New slate of laws aimed are at increasing inclusion and equitable development throughout city
Councilmen Rev. Ricky Burgess and R. Daniel Lavelle have introduced a new equity legislation package with the goal of uniting the “two Pittsburghs.”
At a press conference last Tuesday, Mayor Bill Peduto, Burgess, Lavelle, and leaders from multiple local equity-focused organizations introduced the slate of bills. The bills are framed through the goals of the All-In Pittsburgh coalition’s mission to increase racial equity in development and government.
The legislation includes ordinances that set equity benchmarks and require department directors across the city to report their progress toward these benchmarks. The reports are tied to each department’s funding, if they don’t report, they lose funding.
Another ordinance focuses on affordable housing, changing the Pittsburgh Zoning Code to require the inclusion of an Affordable Housing Statement prior to building new construction.
A resolution creating an Equity and Inclusion Implementation Team is also included. The team will oversee and ensure the successful implementation of the new laws.
Council members will introduce the package of legislation over the next several weeks to allow formal debate and public comments.
CONTACT:
Marita L. Bradley MSW, Chief of Staff for Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess at 412.255.2137 or marita.bradley@pittsburghpa.gov
Ivette Mongalo-Winston, MonWin Consulting at 412.848.9027 or ivette@mongalo-winston.com
