Mayor Gainey’s Town Hall: Breaking Down the Big Moments

Written by Christine Julia Dingzon

On Wednesday night, Downtown Pittsburgh’s future took center stage as Mayor Ed Gainey, his team, and the Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) hosted a town hall with residents, business owners, and community members. The evening unfolded as a vibrant discussion on new initiatives, ongoing developments, and strategies to create a more dynamic and inclusive downtown. Attendees were invited to engage in an open dialogue, where the voices of the community played a central role in shaping the city’s next steps.

A key point of discussion was the city’s ongoing efforts to improve cleanliness and public safety. “We were only cleaning downtown once a week, we started cleaning Downtown three times a week,” Gainey said, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment. He also acknowledged the challenges the city faced when he took office, recalling how “downtown was on fire” with encampments, youth altercations, and rising crime rates. He assured residents that while progress has been made, revitalization takes time, stating, “There are no microwave meals in development, but if you just give me a minute, I’d know how to change around this function.”

The town hall also touched on the broader economic future of Downtown Pittsburgh. Gainey acknowledged shifts in work habits and urban dynamics, emphasizing the importance of making downtown a neighborhood where residents feel invested. “We must make downtown a neighborhood. A neighborhood where residents could walk to work or transit workers or nurses or sanitation workers,” he said. To support this vision, the city has focused on increasing housing development and securing investments. “We got $600 million for the next ten years of reinvestment downtown,” he announced, citing efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance public safety, and activate key areas like Eighth Street as a vibrant community space.

Throughout the event, Gainey understood the role of collaboration in Pittsburgh’s transformation. “It can only happen when we work together,” he said, thanking residents, businesses, and community organizations for their patience and community organizations for their time and commitment. 

As the town hall came to a close, Gainey reinforced his dedication to continuing the city’s progress and ensuring that downtown remains a thriving hub for residents, businesses, and visitors. “We’ve done the work, and I want to thank you for being patient with us,” he concluded.