
13952-26 (Hallam – Gov Reform) I co-sponsored this ordinance, which would place a referendum question on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot asking voters whether to repeal the provision that heavily caps the annual operating budget of the Office of County Council, limiting our ability to hire appropriate staff. Referred to the Committee on Government Reform.
13953-26 (Hallam – Gov Reform) I also co-sponsored this companion ordinance, which would place a separate referendum question on the November ballot asking voters whether to repeal the provision that singles out County Council members (and only Council members) as prohibited from receiving County funding for personal staff, district offices, and fringe benefits. Together, these two bills give voters a direct say on whether to modernize how the legislative branch of County government is resourced. Referred to the Committee on Government Reform.
13954-26 (Rose – Executive) This ordinance would amend the Administrative Code to clarify the process for appointing interim members of Council when a vacancy occurs and there is no other member remaining in the same political party. Referred to the Executive Committee.
13955-26 (Chief Executive – Econ Dev) This ordinance would grant permission for the County to purchase the building that houses the offices of the County Medical Examiner from the Buncher Company. The County currently leases the space; this would move us toward ownership. Referred to the Committee on Economic Development & Job Creation.
13956-26 (Chief Executive – Parks) This ordinance would authorize the continued use of County-owned real property in South Park by The Jurassic Alcove, Inc. as a dinosaur and paleontological education and entertainment center. Referred to the Committee on Parks.
13957-26 (Chief Executive – Budget) This resolution amends the 2025 Capital Budget to reflect the proposed purchase of the Buncher building for the County Medical Examiner’s office. Referred to the Committee on Budget & Finance.