Statement from the Department of City Planning Regarding PGH2050 and City Council Bills 2482 & 2483

Following City Council’s recent votes on Bills 2482 and 2483 concerning the Comprehensive Planning contracts for PGH2050, the Department of City Planning is providing clarification on the legal status of these agreements and the administration’s continued commitment to the planning process. 

Legal Authority and Separation of Powers 

The respective roles of City Council and the Mayor regarding municipal contracts are clearly defined under Section 510 of Pittsburgh’s Home Rule Charter. While City Council has the authority to authorize contracts, the negotiation, execution, administration, and termination of those contracts rest with the Mayor and the executive branch. 

Bills 2482 and 2483 express Council’s desire for termination of contracts associated with the Comprehensive Plan by “authorizing and directing” the Mayor and Planning director to terminate the contracts. Mayor Gainey has expressed his interpretation that Council lacks the authority to compel such action under the Home Rule Charter, and that he will not terminate the contracts should the legislation be finally adopted by Council. 

Fiscal Responsibility and Project Integrity 

According to statements made by Councilors during their deliberations, City Council’s actions were driven primarily by the City’s constrained budget outlook, not opposition to comprehensive planning or to the goals of PGH2050. The Department of City Planning has worked in good faith with Council to identify potential cost savings. However, the reductions proposed would have effectively undermined the fifth and final phase of the planning process, compromising both the integrity of the work and the substantial public engagement already completed. 

“This is an unfortunate moment,” said the Director of City Planning. “Pittsburgh has never had a comprehensive plan, and this work is long overdue. We have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the process and to honor the time, trust, and input of the thousands of residents who have participated.” 

Looking Forward 

The work of PGH2050 remains valid, legally sound, and grounded in broad public engagement. The Department is grateful for the dedication of its planning staff and engagement partners, whose efforts have helped ensure that this process reflects voices from across the city.