Councilman Bobby Wilson's Newsletter: July Edition

City of Pittsburgh sent this bulletin at 07/14/2026 12:22 PM EDT

A message from Councilman Bobby Wilson

Welcome to our July newsletter!

Summer is in full swing, and our community continues to be filled with exciting events, programs, and opportunities for residents of all ages. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest news, events, and opportunities in District 1. We look forward to seeing you around the district and wish you a wonderful summer!

This year, I submitted more than $20 million in capital budget requests to support critical improvements across District 1, including:

Colby Street sidewalk installation in Summer Hill.
Reconstruction of Cowley Recreation Center in Troy Hill.
Phase III of the Allegheny Commons North Promenade.

These are just a few of the projects we're advocating for. We're also continuing to work with DOMI and DPW to identify and advance additional infrastructure improvements throughout the district.

Please note that Pittsburgh City Council will be in summer recess in August. During this time, Council is not holding its regular legislative meetings, but our office will continue serving residents and responding to constituent needs. Thank you, and we wish you a wonderful rest of your summer!

District 1 Projects

Legislative Updates

Vape Shop Bill 2025-2250

In June, City Council passed 2025-2250, a bill that I introduced last year to fight against the growing number of vape shops popping up throughout the city.

The legislation creates a new zoning category for businesses that sell tobacco, vape products, CBD, Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and similar items. It does not apply to licensed medical marijuana dispensaries.

These businesses must be at least 1,000 feet from schools, cannot operate between 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., and may not offer self-service sales. The bill also clarifies product definitions, reduces the number of zoning districts where these businesses are allowed from 14 to 11, and strengthens operating standards.

For more information about this legislation, please view the press release below.

Press Release

Short-Term Rental Bills 2026-0008 and 2026-0009

On June 24, City Council amended Zoning Bill 2026-0009, which would prohibit new primary-use short-term rentals (STRs) in residential zoning districts while continuing to allow accessory-use STRs. Existing primary-use STRs are expected to be grandfathered in. The bill has been referred to the Planning Commission for a recommendation and will then return to City Council for a final public hearing and vote, which is expected this fall. The STR licensing bill (2026-0008) remains before City Council and is awaiting the return of the zoning bill.

Neighborhood Walkthroughs

Since our last newsletter, our office has completed neighborhood walkthroughs in the Central Northside, Fineview, and most recently Troy Hill—our sixth walkthrough to date. Alongside members of the Mayor's Office and City department heads, we've met with residents to hear their concerns and work toward solutions. Recent accomplishments include:

Issued citations for several properties along Ley and Lowrie Streets.
Installed a missing curb on Catoma Street.
Cleaned a catch basin on Edenvale Street.
Trimmed trees at the Fineview Overlook.
Replaced outdated street signs.
Removed dirt and debris along Warren and Carrie Streets.
Removed tall weeds and litter along East North Avenue and Federal Street.
Cleared overgrown vegetation along Reddour Street.
Continuing to address vacant properties on Lowrie Street and other neighborhood concerns.

See some of the improvements we've made below.

City Departments & Authorities

Pittsburgh Water

Operating as its own entity, Pittsburgh Water (PGH20) is responsible for water treatment and delivery systems in the city of Pittsburgh, as well as the city's sewer system.

Map of Projects

Department of Public Works

Public Works is dedicated to providing creative, customer-friendly service while preserving the City's infrastructure by maintaining City streets, preserving park facilities and rehabilitating public facilities. The department also meets the environmental needs of The City of Pittsburgh by collecting residential refuse and recyclables in addition to our Anti-Litter Division and monitoring of illegal dumpsites.

DPW

Department of Mobility & Infrastructure

The Department is responsible for the transportation of people and goods throughout the City of Pittsburgh, and for managing the operation of and access to the public right-of-way (the sidewalks, curbs, streets, and bridges that make up our network).

DOMI

Department of Permits & Licenses

The Department is responsible for reviewing and inspecting building permits, managing property maintenance, and administering business licenses, with duties including plan review, permit issuance, and responding to complaints regarding abandoned properties.

PLI

OneStop PGH

Pittsburgh Regional Transit

PRT is responsible for providing safe, affordable, and reliable public transportation throughout Allegheny County. This transportation system operates, maintains and supports bus, light rail, incline and paratransit services.

PRT Bus Schedules

PRT Services

Pittsburgh Housing Authority

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh is a municipal corporation charged with providing decent, affordable housing for low-income persons. The Authority is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors which establishes goals, approves policy and budgets, and provides general direction to the HACP Executive Staff.

HACP Services

The Urban Redevelopment Authority

The URA is the City of Pittsburgh’s economic development enterprise.
The URA helps to bridge public and private interests to invest in meaningful equitable developments that promote housing affordability, economic mobility, entrepreneurship and neighborhood revitalization.

URA Services

Each month, Councilman Bobby Wilson shares a column in the Northside Chronicle, highlighting important updates and changes in our city and community to keep District 1 residents informed. Click below to read the latest article!

Northside Chronicle

PA Public Utility Commission

Our office is aware of how challenging it has been for residents and communities throughout the district to navigate the frequent utility construction projects occurring in our neighborhoods. While these projects are often necessary to maintain and improve critical infrastructure, we understand the disruptions they can cause. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates essential utility services, including electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and pipeline operations throughout the Commonwealth. If you have questions or concerns regarding utility construction work in your area, we encourage you to contact the PUC for information and assistance.

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

D1 in Your Neighborhood

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Three years ago, after Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library ended in Pittsburgh, our office worked with community partners, including Reading Ready Pittsburgh, the Dollywood Foundation, the Benter Foundation, and Council President Theresa Kail-Smith, to help restore the program and create the support needed for its success.

We’re excited to see the program continue under the Mayor’s Office with a $1.8 million commitment from the Benter Foundation over the next five years. This investment will help bring more books and early learning opportunities to Pittsburgh children.

Families can sign up using the button below.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Riverview Park Playground Ribbon Cutting

In May, I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Riverview Park Playground. The improvements place a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that more children and families can enjoy the space. After working closely with the community and listening to residents' priorities for the park, the Department of Public Works delivered upgrades that reflect the neighborhood's vision for a welcoming and accessible recreational space.

Arts Landing Ribbon Cutting

April was an exciting month in the Cultural District as they celebrated the grand opening of Arts Landing. This new public space is a wonderful addition to the Cultural District, creating more opportunities for residents and visitors to gather, enjoy arts and culture, and connect with our riverfront.

Market Square Ribbon Cutting

After months of construction, Market Square officially reopened in April, kicking off the summer season with a celebration of its newly revitalized public space. The improvements create a more welcoming destination for residents and visitors while supporting the continued growth and vibrancy of Downtown.

Allegheny YMCA Grand Opening

In June, I was in attendance as community members and city officials gathered to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Allegheny YMCA. The project represents a significant investment in a longstanding neighborhood institution, restoring and modernizing the facility to better serve residents.

Northview Heights Midrise Groundbreaking

I was proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Northview Heights Midrise, a modern affordable housing community designed for older adults. Replacing an outdated high-rise, the new four-story building provides safe, accessible, and comfortable homes that allow seniors to remain connected to their community.

2026 America's Mile Race Course

America's Mile scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2026, will prompt several street closures across Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Please see the above map for details.

For those participating in the event:

Street parking will not be available on East/West General Robinson Street, Art Rooney Avenue or along the trail on River Avenue from 3:00PM to 9:00PM on Friday, July 17th. Vehicles parked in this area during that time will be towed at the expense of the vehicle owner. Signs will be hung indicating the no parking area. For more race information please click the button below.

America's Mile

Picklesburgh returns July 16–19 with great food, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun in Downtown Pittsburgh. Please be aware that road closures and traffic changes will be in effect throughout the festival.

Click the button below for festival details, the full event schedule, and a map of the road closures to help you plan your visit.

Picklesburgh

RAD's 2025 Annual Report

I would like to share that the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) 2025 Annual Report is now available for anyone interested in seeing how regional investments are supporting our communities.

It’s a helpful snapshot of the work being done across municipalities and local assets throughout the county. To read the full report, click the button below.

RAD 2025 Annual Report

Also, Allegheny County residents can enjoy free or discounted admission to many local cultural and recreational attractions through RAD Pass. Available to anyone with a library card, RAD Pass helps make it easier for residents to explore and enjoy the region’s many assets.

Click the button below to learn more about RAD Pass and how you can take advantage of this opportunity.

RAD Pass

2026 Neighborhood Economic Development Grants

The Office of Management and Budget’s Community Development Division is now accepting applications for the 2026 Neighborhood Economic Development (NED) Grant. These funds, provided through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, support local investment and neighborhood-level economic development.

Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve qualifying census tracts within the City of Pittsburgh. To view a map of eligible areas, please click here.

Applications are open from July 1 through July 31, 2026. I encourage eligible organizations to review the guidelines and apply within the designated timeframe.

CDBG Engage Page

Are you eligible?

In addition, the City will hold a public hearing on the Annual Action Plan to gather feedback from residents on how federal funding will support community programs and services. Resident input is an important part of this process and helps ensure funding priorities reflect the needs of our neighborhoods.

Click the button below for more information about the hearing and how to participate.

2026 Annual Action Plan Public Comment and Hearing

Happenings

Riverview Park's Reggae in the Park - August 1, 2026 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm at Valley Refuge Shelter in Riverview Park

EACC community cleanup - July 12th, 2026 & August 9th, 2026 at the 600 block of James Street from 10 am- Noon

Good Trouble Lives On: John Lewis Weekend of Action - July 17th - 19th. For the full list of activities planned for that weekend please click the link.

Observatory Hill's Annual House Tour - August 1st, 2026 at the entrance to Riverview Park on Riverview Ave from Noon - 5:00 P.M. ($30 for tickets).

For the full list of community groups participating in this year's National Night Out please click the link.

Have a wonderful summer!

Our office has had a busy and exciting first half of the year, and we’re looking forward to all that’s ahead in the months to come. Take a look at some of the events, community moments, and highlights we’ve enjoyed so far!

Pittsburgh 311

Please contact 311 for any non-emergency concerns or questions (abandoned vehicles, traffic calming requests, street light repairs, etc.). Requests can be sent anonymously if you do not require a response. Please keep in mind that the more detailed information you can provide, the better.

Submit 311

Summer is officially underway! Pittsburgh’s pools are open and ready for residents to enjoy. We’re excited to see our neighborhoods come together, stay cool, and take advantage of all the summer activities our city has to offer.

Sue Murray Pool

301 Cedar Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Riverview Pool

400 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214

Jack Stack Pool

600 Brighton Woods Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

For hours of operation, please click the button below, as schedules vary by location.

Outdoor Pools

Citiparks 2026 Summer Guide

Pittsburgh’s summer season is filled with fun, free events for residents of all ages. CitiParks has put together a full guide of activities and programs happening throughout the City.

2026 Summer Guide